Hundreds take part in Helsinki demonstration for peace in Somalia
Somali community in Finland protests actions of Ethiopia and USA
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"Bush, Bush, hadeo!" chanted a group of several dozen women, denouncing the administration of US President George W. Bush in Helsinki in front of Kiasma, the Muesum for Contemporary Art. The slogans were followed by the Somali national anthem.
Police estimate that about 300 people took part in the demonstration for peace, which had been organised by the Somali League in Finland.
At the rally before the march, demonstrators discussed the situation in Somalia. Ethiopian forces had entered the country at the request of the provisional Somali government. The United States had conducted air strikes in the south of the country, where it says local al-Qaeda leaders are staying.
Abdullah Ayah finds it inconceivable for foreign forces to roll into a country on the pretext of driving Islamist forces out. He says that two of his uncles have been killed in the violence.
"The Islamists were in power for six months. In Mogadishu and nearby areas they brought peace."
Ayah feels that as citizens of Somalia, the Islamists have the same rights as anyone else.
"This makes us very angry. Although the United States and the UN try to stop the Islamists, this way they are creating more of them."
The demonstrators had little understanding for the provisional government in Somalia, which is seen as a puppet of Ethiopia and the United States. However, the mistakes of the deposed Islamists were also acknowledged.
"For instance, banning smoking was a premature decision", Murshed Sayid said.
Muhammud Yusuf was annoyed at what has been said about the Islamists.
"They are citizens of Somalia and they do not model themselves after al-Qaeda."
Many visit Somalia on a regular basis. Now this is not possible, because the country is in a chaotic state.
"I would like to go to my own country and show it to my children", Mahmed Shire said.
The march, which began soon after two in the afternoon, proceeded up Mannerheimintie to the Esplanade, where a small delegation delivered the views of the demonstrators to representatives of the European Union.
The marchers shouted slogans accusing President Bush of being a murderer and a terrorist.
The demonstrators also demanded that Ethiopia withdraw its forces from Somalia, and that the United States halt air strikes and stop helping Ethiopian forces.
From the Esplanade, the march continued to Kaivopuisto park, where the demonstrators were met by police columns and riot fences. Five representatives of the demonstrators were allowed through the barricades to deliver a statement to the United States Embassy.
"We said that we do not hate the Americans, but that we are enemies, because they are bombing Somalia. I was speaking on behalf of the women and children", said Saido Mohamed.
Finally, the protesters held a prayer in Kaivopuisto.
Helsingin Sanomat
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| 15.1.2007 - TODAY |
 Hundreds take part in Helsinki demonstration for peace in Somalia
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