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25 January 2007
Ethiopian troops have begun to withdraw from Somalia today, January 23, 2007. This commencement of the first phase of the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops from Somalia has been made possible by the completion of their mission with resounding success in collaboration with the TFG forces.
It is to be recalled that Ethiopian troops were forced to move into Somalia on December 24, 2006 in a counteroffensive to repulse the two-pronged offensive of the ICU forces and their extremist allies on Baidoa. What took place subsequently is in the public domain internationally, and does not require repeating. But one matter deserves highlighting: The Ethiopian troops have discharged their responsibilities with heroism and dignity, in a way that makes all Africa proud.
The Ethiopian troops went into Somalia with a clear mandate from the Ethiopian legislative body, the Parliament. That mandate makes it clear that the Executive Branch has an obligation to withdraw the troops immediately upon the completion of the mission which involves the removal of the clear and present danger to Ethiopia's security. That mission has been completed.
The Ethiopian Prime Minister has said repeatedly that when Ethiopia does withdraw, it would do so in a responsible manner. The withdrawal of Ethiopian troops cannot be a prelude to another round of bloodletting in Somalia.
In this regard, the commencement of the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops is taking place under conditions in Somalia where most of the security challenges have been addressed and are contained. The Ethiopian troops have done their level best to enhance the capacity of the TFG troops and security.
Although more work is needed in this area, it is Ethiopia's conviction that what has been carried out already is sufficient to warrant the beginning of the Ethiopian troop withdrawal. No less significant has been the disarming of the warlords. That disarmament program has proceeded successfully, thus removing one of the major sources of insecurity in Moqadishu and a few other places.
It is also Ethiopia's conviction that there is an excellent prospect that the African stabilization force would be deployed very soon. Ethiopia is very much encouraged, in this regard, by the decision on 19 December 2007 of the AU Peace and Security Council, authorizing the deployment of AMISOM. It should also be noted that the Security Council of the United Nations has also adopted Resolution 1725 (2006) authorizing the deployment of an African Force in Somalia.
In light of all this, it is only fair to conclude that the commencement of
the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops is taking place, not only in line with
the mandate of the legislative body of the country but also in accord with
what should be viewed as responsible and proper.
January 23, 2007 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of FDRE press section