Slovak Ambassador recalled after detention in Ethiopia

By Tesfa-Alem Tekle
 
November 14, 2011(ADDIS ABABA) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Slovakia, Milan Dub?ek , said it is recalling its Ambassador to Ethiopia after authorities in detained him for two days.

Dub?ek was first reported missing on 5 November when he was seized by Ethiopian police. The cause of his detention is not clear.

Ethiopian officials were not available for comment on the subject.

Following the incident, Dub?ek sent a diplomatic note seeking an official explanation from the authorities in Ethiopia.

The Slovak Foreign Ministry said Addis Ababa has not yet issued a response.
 
Slovakia described Dub?ek’s detention as “unjustifiable” and recalled him.
 
“Dub?ek will remain in Bratislava until Ethiopia does what is has to do” announced Slovak Foreign Minister Mikuláš Dzurinda at a press conference.
 
After he was released on Monday evening, Dub?ek told his government that he did not know the reason for his arrest.

According to Slovak Foreign Ministry, no charges have been pressed.

The Foreign Ministry said the Ethiopia’s move had raised concerns among fellow EU-member states too.
 
“The incident in Addis Ababa creates an inadmissible precedent. The unjustified action of Ethiopia is in stark contrast to international law. Whatever he would do, it is out the question to detain him. Brussels and other EU member states have also raised concerns and expressed solidarity,” said Dzurinda.
 
The Slovak minister said the diplomatic mission in Ethiopia will be run by the chargé d’affaires in Addis Ababa and expressed his wish to have good relations with Ethiopia despite the incident.

(ST)