Nairobi, 1 May 2007 - The following is a statement from the Ethiopian embassy in Nairobi.

Bold action, yes, and an inclusive political and clan approach is certainly needed in Somalia. But that is exactly what is happening, despite the efforts of a small minority of extremists in Mogadishu, and, indeed, in only three districts of the capital, to disrupt the process.

Nation columnist Salim Lone uses emotive language. Ethiopian and Somali Government troops, he claims, "stormed" areas of the capital, leaving large numbers of dead and leading to reprisals, including the outrageous desecration of dead bodies and the shooting down of African Union peacekeeping planes. This is not quite what happened.

In March, attacks by extremists on the transitional government increased. They included mortar attacks on the presidential compound and the headquarters of Ugandan troops in AMISOM, the peacekeeping force endorsed by the AU, the UN and the international community.

Elders from the Hawiye clan asked the TFG and Ethiopian forces to extend their security control into the districts from which most violence was coming. This led to several days of heavy fighting until the elders brokered a cease-fire with the extremists who have suffered significant losses.

There were, indeed, some civilian casualties, and the Ethiopian Government greatly deplores this. But the responsibility for this lies squarely in the hands of extremists trying to seize control of Mogadishu against the wishes of a majority of the population.

Significant efforts are now going on to restore peace and security. The grievances of one or two Hawiye sub-clans, notably the Ayr, some of whom have been supporting the extremists, are also being addressed.

Salim calls this the most illegal war fought in recent history. This, of course, is not true. Salim appears to have allowed his dislike of President Bush's policies in Iraq, to extend to any country with friendly relations with the US in the Middle East and Africa, and to colour his interpretation of events.

Ethiopia did not, as Somali opponents of the TFG claim, invade Somalia. It responded to requests for assistance from the legitimate and internationally recognised Government of Somalia, to prevent the Union of Islamic Courts from overthrowing it.

The UIC, whatever the views of Eritrea, never had the slightest legitimate claim to be the government of Somalia. It was confined to Mogadishu and supported by only one of two Hawiye sub-clans.

Ethiopia began to withdraw its forces after the defeat of the UIC last December. Up to two-thirds have already left; the rest will be withdrawn as soon as other peace keepers arrive.

Everyone must deplore the recent tragic events. We all know that military means cannot bring peace to Mogadishu, but the activities of the extremists appear to leave little option.

The Somali Government is still pushing ahead with plans for a national reconciliation conference. This offers the prospect of a real Somali solution to the problems of Mogadishu, to the divisions within the Hawiye (which is what has torn Mogadishu apart for the last 16 years), and the rivalry between the Darod and the Hawiye.

There is need for the Darod and Hawiye and others to work for a political dispensation which eschews clan supremacy.

Ethiopia only wants to see a government in Somalia to which all Somalis have contributed, in which all are represented, and of which all can be proud, and which, above all, belongs to Somalis.

Source: EMBASSY OF ETHIOPIA, Nairobi.