ETHIOPIA WITHDRAWING TROOPS FROM SOMALIA AFTER FULFILLING MISSION

Addis Ababa, January 3, 2009 (Addis Ababa) - Ethiopia has begun pulling out its troops from Somalia as the national army successfully completed its mission in that country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed. In its statement sent to ENA on Saturday, the ministry noted that the national defense force was sent to Somalia two years ago in order to foil a threat posed by the self-styled Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) that declaring ‘Jihad war’against Ethiopia. Ethiopian troops were able to thwart the threat within the shortest possible time, which was the top most objective of the mission. However, Ethiopian troops remained in Somalia to maintain the prevailed peace and stability for the friendly people of Somalia in collaboration with internationally-recognized Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of the country.
Moreover, it said, Ethiopia has been exerting utmost efforts in the diplomatic arena to encourage the African Union (AU) and the international community to play their shares towards stabilizing Somalia.more..http://www.ena.gov.et/EnglishNews/2009/Jan/03Jan09/77165.htm
PRESS STATEMENT

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: ETHIOPIAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCES START TO PULL OUT OF SOMALIA http://www.aigaforum.com/news/MFA_Pressstatement_010409.htm