Eritrea Critiques Ethiopia’s Maritime Aspirations; Calls for Global Pressure

Eritrea’s Foreign Minister Osman Saleh criticized Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions as misguided, calling for international pressure. He emphasized Eritrea’s non-involvement in Ethiopia’s internal conflicts and urged respect for territorial integrity, amid rising tensions between the two nations.

Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh has expressed confusion over Ethiopia’s aspirations for maritime access, characterizing them as “misguided and outdated.” He urged the international community to exert pressure on Ethiopia to uphold the sovereignty of neighboring nations. Saleh’s remarks were made during a briefing at the Foreign Ministry in Asmara, which addressed allegations of Eritrea’s preparation for war and its stance on the Pretoria Agreement.

During the briefing, Saleh reiterated that the Eritrean Defense Forces had repositioned to Eritrea’s recognized borders after the conclusion of the Tigray conflict in November 2022. He dismissed claims of Eritrea’s involvement in Ethiopia’s internal matters, particularly those suggesting Eritrea is to blame for Ethiopia’s challenges, attributing these assertions to former TPLF members.

Osman reaffirmed Eritrea’s stance on the Pretoria Agreement as a matter of Ethiopia’s internal affairs, asserting that Eritrea has no intention of intervening. He categorically rejected any insinuation of Eritrean involvement in the conflict between the Tigray Interim Administration and the TPLF.

Tensions have increased as former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome accused Eritrea of attempting to exploit discord within the TPLF, while Getachew Reda, President of the Tigray Interim Administration, claimed Eritrea could benefit from potential turmoil in Tigray. Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae warned that renewed warfare between Ethiopia and Eritrea seemed imminent.

U.S. Senator Michael McCaul has voiced concerns regarding the escalating tensions, emphasizing that renewed conflict could lead to catastrophic outcomes. He has called for immediate de-escalation from both Ethiopia and Eritrea. Regarding Ethiopia’s sea access ambitions, Saleh reiterated his concerns, urging the international community to protect the territorial integrity of neighboring nations.

In summary, Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh has criticized Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions, labeling them as misguided. He has requested international intervention to ensure Ethiopia respects the sovereignty of its neighbors while denying any involvement in Ethiopia’s internal conflicts. As tensions rise between Eritrea and Ethiopia, both international observers and Eritrea itself call for immediate de-escalation to avert potential conflict.

Original Source: addisstandard.com