Thousands greet Somalia's PM in capital

[Freddie Stubbs]

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia's prime minister entered the capital Friday, a day after an Islamic movement's fighters retreated ahead of his Ethiopian-backed troops, and was welcomed by thousands of cheering residents of the battle-scarred city.

While the visit was meant to symbolize the government's victory, fighting was likely to continue. Clan divisions, hatred of Ethiopia and religious fundamentalism remain problems for the government to tackle.

Ali Mohamed Gedi drove into the southern part of the city in a heavily armed convoy of 22 vehicles, then toured Mogadishu's seaport amid tight security.

Trucks fitted with loudspeakers roamed the city, blaring patriotic music. Mogadishu for the last six months has been controlled by a group who tried to establish a government based on the Quran. Some of its leaders are accused of having links to al-Qaida.

more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061229/ap_on_re_af/somalia