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. -------------- HAWIYE TALKS CONTINUE -------------- ¶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. -------------- MILITARY ACTION -------------- ¶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