Ethiopia is probing the killing of 19 Sudanese – envoy
July 10, 2008 (KHARTOUM) — Ethiopia said today keen to have good relations with the neighboring Sudan, affirming that investigations are underway to determine the causes of the killing of 19 Sudanese police this week in the border area.
Last Monday, Sudanese army condemned the killing of 19 people during an attack by against a police base – located 17 kilometers inside Sudanese territory — in Jabal Hantub area. The special adviser to Ethiopian Prime Minister described the killing as “minor incident”.
The Ethiopian Ambassador to Sudan, Abdou Solomon, reaffirmed in a statement to the official SUNA the commitment of his government to the eternal relationship of good neighborliness between the two countries. He further described bilateral relations as strategic and aim to serve the common interests of both countries.
With regard to the attack on the police base, Solomon said that contacts were under way to investigate this attack and provide more details about the circumstances.
He also denied the presence of opposition elements in both countries, pointing out that there are conventions to prevent the existence of opposition activities in the two countries.
This denial comes in response to press reports saying that Tuesday’s attack intervened weeks after asylum accorded to a local Ethiopian official despite the formed demand of extradition by Addis Ababa.
The Eritrea supported Oromo rebels are active in border area between the two countries.
The Ambassador said the leadership in both countries is keen to support cooperation areas where the implementation of roads linking the two countries and means of communication and the consequent increase in trade between the two countries
Solomon said that Ethiopia, as AU and IGAD member, has played a remarkable role in support of peace in Sudan, pointing to Ethiopia’s efforts to solve the Darfur conflict across all regional and international platforms; and the participation of 5000 troops in Darfur peacekeeping force.
(ST)