Ethiopia says withdrawal from Somalia "irreversible"

ADDIS ABABA, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia's decision to withdraw its troops from Somalia is "irreversible," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Wahide Belay on Wednesday.
The decision had got approval of the lower House of People's Representatives, Wahide told journalists.
"The Ethiopian army, that successfully discharged its mission in Somalia, will be withdrawn," he stressed.
Ethiopia will continue to support the activities aimed at ensuring peace and stability in Somalia, after it pulls its troops out of the Horn of Africa nation by the end of the year, said Wahide. "As the current chairmanship of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a member of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), an active participant in the UN and international forums, Ethiopia will continue exerting efforts to help ensure peace and stability in Somalia," said the spokesman. more..http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-12/25/content_10555187.htm