FIFA cuts funding to Somalia, Burundi and Puerto Rico

HAN Monitoring in Djibouti, March 12th, 2003

ZURICH, March 12, 2003 - World football´s governing body FIFA has cut off all aid to Somalia, Burundi and Puerto Rico after they failed to supply a proper record of how the money had been used.

Nepal, Vietnam and Chile were given until April to clarify the use of FIFA funds.

FIFA paid each country one million dollars over a four-year period from 1999-2002. They were due to receive a further million dollars for 2003 to 2006.

Somalia´s federation president Farah Weheliye Addo has been suspended from all football activities worldwide for two years for accusing FIFA of irregular financial practices.

Addo was also ordered by a Swiss court to pay 10,000 Swiss francsdollars) to FIFA president Sepp Blatter for slander.

Sourses: AFP

Mediation Efforts Continue In Jilib District

March 12, 2003. Mogadishu, Somalia.

Col. Bare Hirale, the top leaders of Jubba Valley Alliance, has arrived in Jilib district in middle Jubba region as part of efforts aimed at mediating the two tribes (Sheekhal & Habargidir) that fought in the district last week. fourteen people were killed and nearly 19 people wounded in the fighting which has now subsided. As the security situation improves with the prospect of a successful resolution of the difference between the sides. Many tracks which avoided the war zone have now peacefully proceeded to Kismaayo with their consignments.

The Sheekhal tribe militia leader said that TNG militias based in Mogadishu and Merca are interfering our local Jilib Administration to undermine our regional security and stability; they are attacking us daily to establish their own clan administration. According to the Sheekhal spokesman, "Peace and stability will not happen unless Habargidir, leaves and evacuates our city, Jilib", said by Mohamed Husein Adow, the Spokesman, Jilib Regional Administration

The Sourses: HAN, Ruunkinet, Dayniile and HornAfrik