From: Berhane Habtemariam (Berhane.Habtemariam@gmx.de)
Date: Mon Jan 11 2010 - 06:56:43 EST
Eritrea's information minister says Eritrea is "inherently" opposed to all
forms of terrorism (VOA)
January 11, 2010 - VOA
Eritrea's information minister says President Isaias Afewerki's government
is "inherently" opposed to all forms of terrorism.
Ali Abdu denied Eritrea armed and trained terrorist who allegedly plotted to
attack top Ethiopian government officials.
"It has two purposes; one to get some attention from some big powers and at
the same time to divert the attention of the Ethiopian people from its
domestic problem which is ever increasing, be it in social, political and
economic aspects. The second and the most dangerous is.the regime in
Ethiopia has decided to eliminate any opposition or dissident before the
so-called May election," he said.
In a statement last week, Ethiopia said its security officers arrested a
number of people belonging to a terrorist group who were plotting to carry
out attacks against top Ethiopian government officials.
But Abdu rejected the accusation as petty.
"For us it is very ridiculous to go down to their level and respond to this
kind of trivial accusation," Abdu said.
Ethiopia's police said they apprehended a terrorist who admitted receiving
military training in Eritrea.
The police also said that they seized various weapons, which they said were
aimed at destroying major infrastructures in the country. But Abdu said
Ethiopia is peddling lies.
"What is their proof? These people are pathetic liars. They are chronic
liars. Where is the evidence? Show me. We are in principle against terrorism
and they know this. It's them who are exercising a state of terrorism by
oppressing and eliminating internationalists and nations in some places.
They have declared war against Ogadenian people," Abdu said.
The United Nations recently imposed sanctions on Eritrea after it accused
President Afewerki's government of backing hard-line Islamic insurgents who
are battling Somalia's government.
But Abdu said despite the recent U.N.-imposed sanctions, Eritrea will
continue to promote peace in the region.
http://media.voanews.com/images/300*225/somalia_eritiea_sudan480_25Sep08.jpg
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