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PRESS STATEMENT
04 January, 2009
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: ETHIOPIAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCES START TO PULL OUT OF SOMALIA
It is to be recalled that the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) moved into Somalia two years ago to foil the clear and present danger created by extremist forces in Somalia that had repeatedly declared Jihad against Ethiopia . The major mission of the ENDF which was to remove the threat posed to our country was completed immediately and in no time. It would have been possible for the Ethiopian government to remove its troops immediately at that time. The reason this was not done was because it was felt that Ethiopia should help the brotherly people of Somalia bring to an end the country's statelessness and to help in restoring peace and stability in Somalia in cooperation with the Transitional Federal Government (TFG). This has been accomplished by the ENDF with great sense of responsibility.
In addition, Ethiopia had been conducting all the necessary diplomatic effort to encourage the African Union and the international community to play their proper role to assist in the realization of peace and stability in Somalia . Ethiopia’s own effort in the diplomatic area as well as its activities within IGAD and the AU as a member of those organizations has facilitated support in terms of political position adopted by the international community as well as practical support from the AU, in particular, from Uganda and Burundi who have rendered tangible assistance.
Ethiopia, in collaboration with the TFG, the people of Somalia and AMISOM has undertaken numerous activities in the interest of the peace and stability of Somalia . Though it took sometime, nonetheless, it also became possible eventually to bring those moderate members of the ICU who had freed themselves from extremism together with the TFG in Djibouti for a peace deal among Somali peace forces which was in deed achieved after the two parties agreed through talks on various issues.
It was agreed in the same talks that the ENDF will be withdrawing from Somalia at the end of 2008. Accordingly, the ENDF after having drawn up the necessary plan, has began its activities at the end of 2008 to implement it. With the view to avoiding the creation of vacuum after its withdrawal and to ensure that the security situation in Somalia would not deteriorate, the ENDF has redoubled its efforts that had began earlier and is at present handling matters that fall within the final phase of this activities. In order to carry out this task effectively and with full common understanding, AMISOM force commander, Commander of the TFG forces and the commander of the Ethiopian Contingent in Somalia have met in Addis Ababa and have carried out the evaluation of the final arrangement in addition to drawing up a plan for subsequent activities. Moreover, since it is now confirmed that Uganda and Burundi have decided to contribute additional troops to AMISOM, the ENDF has reached the final phase of its withdrawal having accomplished its mission with success. Accordingly, the security forces of the TFG and AMISOM have taken over those areas that were earlier covered by the ENDF. It should also be pointed out that the citizens of Mogadishu and other members of the Somali Community have been given the necessary support to defend their peace and security in an organized fashion and enhanced manner, an effort which has been going on for the last two years.
It is after having ascertained that all this activities have been carried out and having seen in practice the readiness of AMISOM to stay in Somalia after the withdrawal of the Ethiopian Contingent that the Ethiopian government began to get the ENDF to withdraw from Somalia in conformity with the commitment it has made. The withdrawal of Ethiopian troops is not going to be conducted with undue haste. This would mean that it will take a few days to be completed and it would be done so as quickly as possible.
The government of Ethiopia realizes that durable peace is still the call of the people of Somalia which is yet to be answered. It is in light of this that Ethiopia appeals to the international community to give more attention to this call by the people of Somalia and discharge its responsibilities by helping the Somalis free themselves from the prevailing chaos. Ethiopia expresses its appreciation to members of IGAD and the AU, in particular to the governments of Uganda and Burundi who have demonstrated their resolve to carry out their Pan-Africanist Mission in Somalia . Our defense forces have carried out a successful Mission to eliminate the clear and present danger that our country had faced two years ago. In addition, the ENDF has over the last two years conducted major efforts to weaken the extremists and to contribute to the creation of peace and stability in Somalia . The Ministry of Foreign Affairs pays tribute on behalf of the entire people of Ethiopia and the Ethiopian government for the sacrifices it made to achieve this mission and reiterates that Ethiopia will continue as before to contribute in deeds to the establishment of durable peace and stability in Somalia .
The sixth summit of Sana’a Forum in Khartoum
The sixth summit of the Sana'a Forum for cooperation was held in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum on 30 December 2008. In attendance at the summit were President Omar Hassan Ahmed Al- Bashir of the Republic of the Sudan, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the outgoing Chair of the Forum, President Ali Abdullah Saleh of the Republic of Yemen, Prime Minister Nur Hassen Hussein 'Adde' of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, and President Ismail Omar Geulleh of the Republic of Djibouti, who took part at the summit as an observer. Following the opening ceremony, the program of work and the agenda was adopted and a progress report by the specialized committees was presented on the activities of the Forum since the 10th Executive Committee Meeting. The progress report dealt with a host of issues, including principal regional issues of mutual interest, such as the situation in Somalia and the piracy off shore, the problem in the Sudan , the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute, Eritrea-Djibouti dispute, the problem of terrorism and the current conflict between Hamas and Israel .
The Executive Committee of the Forum exchanged views on the aforementioned regional issues of mutual concern and adopted a joint communiqué at the conclusion of the summit. An opening speech was made by President Omar Hassan Ahmed Al- Bashir of the Republic of the Sudan , the host country, and incoming Chair of the Forum. In the course of deliberations, the outgoing Chairperson, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia made a statement in which he welcomed the President of Djibouti saying his presence "… is a source of satisfaction for us all and I have no doubt it will enrich our deliberation and will help make the Forum an even more effective instrument for regional peace and security and for a far more strengthened economic cooperation among member states." He went on to say that since the last summit in February 2007 Forum member states have coordinated their positions on vital security and political matters of the region. On Somalia , they managed to send the same message to the various Somali parties with the view to helping them move forward in the peace process under difficult circumstances. The fact that Djibouti, Sudan and Ethiopia are members of IGAD has afforded the Forum members the opportunity to synchronize their positions as was amply demonstrated at the last IGAD Summit as well as at the Extra-ordinary session of IGAD council of Ministers on 21 December 2008 in Addis Ababa. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi noted that member states have the obligation to be more, not less politically engaged to help the Somalis achieve peace and national reconciliation that has eluded them for too long. On Ethiopia 's decision to withdraw its troops from Somalia . Prime Minister Meless said “We came to the conclusion that no good would be served by the continuing presence of our troops in Somalia . But this should in no way be interpreted as meaning that we have decided to wash our hands of Somalia . That neither, Ethiopia , nor other members of the Forum, nor the forum in general, can afford to do that should be obvious. But whatever we do has to be based on an approach that would encourage the Somalis to take the lead and to own the process of national reconciliation in their country. This is a matter that can not be emphasized too strongly." He emphasized the need to immediately beef up AMISOM troops and provide financial support to the TFG. In response, the Yemeni leader has pledged USD 1.5 million as the Sudan and Yemen together also pledged to offer military uniforms and provide other logistical support while Ethiopia and Djibouti are expected to provide training for TFG security personnel. The signing of the Djibouti peace Agreements between the TFG and ARS was welcomed and calls were made for their speedy implementation. Member states appreciated Ethiopia 's invaluable contribution in the search for peace and reconciliation in Somalia .
With respect to economic, trade and social matters the report of the Summit admitted that the Forum has not registered sufficient progress. It was nonetheless emphasized there in no lack of commitment in the members states, as can be gleaned from the more than a dozen agreements, protocols and MOUs that the members of the Forum have signed. It was indeed, it was noted members of the Forum have made significant progress in developing cooperation in the hydropower sector and in other areas. Among other matters on which decisions were taken include the crises between Israel and Hamas, as well as matter relating to the designation of the Secretary General of the Forum. In general it is widely believed that both the Executive Committee meeting and the Summit were a success
04 January, 2009
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: ETHIOPIAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCES START TO PULL OUT OF SOMALIA
It is to be recalled that the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) moved into Somalia two years ago to foil the clear and present danger created by extremist forces in Somalia that had repeatedly declared Jihad against Ethiopia . The major mission of the ENDF which was to remove the threat posed to our country was completed immediately and in no time. It would have been possible for the Ethiopian government to remove its troops immediately at that time. The reason this was not done was because it was felt that Ethiopia should help the brotherly people of Somalia bring to an end the country's statelessness and to help in restoring peace and stability in Somalia in cooperation with the Transitional Federal Government (TFG). This has been accomplished by the ENDF with great sense of responsibility.
In addition, Ethiopia had been conducting all the necessary diplomatic effort to encourage the African Union and the international community to play their proper role to assist in the realization of peace and stability in Somalia . Ethiopia’s own effort in the diplomatic area as well as its activities within IGAD and the AU as a member of those organizations has facilitated support in terms of political position adopted by the international community as well as practical support from the AU, in particular, from Uganda and Burundi who have rendered tangible assistance.
Ethiopia, in collaboration with the TFG, the people of Somalia and AMISOM has undertaken numerous activities in the interest of the peace and stability of Somalia . Though it took sometime, nonetheless, it also became possible eventually to bring those moderate members of the ICU who had freed themselves from extremism together with the TFG in Djibouti for a peace deal among Somali peace forces which was in deed achieved after the two parties agreed through talks on various issues.
It was agreed in the same talks that the ENDF will be withdrawing from Somalia at the end of 2008. Accordingly, the ENDF after having drawn up the necessary plan, has began its activities at the end of 2008 to implement it. With the view to avoiding the creation of vacuum after its withdrawal and to ensure that the security situation in Somalia would not deteriorate, the ENDF has redoubled its efforts that had began earlier and is at present handling matters that fall within the final phase of this activities. In order to carry out this task effectively and with full common understanding, AMISOM force commander, Commander of the TFG forces and the commander of the Ethiopian Contingent in Somalia have met in Addis Ababa and have carried out the evaluation of the final arrangement in addition to drawing up a plan for subsequent activities. Moreover, since it is now confirmed that Uganda and Burundi have decided to contribute additional troops to AMISOM, the ENDF has reached the final phase of its withdrawal having accomplished its mission with success. Accordingly, the security forces of the TFG and AMISOM have taken over those areas that were earlier covered by the ENDF. It should also be pointed out that the citizens of Mogadishu and other members of the Somali Community have been given the necessary support to defend their peace and security in an organized fashion and enhanced manner, an effort which has been going on for the last two years.
It is after having ascertained that all this activities have been carried out and having seen in practice the readiness of AMISOM to stay in Somalia after the withdrawal of the Ethiopian Contingent that the Ethiopian government began to get the ENDF to withdraw from Somalia in conformity with the commitment it has made. The withdrawal of Ethiopian troops is not going to be conducted with undue haste. This would mean that it will take a few days to be completed and it would be done so as quickly as possible.
The government of Ethiopia realizes that durable peace is still the call of the people of Somalia which is yet to be answered. It is in light of this that Ethiopia appeals to the international community to give more attention to this call by the people of Somalia and discharge its responsibilities by helping the Somalis free themselves from the prevailing chaos. Ethiopia expresses its appreciation to members of IGAD and the AU, in particular to the governments of Uganda and Burundi who have demonstrated their resolve to carry out their Pan-Africanist Mission in Somalia . Our defense forces have carried out a successful Mission to eliminate the clear and present danger that our country had faced two years ago. In addition, the ENDF has over the last two years conducted major efforts to weaken the extremists and to contribute to the creation of peace and stability in Somalia . The Ministry of Foreign Affairs pays tribute on behalf of the entire people of Ethiopia and the Ethiopian government for the sacrifices it made to achieve this mission and reiterates that Ethiopia will continue as before to contribute in deeds to the establishment of durable peace and stability in Somalia .
The sixth summit of Sana’a Forum in Khartoum
The sixth summit of the Sana'a Forum for cooperation was held in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum on 30 December 2008. In attendance at the summit were President Omar Hassan Ahmed Al- Bashir of the Republic of the Sudan, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the outgoing Chair of the Forum, President Ali Abdullah Saleh of the Republic of Yemen, Prime Minister Nur Hassen Hussein 'Adde' of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, and President Ismail Omar Geulleh of the Republic of Djibouti, who took part at the summit as an observer. Following the opening ceremony, the program of work and the agenda was adopted and a progress report by the specialized committees was presented on the activities of the Forum since the 10th Executive Committee Meeting. The progress report dealt with a host of issues, including principal regional issues of mutual interest, such as the situation in Somalia and the piracy off shore, the problem in the Sudan , the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute, Eritrea-Djibouti dispute, the problem of terrorism and the current conflict between Hamas and Israel .
The Executive Committee of the Forum exchanged views on the aforementioned regional issues of mutual concern and adopted a joint communiqué at the conclusion of the summit. An opening speech was made by President Omar Hassan Ahmed Al- Bashir of the Republic of the Sudan , the host country, and incoming Chair of the Forum. In the course of deliberations, the outgoing Chairperson, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia made a statement in which he welcomed the President of Djibouti saying his presence "… is a source of satisfaction for us all and I have no doubt it will enrich our deliberation and will help make the Forum an even more effective instrument for regional peace and security and for a far more strengthened economic cooperation among member states." He went on to say that since the last summit in February 2007 Forum member states have coordinated their positions on vital security and political matters of the region. On Somalia , they managed to send the same message to the various Somali parties with the view to helping them move forward in the peace process under difficult circumstances. The fact that Djibouti, Sudan and Ethiopia are members of IGAD has afforded the Forum members the opportunity to synchronize their positions as was amply demonstrated at the last IGAD Summit as well as at the Extra-ordinary session of IGAD council of Ministers on 21 December 2008 in Addis Ababa. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi noted that member states have the obligation to be more, not less politically engaged to help the Somalis achieve peace and national reconciliation that has eluded them for too long. On Ethiopia 's decision to withdraw its troops from Somalia . Prime Minister Meless said “We came to the conclusion that no good would be served by the continuing presence of our troops in Somalia . But this should in no way be interpreted as meaning that we have decided to wash our hands of Somalia . That neither, Ethiopia , nor other members of the Forum, nor the forum in general, can afford to do that should be obvious. But whatever we do has to be based on an approach that would encourage the Somalis to take the lead and to own the process of national reconciliation in their country. This is a matter that can not be emphasized too strongly." He emphasized the need to immediately beef up AMISOM troops and provide financial support to the TFG. In response, the Yemeni leader has pledged USD 1.5 million as the Sudan and Yemen together also pledged to offer military uniforms and provide other logistical support while Ethiopia and Djibouti are expected to provide training for TFG security personnel. The signing of the Djibouti peace Agreements between the TFG and ARS was welcomed and calls were made for their speedy implementation. Member states appreciated Ethiopia 's invaluable contribution in the search for peace and reconciliation in Somalia .
With respect to economic, trade and social matters the report of the Summit admitted that the Forum has not registered sufficient progress. It was nonetheless emphasized there in no lack of commitment in the members states, as can be gleaned from the more than a dozen agreements, protocols and MOUs that the members of the Forum have signed. It was indeed, it was noted members of the Forum have made significant progress in developing cooperation in the hydropower sector and in other areas. Among other matters on which decisions were taken include the crises between Israel and Hamas, as well as matter relating to the designation of the Secretary General of the Forum. In general it is widely believed that both the Executive Committee meeting and the Summit were a success
