TPLF unleashes new offensive

The TPLF regime has, again, unleashed new offensives against Eritrea. After a lull in fighting of almost two weeks, fighting resumed on Wednesday when Ethiopian Forces opened an offensive on the Burie front, 70 kilometers west of Assab. The TPLF offensive in Burie was, however, of low intensity. 50 Ethiopian soldiers were killed and around 100 wounded in what was, apparently, a diversionary attack.

Yesterday the TPLF unleashed a larger offensive along the central flank of the Mereb-Setit front line. Two full Ethiopian divisions were employed to attack Eritrean positions along the front. Yesterday's attack was repulsed but continued fighting was confirmed this morning. What is very clear is that the TPLF has decided not to abandon its all out war against Eritrea. The facts speak for themselves:

* In June of last year, Ethiopia deployed troops to far reaching fronts as part of its plan to extend the scope and intensity of the border conflict.

* Ethiopia unilaterally employed, and continues to use air force against civilian targets as a main component of its military campaign against Eritrea.

* Ethiopia launched massive offensives in February of this year using human waves to attack Eritrean positions in Badme and Tserona. The result of this reckless campaign were horrific.

Now, as the TPLF leads us into a third phase of fighting, the signs are very clear. The TPLF does not appear to be interested in peace. The regime in Addis Ababa is satisfied that it has successfully thwarted any chance for peace through the introduction of its 11th hour preconditions and seeks to continue a war of aggression against Eritrea. But war cannot and will not be the answer. The TPLF must abandon use of force to resolve the crisis and must sincerely join in the search for peace.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Asmara, June 11, 1999