Somali militant group threatens to target UN agencies

Mogadishu, Somalia (APA) - An Islamist rebel group fighting in Somalia on Saturday warned United Nations from re-opening its offices in Somalia, a day after that UN under-secretary General for safety and security said in Mogadishu that UN hopes to reopen its offices in the lawless capital. Spokesman for Hezbal Islam (Islamic part) fighters Sheik Mohamed Osman Arus said in a press conference in Mogadishu that his Mujahideens will target the UN agencies if they open offices in the country and in particular the capital city. "The so called United Nations interferes in Somali affairs and it is responsible for the long-running problems on the Somali people so we warn that opening its offices in Somalia will have back fire on them," the militant spokesman stated. "They always help the American-Ethiopian infidels massacre innocent Somalis and they also steal the money that international community allocated to help the hungry Somalis," he added. Mean while, the Islamist group called on aid agencies operating in areas they control to register at their pubic affairs office other wise they will be recognized as illegal operators. "The agencies currently operating in areas under our control must register them elves within 15 days from today (Saturday) other wise they will be dealt with in accordance with the Islamic law," the group's officer for public affairs Sheik Salman Sahal Muse told reporters in Mogadishu. On Friday a high level delegation from the United Nations lead by under-secretary general for safety and security Gregory B. Starr arrived in Somali capital where they held crucial talks with Somali Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke. Source: APA, Oct 10, 2009