ugnet_: Ethopian Leader blames Somalis for Kenya attacks-BBC

[Omar Kezimbira]

Saturday, 7 December, 2002, 22:59 GMT Zenawi blames Somalis for Kenya attacks Zenawi (left) al-Itihad is a growing threat to the region By Martin Plaut BBC correspondent in Addis Ababa Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has said he has indications that a group operating out of Somalia may have been behind last month's attacks on Israelis in Kenya. People are beginning to recognize that al-Itihad is indeed a threat linked to al-Qaeda Ethiopian Prime Minister Melez Zenawi Mr Zenawi told the BBC that the Somali group with links to al-Qaeda - known as al-Itihad - may have travelled to Kenya by boat to carry out their operation. He offered no evidence to substantiate these views. But with senior US officials due in Addis Ababa next week, Mr Zenawi will have every opportunity to convince them that the group had a hand in the attacks. The prime minister was speaking after his return to Addis Ababa from the United States, where he said he had discussed security matters with President George W Bush. Growing threat The attacks on Israelis in the Kenyan port of Mombasa have reinforced Ethiopia's long-held belief that Somalia is a source of instability throughout the region. There are thousands of Somalis in Kenya Ethiopia has frequently warned about the dangers posed by the obscure al-Itihad group. The group is seen not only as a threat to Ethiopian security, but - because of its links to al-Qaeda - as a cause of international concern. Before the Kenyan attacks these warnings tended to be treated with some scepticism in the West. Now, says Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, they are receiving greater attention: "People are beginning to recognize that al-Itihad is indeed a threat linked to al-Qaeda." "Our indications seem to suggest that the terrorists may have started from Rascomboni in Somalia and gone to Mombasa using boats that were launched from Rascomboni."

Israelis targeted Key stories Mombasa in shock Attacks in pictures Attack aftermath Joint military exercises Hotel staff unpaid Analysis Effect on tourism Al-Qaeda v Israel? Portable missile threat Kenya: a soft target Al-Qaeda suspected Threat to economy TALKING POINT Your reaction AUDIO VIDEO TV and Radio reports See also: 06 Dec 02 | Africa Kenyan police find Mombasa missiles 06 Dec 02 | Africa Kenyan 'arbitrary' arrests condemned 04 Dec 02 | UK UK shuts Kenya mission after threat 03 Dec 02 | Africa 'Al-Qaeda' claims Kenya attacks 02 Dec 02 | Africa Tensions over Kenya attack inquiry 30 Nov 02 | South Asia Pakistan angered by Kenyan arrests Internet links: Israeli Foreign Ministry Kenya Government Human Rights Watch UNHCR Ethiopian Government The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Top Africa stories now: Ivory Coast youth called to arms Zenawi blames Somalis for Kenya attacks Ethiopia launches food appeal Miss Turkey wins Miss World Nigerian police novices disarmed Fugitive ready for return to US Kenyan police find Mombasa missiles Chissano son denies ordering murder Links to more Africa stories are at the foot of the page.

	E-mail this story to a friend

	Links to more Africa stories In This Section Ivory Coast youth called to arms Zenawi blames Somalis for Kenya attacks Ethiopia launches food appeal Miss Turkey wins Miss World Nigerian police novices disarmed Fugitive ready for return to US Kenyan police find Mombasa missiles Chissano son denies ordering murder US threatens Swazi trade deal Angolan finance minister sacked

		^^ Back to top

---

Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now