Ethiopia PM, Dutch minister discuss Darfur and Somalia

June 23, 2008 (ADDIS ABABA) – Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles discussed with the visiting Netherlands Minister of Defense Eimert van Middelkoop the political stability in Somalia and efforts for peace in the Sudan’s troubled region of Darfur.

Ethiopia is the biggest troops contributors of the 26000 strong-hold hybrid peacekeeping operation in Darfur. Addis pledged to send 5000 soldiers.

Meles and Middelkoop have discussed on ways of garnering support of international community for the ongoing peace process besides strengthening the UN-African Union-Peacekeeping mission in western Sudan, the official ENA reported.

The Dutch minister will visit Sudan after concluding his stay in Ethiopia.

Darfur war has driven 2.5 million from their homes and international experts estimate it has claimed 300,000 lives. Khartoum accuses Western media of exaggerating the conflict and says 10,000 have died.

The Ethiopia Prime Minster further lauded the Netherlands effort of escorting ships transporting humanitarian aids being supplied by World Food Program to Somalia.

Meles said such cooperation from the Netherlands in preventing pirates from looting relief shipments should further be strengthened, senior government official who attended the discussion told journalists.

(ST)