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A third round of talks would be held on Sept. 17, to arrive at a negotiated settlement
Turkey’s foreign minister Hakan Fidan, who is holding negotiations with both Ethiopia and Somalia to resolve the territorial issue with both countries said that notable progress has been made to settle a dispute sparked by Ethiopia’s deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland.
Hakan Fidan made the comments at the end of a second round of talks between the foreign ministers of Somalia and Ethiopia. He has been holding discussions with his Ethiopian counterpart, Taye Atske Selassie, and Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi since Monday. However, he did not provide details of the discussions.
www.trendsnafrica.com has reported about the second round of negotiations mediated by Turkey, which is playing a pivotal role in the region’s strategic issues. Fidan said in a video message that a collaborative and constructive solution was within reach. Fidan added that a third round of talks would be held on Sept. 17, flanked by foreign ministers of both Ethiopia and Somalia.
Tensions between the two African countries have intensified since Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland in January. Somalia said that it was an infringement on its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Under the disputed deal, Somaliland would lease a 20-kilometer (12-mile) stretch of land along its coastline to Ethiopia to establish a marine force base. With a population estimated at over 120 million, Ethiopia is the most populous landlocked country in the world. In return, Ethiopia would recognize Somaliland’s independence. Somalia has said it’s prepared to go to war over it as it considers Somaliland part of its territory.
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Fidan had proposed an arrangement that would ensure Ethiopia’s sea access via Somalia. In return, Ethiopia would acknowledge Somalia’s territorial integrity and political sovereignty. Analysts maintain that a breakthrough in the relationship between the two countries might take more time since an acceptable formula for both parties is seemingly difficult to arrive.
Turkey has forged close ties with Somalia, and recently signed deals toward cooperation in defence and oil and gas exploration. It also has economic and trade ties with Ethiopia.
