Eritrea’s Foreign Minister Osman Saleh denounced Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions as misguided, urging international pressure for respect of neighboring sovereignty. He clarified Eritrea’s stance on its military posturing and involvement in Ethiopia’s internal conflicts. Amid increasing tensions, he reaffirmed Eritrea’s commitment to peace while rejecting allegations of aggression.
In a recent statement, Osman Saleh, Eritrea’s Foreign Minister, characterized Ethiopia’s aspirations for maritime access and naval bases as “misguided and outdated.” He expressed Eritrea’s concern that Ethiopia seeks this access through both diplomatic and military avenues and called for international pressure to enforce respect for the sovereignty of neighboring countries.
During a briefing at the Foreign Ministry in Asmara, attended by ambassadors and UN officials, Osman addressed accusations surrounding Eritrea’s alleged preparations for war, its stance on the Pretoria Agreement, and Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions. He insisted that the Eritrean Defense Forces (EDF) had redeployed to internationally recognized borders following the end of the Tigray conflict in November 2022.
Osman attributed the claims of Eritrean aggression to “former TPLF members” who have disavowed the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission’s ruling and had attempted, without success, to induce regime change in Eritrea. He emphasized that Eritrea does not wish to interfere in Ethiopia’s internal matters and categorically rejected any suggestion of involvement in the conflict between the Tigray Interim Administration and the TPLF.
With escalating tensions between the two nations, former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome accused Eritrea of seeking to exploit divisions within the TPLF. He expressed grave concerns that such actions could reignite war in northern Ethiopia, a claim Eritrea has dismissed as “audacious.”
Accusations from prominent Tigray officials, such as Getachew Reda and Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae, indicate fears that conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea is increasing, with Tigray potentially being the battleground. U.S. Senator Michael McCaul echoed these concerns, urging both nations to de-escalate tensions to prevent catastrophic consequences.
Osman reiterated Eritrea’s confusion regarding Ethiopia’s push for maritime access, labeling it an outdated vision that threatens the sovereignty of surrounding nations. He called upon the international community to intervene and uphold territorial integrity within the region.
In conclusion, Eritrea’s Foreign Minister Osman Saleh criticized Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions as misguided and urged international intervention. He reaffirmed Eritrea’s commitment to peace following its redeployment after the Tigray conflict while rejecting claims of aggression as unfounded. With escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, prominent figures are warning of potential conflict, urging both sides to de-escalate their hostilities for regional stability.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
