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NAIROBI, Dec 20 (Reuters) - Somalia's interim government and rival Islamists have pledged to attend a fourth round of peace talks, a European Union envoy said on Wednesday after two days of clashes that have heightened fears of war.

"Both parties have reiterated their commitment to the Khartoum process and to a political solution to the Somalia crisis," European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid Louis Michel told a news conference.

"They have both decided to resume the Khartoum dialogue process unconditionally," he added after meeting both sides in Somalia on Wednesday, in a bid to stave off all-out war.

Michel was unable to give a date for the next round of negotiations, but said he hoped it would be soon.

"They have to decide together. I can't give you a date, but it will not be a long time," he added.

Witnesses reported heavy clashes between Islamist fighters and troops defending the government's only stronghold at two frontline areas on Wednesday.

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