This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/africa/6725965.stm

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Ethiopia PM makes Somali promise Ethiopia PM makes Somali promise
(about 3 hours later)
Ethiopia's prime minister has pledged to withdraw his troops from Somalia once peace takes hold in the capital.Ethiopia's prime minister has pledged to withdraw his troops from Somalia once peace takes hold in the capital.
Meles Zenawi, who made a surprise visit to Mogadishu, also held talks with influential clan elders whose militia are opposed to Ethiopian troops there.Meles Zenawi, who made a surprise visit to Mogadishu, also held talks with influential clan elders whose militia are opposed to Ethiopian troops there.
The presence of thousands of Ethiopian troops in Somalia is unpopular with many Mogadishu residents.The presence of thousands of Ethiopian troops in Somalia is unpopular with many Mogadishu residents.
Ethiopian and government troops have often been the target of bombings, since the defeat of the Islamists.Ethiopian and government troops have often been the target of bombings, since the defeat of the Islamists.
This was Mr Meles first visit to Somalia since Ethiopian troops helped to oust the Islamists from Mogadishu six months ago.This was Mr Meles first visit to Somalia since Ethiopian troops helped to oust the Islamists from Mogadishu six months ago.
Somali government spokesman Abdi Haji Gobdon said that Mr Meles also held talks with the president and prime minister of the transitional government.Somali government spokesman Abdi Haji Gobdon said that Mr Meles also held talks with the president and prime minister of the transitional government.
Professor David Shinn, a former American ambassador to Ethiopia and Somalia, says Mr Meles visit is aimed at showing support to his troops.Professor David Shinn, a former American ambassador to Ethiopia and Somalia, says Mr Meles visit is aimed at showing support to his troops.
?There has been a lot of concern among the troops that things are not going well and this is a way to show that he is sharing their concerns,? Prof Shinn told the BBC. "There has been a lot of concern among the troops that things are not going well and this is a way to show that he is sharing their concerns," Prof Shinn told the BBC.
The former envoy who now lectures at George Washington University says that although the relationship between Ethiopia and residents in Somalia has been hostile, the troops are playing an important role in keeping the government intact.The former envoy who now lectures at George Washington University says that although the relationship between Ethiopia and residents in Somalia has been hostile, the troops are playing an important role in keeping the government intact.
?If Ethiopians withdraw now, the interim government will be under so much pressure and may not remain there,? he said. "If Ethiopians withdraw now, the interim government will be under so much pressure and may not remain there," he said.
Over the weekend, at least six people died in an attack on the house of the Somali prime minister.Over the weekend, at least six people died in an attack on the house of the Somali prime minister.
Three more were killed after Ethiopian and government troops opened fire after grenades were thrown at them.Three more were killed after Ethiopian and government troops opened fire after grenades were thrown at them.
Last month, Ethiopia re-opened its embassy in Mogadishu after a break of 30 years.Last month, Ethiopia re-opened its embassy in Mogadishu after a break of 30 years.
Ethiopia and Somalia have fought two bitter wars in the past - the last in 1977.Ethiopia and Somalia have fought two bitter wars in the past - the last in 1977.
Somali Islamist leader Sheikh Sharif Ahmed and former Deputy Prime Minister Hussein Aideed have formed an alliance opposed to Ethiopia.Somali Islamist leader Sheikh Sharif Ahmed and former Deputy Prime Minister Hussein Aideed have formed an alliance opposed to Ethiopia.
The alliance, which is based in the Eritrean capital, Asmara, was launched after recent fighting in Mogadishu that killed some 1,600 people.The alliance, which is based in the Eritrean capital, Asmara, was launched after recent fighting in Mogadishu that killed some 1,600 people.
Ethiopia and the US accuse Eritrea of supporting insurgents opposed to the transitional government in Mogadishu - a claim Eritrea denies.Ethiopia and the US accuse Eritrea of supporting insurgents opposed to the transitional government in Mogadishu - a claim Eritrea denies.
Mr Meles says he wants to withdraw his troops from Somalia but only after they are replaced by African Union peacekeepers.Mr Meles says he wants to withdraw his troops from Somalia but only after they are replaced by African Union peacekeepers.
Some 1,600 Ugandan troops have been sent as the vanguard of the proposed 8,000-strong force.Some 1,600 Ugandan troops have been sent as the vanguard of the proposed 8,000-strong force.