Somalia-Ethiopia relations improve

Prime Minister Meles: good relations with factions opposing President Hassan

By Nita Bhalla in Addis Ababa

Ethiopia has moved a step closer to formally recognising the newly established government of Somalia, which was elected three months ago at the Arta Conference in Djibouti.

After three days of talks with the Somali President Abdulkassim Salat Hassan in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian authorities said they 'affirmed the Arta peace process' but urged it to reach agreement with its opponents, which include clan warlords and leaders of two breakaway regions.

The Somali delegation said it was satisfied with the response of the Ethiopians, but when asked whether Ethiopia actually formally recognised the new government, the Somali foreign minister Ismail Mohammed Hurre said that recognition was not the issue.

An Ethiopian government official said formal recognition of Mr Hassan's government at this moment could jeopardise the mediation efforts, which are under way by Ethiopia, who has good relations with many of the factions.

The Somali authorities face problems in Baidoa as well as autonomous areas

However, much progress was made.

The talks were wide-ranging, according to the Somali foreign minister, and included issues on border security, the reconciliation process between Somali factions, the re-opening of embassies and also charting new visions for development between the two countries.

Ethiopia has been relatively silent since Mr Hassan was elected in August, adopting a 'wait and see' policy toward the new government.

Although this still exists, sources say that many rumours and suspicions were laid to rest, and Ethiopia feels confident that relations could eventually strengthen if the reconciliation efforts promised by Mr Hassan really do ring true.