Medeshi Oct 3 , 2008Ethiopia's Opposition demands bring the troops home from Somalia
Ethiopia's fractious political opposition is planning a unified parliamentary campaign to demand a complete withdrawal of Ethiopian troops from Somalia, the Voice of America reports. Almost all of Ethiopia's varies opposition parties have been against the invasion of Somalia from the onset and the war in Somalia is costing Ethiopia enormously both in blood and treasure.
Almost two years after the invasion of Somalia by Ethiopian troops, the situation in Somalia is getting worse by the day.
Ethiopia's fractious political opposition is planning a unified parliamentary campaign to demand a complete withdrawal of Ethiopian troops from Somalia, the Voice of America reports. Almost all of Ethiopia's varies opposition parties have been against the invasion of Somalia from the onset and the war in Somalia is costing Ethiopia enormously both in blood and treasure.
Almost two years after the invasion of Somalia by Ethiopian troops, the situation in Somalia is getting worse by the day.
(File Photo: Ethiopian Troops in Somalia)
Analysts have been writing recently that the insurgents are getting the upper hand and Ethiopia is making the situation worse.
According to VOA, Ethiopian Democratic Party sent a letter to Prime Minister Meles Zenawi saying the sacrifice of lives and scarce financial resources had become unbearable. Party President Lidetu Ayalew says after nearly two years of propping up Somalia's weak transitional government, it is time for Ethiopian troops to go home and demand international organizations such as the United Nations and the African Union take responsibility.
"We are sacrificing a lot. It takes our expenses, we are losing many soldiers there, when you see the international media, our image is in danger ... There must be one point to end our presence in Somalia. We believe the A.U. and U.N. should play their role, but now it is Ethiopia that is holding the whole burden," he said.
"The government has irresponsibly refused to account on these two pertinent issues relating to the Ethiopian army's deployment to Somalia," he said. "Every country's parliament, even the public at large, has a right to know what its involvement is costing in terms of life and resources. We have been kept in the dark."
Beyene Petros (United Ethiopian Democratic Front)
"No Somali would consider Ethiopia as a savior. They all thought, all of them thought Ethiopia was invading Somalia and they would fight Ethiopia as long as they could," Demeksa said. "They resolved to fight against us, and they are fighting, and in my opinion they are winning."
Bulcha Demeksa (Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement)
"I am saying cut your losses and get out. The international community is not going to rescue the Somali people, they have had three years to do so, everybody has stood on sideline and watched the people and defense forces suffering, and we think it is never too late, and the PM [prime minister] is looking for ways to withdraw forces, and my advice is to do it as quickly as possible, and not wait for the international community to react,"
Temesgen Zewde (Unity, Democracy and Justice Party)
"I do not believe we are mired in Somalia. We can get out any time. We will not. This is what the prime minister said. We are not in a quagmire, can get out anytime,"
Foreign Ministry spokesman Wahide Belay
According to VOA, Ethiopian Democratic Party sent a letter to Prime Minister Meles Zenawi saying the sacrifice of lives and scarce financial resources had become unbearable. Party President Lidetu Ayalew says after nearly two years of propping up Somalia's weak transitional government, it is time for Ethiopian troops to go home and demand international organizations such as the United Nations and the African Union take responsibility.
"We are sacrificing a lot. It takes our expenses, we are losing many soldiers there, when you see the international media, our image is in danger ... There must be one point to end our presence in Somalia. We believe the A.U. and U.N. should play their role, but now it is Ethiopia that is holding the whole burden," he said.
"The government has irresponsibly refused to account on these two pertinent issues relating to the Ethiopian army's deployment to Somalia," he said. "Every country's parliament, even the public at large, has a right to know what its involvement is costing in terms of life and resources. We have been kept in the dark."
Beyene Petros (United Ethiopian Democratic Front)
"No Somali would consider Ethiopia as a savior. They all thought, all of them thought Ethiopia was invading Somalia and they would fight Ethiopia as long as they could," Demeksa said. "They resolved to fight against us, and they are fighting, and in my opinion they are winning."
Bulcha Demeksa (Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement)
"I am saying cut your losses and get out. The international community is not going to rescue the Somali people, they have had three years to do so, everybody has stood on sideline and watched the people and defense forces suffering, and we think it is never too late, and the PM [prime minister] is looking for ways to withdraw forces, and my advice is to do it as quickly as possible, and not wait for the international community to react,"
Temesgen Zewde (Unity, Democracy and Justice Party)
"I do not believe we are mired in Somalia. We can get out any time. We will not. This is what the prime minister said. We are not in a quagmire, can get out anytime,"
Foreign Ministry spokesman Wahide Belay
Source : Nazret
