MOGADISHU (SD) -The Federal Government of Somalia has strongly rejected the statement issued by the IGAD regional bloc today, calling for dialogue to resolve the issue between Somalia and Ethiopia.

A press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Somalia said that Somalia is very disappointed with the statement released by the Executive Secretary of the IGAD Regional Organization regarding the relationship between the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

The Somali government views the IGAD statement as biased, particularly as it has failed to condemn the interference of Ethiopia in the internal affairs and sovereignty of Somalia. Somalia views this as a breach of the fundamental principles of the UN, AU, IGAD, and other international laws.

The Executive Secretary of IGAD, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, was urged to reconsider the statement and work towards a fair and unbiased approach that respects the sovereignty and unity of Somalia.