Slovak Ambassador recalled after detention in Ethiopia
By Tesfa-Alem Tekle
November 14, 2011 (ADDIS ABABA) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Slovakia, Milan Dubcek , said it is recalling its Ambassador to Ethiopia after authorities in detained him for two days.
Dubcek was first reported missing on 5 November when he was seized by the Ethiopian police. The cause of his detention is not clear.
Ethiopian officials were not available for comment on the subject.
Following the incident, Dubcek 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 Dubcek’s detention as “unjustifiable,” and recalled him.
“Dubcek will remain in Bratislava until Ethiopia does what is has to do,” announced the Slovak Foreign Minister Mikuláš Dzurinda, at a press conference.
After he was released on Monday evening, Dubcek told his government that he did not know the reason for his arrest.
According to the 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)
Madina Tonj
Slovak Ambassador recalled after detention in Ethiopia
Mel become another dictator in Eastern Africa what the held is goingon from these dumb leaders.? All Africa dictators must learn from Libyan the former late president Gaddafic. Mel is trying to control Ethiopian people by force unfortunately, that military force will result in Libya style.
Ras Mitat
Slovak Ambassador recalled after detention in Ethiopia
“Diplomatic immunity” sounds nice in movies, like James Bond, “License to Kill.” But in the real world everyone has to be held accountable for his or her actions, even a Slovak who feels he is above the law in Black Africa.