"The declaration of famine in parts of Somalia by the UN is welcome and we would like to see aid coming to the people," a senior Shebab official told AFP on condition of anonymity.
The UN officially declared parts of Somalia southern regions of Bakool and Lower Shabelle, which are under Shebab control, were suffering famine, with up to 350,000 people affected.
Aid agencies pulled out of southern Somalia in early 2010 following threats against its staff and increasingly draconian rules imposed on its activities by the Shebab, who are listed as a terror group by Washington.
The Shebab announced earlier this month that they would allow humanitarian organisations to provide aid in the regions they control.
However, the hard-line rebel official warned that Islamic values must be maintained.
"Aid must be provided purely on a humanitarian basis, and the religious value of Somalis as Muslims must be respected," the official added.
"The Shebab mujahidin were always ready to assist the Islamic people of the nation to the best of their ability, and will cooperate with anyone assisting the victims of the famine," he said.
The UNICEF airlifted the first emergency aid supplies into the rebel-held town of Baidoa last week. (*)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
