Eritrea’s Ministry of Information rebuffed accusations from former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome, asserting that Ethiopia’s internal crises should not be blamed on Asmara. Eritrea emphasized its adherence to international law, its commitment to peace, and that Ethiopia’s challenges are self-generated. The statement also addressed fears of ongoing military involvement and criticized Ethiopia’s maritime pursuits as sources of tension in the region.
Eritrea’s Ministry of Information has rejected accusations made by Mulatu Teshome, former president of Ethiopia, who alleged that Eritrea is involved in regional conflicts, potentially reigniting war in northern Ethiopia. In its response, Eritrea emphasized that the internal issues facing Ethiopia should not be externalized or blamed on Asmara. Yemane G. Meskel, Eritrean Minister of Information, called the claims “audacious” and intended to obscure Ethiopia’s own war-mongering agenda.
The statement clarified that Eritrea adheres to international law and has no interest in interfering in Ethiopia’s affairs. Meskel asserted that Eritrea has consistently upheld peace and stability in the region, attributing Ethiopia’s contemporary challenges to its internal political dynamics, while urging against scapegoating Eritrea for these issues. He stated, “Scapegoating Eritrea will not provide a solution.”
Eritrea also recounted the bloody border conflict of 1998-2000, attributing its causes to the Ethiopian government’s occupation of Eritrean territories. The normalization of ties in 2018 occurred under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s acceptance of the EEBC ruling after years of a no-war, no-peace situation. However, relations soured again following the Pretoria agreement, which attempted to resolve the tumultuous war in the Tigray region.
Despite Eritrean forces being implicated in committing atrocities during the conflict, Eritrea defended its role, claiming it offered refuge to Ethiopian troops. The Eritrean government dismissed notions of discontent regarding the Pretoria agreement, describing it as an internal affair of Ethiopia that does not concern Eritrea. Furthermore, they rejected allegations of an ongoing military presence near the Ethiopian border.
In response to allegations that President Isaias Afwerki was facilitating militia formation in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, Eritrea reiterated that Ethiopia’s internal strife should not be projected onto neighboring countries. The Eritrean statement indicated that various issues afflicting the region originate within Ethiopia, emphasizing the futility of externalizing conflicts.
Additionally, Eritrea expressed concern regarding Ethiopia’s pursuit of maritime access through recent agreements with Somaliland, labeling these initiatives as sources of regional tension. Former President Teshome alleged that Eritrea intended to exploit divisions among the TPLF, but Eritrea’s statement did not address this accusation.
In conclusion, Eritrea firmly rejects accusations from former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome, clarifying that Ethiopia’s internal issues should not implicate neighboring Eritrea. The Eritrean government emphasizes its commitment to peace and stability while attributing Ethiopia’s challenges to its own internal politics. Additionally, Eritrea critiques Ethiopia’s actions regarding maritime access and underlines that regional tensions stem from Ethiopian dynamics rather than external influences.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
