Press Release
Ethiopia Takes Over Ambassador's Residence

The Government of Ethiopia, after having declared Eritrea's ambassador to the OAU and Ethiopia persona non grata on February 9, 1999, and expelling him within 24 hours, has taken further illegal actions.

On February 12, 1999, the Ethiopian authorities ordered troops who had surrounded the Eritrean ambassador's residence for 24 hours to break into the residence. Eritrea's charge d'affaires has been denied entry into the residence.

Mr. Tesfaldet Woldeab, a guard at the residence, and his child, a son, Zerai Tesfaldet; and two house maids--Mrs. Addisa Kasa and Mrs. Alganesh Ghebremicael--have been taken and their whereabouts are unknown.

Similarly, two guards working at the chancery--Mr. Wasyehum Ayele and Mr. Asmerom Legesse--have been taken by Ethiopian security.

Furthermore, the Government of Ethiopia has cut all telephone lines of the Embassy of Eritrea in Addis Ababa. These actions violate Article 22 of the Vienna Convention which guarantees the inviolability and immunity of premises and property of diplomats and diplomatic missions.

The Government of Eritrea had appealed to the OAU Secretary General to take prompt measures against Ethiopia's actions. Apparently, the Secretary General has failed to dissuade Ethiopia from taking these illegal actions.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Asmara, 13 February 1999