Eritrea’s Foreign Minister criticized Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions, urging international pressure for respect of territorial integrity. He addressed false war accusations against Eritrea and emphasized non-involvement in Ethiopia’s internal affairs. Rising tensions and accusations from Ethiopia may complicate regional stability, leading to calls for urgent de-escalation from U.S. officials.
Eritrea’s Foreign Minister, Osman Saleh, expressed confusion over Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions, labeling them as “misguided and outdated.” He emphasized the need for international pressure to ensure Ethiopia respects the sovereignty of its neighbors. Saleh made these comments during a briefing for diplomats and UN officials, where he also addressed accusations against Eritrea regarding war preparations and the Pretoria Agreement, asserting that Eritrea does not wish to intervene in Ethiopian affairs.
Following the conclusion of the two-year Tigray conflict, Osman stated that Eritrean Defense Forces (EDF) had been redeployed to internationally recognized borders. He dismissed claims suggesting otherwise as scapegoating tactics by former TPLF members who had previously rejected the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission’s ruling. Osman emphasized that Eritrea’s involvement in the internal conflicts of Ethiopia is unfounded and rejected any accusations of wrongdoing.
Rising tensions have surfaced, particularly with former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome accusing Eritrea of trying to exploit divisions within the TPLF, potentially threatening the peace deal established in the Pretoria Agreement. Tigray Interim Administration officials, including President Getachew Reda, have echoed these concerns, claiming Eritrea seeks to capitalize on instability. U.S. Senator Michael McCaul warned of dire consequences if conflict reignites in northern Ethiopia, urging both nations to de-escalate tensions.
Osman reiterated his perplexity over Ethiopia’s pursuit of maritime access through diplomatic or military strategies, underscoring the importance of maintaining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighboring nations. He called on the international community to intervene, highlighting that Ethiopia’s actions could lead to broader regional complications.
Eritrea’s Foreign Minister underscores the importance of regional sovereignty in light of Ethiopia’s maritime aspirations, labeling such ambitions as misguided. He calls for international pressure to compel Ethiopia to respect its neighbors’ territorial integrity. Increasing tensions between the countries raise concerns about potential conflict, necessitating urgent de-escalation efforts from both sides, as highlighted by U.S. officials.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
