Egyptian radio urges Ethiopia’s withdrawal from Somalia
April 14, 2007 (CAIRO) — An Egyptian radio commentary urged today the withdrawal of the Ethiopian troops from Somalia saying it would create conductive condition for the Somali to stop fighting and reach an agreement on the fate of their country.
An Egyptian radio commentary by Ahmad al-Qasir titled: “Ending the armed conflict is the only way out to save the Somali people from destruction” has reiterated the need for Ethiopian troops to withdraw from Somalia and the need for Somalis to end factional conflicts to save Somalia from destruction. It indicates that armed conflicts have led to the spread of a state of instability and chaos in Somalia.
The state-run radio said: “We see that the solution to the Somali crisis that has been continuing for long years and salvation of the Somali people and its capabilities from destruction lie in the need to end the armed conflict between Somali factions and eliminate war lords. This requires reaching a national reconciliation agreement between Somalis as indicated by Arab League Secretary-General Amr Musa. Most importantly, the Ethiopian troops should withdraw from Somali territories and leave its people to determine their fate.
“All indicators show that Somalia is undergoing a serious stage that threatens the state’s entity in the light of the ongoing conflict between Somali and Ethiopian troops and the rebels who reject the presence of Ethiopian troops on Somali soil.”
On another hand, the chairman of the Somali Islamic Courts, Hassan Dahir Aweys, reiterated in a statement to the satellite Aljazeera TV, his demand for the withdrawal of the Ethiopian before any negotiations with the Somali government.
(ST)