Addis Ababa, November 28, 2008
(Addis Ababa) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said the piracy South of Red Sea and
along Gulf of Aden shows that the chaos in Somalia is becoming international
threat from that of regional problem. Meles strongly urged the international
community not to ignore the problem in Somalia.
The premier
said preparations are nearing completion to withdraw Ethiopian army from Somalia
as it cannot stay there indefinitely.
Responding to
questions posed by journalists at a press conference in Sana'a, Yemen, Prime
Minister Meles said Eritrean government and other anti-peace forces have been
supporting terrorists in Somalia, exacerbating situations in that country and
expanding piracy.
The Eritrean
government in particular has been giving clear and direct assistance to
extremists in Somalia, he said, adding, this has been even proved by the United
Nations.
In addition
to disturbing regional peace, security and safety, the problem has become
international danger as piracy can affect any country.
The premier
recalled that based on call from TFG of Somalia, Ethiopian army has been
exerting efforts to ensure stability in that country. However, the army is
making preparation to withdraw from Somalia as it cannot stay there
indefinitely.
Prime
Minister Meles accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Seyoum Mesfin and other
senior government officials was in Sana'a, Yemen for a two-day official visit.
Arriving at
Sana’a Airport the Ethiopian delegation was warmly welcomed by Yemeni President
Ali Abdallah Salih and Prime Minister Ali Muhammad Mujawwar.
The leaders
of the two sisterly countries agreed to strengthen existing cooperation between
the two countries. The delegation returned home later on
Friday.