Somali Government Enthused About Negotiations with Insurgents

Somalia's government has expressed satisfaction about ongoing talks with hard line Islamic insurgents who have vowed to overthrow the administration. The government says it will continue to negotiate with the insurgents until a solution is found to end the country's instability.The insurgents including al-Shabab have refused to recognize President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed's government, vowing to overthrow the administration and implement the strictest form of Sharia law.

Political analysts say despite the negotiations, it is unclear if the insurgents will join the beleaguered government. Cabinet minister Abdirashid Irro Mohammed said that the government is determined to continue with its reconciliation efforts."Our government is trying to reconcile with our people and the position of our government is that we will like to convince and to call all the Somalis to join (in) the peace process and to support the government," Mohammed said.He said there is need to finding a solution to the violence."We are very keen to talk to our people to continue with the discussion and dialogue and to convince them that they should join the peace process because Somalis are exhausted by killing from one another. And this has prolonged for more than 20 years," he said.,..more,,http://www.voanews.com/english/Africa/2009-09-07-voa1.cfm