Ethiopia Hints at Policy Shift on Somalia, Financial Times Says

Posted by Medeshi on 28 Aug , 2008
Ethiopia Hints at Policy Shift on Somalia, Financial Times Says
By Paul Richardson
(Bloomberg) -- Ethiopia may withdraw its troops from Somalia before the nation's transitional federal government stabilizes and begins functioning, the Financial Times reported, citing Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.
Zenawi's remarks signal a policy shift because Ethiopia has previously said it will remain in Somalia until the interim government is in control, the London-based newspaper said.
Ethiopia's withdrawal from Somalia while it remains lawless and violent may result in the state falling into a deeper crisis, the daily said. Ethiopia is closer to withdrawing its troops than at any time in the past, the FT said, citing unidentified analysts.
To contact the reporter on this story: Paul Richardson in Johannesburg at pmrichardson@bloomberg.net.