Diplomatic efforts to defuse the crisis in the Horn of Africa appear to be bearing fruit, according to diplomatic sources.
The Ethiopian government told Western diplomats about its commitment to respecting the territorial integrity and political unity of the Federal Republic of Somalia in accordance with the African Union Charter and international law.
Ethiopia has clearly told the diplomats that it never promised to give diplomatic recognition to the Somaliland administration.
Also, Ethiopia said that it has not taken measures to enforce the maritime agreement, which violates the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Last week, the outgoing Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General for Somalia (UNSOM) met with the Ethiopian Foreign Minister Taye Atske-Selassie.
Atske-Selassie once again confirmed Ethiopia’s position on the political unity and territorial integrity of Somalia. He gave the example of the presence of Ethiopian troops in southern and central Somalia.
This news has come at a time when Somaliland said that within two months the completion of the maritime agreement with Ethiopia will be completed.
