False propaganda of extremist in UIC would not harm Ethio-Somali relations - MoFA

31 August 2006

The false propaganda being disseminated by the extremist group that is operating hidden under the umbrella of Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) would not harm the relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia, which is built on a strong foundation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Press, Information and Documentation Director General with the ministry, Ambassador Solomon Abebe, said that Somali nationals are friendly people who would not be deceived by the false propaganda of the group as they have been living in Ethiopia for the last 16 years without facing any problem.

He added that the extremist group has been persistently disseminating the false information that Ethiopian forces have entered into Somalia only as a pretext to get popular support that helps it fulfill its illegal objectives.

Ethiopia is assisting the Transitional Government of Somalia as it has wide popular base and helps ensure reliable peace in the region, Ambassador Solomon said, adding that if the extremist force seizes power against the will of the people, it would turn East Africa into a terror zone.
According to the Director General, the extremist group is disseminating false propaganda against Ethiopia as it well knows that Ethiopia would hamper its objective of turning the region into a terror zone.

Ambassador Solomon recalled that Ethiopia had repeatedly crushed Al-Ittihad, the terrorist group that conducted cross-border attacks. The terrorist group therefore considers Ethiopia as an enemy, he explained.

The Mogadishu-based UIC, through its staunch supporter, the government of Eritrea, and few media that support its objectives have been exerting utmost efforts to create animosity between the brotherly peoples of Ethiopia and Somalia, the Director General exposed.

Ambassador Solomon further said Ethiopia’s stand for peace and good relationship with Somalia would remain firm till the end, and added that it has succeeded in making this position clear to IGAD, AU and the international community.