Ethiopian foreign minister accuses Eritrea of money laundering

March 16, 2008 (ADDIS ABABA) — A senior Ethiopian official lashed out at the Eritrean government and accused it of trying to drown the entire Horn of Africa into instability.

The Ethiopian Foreign minister Seyoum Mesfin told the national TV that Asmara is “is involved in counterfeit money, money laundering, arms trafficking in the African region”.

However Mesfin did not elaborate on his allegations or provide any specifics.

The statements by the Ethiopian official highlight the growing tension between the two neighbors who fought a bitter war that ended officially in 2000.

The United Nations Security Council met to discuss the future of the UN force stationed in the disputed border zone.

Mesfin also said that the Eritrean government “is working hand-and-glove with terrorists, including Al-Qaeda elements”.

Last week Ethiopia blamed its neighbor for a deadly explosion that took place in a bus on the border region.

The Ethiopian top diplomat called on the Eritrean people to “work towards bringing the life of that regime to an immediate demise”.

(ST)