Somali Government Says Plane Delivered Weapons to Islamist Militants
26 July 2006
Somalia's government says a cargo plane that landed at Mogadishu's airport Wednesday, was carrying weapons for Islamist militants.
Journalists saw the plane land at the Islamist-controlled airport but were ordered away from the scene by Islamic officials.
Officials from the government say the aircraft was carrying land mines and other weapons supplied by Eritrea. Islamic officials refused to comment on the nature of the plane's cargo.
Relations between the government and Islamic authorities have deteriorated despite U.N. efforts to arrange new peace talks.
Islamic authorities who control much of southern Somalia said Tuesday that they will not negotiate as long as Ethiopian troops are on Somali soil.
Ethiopia denies its troops have crossed the border. But numerous witnesses report seeing the troops in Baidoa -- the base of the transitional government.
Ethiopia has said it will defend the transitional government, which has little power outside Baidoa.
Ethiopia, a mainly Christian country, is believed to oppose the possible creation of a hardline Islamic state on its doorstep. The Islamic authorities have moved to implement a strict form of sharia (Islamic) law in the areas under their control.
The United States has urged Somalia's government and Islamists to resume talks that resulted in a non-aggression and mutual recognition pact last month.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.
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