Eritrea’s Foreign Minister Osman Saleh criticized Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions as “misguided and outdated,” urging international intervention to uphold regional sovereignty. He denied allegations of Eritrea preparing for war and emphasized that its military has returned to recognized borders. Tensions between the two nations are escalating amid mutual accusations, prompting concerns from U.S. officials.
Eritrea’s Foreign Minister, Osman Saleh, expressed his country’s confusion regarding Ethiopia’s maritime aspirations, labeling them as “misguided and outdated.” During a recent briefing in Asmara, he called upon the international community to exert pressure on Ethiopia to uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighboring nations. This statement was shared with resident diplomats and representatives from UN agencies, addressing what Eritrea describes as false allegations of its war preparations against Ethiopia.
Osman asserted that the Eritrean Defense Forces (EDF) have returned to their internationally recognized borders following the conclusion of the Tigray war in November 2022. He criticized claims suggesting otherwise, attributing them to “former TPLF members” attempting to scapegoat Eritrea for Ethiopia’s internal challenges. They allegedly rejected the ruling of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC) and sought regime change in Eritrea.
Regarding the Pretoria Agreement, Osman maintained that Eritrea views it strictly as Ethiopia’s internal matter and has no intentions of intervening. He firmly rejected any notion that Eritrea is involved in the conflict between the Tigray Interim Administration and the TPLF. His remarks emerge amidst rising tensions, with accusations from former Ethiopian officials claiming Eritrea aims to exploit divisions within TPLF to destabilize the peace agreement.
Moreover, tensions were further exacerbated by assertions from Tigray Interim Administration officials, such as Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae, who warned that war between Ethiopia and Eritrea appears inevitable as Tigray risks becoming a battleground. U.S. Senator Michael McCaul also voiced apprehensions about the situation, urging both nations to de-escalate tensions promptly.
In concluding his statements, Osman reiterated his concerns about Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions, characterizing them as disregarding the fundamental principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighboring countries. He emphasized the need for international action against such endeavors.
The statements by Eritrea’s Foreign Minister, Osman Saleh, underscore the increasing tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia regarding maritime ambitions and regional sovereignty. Coupled with accusations from both sides, the potential for renewed conflict raises significant alarm. International intervention may be essential to address the grievances expressed by Eritrea and avert further escalation of hostilities.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
