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Ethiopian-Backed Somali Troops Advance on Islamists
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=158C880:A6F02AD83191E160A6692383DC1DE9A59574F7DCC14957C0 Islamists
abandoned Mogadishu Thursday, retreated to southern port city of
Kismayo Somali government troops backed by Ethiopian tanks are moving
south from Mogadishu toward regions held by Islamist fighters.

The Islamists abandoned the capital Thursday, under pressure from the
Ethiopian-backed force. From a new base in Kismayo Saturday, Islamist
leader Sheik Sharif Ahmed vowed to continue fighting the interim
government.

The International Red Cross says hundreds of people have been killed
in recent fighting between the two sides.







Somali President Abdullah Yusuf (file photo)Near the capital Saturday,
Somali President Abdullah Yusuf met with local elders and said his
administration is working to restore peace in the country.

Hundreds of people held new marches in Mogadishu Saturday to protest
the presence of Ethiopian troops.

The United States has urged Somalia's interim government to seek a
ceasefire with the Islamists and to open a political dialogue with all
Somali factions.

The Islamists have declared a "holy war" on Ethiopia because of its
support for the Somali interim government.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi says his nation's troops will
remain in Somalia a few more weeks to help stability efforts.

Somalia has not had an effective central government since 1991, when
warlords overthrew dictator Mohamed Siad Barre.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.


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