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Islamic Courts declare "jihad" on Ethiopian troops
The Union of Islamic Courts that have taken control of Mogadishu and parts of southern Somalia in recent weeks have declared "jihad" on Ethiopian troops who have allegedly crossed into Somalia. The Chairman of the Courts, Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed, said that Ethiopia should not allow its troops to enter Somalia and added that heavily armed militias loyal to the Courts will take military action against the invasion of Ethiopian troops.
Decisions, decisions. What's the over/under and should I take the points?
Chairman Sheik Sharif called on the people of Somalia to prepare themselves for the defense of the Motherland from Ethiopian military aggression. He refered to the presence of Ethiopian troops in Somalia as "direct aggression."

The Islamic Courts chief also spoke about interim Somali president Abdullahi Yusuf's comments during an interview with the BBC Somali Section yesterday. Chairman Sheik Sharif said that President Abdullahi should not use terminology that could risk the chance of peaceful dialogue between the interim federal government based in Baidoa and the Islamic Courts who command vast territory in Somalia, including the capital city at Mogadishu. Chairman Sheik Sharif welcomed peace talks with the Somali federal government but warned against the interference of foreign forces intent on invading Somalia.

The leader of the Islamic Courts' comments come a day after the Ethiopian foreign ministry denied that Ethiopian military forces have crossed into Somalia to back the Baidoa-based interim government.
Posted by: Steve 2006-06-19
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=156624