Somalia’s deputy defense minister, Abdifata Qasim, has assured that the jihadist organization Al Shabaab has offered the possibility of negotiations to end the bloody conflict in the country, but he has qualified that the final decision is up to the presidency and that in no way will the foreign mercenaries who are part of the terrorist group enter the talks.
«Al Shabaab has asked for the opening of negotiations. We are discussing it, but right now there is something that needs to be eradicated in Somalia and it is called terrorism,» said the deputy minister in comments reported by the Caasimada portal.
However, the deputy minister wanted to divide Al Shabaab into two groups of «renegades of Islam»: «foreigners and those born in Somalia». The latter, he said, «have a chance», but for those who «invaded the country, there is no dialogue possible».
Moreover, the deputy minister was categorical in his denial of the possibility of negotiating without surrender. «If our compatriots surrender, we are ready. Until then there is nothing to talk about with them.»
Somali President Hasan Shaykh Mohamud, who has declared «total war» on the bloodthirsty jihadist group, has previously said that Somalia does not contemplate negotiation although the authorities «do not close the door» to those who «want to move away from violence and extremist ideology.»
Al Shabaab, which this week triggered a double bomb attack that left at least 35 dead in central Somalia, has not yet commented on these statements.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
