Eritrea conspiring to disrupt election, Ethiopia ’s Meles
By Tesfa Alem Tekle
March 21, 2010 (ADDIS ABABA) — Ethiopian prime minister fired fresh allegation against arch-foe Eritrea ,accusing the red sea nation of preparing to carry out sabotage in the upcoming nation election using “own sponsored destructive forces”, as he referred them.
Prime Minster Meles Zenawi however said that he doesn’t see the possibilities of happening.
“The Eritrean government is regrouping anti-peace forces inside Ethiopia and Somalia, once again to disrupt elections in Ethiopia”, he told parliament.
“It has already passed an order for a launch of terrorist acts in Addis Ababa and other towns across country.”
Some political analysts believe that the elections in Ethiopia could be used as a golden opportunity to Eritrea-backed anti Ethiopia forces to foment insecurity.
The premier however confirmed an early security measure being undertaken to prevent the terror networks and said the plots won’t succeed.
“We are closely following up every step of their activities and necessary measures are being taken accordingly” The Ethiopian prime minister further said.
Some 30 million Ethiopians will go to polls in May this year to cast their votes for the country’s parliamentary election. Ethiopian officials say that necessary preparation is made to conduct the elections peacefully.
The Eritrean government is accused for its destabilizing impact in Somalia and to the fragile peace and security of the region as a whole.
Last December the UN security council imposed sanctions on Eritrea accusing Asmara of arming, training and supporting Islamist insurgent group in Somalia. Sanctions include an arms embargo, freeze on asset and travel ban to military officials of the country.
Ethiopia and Eritrea remain in a no-war no-peace situation after the 1998-2000 border war which killed over 70,000 people.
(ST)