Press Release
Eritrean Embassy Staff Detained in Addis Ababa

Three Ethiopian security officers apprehended the driver of the Eritrean Embassy in Addis Ababa on 10 August 2000 without any legal or criminal charges. The driver is currently being detained by the Ethiopian security force which refuses to disclose the whereabouts of the embassy staff member.

This action is in contravention of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, in particular Articles 26, Freedom of Movement, and 37.3, Functional Immunity of Service Staff with Nationality of the Sending State.

The immunity of the Eritrean diplomatic mission has been violated on previous occasions as well, including the expulsion of the Eritrean Ambassador to Ethiopian on 10 February 1999 and the illegal search of the embassy premises immediately afterwards.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Asmara, 11 August 2000