Press Statement about recent BBC report

(11/08/06) 

Prime Minister Meles Zenawi recently gave an interview to the BBC concerning the Somali region and some of the violence instigated there by rebels from the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF).

The Prime Minister, in his interview, in no way said that he was advised to use force by elders from the Somali region. He, however, expressed the frustration of the Somali elders at their inability to meet the ONLF representatives, in order to pursue their peace mission, during a recent visit to Europe and the United States.

The recent military action taken against the ONLF is in response to the protracted violence that the ONLF has instigated with the purpose of undermining peace, stability and development in the Somali region.

ENDS