Update On Somalia: US Air Strike and Comments

(Aigaforum, Jan 11, 2007)

In a lengthy press briefing session with the international press held in Addis Ababa Jan 10, 2007, PM Meles could not hide his anguish about the potential collateral damage an aerial bombardment could cause. The premier responding to questions raised by journalist in regard to the US air strike around Ras Kamboni in Somalia's southern tip in length said, the US carried one strike only and according to a report he has from Ethiopian defense forces the strike did not kill civilians but suspected terrorists which he is waiting for DNA report to identify individuals killed.

PM Meles was also clearly weary of any future similar strike causing civilian deaths and he hoped the US would be very careful not to antagonize Somalis by strikes that may go wrong in the future. Although western media sources were quoted about the close cooperation of US forces and Ethiopian forces, the Ethiopian and Somalia Transitional Government Forces single handedly won the battle against UIC extreme forces and their international terrorist cohorts as well as Dictator Isayas Afeworki's foot soldiers.

The primer stressed Somalis are the primary source to heal Somalia's current troubles. He stressed so far the TFG has done marvelous job in maintaining peace and order. There is a long road ahead for Somalis to travel to attain peace but so far so good he said.

As for Mogadishu being a hot bed for demonstrations and left over terrorist cells, Meles reiterated that despite all kind of innuendos reported, no Ethiopian soldier has been killed or wounded since Ethiopian forces at the invitation of the Somali elders in Mogadishu entered the city. The only demonstration of any kind observed has been in and around KM4 and that was sponsored by a one warlord. The UIC does not exist any more as a unit and does not have the capacity to organize a demonstration. He also sees no wrong in people showing their disagreement with the TFG so long the demonstration is peaceful.

Responding to the withdrawal date, Meles indicated the original date still stands and Ethiopian forces will withdraw as soon as possible. The main mission goal has been achieved and any delay would only come if there is a convincing reason to do so. He stressed the mission for our defense force has been not to go after individuals but to break the backbone of the terrorist and extreme elements of the UIC. That we have done superbly to the extent we have surpassed our own projections not to mention our friends in the West! He said.

Aigaforum would like to thank the prime minister for keeping the public and the world at large informed. We can not thank enough the Ethiopian defense forces for restoring our pride and the Ethiopian government for making the right decision to uproot potential gathering danger in the horn. The horn will be a more peaceful neighborhood.

We will also like to see the prime minister office to hire a spokes person reporting directly to the prime minister. Much of the questions and answer session the primer faces every time he meets the private media could have been answered by a spokes person daily or weekly. Journalist need not wait weeks and months to meet the premier.