Djibouti leaders arrive in Somalia

A high-level delegation from Djibouti has arrived in Somalia to try and win support for its Peace and Reconciliation conference to be held in Djibouti next week.

A heavily-armed militia escort brought the delegation into the capital, Mogadishu, from the airport at Balidogle.

The delegation, led by President Guelleh's adviser, Osman Ahmed Yusuf, plans to meet civic groups, traditional and clan leaders and the business community.

Mr Yusuf said he was ready to meet anyone interested in peace.

A BBC correspondent in Somalia says local politicians believe that Djibouti is keen to keep the door open to faction leaders like Hussein Aideed, who have rejected the peace conference.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service