Two Somalis lawmakers and security officer who were imprisoned in Ethiopia would be released soon, Somali government officials in Mogadishu , said on Sunday.

The lawmakers, Hussein Gagale and Abdullah Farey, were accompanied by Ahmed Ugas, a Somali government police officer when they arrested on Jan 30, 2010 after entering Ethiopia through the route to Somalia border.

“The Ethiopia federal government accepted request to release the two lawmakers, after undisclosed negotiation was reached” said an MP who is not authorized to talk to the media.

Somali deputy speaker, Osman Bogore also told the media that they have reached agreement with Addis Ababa for the releasing of two MPS and security officer.   

“There is no reason for the detention of two MPs but I hope they will be released as soon as possible,” said deputy speaker.

An Ethiopian government spokesman said that, the two MPs and the security officer come into the country without any legal documents, while he pays no attention for the releasing.

“There was an agreement reached for the releasing of the MPs and the officer, but I can’t tell you exactly when they will be released officially”, said the officer from Ethiopian controlled Somali region.

Reports said the officials were initially from Somali border region of Hiran and were forced to cross the border to Ethiopian region when they came under attack from militants fighting the fragile government.

Addis Ababa is a firm supporter of the UN-backed Somali transition government but this latest action seems to send a perplexing message.

The fragile government led by Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, a former militant leader, is facing powerful insurgency that it is threatening its existence but survives under the mercy of some 5,300 African Union peacekeeping troops.

GAROWE ONLINE