Ethiopia may defend Somali govt
2006-07-20 10:02
Nairobi - Ethiopia is prepared to invade neighbouring Somalia to defend Somalia's internationally recognised government against what appeared to be an imminent attack by an Islamic militia, says a government spokesperson.
Ethiopia's minister of information Berhan Hailu said: "We have the responsibility to defend the border and the Somali government. We will crush them."
The comments came as the Islamic militia that had seized control of most of southern Somalia deployed hundreds of fighters outside the base of the United Nations-backed interim government and said they planned to seize it.
The militia's movement toward the Somali town of Baidoa immediately raised concerns about possible intervention by Ethiopia, Somalia's traditional enemy.
Ethiopia 'supports Somali govt'
Somali transitional President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed was allied with Ethiopia and had asked for its support, and Ethiopia had intervened militarily in Somalia in the past.
Hundreds of Ethiopian troops had been spotted along the countries' border in recent weeks.
Berhan said Ethiopia supported Somalia's interim government because the UN and the African Union backed the panel.
He said: "We believe they have the right to lead the country in the right direction. But, if the Islamic Courts Union militias move closer to Baidoa, then that is showing the intention of wanting to take over the recognised government."
Somalia invaded Ethiopia in 1978 in an attempt to grab land occupied by ethnic Somalis. Since then, Ethiopia had attempted to influence Somali politics to prevent another invasion.
Ethiopia sent troops into Somalia in 1993 and 1996 to crush Islamic militants attempting to establish a religious government. The leader of the Islamic courts was also a top Islamic leader in the 1990s.
- AP