Sudan minimizes impact of deadly border attack on relations with Ethiopia

July 12, 2008 (ADDIS ABABA) – During a meeting with the Ethiopian Prie Minister, the head of security and intelligence service minimized the impact of the killing of 19 Sudanese during a border attack by the Ethiopian army this week.

Salah Gosh is visiting Addis Ababa to discuss the cause of the deadly attack against Sudanese police in the border area of Jabal Hantub, Gedaref state.

Ethiopia says the incident is a result of misunderstanding between local people. However the Sudanese press linked between the attack and the asylum granted to a local Ethiopian official who has some relations with Oromo rebels.

During discussion with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi on Friday General Salah Abdallah Gosh reiterated the commitment of his government to the good ties in particular political relations between the two countries, the official ENA said today.

Prime Minister Meles and General Salah Abdallah Gosh discussed on matters related to political and social relations between the two countries.

Ethiopian foreign minister, Seyoum Mesfin, and Sudanese chief of Security salah Gosh agreed yesterday to “strengthen the implementation of the system designed earlier by the two countries to solve the problem.”

Elders drawn from common border of the countries would take part in the efforts to create situation to solve the problems, he said. “Ethio-Sudanese relations would continue strengthened.”

(ST)