Foreign meddling behind Somali crisis

Iran’s Parliament (Majlis) Speaker Ali Larijani says foreign interference is one of the key factors contributing to Somalia’s ongoing crises.

“Terrorism and foreign intervention are the two sides of a coin,” Larijani was quoted by IRNA as saying in a meeting with his Somali counterpart Hassan Sheikh Adam on Sunday.

Larijani said Iran backs every effort to foster economic development in Africa and help its people recuperate in the face of foreign interference and colonialist policies.

He expressed the Iranian Parliament’s full support for the expansion of all-out ties with African nations, including Somalia.

“International powers do not want Islamic countries to live independently, so they try to create political, economic and security crises for them (Muslim nations) through conspiracies and meddling [in their affairs],” said Larijani.

Hassan Sheikh Adam described his visit as an opportunity to hold talks with Iranian officials and work out solutions to the problems his country is facing.

“Foreign interference and terrorism have created serious problems for Somali people, impeding the establishment of tranquility and stability,” he said.

The Somali parliament speaker expressed hope that his negotiations with Iranian authorities will open up a new horizon in mutual relations.

Heading a high-ranking delegation, the top Somali parliamentarian arrived in Tehran early Sunday on a four-day visit.

He is scheduled to meet with several senior Iranian officials, including President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.