One of Somalia's new Islamist leaders has denied US claims that he is linked to terrorism.
Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys, head of the Council of Islamic Courts which has recently taken control of Mogadishu said he has been on the US list of people 'linked to terrorism' since shortly after the 11 September attacks in 2001.
He said the case against him was based on false allegations going back to the 1970s during the conflict with neighboring Ethiopia.
He said the allegations are now being spread by his enemies.
