Moderate Islamist leader Sheikh Sharif Ahmed who was sworn in on Saturday as president of Somalia, vowed to end conflict in the Horn of Africa nation, make peace with neighbors and rule with honesty and justice by standing firmly against extremism. In an exclusive interview by phone with the Saudi Gazette, he appealed to the West to change its stereotyped view of the Islamic Courts Union (ICU), which he once headed. “I hope the West would assess our deeds and decisions and differentiate between the extremists who distort the image of Islam and those who come to power through democratic elections,” Ahmed said. “We are a moderate party and we have nothing to do with the fundamentalists.” Due to the instability in Somalia, Ahmed was sworn in at a hotel in Djibouti on Saturday morning after an election by legislators that stretched into the small hours. Ahmed's immediate task is to try to put together a unity government – the 15th such attempt since Somalia descended into anarchy with the overthrow of the dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991. The United States welcomed Ahmed's election. “President Sharif has been a strong proponent of the Djibouti process and has worked diligently on reconciliation efforts in Somalia,” a congratulatory statement from the US embassy in Nairobi said referring to UN-sponsored peace talks in Djibouti, where Saturday's vote was held. “We urge President Sharif to reach out to the broad spectrum of Somalis who reject violence and extremism in forming a new government,” the statement said. The Arab League also sent congratulations and urged “comprehensive Somali reconciliation.” Outgoing prime minister Nur Hassan Hussein, long a darling of the international community, had pulled out of the race after the first round. “The United States looks forward to cooperating with President Sharif and his broad-based government on these efforts to establish democracy and achieve peace in Somalia,” the US statement added. The ICU had briefly controlled large parts of Somalia in 2006. Its leadership was sent into exile when Ethiopia -- the previous US administration's top regional ally – launched a military invasion into Somalia to remove what it saw as extremist Islamic rule on its doorstep. Sheikh Sharif then formed the Alliance for Re-liberation of Somalia, an Islamist-dominated opposition umbrella group and last year led its more moderate wing into peace talks with the transitional government, then headed by Hussein. But the government wields little control in Somalia – just a few blocks of the capital, Mogadishu, where African Union peacekeepers patrol. An Islamist insurgent group called Al-Shabab, who say they don't recognize the government, have taken over most of Somalia. The US considers Al-Shabab a terror organization with links to Al-Qaeda. Text of the interview: Q - What are your priorities for internal and external affairs? A – At the local level, we will focus on national reconciliation besides forming a new government and reconstructing the country. I will make all efforts to reorganize the Somali house and restore my country's full freedom and sovereignty. Also, I will spare no efforts in reconstructing the country's infrastructure and restoring all basic services. I am also giving due attention to repatriate displaced Somalis who deserted their country, besides unifying the ranks to build up a healthy and a strong Somalia, so as to be an effective member of the Arab and international community. I am looking forward to bring back Somalia to the Arab fold because we want strong ties with Arab countries. At the international level, we want to establish balanced relations with all countries based on mutual respect because we are an inseparable part of the world. My winning is a difficult test for me. I hope to shift Somalia to a new era, away from fighting and violence. I will care for all Somalis regardless of their clans and sects. I hope I would succeed in bringing Somalis under one banner. Q - Do you think the world will welcome your victory in the presidential elections, as the common impression is that Islamic Courts is a fundamentalist Islamist party? A. We will clarify our moderate stand to all parties. I hope the West respects the (Somali) people's choice in selecting their president in honest and clean elections. I hope the West would assess our deeds and decisions, and differentiate between the extremists who distort the image of Islam and those who come to power through democratic elections. We are a moderate party and we have nothing to do with the fundamentalists. I call upon the West to change its stereotyped vision about the Courts which advocates tolerance and moderation in all its actions. Q- Are you going to apply Islamic Shariah in Somalia? It is not necessary to announce an Islamic government. What we mean (to achieve) by applying the Islamic Shariah is maintaining the country's – and its people's – stability and (fostering) peace, besides spreading the freedom Islam has decreed, which protects (one's) honor and property. Besides that (we intend) to implant the principles advocated by Islam and cope with changes and developments within the jurisdiction of the proper and authentic Shariah, which gives the true picture of Islam. Q- This means you will follow a policy of “let's forget about the past.” A - Yes, I think this policy is suitable for this phase because we don't want tensions or conflicts with our neighbors. We want to maintain good relations with all parties as long as they respect us and don't interfere in our affairs. Q-What is your message to the Somali people? A – Our message is that we are not against anyone and we will not retaliate against anyone. I am keenly interested in achieving national unity. The resistance was representing Somali people, therefore, (the election result) represents a victory for the will of the Somali people. I say it is now high time to achieve national unity, forget our differences, unify our ranks and confront those who commit violence. It sounds odd that we fight and kill each other. It is an historic moment in the history of Somalia to achieve national consensus. Q-What about the differences between the two wings of the coalition? A – We didn't differ over principles. The dispute and difference was over the attitude and behavior. We are in the process of achieving a breakthrough. So we hope from our brothers in Asmara Wing to overweigh the country's and people's interest. Therefore I call on them to join the procession and march of reconciliation Q – When you will return to Somalia? A – Very soon… We are making the final arrangements for our return. Q – How do you look at the future relations with the Kingdom? A – They are distinctive relations. King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, has always made every effort to achieve a reconciliation (in Somalia). Thus, the Somali people will never forget the noble stand of the Kingdom. I will visit the Kingdom very soon to listen to the King's vision towards Somalia. King Abdullah‘s role in clearing the Arab atmosphere is evident as manifested in historic speech at Kuwait summit. Q – How will you handle the piracy issue in Somalia? A – The piracy issue tops my agenda. We are against all kinds of piracy. We will try to handle this matter with the tribal chiefs. Also, we need the assistance of the international community because we have a weak military.
