ETHIOPIA CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC ON HAWIYE TALKS,

S E C R E T ADDIS ABABA 000936

SIPDIS

NOFORN
SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR AF AND AF/E
LONDON, PARIS, ROME FOR AFRICA WATCHER
CJTF-HOA FOR POLAD

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/28/2017
TAGS: PREL PGOV MOPS ET SO
SUBJECT: ETHIOPIA CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC ON HAWIYE TALKS,
BUT PREPARED TO ACT WITH TFG

REF: A. ETHIOPIA 918


B. NAIROBI 1336 AND PREVIOUS (NOTAL)

C. 03/27/07 YAMAMOTO-BENEDICT TELCON

Classified By: AMBASSADOR DONALD YAMAMOTO. REASONS: 1.4 (B) AND (D).


1. (S/NF) SUMMARY. Ethiopian State Minister Takeda Alemu
told Ambassador March 27 that he was more hopeful of Ethiopia
and Somalia's Transitional Federal Government (TFG) making
significant inroads in talks with Hawiye clan elders, to
secure their commitment to contain extremist elements within
their clan and their area of control in north Mogadishu.
Takeda reaffirmed remarks to the British Ambassador by Prime
Minister Meles that the ENDF and TFG are ready to strike
specific extremist locations, but not attack the Hawiye clan.
The main point in the negotiations with the Hawiye clan
centers on property rights, and on maintaining control of
land and property which have been held but not owned by the
Hawiye clan. END SUMMARY.

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HAWIYE TALKS CONTINUE
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2. (S/NF) Minister Takeda spoke at great length of ongoing
discussions with Hawiye clan elders by Ethiopia and the TFG.
He was careful to note that the talks were "joint", but
clearly, the Ethiopians were in the lead. Takeda remarked
that the Ethiopians were more hopeful that the Hawiye elders
would make significant inroads in containing extremism within
the clan and, more important, in minimizing the violence
against ENDF troops and general violence and instability in
Mogadishu. Takeda made it clear that talks would continue,
and that while heavy pressure (even threat of military
action) was being levied at the Hawiye clan, the TFG and
Ethiopians did not have a deadline for Hawiye action. Takeda
showed a document to the Ambassador that reflects not only
efforts being made by the Hawiye elders to stabilize
Mogadishu, but also a commitment to cooperate with Ethiopia.

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MILITARY ACTION
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3. (S/NF) In a separate discussion with British Ambassador
Dewar, the Prime Minister noted to Dewar that the ENDF and
the TFG would strike at specific extremist targets in the
Hawiye area. The ENDF would secure chokepoints, and the TFG
would provide the muscle. Takeda reaffirmed the Prime
Minister's comments, adding that the ENDF would not target
the Hawiye clan, but extremist pockets within the
Hawiye-controlled area. Takeda added that the Hawiye were
acting quickly, and that action would not be taken if
progress were being made. Minister Takeda echoed the Prime
Minister's words to us last week that Ethiopia was very aware
of the risk of taking military action. Takeda noted that
Ethiopia doubted that Mogadishu would collapse into violence,
if the TFG and ENDF took limited military action. Mogadishu
could fall into chaos, if necessary action were not taken,
Takeda said.


4. (S/NF) Takeda noted that one issue of concern to the
Hawiye clan elders was property rights: not only maintaining
control of property, but also the disposition of property not
owned but under Hawiye clan control. Takeda noted that
resolution must be under a Somali process to resolve
ownership questions. This would be contentious, but had to
be an issue for the Somalis to resolve. For the Ethiopians
and the TFG, the immediate issue is containing the
extremists.


5. (S/NF) Post will continue to closely monitor and carefully
coordinate with Embassy Nairobi on Ethiopian views on
Somalia, as well as actions contemplated.
YAMAMOTO