support the EU call

The New SYL
New Somali Youth League
Somali Political Party

Press Release
23/04/07
We strongly concur with and support the EU call for an end to hostility and introduction of ceasefire in Somalia by both parties . Having said that we also deem the call, though appropriate, is short of expectation in view to the situation on the ground.
On one hand the EU is urgently calling for the speedy financial support for a AU peace-keeping mission in Somalia to replace the occupying Ethiopian troops. On the other hand the EU is gravely concerned about the escalation of violence. Isn’t it apparently clear that the catalyst to the latter is due to the illegal occupation and presence of Ethiopian troops in Somalia. Hence to correlate the two will only further negate the fact that the Ethiopian troops are the conspirators of the current conflict. Furthermore there is already the presence of AU peace-keeping troops in Somalia who are not part of this conflict. Thus clearly showing that the two , AU and Ethiopian troops, have a different agenda. The latter is continuously shelling , bombarding and killing indiscriminately Somali civilians. Therefore cannot be classified as peace-keeping troops, not mentioning the fact that their occupation and invasion of Somalia contradicts International Law. It is essential that the immediate call for Ethiopian withdrawal from Somalia should not be embedded with any other viable solution for Somalia, as it is vital on its own and should be the initial point of embarkation for peace.
The EU were very instrumental in calling for all inclusive peace conference before it was hijacked by the incumbent Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia. The TFG established on the basis of a fraudulent system and had the forceful backing of Ethiopia was always unrepresentative and categorically disillusioned in achieving a genuine reconciliation for Somalia. Thus it should not be made the prime, host and basis for national reconciliation government. However we urge the EU to convene such a meeting and the selection of the attendees should be primarily and fairly granted to the tribal elders, religion leaders, civic societies, Somali Diaspora and reputed Somali leaders and intellectuals in order to iron out an acceptable and lasting solution for the Somali dilemma. It is necessary to pursue the implementation of such conference with immediate effect since the TFG has annulled itself by being part of and endorsing the massacre and genocide of Somali people by the Ethiopian troops. However with great urgency we repeat the fact that all this should be preceded by the calling and over seeing the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Ethiopian troops from Somalia.



Mr. Awale Kullane
Leader of the New SYL
New SYL
Phone/Fax: 00447092877136