Ethiopia Cuts Ties With Qatar Government

[Jacaylbaro]

NAIROBI, April 21 (Reuters) - Ethiopia broke diplomatic ties with Qatar on Monday, accusing it of supporting terrorism in Somalia and spreading instability in the Horn of Africa.

 

"Whether in Somalia and in other parts of the Horn of Africa -- including within Ethiopia -- Qatar has been one of the most important supporters of terrorism and extremism in our sub-region," Ethiopia's government said in an email statement.

[Armchair Politician]

Qatar? First Norway now Qatar?

[Jacaylbaro]

ADDIS ABABA, April 21 (Reuters) - Ethiopia broke diplomatic ties with Qatar on Monday, accusing the Gulf Arab state of supporting terrorism in Somalia and Ethiopia and spreading instability in the Horn of Africa.

 

"Whether in Somalia and in other parts of the Horn of Africa -- including within Ethiopia -- Qatar has been one of the most important supporters of terrorism and extremism in our sub-region," Ethiopia's government said in an email statement.

 

A U.S. ally and the biggest military power in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia said it had long observed Qatar's "hostile behaviour", had raised the issue directly on various occasions, and had been patient before taking Monday's measure.

 

Qatar, an oil and gas producer, is also an American ally and hosts a large U.S. military base.

 

"All diplomatic efforts have been deployed to try to persuade Qatar to change its destructive activities ... of which Ethiopia has unequivocal evidence," it said. "Apparently blinded by arrogance ... Qatar has remained deaf to all our efforts."

 

The statement added that Qatar's hostility to Ethiopia "included the output of its media outlets", a presumed reference to the Al Jazeera Arab satellite television network.

 

 

JAZEERA REPORTS

 

Jazeera has in recent days been broadcasting reports on the conflict in Ethiopia's ****** region that have criticised the military's role against local rebels.

 

Qatari officials could not be immediately reached for reaction. Ethiopia urged it to "speedily change the misguided policies which have led to this unfortunate situation."

 

The statement cited Qatari support for Ethiopia's arch-foe Eritrea and backing for groups in Somalia where Addis Ababa has thousands of troops fighting Islamist insurgents.

 

"Qatar has left no stone unturned to cause harm to Ethiopia's national security. All those who are prepared to foment instability in Ethiopia and undermine the country's security have been given support and encouragement by Qatar.

 

"This has gone beyond Qatar's strong ties with Eritrea. It has indeed provided direct and indirect assistance to terrorist organisations in Somalia and other areas."

 

Ethiopia's support for Somalia's Western-backed interim government has been a major source of contention in the region, and brought calls for jihad from some radical groups.

 

Bilateral trade is a negligible $6 million annually, according to Ethiopian officials.

[Gar-haye]

"This has gone beyond Qatar's strong ties with Eritrea. It has indeed provided direct and indirect assistance to terrorist organisations in Somalia and other areas."

 

ethiopia declares qatar state sponsor of terrorism LOL. should we expect regime change or operation enduring freedom. with urals at the fanguard of operation shock an awe.

[Fabregas]

Waa tuug shekadisi la gaadey....the war in SOmalia has meant that media outlets are scrutinizing Meles Zenawi's tactics in the Ocaden........maxa cabaad ka baxaya.........Ayan dhow they Say SOL is supporting terrorism........

[Abtigiis]

Wuxuu Meles isu haystaa inuu yahay super power. HE is just another African Dictator from the poorest country in the world. Some Qatari' government officials might even wonder 'oo ma xidhiid baynu la lehyn, dadkaas gaajaysan, i,.e, Ethiopia?'. Warba isuma hayo.