Based on the simple fact that you have worked (and are probably still working) hand-in-hand with the Tigrean-led government, you can not be accepted as an impartial observer and your so-called "testimonial" lacks credibility. Please allow me to counterpoint some of your statements.

1. You repeatedly refer to Eritrea as the aggressor and/or the invading force. Contrary to your statements, there is ample evidence to show that Ethiopia is responsible for starting this war (you may not agree with me on this, but at least it shows you that there are two sides to a story) to cite a few - July 1997: Ethiopia occupied, by force, the Adi Murug area in eastern Eritrea;
   • October 1997: Ethiopia published a new map that incorporated Eritrean territory;
   • May 1998: Ethiopia DECLARED WAR on Eritrea.
2. You imply that Eritrea is the party that doesn't want peace. You wrote that the Eritrean President has refused to withdraw his troops from the "occupied areas," "a refusal that is prolonging the suffering of both the Ethiopian and Eritrean peoples."

   With all due respect, Dr. Bayer, it's the Ethiopian government that has reneged on its promise to cease-fire. On the contrary, the Eritrean government is on the record for repeatedly and consistently calling for "an immediate and unconditional cease-fire." Also, if you are so concerned with the welfare of the Eritrean people, how come you have not attempted to search for the truth instead of making blank and unsubstantiated allegations (against the Eritrean government.)

3. In one paragraph you said " To this day, 1 June, 1999, four-fifths of Tigrayan (sic) Irobland, including Alitena, its cultural heart, is still held by the Eritreans. Those who were not abducted or killed have fled into the mountains."

   As it will not serve any purpose to argue, I will not debate you on who is occupying what. It'll get us nowhere, however, your allegation that Eritrean forces are abducting and killing innocent civilians is very serious and demands an explanation (on your part.) I suggest that you back these allegations with concrete and verifiable proof or reconsider your statements. As a researcher, I am sure you know that you just don't yell EUREKA!With out having any documented proof of your finding. It's irresponsible and dangerous to make such allegations. If you really are willing to look at things from a different angle, you'll find that it's the Tigrean-led government that has been (and is) targeting and bombing innocent civilians in Eritrea (100s of Kms away from the disputed region)

4. You mention the bombing of Adigrat (by Eritreans) in June 1998. Are you aware of the fact that it's Ethiopia that drew the first blood?

5. Regarding a recent trip to Adigrat you wrote, " We met priests who had been forced out of their churches and are now living in the Catholic mission The churches have been desecrated and used to store weapons and ammunition, or as sleeping quarters for the troops. The priests have HEARED that structures not being used by the troops have been mined, Even the fire places of the deserted homes have been mined."

   This, Dr. Bayer, is a very inflammatory statement and as I have said earlier you don't make such allegations unless you are ready it back them with concrete proof. The fact that you don't have a concrete evidence to your allegations can be found in your own statement-"The priests HEARED that...." So somebody told a priest about these acts and the priest in turn shared this information with you and you, in turn, are presenting this hearsay as facts. GIVE ME A BREAK!! As one American TV character said - please JUST THE FACTS MOM! "Even the fire places of the deserted homes have been mined." What? I had no idea that houses in Adigrat were fitted with fireplaces. Perhaps the "occupying forces" are afraid that the Ethiopians might come down the chimneys ALA Santa.

6. On one hand you say that " ... many have sought refuge with relatives (crowded in small dwellings) and others have found shelters in caves. ...Have lost their means to feed themselves and are almost completely dependent on food aid." On the other hand, a few paragraphs later, you say " Development activities in agriculture, health, education, etc. are being carried on by government services and NGOs right up to the edges of the occupied territories."WHICH ONE IS IT?

7. There is a mention (in your article) of support and strong solidarity from other peoples of Ethiopia (with the Tigrayans). Are you aware of the stand of opposition groups such as OLF and EPRP on the current issue at hand? Coincidentally most of the people who belong to these parties are Amharas and Oromos who make up the majority of the conscripts who are being used as canon fodder (in this war.)

Finally, even though it's not mentioned in your article, I would like to ask you a question as you seem to be interested in the welfare of the Ethiopian and Eritrean peoples.

As a German national who would be well aware of the dangers of ethnic- and religious-based mass deportations (and exterminations), how do you feel about Mr. Zenawi's infamous "...The color of their eyes.." speech

Thank you,
Abraham Araya