Cancelled talks push war closer

ADDIS ABABA - Somalia edged closer to war yesterday as peace talks between the weak, transitional government and Islamists who control half the country were cancelled.

Ethiopian troops, who crossed the border three days ago to support the Government, made further incursions yesterday, while a leading figure in the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) said anyone siding with the Ethiopians would be considered a traitor.

The UIC refused to attend the talks, blaming the arrival of the Ethiopian troops.

It has vowed to wage "jihadi war" against Ethiopia, and Ethiopia has promised to "crush" the Islamists if they attempt to take control of Baidoa, where the Government is based.

Peace negotiations were due to restart in Khartoum after the Government refused to attend planned talks last weekend. It blamed the UIC for breaking an agreed truce. Yesterday it was the Islamists' turn for a boycott.

Analysts now fear that negotiations will be replaced by a conflict that is likely to include many of Somalia's neighbours.

- INDEPENDENT