TPLF issues contradictory claims

For the past two months, Ethiopia has been launching an intensive campaign aimed at persuading the international community that Eritrea is violating the rights of Ethiopians in Eritrea. Aside from accusations of torture, mass imprisonment and public persecution being leveled at the Eritrean government by the regime in Addis Ababa, the TPLF has now made the suggestion that Eritrea is preventing Ethiopians from returning to their country. A June 8th Statement from the Office of the Ethiopian spokesperson states:

* "The Eritrean Government, however...has told Ethiopian nationals that while they are welcome to go home, their government is unwilling to accept them. Not only is this a blatant lie, but is also incredibly inhumane to tell individuals that they are unwanted and unwelcome in their own country when their government is eagerly expecting their arrival. In conjunction with the ICRC, the government has made preparations to accept its returning citizens through the border post at Humera."
* "Early this year, Eritrea in violation of international law deported over 2,500 Ethiopians without first notifying the ICR, which in turn, was unable to inform Ethiopia of the pending deportation."

Now consider the content of the following letter sent to the Eritrean government on March 25th 1999:

* "The ICRC has taken note of the Eritrean authorities intention to organize on 26th and 27th March 1999 the return of approx. 2000 Ethiopian civilians to their home country across the border at Mereb. In this regard, the Ethiopian Government has today informed the ICRC that they consider the whole border as a war zone and therefore security cannot be guaranteed. Since the requisite security guarantees cannot be obtained, the ICRC considers the proposed operation to be hazardous."

On the one hand, Ethiopia privately informs the ICRC that they will not accept Ethiopians wishing to return home then turns around and proclaims to the world that the Eritrea government is preventing them from returning. Where will the deceit end? When will the international community come out and condemn what has turned into a dangerous farce by the regime in Addis Ababa.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs=20
Asmara, June9, 1999=20