Islamist spokesman says they won't attack Ethiopian forces

On the eve of the deadline the Islamic group had set for Ethiopian troops to withdraw or face attack, the movement appeared to change tack.

A spokesman for Somalia's Islamic movement said Monday it would not attack Ethiopian forces supporting the government, and was open to new peace talks.

On the eve of the deadline the Islamic group had set for Ethiopian troops to withdraw or face attack, the movement appeared to change tack.

However, long term prospects for peace still look dim even as both sides come under mounting pressure from the UN and the European Union to pull back from war.

EU Development Commissioner Louis Michel is expected to travel Wednesday for talks in Baidoa, seat of the internationally recognized Somali administration, and the capital, Mogadishu, where the Islamic movement is based.

The Islamic movement's latest comments by spokesman Abdirahim Mudey contrast sharply with threats of a holy war made last week by senior leaders. The group, known as The Council of Islamic Courts, is made up of leaders who range from moderate to hard-line, with the influence any given faction wields changing often.

The seven day deadline "did not mean that we will attack the Ethiopians, but it was a chance for Ethiopians to start negotiations with us,'' Mudey said Monday.