Meles strongly urges international community not to ignore situations in Somalia

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.