Somali president rejects Israeli naval base in Berbera, offers Ethiopia port access

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has said Somalia will not accept an Israeli presence and is ready to grant Ethiopia access to its ports.

• Mohamud said Israel plans to establish a naval base in Berbera and use its airport, aiming to approach Gulf states and Iran.
• Mohamud said Somalia will not accept an Israeli presence under any circumstances and will overcome the Israeli moves.
• Mohamud said the landlocked state Ethiopia could use two or three Somali ports for imports and exports.
• Mohamud said Ethiopia informed Somalia of its need for a sea outlet but has not yet submitted a formal request.
• Mohamud described Israel's naval base plan in Berbera as part of the 'Greater Israel' project.
• Mohamud criticized Israel's December recognition of Somaliland and said Somalia firmly opposes the step.
• Mohamud said Somalia's relations with Ethiopia are good and that cooperation between them continues.