In its statement sent to ENA, the ministry said on Monday the Report of the US Department of State released on 30 April 2008 under the title “Africa: Country Report on Terrorism-Africa-Chapter” lauds Ethiopia’s contribution in the global counterterrorism efforts.

“The Government of Ethiopia, after conducting a counter offensive…in response to threats against its security and in support of the internationally recognized Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, battled insurgents and extremists that were formerly affiliated with the Council of Islamic Courts, including the AQ-affiliated al-Shabab militia,” the report says.

“Ethiopian forces provided critical support in the stand up of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) peacekeeping force which was also targeted by extremist elements,” the report continues, “In addition, Ethiopian forces countered Somali-based extremists who attempted to conduct attacks inside Ethiopia”.

According to the report, Ethiopia’s location within the Horn of Africa made it vulnerable to money laundering activities perpetrated by transnational criminal organizations, terrorists and narcotics traffickers.

“As the economy continued to grow and become more liberalized, federal police investigation sources reported expectations that bank fraud, electronic/computer crimes, and laundering activities would continue to rise”.

“…the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) and the United States Department of the Treasury signed the terms of reference and work plan for a technical assistance package to strengthen Ethiopia’s anti-money laundering and counterterrorist financing regimes,” it said, adding “The assistance will aid the NBE in establishing a financial intelligence unit and provide training to Ethiopia’s government-owned and private banks”.

Ethiopia's National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), with broad authority for intelligence, border security, and criminal investigation; was responsible for overall counterterrorism management.

“Ethiopia was an active participant in AU counterterrorism efforts, served as a focal point for the AU's Center for Study and Research on Terrorism, and participated in meetings of the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa,” the report noted.

E-4:37 pm

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