Press Release (8:00 a.m. LT)
Ethiopia Launches New Attacks on Assab Front

The Ethiopian regime continues to launch attacks on the Assab front. The regime launched an attack on the left flank of the front yesterday in the late afternoon, involving two brigades. The attack was repulsed with the Ethiopian army suffering losses.

Ethiopia has again launched a similar attack in the same area this morning.

Ethiopia had launched a frontal attack employing two divisions on the entire Assab front last Saturday. The attack was totally repulsed with the Ethiopian army suffering over 3,700 soldiers dead, wounded or captured in a day-long battle.

Ethiopia's continuing attacks on the Assab front constitute a flagrant violation of the OAU agreement. As it will be recalled, Eritrea redeployed its troops two weeks ago, unilaterally and in response to the appeal of the OAU Chairman, to 37 kms. although the border lies at 71 kms. Ethiopia's attacks are accordingly a violation of the OAU peace plan and in contravention of UN Security Council Resolutions 1297 and 1298 which call for the respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both countries.

Ethiopia's new attacks on the Assab front come in the wake of its major defeat in Tessenei on Monday. Most of the western towns that were occupied in the early days of Ethiopia's invasion, including Barentu, Haikota, Tessenei, Guluj, and Tokombia, are now fully liberated.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Asmara, 8 June 2000