Eritrea’s Foreign Minister criticized Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions, calling for international pressure to uphold regional sovereignty. He rejected accusations of military threats from Eritrea, framing them as politically motivated. Amid escalating tensions, the U.S. has urged both countries to de-escalate to avoid conflict.
Eritrea’s Foreign Minister, Osman Saleh, criticized Ethiopia’s aspirations for maritime access, labeling them as “misguided and outdated.” He called upon the international community to compel Ethiopia to respect the sovereignty of its neighboring countries. These comments were made during a briefing to diplomats in Asmara, addressing accusations against Eritrea regarding its alleged military preparations related to Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions.
Osman claimed that the Eritrean Defense Forces (EDF) have redeployed to recognized borders after the Tigray conflict, arguing that accusations of Eritrea’s aggression stem from “former TPLF members” seeking to scapegoat Eritrea for Ethiopia’s internal strife. He emphasized that such claims are unfounded and politically motivated, aiming to disrupt regional stability.
Regarding the Pretoria Agreement, Osman expressed that Eritrea considers it an internal Ethiopian matter and seeks to avoid involvement. He firmly rejected assertions of Eritrea’s engagement in the ongoing tensions involving the Tigray factions. The escalating tensions have drawn reactions from various figures, including former Ethiopian officials and Tigray leaders, accusing Eritrea of trying to exploit conflicts to weaken Ethiopia’s internal agreements.
U.S. Senator Michael McCaul has voiced concerns regarding potential renewed conflict in Northern Ethiopia, urging both governments to de-escalate their tensions to prevent catastrophic outcomes. Osman reiterated Eritrea’s stance on Ethiopia’s maritime discussions, asserting that these pursuits threaten the territorial integrity of neighboring states and should be reconsidered by the international community.
In summary, Eritrea’s Foreign Minister, Osman Saleh, has condemned Ethiopia’s ambitions for maritime access, urging international intervention to respect regional sovereignty. The remarks reflect a broader context of tension and accusations between Eritrea and Ethiopia following the Tigray war. Ongoing political maneuvers have heightened concerns about the potential for renewed conflict, prompting calls for de-escalation from international figures.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
