Ethiopia PM, US Intelligence committee discuss terrorism, Somalia

Feb 21, 2007 (ADDIS ABABA) — In a meeting with a US Congress Intelligence committee today, Ethiopian Prime Minister has reaffirmed its determination to fight terrorism saying it’s a universal threat to the international stability. Also, the two parties discussed ways to establish peace in Somalia.

Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has said Ethiopia will carry on with the role it has been playing to thwart terrorism, which represents a menace to the world. He made this statement during a meeting with chairpersons of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the US congress, Dutch Ruppersberger and Silvestre Reyes, the official ENA reported.

Ethiopia will be supporting in the activities in Somalia of realizing an all-inclusive and broad-based government, a senior government official who attended the meeting quoted Prime Minister Meles as saying.

Currently, the way conditions are stabilizing in Somalia is even speedier than anticipated; Meles told the US congressional delegation. Saying the US can play irreplaceable role in helping the continent ensure stability and defend terrorism, Meles expressed his hope that cooperation in the areas of training and logistical support will be strengthened.

The US congressional committee chairmen commended Ethiopia’s anti-terror stance and the measures it has taken to pave the way for the creation of stability in Somalia.

Having expressed their appreciation also to the ongoing development activities in Ethiopia, congressmen Ruppersberger and Reyes said they would encourage fellow congress members to come and see. They called on the AU, the USA and the international community to support efforts in Somalia to establish an all-inclusive and broad-based government.

(ST)