Somalia rebukes its states for breaking ties with Qatar

MOGADISHU Somalia's government on Thursday rebuked its three semi-autonomous regions for cutting ties with Qatar, saying it was determined to stay neutral in the Gulf nation's dispute with other Arab states. The region of Galmudug issued a statement on Wednesday saying it stood with the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in the regional row, followed similar declarations last month by the regions of Puntland and Hirshabelle. Somalia's federal government said only it had the authority to speak on foreign affairs. (Reuters)