Eritrea Denounces Ethiopia’s Maritime Aspirations, Calls for International Action
Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh criticized Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions as misguided, urging international pressure on Ethiopia to respect regional sovereignty. He denied claims of Eritrean military threats post-Tigray conflict and dismissed allegations of involvement in Ethiopian internal affairs, emphasizing the Pretoria Agreement as an internal Ethiopian matter.
Eritrea’s Foreign Minister, Osman Saleh, has expressed his country’s confusion regarding Ethiopia’s aspirations for maritime access, labeling these ambitions as “misguided and outdated.” He emphasized that such pursuits, either through diplomatic avenues or military options, threaten regional sovereignty and should be met with international pressure. This statement was conveyed in a briefing to ambassadors and UN officials in Asmara.
Osman articulated Eritrea’s position on recent accusations regarding its military activities, stating that the Eritrean Defense Forces have merely redeployed to the country’s internationally recognized borders since the end of the Tigray conflict in November 2022. He suggested that allegations against Eritrea arise from former TPLF members aiming to create discord.
He also commented on the Pretoria Agreement, asserting that it is solely an Ethiopian concern with Eritrea having no interest in interfering. He categorically dismissed any claims of Eritrean involvement in ongoing conflicts in Tigray. The comments from Osman come amid rising tensions, with allegations of Eritrea attempting to exploit divisions within TPLF to disrupt peace agreements.
U.S. Senator Michael McCaul cautioned that renewed conflict in northern Ethiopia would have severe implications and called for both nations to de-escalate tensions expeditiously. Osman reiterated that Ethiopia’s pursuit of maritime access is seen as a violation of neighboring nations’ sovereignty, calling for international accountability.
In conclusion, Osman Saleh’s remarks underscore Eritrea’s rejection of Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions and the accusations suggesting Eritrean involvement in Ethiopian conflicts. The escalating tensions between the two nations warrant urgent international attention to prevent further conflict. Emphasizing sovereignty and territorial integrity remains central to Eritrea’s diplomatic stance amidst these complex dynamics.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
