WORLD : Somali Rebels Urge Democracy

NAIROBI, Kenya —  Rebels in control of Mogadishu, the Somali capital, today broadcast a call for a multi-party democracy and the formation of an interim opposition government after the ouster of President Mohamed Siad Barre.

The radio broadcast, monitored in Nairobi, said the rebels of the United Somali Congress are committed to founding a new Somali republic based on the ideals of “justice, equality, unity and democracy.”

It said a “People’s Salvation Committee” should be set up, run by the country’s principal rebel movements, to lay the ground for multi-party elections of a democratic government.

As the rebels gradually brought Mogadishu under control, the whereabouts of the deposed president remained unclear two days after he fled the capital.