Ethiopia breaks diplomatic relations with Qatar over TV reports on Ogaden

April 21, 2008 (ADDIS ABABA) – Ethiopia has decided Monday to break diplomatic ties with Qatar over accusations of supporting terrorist organizations in the Horn of Africa. This decision comes following the airing of reports about Ogaden by a Qatari TV.

The Ethiopian government, in a statement issued today, said that Qatari media outlets become a source of support for armed opposition groups. This decision came after the broadcasting by al-Jazeera satellite TV of a series of news reports about Ogaden.

Al-Jazeera journalists exposed the miserable humanitarian situation in the hot, arid and inhospitable Ogaden region which is home to Somali-speaking nomads. The Arab and International TV interviewed women claiming being raped by Ethiopian soldiers and farmers who say their properties are stolen by Ethiopian army besides their detention and torture.

“This has gone beyond Qatar’s strong ties with Eritrea.” the Ethiopian government stated.

The Arabic and English languages channel also interviewed the members of the rebel Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF). The channel every day during one week advertised for Oganden reports before their broadcasting. The reports were aired first by the Arabic service during the first week of April followed by the English service in the second week.

“Qatar has, however, consistently refused to accept responsibility for activities of which Ethiopia has unequivocal evidence.” The statement added.

Al-Jazeera, is often criticised in the Arab world for opening its doors for opposition groups in the region. During the first year of the occupation of Irak by the US troops, Washington exercised pressures of its ally the Qatari government but in vain.

Qatar does not have an embassy in Ethiopia, and Ethiopian foreign ministry spokesperson said he was unaware of any aid from Qatar.

(ST)