The president of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia [TFG], Shaykh Sharif Shaykh Ahmad, has said that ever since he was elected leader of the current administration, there have been no groups that have relations with Al-Qa'idah in Somalia.

Shaykh Sharif emphasized that he does not believe Al-Qa'idah is in Somalia at this time but added that there are groups that say they have ties with them and who like to imitate them.

"I believe that there are no members of Al-Qa'idah in Somalia. Reports indicating that are falsified and exaggerated," said Shaykh Sharif speaking to reporters in Cairo, Egypt.

The president left for Belgium shortly after making these statements to attend a conference in which funds were being raised for Somalia. The international community has since pledged to give Somalia 250 million US dollars. The funds will go towards the re-establishment of the Somali police and military in order to restore the security of the country. Part of the funds will also be used to provide logistic support and salary of the African Union Mission in Somalia troops who are in Mogadishu. President Shaykh Sharif was asked whether he is concerned about his safety and being targeted with killing while in office. He said he has never been afraid of that and he will not be afraid of it in future.

Shaykh Sharif's government is opposed by Islamist groups in the country. Yesterday, the chairman of the Asmara-based Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia [ARS], Shaykh Hasan Dahir Aweys, whose group opposes the administration led by Shaykh Sharif Shaykh Ahmad arrived in Mogadishu