UN envoy, Ethiopian goverment minister hold talks on Somalia

[Coeus]

The Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister, Hailemariam Dessalegn, held talks on Thursday in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa with United Nations (UN) Special Envoy to Somalia Augustine Mahiga on the situation of Somalia, APA learns here on state-broadcaster Ethiopian Television.

Hailemariam said the African Union (AU), UN and IGAD -Inter Governmental Authority on Development-will play a significant role until August when the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia (TFG) ends its mandate.

Ethiopia’s deputy PM said concerted efforts among various stakeholders towards establishing a strong government in Somalia are vital.

According to the Ethiopian Television (ETV) report, Ethiopia has unflinching interest to ensure durable peace and stability in Somalia.

The Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General for Somalia, Ambassador Augustine Mahiga, said his discussion with Deputy PM Hailemariam was constructive, noting that they discussed how to advance the peace process and strengthen the TFG and other relevant institutions in that country.

Mahiga said alleviating the problems of piracy and strengthening the fight on international terrorism were among their agendas.

Various promising tasks were accomplished so far, he said, and we hope the year 2011 will be an opportune time to see significant changes in the country, according to the report by ETV.

The envoy also called up on AU, IGAD and all stakeholders to continue their support to strengthen AMISOM-African Union Mission in Somalia.