Eritrea Critiques Ethiopia’s Maritime Pursuits: Calls for International Attention
Eritrea’s Foreign Minister Osman Saleh criticized Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions, calling them misguided and outdated. He urged international pressure on Ethiopia to uphold regional sovereignty, stressing Eritrea’s non-involvement in Ethiopian internal conflicts. The situation remains tense with accusations between the two nations, necessitating urgent diplomacy to avoid renewed conflict.
On a recent briefing, Osman Saleh, Eritrea’s Foreign Minister, expressed Eritrea’s confusion towards Ethiopia’s pursuits for maritime access, labeling them as “misguided and outdated.” He stressed the need for international pressure on Ethiopia to acknowledge the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighboring states. This briefing, shared by Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel, aimed to refute what Eritrea termed “false accusations” regarding its alleged military actions and stance on Ethiopia’s sea access ambitions.
Saleh noted that the Eritrean Defense Forces have returned to the country’s internationally recognized borders following the conclusion of the two-year war in Tigray in November 2022. He dismissed claims suggesting otherwise as attempts to tarnish Eritrea’s image and misrepresent its role in Ethiopia’s internal conflicts, attributing such narratives to former TPLF members seeking changes in Eritrea’s government.
Osman also maintained that Eritrea views the Pretoria Agreement, intended to resolve tensions in Tigray, as an internal matter for Ethiopia, denying any intention of interference. He categorically rejected any insinuations linking Eritrea’s involvement in the conflict between the Tigray Interim Administration and the TPLF, underlining that Eritrea wishes to remain uninvolved in Ethiopian affairs.
Amid rising tensions, accusations have flown between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Notably, former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome accused Eritrea of exploiting divisions within the TPLF to undermine the Pretoria Agreement. In response, Yemane characterized these claims as an audacious justification for a belligerent agenda, highlighting the complexity of their diplomatic relations.
Concerns regarding potential renewed conflict in northern Ethiopia have been echoed by U.S. officials, including Senator Michael McCaul, who emphasized the dire consequences of escalation in the region. He called for both nations to work urgently toward de-escalation and peace.
In summary, Eritrea’s Foreign Minister, Osman Saleh, has articulated the country’s perplexity regarding Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions, labeling them as outdated and urging international pressure for Ethiopia to respect regional sovereignty. Amidst allegations and rising tensions, Eritrea maintains its stance of non-interference regarding Ethiopian internal matters, highlighting the need for both nations to prioritize peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
