Warning of loosing security in Somalia; Ali Abdullah Saleh: tripartite coalition not directed against any side
Yemen-Somalia, Politics, 7/25/2003

The Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh has stressed that the tripartite "Yemeni, Ethiopian and Sudanese" coalition is but an open coalition before all countries and that it is not directed against any one, rather an economic, cultural, social and security gathering especially in the area to fighting terrorism.

He said this is an effort which should not be called a coalition, but a "gathering for peace." Saleh expressed to the Ethiopian and Yemeni mass media before his return back to Sanaa after concluding an official visit to Addis Ababa his satisfaction over the results of his visit to Ethiopia, noting that this visit will enhance relations and open up before prospects of vast cooperation so as to serve common interests for the Yemeni and Ethiopian peoples.

Replying to a question on Yemeni- Eritrean relations at the meantime, Saleh explained that what had happened between Yemen and Eritrea was treated as what had also happened between Ethiopia and Eritrea. He called on all "to benefit from the lessons of the past and any side not to repeat what had happened." He stressed the need of these neighboring states to friendship and cooperation and establish good relations among them..

The Yemeni president, on the other hand stressed an agreement between Yemen and Ethiopia to fight terrorism and ensure security and stability in the African horn area, especially restoring back peace and stability to Somalia.

In a speech he delivered before the Ethiopian parliament Saleh said "security unrest in Somalia causes great problems for our two countries, and we are for returning back national unity and solidarity for Somalia and establishing a strong central state that enhances social peace in this brotherly country." He indicated the agreement of the two countries to implementing international resolutions concerning the Arab- Israeli conflict and the foundation of the Palestinian state on the national Palestinian soil with Jerusalem as a capital.

Concerning the situation in Iraq, the Yemeni President said "Iraq constitutes the area of world interest at the mean time. We hope Iraq will maintain stability and choose its leadership by an independent free will. We are looking forward for the withdrawal of the occupation forces as soon as possible."

Saleh indicated the Yemeni- Ethiopian relations, noting "we with Ethiopia meet in several stations. In particular at international establishments and the International Parliament. We are linked to common indicators and have common objectives to freedom, democracy and development." He added "we interestingly follow up what is taking place in Ethiopia and the steps it had achieved to deepening and consolidating Ethiopian national unity, stability and development." He called for the formation of a parliamentary friendship committee between the two countries.

He explained that his talks with the Ethiopian prime minister and with the President dealt with several issues, including the remarkable relations and trade, political and economic relations and the partnership relations between the two countries in various fields.

Previous Stories:
  Seven Somali people died in Yemen   (10/20/1998)
  New Somali reconciliation initiative   (9/2/1998)
  Yemen mediation to the efforts of the Somali reconciliation.   (9/1/1998)

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