Ethiopia Says Hope for Lasting Peace in Somalia Still ExistsThe Ethiopian Foreign Ministry has said that there is a glimmer of hope for the prevalence of a lasting peace in Somalia, according to local press reports on Tuesday.Konjit Sene-Giorgis, Director General of Africa of the Foreign Ministry, made the remarks here on Monday following a meeting between Ethiopian Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin and members of the Somalia Reconciliation and Rehabilitation Council (SRRC). During the meeting, Seyoum has reportedly briefed the SRRC members on the outcomes of the discussions held with the Somalia Transitional Government (TNG). Konjit noted that there is hope that the efforts geared to effect durable peace in Somalia would bear fruit. A TNG delegation headed by Deputy Prime Minister Osman Jamal had paid a four-day official visit to Addis Ababa in the mid of this month, during which the Somali delegation had promised to negotiation with every faction without any preconditions. Current Chairman of the SRRC Abdulahi Sheik Ismail said that Ethiopia is desirous to see peace and the establishment of a broad- based government in Somalia, expressing his respect and compassion to the Ethiopian government. Earlier, Foreign Minister of Somalia's Transitional National Government Ismael Hurreh Bubah has expressed that it was wrong to accuse Ethiopia of meddling in Somalia's internal affairs. The remark followed months of accusation that Ethiopia has been launching cross border attacks into the southwestern part of Somalia and actively supporting Somali warlords with the intent of undermining the Mogadishu government. |
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