Australia warns of high terror risk during Ethiopia’s AU summit
By Tesfa-Alem Tekle
January 27, 2011(ADDIS ABABA) – Australia is reportedly warning of the possibility of a terrorist attack in Ethiopia during the16th Ordinary Session of the African Heads of State and Government.
The possible terror attack is timed to coincide with a summit being attended by Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd, Sydney Morning Herald reports.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has warned Australian’s to reconsider their need to travel to the East African nation, including capital Addis Ababa, due to the “high threat” of attack.
“According to credible information, extremists are planning to bomb unspecified locations within Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during the African Union Summit,” the department says in its latest travel advice.
Australia continues to receive reports that terrorists are planning attacks against a range of other targets, including places frequented by foreigners, the department says.
“If you do decide to travel to Ethiopia, you should exercise extreme caution,” it says.
Last week Ethiopia said it has foiled a terrorist attack sponsored by neighboring Eritrea and said it has taken to custody seven militants allegedly trained and armed by the Eritrean regime.
According to Ethiopian authorities the militants were arrested by security forces in the Afar region, bordering Eritrea.
Around 50 kilograms of explosives and various other weapons as well as large amount of Ethiopian currency enough to carry out the mission was found in their possession.
The Australian Foreign Affairs Minister, Kevin Rudd on Wednesday met Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi in Addis Ababa where both sides discussed on ways G8 countries could extend support to Africa.
During their meeting, Rudo said his country would extend its support to health, education and other sectors to Ethiopia. The Ethiopian premier on his side urged Australian government, as one of G8 countries, to support Africa’s development.
Mr Rudd is also scheduled to open Australia’s new embassy in Addis Ababa.
(ST