Addis hails Somali peace deal

The Ethiopian government on Thursday hailed a peace deal signed between various Somali groups holding a reconciliation conference in the Kenyan town of Eldoret.

A foreign ministry statement said the truce signed by Somali factions and the Transitional National Government was a “positive step” in bringing peace to the region.

“As the international community is well aware, Ethiopia - as a major neighbouring country - has been affected by the spillover of the conflict in Somalia and its national security has been challenged by terrorist elements that flourished in the chaos that prevailed in Somalia for over a decade," the statement declared.

“It cannot be overemphasised that Ethiopia is a major beneficiary from the establishment of durable peace, security and the rule of law in Somalia,” the ministry added.

It also said the international community and governments in the region should offer their “solid support” to ensure the deal was long-lasting.

“That is why Ethiopia will continue to do whatever is necessary to make the coordination within the frontline countries even more effective," the statement said. “That is why Ethiopia is determined to ensure that the Eldoret process will not fail.”