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Ethiopia to Send Peacekeepers to Somalia

The Daily Monitor (Addis Ababa)
NEWS
October 27, 2004
Posted to the web October 27, 2004

By Dagnachew Teklu
Addis Ababa
Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said that Ethiopia will send peacekeeping forces to
the newly established Somalia if a request comes from the African Union (AU).
"As you know, Ethiopia has already sent peacekeeping forces to some other
African countries on AU's request. So, if there will be a request from AU, we
will consider positively to send peacekeeping forces to Somalia," Meles said.
"Nevertheless, if it is the opinion of the AU to send troops and the wish of
Somalia people and government we will help them by sending peacekeeping troops.
That is something we should consider positively when the question is asked," he
said
He told journalists at a press conference held on Monday evening at Sheraton
Addis, together with Somalia newly elected transitional government, Abdulahi
Yesuf that Ethiopia will continue to support the ongoing peace process in
Somalia as it did in the previous years.
He said that the international community needs to stretch its hands to support
what Somalia is seeking, re-building the country.
"We want to assure our support to the Somalia people in their journey to
peace," Meles added.
President Yesuf on his part told journalists that his government will try to
solve the Somaliland issue peacefully.
"We want to solve Somalia's problem peacefully including Somaliland. Dialogue
is much better than other means. War is not the solution," Yesuf said.
President Yesuf also indicated that there would not be two Somalia's.
"I am the president of the country .We would solve the existing difference
peacefully and form one Somalia," Yesuf added.
Asked when he will return to Somalia, he said, "It is our interest to go inside
Somalia as soon as the cabinet is formed and to do what are possible in terms
of restoring security and peace."
"We don't see any problem to return to Mogadishu. But there should be adequate
preparations for peace and security in Somalia."

   

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