Press Statement on the commencement of the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops from Somalia

Press Statement on the commencement of the withdrawal of Ethiopian Troops from Somalia

(23/01/2007)

The following press statement was issued today by the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ethiopian troops have begun to withdraw from Somalia today, 23^rd January 2007. The commencement of the first phase of the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops from Somalia has been made possible by the completion of their mission with resounding success in collaboration with the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) forces.

It is to be recalled that Ethiopian troops were forced to move into Somalia on 24^th December 2006 in a counteroffensive to repulse the two-pronged offensive of the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) forces and their extremist allies in Baidoa. What took place subsequently is in the public domain internationally, and does not require repeating. However, one matter does deserve highlighting: Ethiopian troops have discharged their responsibilities with dignity and discipline.

The Ethiopian troops went into Somalia with a clear mandate from the Ethiopian Parliament. That mandate makes it clear that the Executive Branch has an obligation to withdraw the troops immediately upon the completion of the mission which involves the removal of the clear and present danger to Ethiopia's security. That mission has now been completed.

The Ethiopian Prime Minister has said repeatedly that when Ethiopia does withdraw, it would do so in a responsible manner. The withdrawal of Ethiopian troops cannot be a prelude to another round of bloodletting in Somalia.

In this regard, the commencement of the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops is taking place under conditions in Somalia where most of the security challenges have been addressed and are contained. The Ethiopian troops have done their level best to enhance the capacity of the TFG troops and security. Although more work is needed in this area, it is Ethiopia's conviction that what has been carried out already is sufficient to warrant the beginning of the Ethiopian troop withdrawal. No less significant has been the disarming of the warlords. That disarmament programme has proceeded successfully, thus removing one of the major sources of insecurity in Moqadishu and other areas.

It is Ethiopia's conviction that there is an excellent prospect that the African stabilisation force will be deployed very soon. Ethiopia is also very encouraged, in this regard, by the decision on 19th December 2006 of the AU Peace and Security Council, authorising the deployment of AMISOM. It should also be noted that the Security Council of the United Nations also adopted Resolution 1725 (2006) authorising the deployment of an African Force in Somalia.

In light of all this, the commencement of the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops is taking place, not only in line with the mandate of the legislative body of the country but also in accordance with what should be viewed as responsible and proper.

January 23, 2007

ENDS