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Somali clashes resume after deal Somali clashes resume after deal
(30 minutes later)
Fighting has resumed in Somalia for a second day between fighters loyal to the weak transitional government and advancing Islamist militias.Fighting has resumed in Somalia for a second day between fighters loyal to the weak transitional government and advancing Islamist militias.
Heavy artillery and mortar fire could be heard close to the base of the interim administration in Baidoa.Heavy artillery and mortar fire could be heard close to the base of the interim administration in Baidoa.
Both sides agreed to a ceasefire and to unconditional talks on Wednesday, a visiting European Union envoy said. Both sides agreed to a ceasefire and to unconditional talks on Wednesday after meetings with a European Union envoy.
The government says it killed hundreds of Islamist fighters but Islamists also claim to have gained the upper hand.The government says it killed hundreds of Islamist fighters but Islamists also claim to have gained the upper hand.
The BBC's reporter in Mogaidshu, Olad Hassan, says he hears from residents that pro-government forces and the Islamic militia are again exchanging mortar fire at Daynunay, 20km (12 miles) from Baidoa.The BBC's reporter in Mogaidshu, Olad Hassan, says he hears from residents that pro-government forces and the Islamic militia are again exchanging mortar fire at Daynunay, 20km (12 miles) from Baidoa.
Local residents say Ethiopian troops are involved in the clashes in support of government forces, thought this is denied by the government, he says.Local residents say Ethiopian troops are involved in the clashes in support of government forces, thought this is denied by the government, he says.
Our reporter says Somalis are unhappy and concerned about the clashes. There are fears that the conflict could plunge the Horn of Africa into crisis.Our reporter says Somalis are unhappy and concerned about the clashes. There are fears that the conflict could plunge the Horn of Africa into crisis.
TalksTalks
After talks in Baidoa, envoy Louis Michel travelled on to Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, where he met leaders of the Union of Islamic Court (UIC).After talks in Baidoa, envoy Louis Michel travelled on to Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, where he met leaders of the Union of Islamic Court (UIC).
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He then announced both parties had agreed to resume efforts to find a negotiated settlement of their differences.He then announced both parties had agreed to resume efforts to find a negotiated settlement of their differences.
A nine-point memorandum of understanding included agreement to begin talks again without preconditions, he said.A nine-point memorandum of understanding included agreement to begin talks again without preconditions, he said.
Islamic militias have attacked us and the fighting is continuing Salad Ali JelleDeputy Defence Minister Q&A: Islamist advance Peacekeeping conundrum See map of flashpoints Islamic militias have attacked us and the fighting is continuing Salad Ali JelleDeputy Defence Minister Q&A: Islamist advance Peacekeeping conundrum See map of flashpoints
The Union of Islamic Courts had set aside a demand that Ethiopian troops withdraw from Somalia as a precondition for talks, Mr Michel added, although it remained a major grievance.The Union of Islamic Courts had set aside a demand that Ethiopian troops withdraw from Somalia as a precondition for talks, Mr Michel added, although it remained a major grievance.
Translating these verbal and written commitments into action will be the next big test, our correspondent says.Translating these verbal and written commitments into action will be the next big test, our correspondent says.
Mr Michel has urged both sides to begin talks as soon as possible, at the latest early in January.Mr Michel has urged both sides to begin talks as soon as possible, at the latest early in January.
Both sides have blamed each other for the fighting.Both sides have blamed each other for the fighting.
Ethiopia says it has no troops in Somalia, but our correspondent says that as he drove to the airport in Baidoa, he was stopped by a huge convoy of Ethiopian military armour.Ethiopia says it has no troops in Somalia, but our correspondent says that as he drove to the airport in Baidoa, he was stopped by a huge convoy of Ethiopian military armour.
There have been fears Somalia's conflict will plunge the entire region into crisis.There have been fears Somalia's conflict will plunge the entire region into crisis.
The UIC has introduced law and order to the capital and much of southern Somalia for the first time in 15 years and denies links to al-Qaeda.The UIC has introduced law and order to the capital and much of southern Somalia for the first time in 15 years and denies links to al-Qaeda.
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Are you or anyone you know near Baidoa? Please send us your experiences and contact details using the post form below.Are you or anyone you know near Baidoa? Please send us your experiences and contact details using the post form below.
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