Eritrea condemns Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions as misguided and outdated, urging international pressure on Ethiopia to respect sovereignty. Foreign Minister Osman Saleh argues that accusations of Eritrea’s military involvement in Ethiopia’s internal conflicts are unfounded and primarily stem from former TPLF members. He calls the Pretoria Agreement an internal Ethiopian matter and warns against the rising tensions that could lead to war.
Eritrea has expressed its disapproval of Ethiopia’s aspirations for maritime access, describing them as “misguided and outdated.” Foreign Minister Osman Saleh urged global powers to encourage Ethiopia to honor the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbors. The assertion was made during a diplomatic briefing in Asmara, aimed at addressing accusations regarding Eritrea’s alleged military preparations against Ethiopia and its involvement in internal Ethiopian affairs.
Osman Saleh reiterated that the Eritrean Defense Forces have returned to internationally recognized borders following the conclusion of the Tigray war in November 2022. He dismissed claims suggesting Eritrea is involved in Ethiopian internal conflicts as scapegoating, particularly attributing such accusations to former members of the TPLF who oppose the ruling from the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission.
He further clarified Eritrea’s perspective on the Pretoria Agreement, stating that it regards it as an internal matter of Ethiopia, with no intentions of intervening. Osman vehemently rejected any notions of Eritrea’s involvement in the conflict between the Tigray Interim Administration and the TPLF.
Tensions have escalated, notably following accusations from former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome, who suggested Eritrea is seeking to exploit divisions within the TPLF. This sentiment has been echoed by officials from the Tigray Interim Administration, warning that conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea appears increasingly likely, with Tigray at risk of being a battleground.
U.S. Senator Michael McCaul has raised alarms about the situation, warning of the catastrophic implications that renewed conflict could entail. He has urged both Ethiopia and Eritrea to take immediate measures to de-escalate ongoing tensions. In relation to Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions, Osman reiterated Eritrea’s position, viewing these aspirations as harmful to regional sovereignty.
In summary, Eritrea has strongly criticized Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions and called for international intervention to protect regional sovereignty. The Eritrean government firmly denies allegations of military involvement in Ethiopian affairs and emphasizes its non-interventionist stance regarding the Pretoria Agreement. Rising tensions and warnings from both former Ethiopian leaders and U.S. officials about potential conflict highlight the urgent need for diplomatic resolution and de-escalation of hostilities between the two nations.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
