February 4, 1999

Ethiopia's "Hit and Cry" Tactics

"The Ethiopian government is once again resorting to their over-used tactic of hitting others and then crying about being attacked. The latest round of artillery exchanges on the Eritrean-Ethiopian border were started by the Ethiopian army," says Yemane Ghebreab, Eritrean Government Spokesperson, currently on a visit to the United States.

The artillery exchanges are not a new development. They do not signify a change in the military situation as there have been intermittent exchanges over the past several months.

Mr. Yemane Ghebreab said the latest allegations from Ethiopia are intended to cover their preparations for war. "Eritrea, on the other hand, has repeatedly stated and remains committed to not firing the first shot."

"If Ethiopia is really interested in peace, then it should respond immediately to international calls for a cease-fire and cessation of hostilities. Eritrea also calls for independent observers to be placed on the ground to verify who in reality is initiating hostile action," said Mr. Yemane Ghebreab.