Eritrea says Britain’s threat of sanction “not a concern”

October 18,2009 (ASMARA) — Eritrea has rejected Britain’s calls for sanctions for Asmara’s alleged destructive role in Somalia by supplying weapons to Islamist insurgents opposed to Somalia’s Western-backed government in violation to a U.N arms embargo.

Last week Britain called for UN sanctions against Eritrea for its destabilizing impact on Somalia and the region by arming, funding and supporting Somali hard-line groups including Al- Shebab, a militia group designated as terrorist by Washington last year.

Eritrea is also facing broad accusations from other Western countries who are hinting an interest of punishment. But regardless of all that, Eritrea’s Ministry of information in an interview this week has echoed his government’s stand by dismissing the latest accusations calling it as “fabricated”.

“The accusation completely is a baseless and fabricated allegation that couldn’t come up with any concrete evidence,” Ali Abdu said.

“If Britain’s move is underpinned by the ulterior political motivations of that country then it is unacceptable and illegal by all standards.”

The Eritrean minister stressed that Britain’s threats of sanctions are of no concern at all to Eritrea

The United States, in July warned that Eritrea could soon face sanctions unless it stops the support for Somali extremists

According to latest U.N. arms monitoring body’s report, Eritrea provides support to opponents of the Somali government.

Evidence of the monitoring body indicated that Asmara was sending plane and boatloads of weapons to Somali rebels, as well as providing them with logistical support.

The African Union (AU) is seeking the UN to impose a sea blockade and a no fly zone up on Asmara to block the flow of weapons and people arriving Somalia.

(ST)