EU-funded Aid Agencies Begin to Evacuate From SomaliaThe concern of America's possible retaliation following the September 11 terrorist attacks on Washington and New York is being felt in Somalia, as all international expatriates working for the European Union-funded aid agencies begin to evacuate from the country.Dozens of the aid workers based throughout the country from the areas known as Somaliland and Puntland and Southern Somalia have started leaving their places of work since Thursday after they received orders from Brussels to do so. This move is also being practiced in several other countries in the world. Besides, thousands of people in Mogadishu took to streets in the capital city of Mogadishu Sunday, demonstrating against U.S. policy towards the Muslim countries. The demonstration which took place in south Mogadishu ended up peacefully. Prior to the demonstration, Colonel Abdi Qeybdid, commander of the Somali police, appealed to the local people to refrain from what he called demonstrations that might cause confusion and division among the Somalis. The Somali government also strongly opposes to the recent devastating assault on the U.S. Deputy Prime Minister Osman Jama Ali Kalluun said his government stands firmly against all terrorism and stays in solidarity with the U.S. government. Kalluun stressed that his government is ready to collaborate with the U.S. in fighting the international terrorism. "We have no relation with Osama bin Laden, and he will never be allowed to come to Somalia," Kalluun added. Bin Laden is regarded as the prime suspect behind the terror attacks in the U.S. |
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