Progress in Somali negotiations

SANA'A, Oct. 21 (Saba) -Chairman of Islamic union courts Sharif
Sheikh Ahmed said that the Somali factions have made progress in
their negotiations.

In a statement to Saba, Sheikh Ahmed noted that the factions are to
hold a meeting in Djibouti's capital on October 25 with the
participation of the international community led by the UN secretary
general envoy.

Sheikh Ahmed expected that the meeting will come up with
successful results including the withdrawal of the Ethiopian
troops from Somalia and bring peace and stability to the country.

The meeting will also discuss ways to secure the sea lanes and the
role of the international community in providing aid to
conflict-affected and needy people, he said.

He pointed out that all the Somali faction will sing a final
reconciliation later in Saudi Arabia after they agree on the timing
of the signing.

Sheikh Ahmed appreciated the efforts being exerted by President Ali
Abdullah Saleh to support Somali national reconciliation as well as
Yemen's firm stances toward Somalia stability.