Al-Shabaab Condemns Moves to Stabilize Security Situation in Somalia

Somalia's hardliner Islamic group, al-Shabaab has sharply condemned a National Security meeting aimed at improving the security situation in the capital, Mogadishu. The meeting which ended Tuesday was called by new President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. It aimed to pave the way for the relocation of the National Unity government and parliament to the capital in the coming days. The National Security Council members unanimously agreed at the meeting to integrate both secular and Islamic insurgent forces, including the police to maintain peace. This comes after the new prime minster said he was ready to hold negotiations with Islamic insurgent groups including hardliner group, al-Shabaab.
Described by Washington as a terrorist origination, al-Shabbab promises to take over the country and refuses to recognize both the new president and the prime minister. Abdullahi Nur is a Mogadishu resident. He tells reporter Peter Clottey that most residents are hopeful of a return to peace and stability.
"I think the people support the ongoing peace efforts, but there are some differences like some of the non-cooperators of the National Reconciliation held in Djibouti and those in Mogadishu so they both need to talk before a final action is decided upon. So, what the Security Council has said so far is good and many Somalis support what they are doing in order to bring back peace and stability to the capital, Mogadishu," Nur pointed out...more..http://www.voanews.com/english/Africa/2009-02-17-voa2.cfm