Ethiopia’s CUDP backs government against Somali Islamists
Nov 24, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) — Ethiopian opposition lawmakers on Friday pledged to back a government motion on its stance against Somalia’s powerful Islamists who have declared a holy war on its neighbour.
A day after Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said his country was ready for war with the Islamists and government sought parliament’s backing, the opposition rescinded its rejection “to maintain the national sovereignty.”
Ayele Chameso, a senior official of the main opposition group Coalition for Unity and Democracy Party (CUDP), said their political differences could not override national security and pledged to work with the government.
“We do have political differences, but in case of a threat on the sovereignty of our country, we are all united,” Ayele said.
In a statement, the CUDP “expressed readiness to cooperate with the ruling party and other opposition parties with regard to sovereignty of the country.”
“CUDP said the party has the responsibility of joining in activities to maintain the national sovereignty now that the UIC authorities have been engaged to disintegrate the unity of Ethiopia,” it said.
On Thursday, the lawmakers rejected the motion saying it was unclear and lent itself to broad interpretations, including a “declaration of war” against the Islamists who accuse Ethiopia of sending troops to back Somalia’s weak interim government.
They also complained the motion was not presented in writing.
Lidetu Ayalew, the head of United Ethiopian Democratic Party (UEDP), said his party would consult with the government to see the passage of the motion.
“The resolution did not pass, (but) we are in support to the governeent. We have agreed to discuss the issue, we hope (to) reach a … consensus, then the new text will be presented to the parliament,” he said.
“We don’t want to be against this issue. Very crucial national interest issue, we want to support the government in this issue of national interest.”
“Somalia is also the concern of the international community. We are confident that the government is handling the problem in a proper manner,” he said.
(AFP)