20091205

MOGADISHU, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Somali government has singed a cooperation deal with a main moderate Islamist group opposed to the two radical Islamist rebels in war-torn Somalia, a joint statement said Saturday.

The agreement between Somali government and the moderate Islamist faction of Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jama which is also opposed to the radical Islamist movements of Al shabaab and Hezbul Islam comes as the two sides face daily attacks from the insurgents.

"(The agreement comes) after the two sides saw the danger facedby the country and the national and religious responsibility on our shoulders towards the country we have agreed to work together," said a joint statement issued by the two sides in Mogadishu.

Ahlu Sunnah group controls several districts in the central Somalia regions of Mudug and Galgadud where the group fought deadly clashes with both Al Shabaab and Hezbul Islam.

Both sides agreed to make Sharia the sole law of the country and that Ahlu Sunnah faction would join the Somali government. Further talks will be held inside the country in December.