Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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February 7, 2009

Somali President Arrives in Capital for First Time
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=22237E4:A6F02AD83191E160B2AA0DD9CDF8692C5C6F54A6CF9DC2CA&
 
Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed quickly taken past cheering supporters to
presidential palace under protection of government soldiers, militia,
African Union peacekeepers 
      Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed Somalia's President Sheikh Sharif
Sheikh Ahmed arrived in the capital Saturday morning for the first time
since he was elected by the country's parliament meeting in Djibouti a
week ago. President Sheikh Sharif did not make any comments when he
arrived at the Mogadishu airport, and was quickly taken past cheering
supporters to the presidential palace under the protection of government
soldiers, militia and African Union peacekeepers. The new president
previously headed the Islamic Courts Union, which controlled much of the
country briefly in 2006. He signed a peace agreement with the government
last year and is now calling on the country's remaining insurgents to do
the same.

 Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.


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