By Tesfa alem-Tekle

June 22, 2008 (Addis Ababa) — Ethiopia, this week has launched a training for Somalia Journalists, who work for radio stations in Baidewa and Mogadishu.Ethiopian ministry of information disclosed.

The month-long training is an offer from Ethiopian ministry of information in cooperation with public owned media bodies.

According to Haddush Kahsu, acting head of information, communication, research and external affairs under the Ministry, the training is part of Ethiopia’s overall and ongoing efforts of capacity building supports to the Somalian government.

The training, which is underway since Thursday focuses on radio broadcasting, presenting, reporting, journalists’ code of ethics and program planning, among others.

A number of Somalian journalists are reported of being forced to leave their country to other neighboring countries as a result of physical attacks, intimidation and wide abuses they face back at home from some anti-TFG elements.

Recently Some 13 Somalian journalist serving in state owned and private media in Somalia crossed border to Ethiopia fleeing intimidations and persecutions of Al-Shabab, who are the military wing o f the Islamic Courts Union (ICU).

“Following the defeat of terrorists from Somalia the government of Ethiopia is executing a capacity building program to rehabilitate the nation and fight against common enemy poverty” Haddush added.

Somalian ambassador to Ethiopia seid Yusuf Nur to his side has welcomed the offer and expressed his gratitude to the government and people of Ethiopia and hoped similar supports from other countries too.

(ST)