|
Ethiopia is
already under attack by the jihadist leadership of the Union of
Islamic Courts. If the peaceful overtures that we have made towards
the Islamic leadership do not succeed, we reserve our right to
protect ourselves and take proportional steps. That is where the
situation lies at the moment. The jihadists continue to expand the
area of their military presence to border regions to Ethiopia.
Nevertheless, we are not yet convinced that peaceful options have
been exhausted.
In your report
you have explained that there have been clashes between Muslims and
Christians in Jimma zones. What are your views on this issue?
Both Muslims
and Christians took it upon themselves to control the situation. In
my view, the incidents do not prove that the traditional tolerance
between various religions has been in any way affected. On the
contrary I believe it is organized provocation by the jihadist
elements.
IGAD had
decided to send troops from Sudan and Uganda to Somalia. What
happened about this?
IGAD had sought
the support of the international community particularly the Security
Council to deploy its troops in Somalia. The Security Council, for
reasons that are not clear for us, did not remove the arms embargo
in Somalia. Therefore, IGAD’s troops could not be deployed.
What kind of
discussions were going on in Washington and Brussels? … Are you
having the support of Washington?
Every one I
know recognizes that there is an immediate and present danger to
Ethiopia. They recognize that we have the right to take proportional
action to defend [ourselves]. Both Washington and Brussels feel
military action on our part in response to the aggression might be
counter productive. We agreed with that, but because it is our
country being attacked, naturally we do not seek any light, green,
red or yellow from any one to protect ourselves.
The risks of
terrorist attack have increased in Ethiopia. What do you say?
Clearly, the
risks of terrorist attack in Ethiopia have increased since last
summer. I always believe that we live in a country that is prone to
terrorist attacks from various quarters. In the mid 1990s
the Al-Itihad Islamic group which is part of the jihadist
leadership in Somalia now was involved in a number of terrorist
outrages in Addis. Since then, we have been taking measures to
prevent terrorist activities.
What would be
the limit for Ethiopia to consider going to the war?
I can not tell
you that because I can not predict the future. Even if I could, it
would not be prudent for me do so in public.
SEE
ALSO
Meles Speaks Out On Inflation
|
