Ethiopia accuses Eritrea of ‘terror attacks’
Feb 22, 2007 (ADDIS ABABA) — Ethiopian intelligence officials on Thursday accused the Eritrean government of involvement in “terror attacks” in Ethiopia.
“There is convincing information about Shaebia’s (the Eritrean government) strategy, plan and network aimed at wreaking havoc in Ethiopia through the orchestrated terror attacks,” officials said in a report broadcast on national television.
They claimed to have substantial evidence, including email messages, video recordings and photographs, linking Eritrea with groups Ethiopia claims use terrorist methods.
“Major targets of the terror attacks were hotels, main roads, government officials and institutions in Addis Ababa,” it said.
Meanwhile, Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi pledged his commitment to fighting terrorism after meeting with members of the US Congress.
“All peoples and governments should join in the anti-terror struggle,” Zenawi said in a statement, calling for more help with training and logistical support.
Ethiopia and Eritrea fought each other from 1998-2000 over a border dispute and, despite a peace deal in 2000, have yet to define the status of their 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) frontier.
Accusations and counter-accusations have fuelled the looming threat of the resurgence of another dispute.
Ethiopian intelligence services last month claimed to have foiled an attempted terrorist attack by Eritrea on the 8th African Union Summit, which took place at the end of January in the Ethiopian capital.
(AFP)