14:31, 1 October 2008

Somalia promises to recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia

Mohammed Khandule, Somalia Ambassador to Moscow, said today in a press conference that Somalia is going to recognize South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

Mr Ambassador said that his country respects the right of these republics to self-determination and will establish diplomatic relations with them.

"The government of Somalia will hurry up with preparing diplomatic relations with South Ossetia, Georgia and Abkhazia," the RIA "Novosti" quotes the diplomat as saying.

Besides, Mr Khandule said that President of Somalia had allowed Russian armed forces to struggle with pirates in the sea and on the land. "Somalia itself has addressed Russia for help in fighting pirates," he has noted.

"Russia is our historical friend, and our request to send ships to Somalia's shore was not only for fighting pirates, but also for Russia to be able to pursue its strategic goals," the "Echo Moskvy" Radio quotes Mr Ambassador as saying.