The people of Ethiopia are proud of their old-age tradition of living together in harmony despite the prevalence of diverse and plural cultural, religious traditional and social practices.  Since time immemorial, religious differences have never been a source of contention in Ethiopia; it rather has been a brand that reflects the possibility of co-existence in differences. 

          Our country has never had a history of invading the territory of its neighbors; it rather is known for its resistance and anti-colonial struggle, and has always been depicted as a source of inspiration for freedom to other African countries, which suffered under the yoke of colonial rule.  Due to this, many historians who conducted researches and wrote books and articles on Ethiopia portrayed our nation as a symbol of stiff resistance to enemies, a home to tolerance and hospitality. 

          As a very close neighbor, sharing a border stretching for thousands of kilometers, the government and people of Somalia are expected to know this behavior and stand of the people of Ethiopia. However, by ignoring or being deceived by superficial situation at home, the Somali government under the leadership of Ziad Barre invaded Ethiopia in 1977, with a plan of annexing much of the eastern part of the country where most of the Somali speaking Ethiopians reside. However, contrary to the aspirations of the then Somali leaders, that historic moment gave the Ethiopian army the opportunity to teach unforgettable lesson to the invaders.  

          Few years later, following the chaos that ensued the collapse of the central government in Somalia, hundreds of thousands of Somali refugees sought refuge in and around the border towns of Ethiopia, with some of them getting deeper into the hinterland up to Addis Ababa and beyond. The large Somali community currently residing in Addis could testify to the hospitality extended by the people and government of Ethiopia to their Somali brothers. 

          On the other hand, having passed through complex situation in its relations with Eritrea, Ethiopia has similarly been extending its support to the government and the people of Eritrea even after they voted for statehood through the referendum held in 1993.

          Though the wars waged with both Eritrea and Somalia were not easily forgettable due to the damage sustained by the peoples of Ethiopian, Eritrea and Somalia, the government of Ethiopia preferred not to scratch the scars.  The basis of this wise decision was its intention to close that dark chapter once and for all and dwell nation building. 

          However, both the current leaders military officers cum-Muslim clerics of the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) and the Eritrean leaders, who preferred to rule their country with the jungle law they exercised for years, attempted to bite the hand extended towards them with a bunch of olive branches. 

          Since the fall of the Barre regime and the destruction of Mogadishu, there was no stone unturned by the Ethiopian side to bring peace and stability in Somalia.  The Ethiopian government, together with neighboring countries, regional, continental, and international organizations, has been exerting utmost effort to help the Somali people resolve their differences through dialogue. 

          On the other hand, similar efforts have been made to solve the border dispute, which prevailed between our country and Eritrea. 

          Paradoxically enough, despite all these unreserved efforts from the Ethiopian side, both the UIC and the Shaebia leadership resorted to forceful acts.  But, ultimately, thanks to the determination of our compatriots, the recent victory our gallant forces registered defies the superficial invincibility of both parties.  This swift, calculated and amazing victory has brought a sense of deja vu where the Ethiopian army decisively broke the Somali army some three decades ago, and the Shaebia, in its recent attempt to invade Ethiopia.  This is the price both groups should have paid for invading Ethiopia - the guardian that diligently has worked to bring peace, stability and prosperity in the region, including Somalia and Eritrea.