Thursday, October 27, 2011

Somali govt's call to halt advance dismays allies




American and European officials are joining residents in Somalia in expressing dismay over comments from Somalia's president that called on foreign military allies to stop twin advances against Islamic insurgents.

President Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed on Monday told Kenya to halt its military advance in southern Somalia. Diplomats say he also privately asked African Union troops not to move beyond the Deynile neighborhood of Mogadishu, where they are fighting al-Shabab militants for control.

A U.S. official in Nairobi said there was concern and dismay over the comments. The official is not authorized to be quoted by name.

Hakima Abdi, a Mogadishu resident, questioned whether Ahmed wants al-Shabab to maintain control in Somalia.

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