INspite of withdrawal of the Ethiopians, they will remain committed

[Fabregas]

Many African diplomats have openly expressed fears that an Ethiopian pullout could lead to an immediate collapse of the TFG, as the Somali government is known. But AU Commission Chairman Ping told reporters Wednesday he has received assurances from Ethiopia that they will not completely abandon Somalia, and will remain on the border, poised to return if conditions deteriorate.

 

"In spite of withdrawal of the Ethiopians, they will remain committed, just in the other side of the border, and they will intervene, and the African troops will remain there. The AMISOM will remain there and we'll continue to ask strengthening of AMISOM by asking new troops and also financial assistance," he said.

 

Ping said he is preparing for a number of possible scenarios to protect Somalia and the remaining peacekeepers when Ethiopia pulls out. But he expressed hope the Ethiopians could be persuaded to postpone their withdrawal if Somalia's leaders settle their internal dispute.

 

"This depends on the behavior of the Transitional Government of Somalia," Ping said. We hope they will understand they are there to help the country to help them and they should stop quarreling… So we hope that this will be the case and then we can continue this operation in Somalia."

 

 

http://nazret.com/blog/index.php?title=ethiopia_to _withdraw_troops_from_somalia&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1

[Member-sol-]

It seems the ethiopians are preparing for one last go at the ICU. news reports say large numbers of ethiopian soldiers were seen heading towards somalia, from Doollo, Gedo region.