Somali President and al-Barakat group
Somalia-USA, Politics, 11/13/2001

The Somali president Abdul Qasem Salad Hassan has stated he considers the Somali al-Barakat group innocent from accusations addressed to it by the USA to transfer profits to al-Qaida organization, led by Osama Bin Laden, until the contrary ( al-Barakat to be found not innocent) is proved.

News reports quoted Abdul Qasem as saying to the press on late Sunday evening that it would be better if the Somalis will co-operate with the agencies in charge of implementing order in the USA and making necessary investigations and should there is a case it has to be brought before the court.

He added that he, personally and the Somali citizens were surprised over the accusations addressed to al-Barakt group, adding that he ordered an investigation to be opened and vowed to brief Washington on any evidence that will be reached.

The Somali President denied rumors which talked about bases for al-Qaida organization in Somalia, he said that the best way to guarantee that Makadishu does not consist a threat to the outer world in the future is to help it to stand on its own feet because it is still divided.

Al-Barakt group represents a prosperous trade activity in the field of businesses in Somalia. It provides telephone services, sums transfer and even bottled mineral waters in a country destroyed by ten years of civil war.

The director general of al-Barakat Bank said that they ( the company) did not commit any mistake and in order to prove that they want to exchange information and abide by transparency and opening their file.

Last week the US froze sums of 63 persons and organizations including the al-Barakat group which is owned by Somalis and takes Dubai as a headquarters, accusing this company of transferring profits and interests to al-Qaida organization.

Previous Stories:
  Kenya, Somalia opened borders   (11/6/2001)
  Somalia's national reconciliation   (11/6/2001)
  Kenya's president sponsors Somali peace negotiations   (11/2/2001)

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