Islamist leader of Somalia's Hizbul- Islam rebel group Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys says he is ready to engage the international community in talks, Radio Garowe reports.

We are ready to engage the international community in talks over Somali affairs, but they must first of all accept that they would respect the will of Somalis,” he said.

“We can’t however engage the transition government in talks,” he added.

Sh. Aweys, Hizbul Islam rebel chief

He accused the fragile but international recognized Somali government over ‘foreign invasion’ that caused the current suffering of the country and its people, vowing to continue with the war.

“We must continue with the war, we can’t say what time it would end because it is a jihad one that we want to liberate the people,” said the 65-year-old cleric.

On the other hand, Aweys supported the killing of journalists working government-run Radio Muqdisho, arguing that they are working for the enemy.

Since returning to the war-torn nation in April 2009 from a self-imposed exile in Eritrea, the old cleric declared fight against Somali government led by Sheikh Sheikh Ahmed, his former close ally.

Meanwhile, two armies within Hizbul Islam have clashed outskirts of Harardhere, a notorious pirate haven in northeastern Somalia.

Reports said the two sides exchanged gunfire that reportedly killed at least 10 fighters. The group captured the town recently, sending pirates fleeing with their hijacked ships and crews.

GAROWE ONLINE