Sana’a Forum hails Ethiopia’s efforts for peace in Sudan, Somalia
By Tesfa-Alem Tekle
August 3, 2010 (ADDIS ABABA) — The Sana’a Cooperation Forum summit was held on Sunday in Sana’a, Yemen, deliberating mainly on regional peace and security concerns, said Ethiopia Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The meeting has deliberated on enhanced tripartite cooperation, regional security, deteriorating security situation in Somalia, terrorism and other issues of common concern. The agenda also covered member states as well as the Forum’s role in ensuring regional peace and stability.
The summit commended the efforts and roles of the Ethiopian government to bring lasting peace and satiability in Sudan, Somalia and across the region as a whole. It further calls on the horn nation to push forward the positive contributions.
Many agree that, Ethiopia has an action-oriented policy toward securing durable peace and stability across the region.
Ethiopia has continually engaged in courageous moves toward restoring peace and stability in the war-torn Somalia. Past opportunities created for the political engagement in Somalia are among the contributions by the Ethiopian government.
In Neighboring Sudan, Ethiopia has contributed over 2300 Blue Helmets to UNAMID, as well as five tactical helicopters, which deployed in February 2010.
The summit has also welcomed the peace accord signed between the government of Ethiopia and the United Western Somali Liberation Front on Wednesday.
The forum further stressed the need for Ethiopia and Eritrea stalled border issue resolved through dialogue. A process to resolve the border dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea remains stalled despite a number attempts during the past years.
The 1998-2000 border war between the two neighbors had cost the lives of some 70,000 people. In 2002, a Boundary Commission ruled on a new border between the two countries. However, demarcation of the border is not yet implemented.
The stalemate continues, raising fears of renewed conflict. Eritrea accuses the international community of insufficient action in compelling Ethiopia to comply. Eritrea stands accused of backing rebellions in Ethiopia and Somalia.
After his participation in the extraordinary meeting of Sana’a Forum’s extra ordinary summit, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin hailed the results of the forum meeting, which aims to ensure security and stability in the region. It also aims to assist Somalia to overcome its problems and implement the peace agreement signed in Sudan in addition to putting an end to the border disagreement between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
Foreign ministers of Ethiopia, Djibouti, Yemen and Somalia as well as deputy foreign minister of Sudan took part in the Forum.
ELECTION, CPA, ARREST WARRANT
The council hailed democratic elections recently held in Sudan and Ethiopia. It congratulated the people of Sudan for the results of the recent legislative and presidential elections. It acknowledged the efforts of the Sudanese government towards implementing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).
It called on all parties to resolve their differences through dialogue. It rejected the resolutions of the International Criminal Court, saying it violates Sudan’s sovereignty and undermines efforts to bring durable peace in the vast nation.
(ST)