Ethiopia's stand

Sir, - The report, `Referendum on statute of breakaway Somaliland' (May 31): the writer states that ``Somaliland has received considerable help from Ethiopia in its quest for legitimacy.'' He further asserts that ``Ethiopia sees in an eventual sovereign Somaliland a useful buffer against Somalia''.

It has been the long-standing and principled position of Ethiopia that a divided Somalia does not only serve Ethiopia's interest but would be a horrifying and unpleasant dream for Ethiopia and the region. In fact, the thrust of Ethiopia's policy towards Somalia is to encourage and support the various Somali rival political groups to engage in a genuine national reconciliation and meaningful dialogue to restore peace, stability and unity of Somalia.

Several initiatives were taken by Ethiopia to achieve this objective. It was Ethiopia that had initiated the Sodore peace process and initiated a number of moves aimed at creating the necessary conditions for peaceful dialogue among Somalis. This is firm evidence that Ethiopia is for a peaceful and prosperous Somalia with its territorial integrity and unity fully ensured and respected. It also needs to be emphasised that a stable Somalia is the foremost necessity for Ethiopia as the two countries are not only close neighbours but, as reality shows, are linked with blood ties. This is the backdrop against which the writer needs to view and assess Ethiopia's position on the issue he has raised.

The article is in full contradiction with the thrust of Ethiopia's policy and harmful to the ongoing peace process in Somalia and fraternal relations between the peoples of Ethiopia and Somalia.

Demeke Atnafu,

Ethiopian Embassy, New Delhi

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