Hiiraan Online

June 12, 2009

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NAIROBI, (Xinhua) -- The Kenyan government on Wednesday assured foreign diplomats in the east African nation of their enhanced security against terrorist threats.

The country’s Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetang’ula pointed out that the recent incident of a bomb scare at the Norwegian Embassy may be the work of some elements out to instil fear among diplomats.

However, Wetang’ula said, the Kenyan government is not taking the threats lightly, adding that the Diplomatic Police has been put on high alert.

“We are living in a volatile world and the deteriorating situation in Somalia has compounded the security situation,” the minister told Norwegian Ambassador to Kenya Elisabeth Jacobsen during a meeting in Nairobi.

He called upon the international community to address the issue of Somalia since it has assumed global ramifications.

Wetang’ula also pointed out that while such threats cannot be ignored, they are aimed at spreading fear, urging diplomats to remain steadfast in helping Somalia find solutions to the problems bedevilling the country.

Speaking during the meeting, the Norwegian envoy acknowledged that security has been tightened around the embassy building to avert any terrorist threat.

She reaffirmed her government’s commitment to continue supporting Somalia in its efforts to achieve peace.

The Norwegian envoy’s remarks came after a threat was delivered at the embassy in Nairobi late last month purporting to have originated from Al-Qaeda network.
The emails were sent out to Norway’s embassy in Nairobi and two Kenyan media organizations threatening attacks.

The email said Norway had backed what it said was a Kenyan bid to claim waters of the coast of neighbouring Somalia for oil exploration and that Kenya had detained Somali “mujahideen.”

“(Kenya) became the enemy of Islam ... and must (be) ready (for) Alqaeda attacks and revenge any time,” the message said.

In a separate email, the Standard Group and Nation Media Group were also told they would be targeted for being “the enemy of Islam.”

Kenya is under heightened alert of attacks as new fighting rages in Somalia between hardline and moderate Islamists.
Western states fear the Horn of Africa country, which has been mired in civil war for 18 years, could become a haven for militants linked to Al-Qaeda.

Kenya has agreed with several countries whose navies are patrolling off the Somali coast to take in Somalis arrested at sea on suspicion of trying to hijack ships.

SOURCE: Xinhua, June 12, 2009