SOMALIA: Confusion at peace talksNAIROBI, 7 July 2003 (IRIN) - Delegates to the Somali peace talks, taking place in Kenya, signed what was termed an "historic" agreement on 5 July to set up a federal government, but confusion was created when some political groups denounced the agreement the following day.

The president of the Transitional National Government (TNG), Abdiqassim Salad Hassan, rejected the agreement, signed by his prime minister, Hasan Abshir Farah, at a press conference on Sunday. Abdiqassim said that it would divide the country and the TNG would "not be party to a process that is flawed and aimed at the dismemberment of Somalia".MORE