The Foreign Minister of Somaliland today announced that final agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland was imminent.
Ethiopia and Somaliland in January signed a controversial memorandum of understanding (MoU) which Somalia opposes, calling it a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The MoU, which has not been made public, contains provisions about Ethiopia gaining access to sea through Somaliland in return of recognizing Somaliland as a country.
The implementation of the MoU has been delayed due to stiff resistance shown by Somalia. Somaliland is internationally recognized part of Somalia but it has been operating as an independent entity. It is yet to gain international recognition as a country.
Dr. Essa Kaid, the Somaliland Foreign Minister, today briefed international diplomatic missions in Hargeisa. He said Memorandum of Understanding with Ethiopia has been finalized and final agreement between the two sides is imminent.
Ethiopia is yet to respond to Somaliland’s claim. Somalia has been vowing to stop the implementation of the MoU. It has signed defense and security deals with Egypt and Turkey in recent months to stop Ethiopia from signing final agreement with Somaliland. Ethiopia and Somalia have held two rounds of discussions, under the auspices of Turkey in Ankara, but no breakthrough could be achieved.
It remains to be seen when exactly Ethiopia and Somaliland will sign the final agreement.
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