Tensions mount between Ethiopia, Eritrea
Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 9/2/1999

Ethiopia today accused Eritrea of attacking "Ethiopian-controlled positions at Chin Keren on the Zalambessa front." A statement from the office of the Ethiopian government spokesman said the Eritrean attack was "launched by the first battalion of 2001 corps, third division, continued through the night" in an unsuccessful attempt to take the position.

The statement said the attack "once again demonstrates Eritrea's disdain for peace" and Eritrean "insincerity" toward peace.

The Eritrean Foreign Ministry described the Ethiopian accusations as part of a "pattern of ridiculous allegations," adding, "apart from the occasional shelling invariably initiated by Ethiopia, there has not been any fighting on any of the fronts in the past two months."

"The fact remains that Eritrea has accepted the OAU peace process and
expressed its readiness to implement all its provisions in good faith and
without delay," the Eritrean Foreign Ministry said.

Meanwhile, Ethiopia said, "A jet registered in the United States as N350JF was shot down on August 29 after it had entered a no-fly zone while flying through Ethiopian air space near the northern town of Adwa." Originally the aircraft had been identified as Eritrean.

It added that the investigation into the downing, which caused the death of the two British and Swedish citizens aboard the plane, was continuing.

Previous Stories:
  Ethiopia says it downed Eritrean plane   (9/1/1999)
  US mediation to end Ethiopian - Eritrean row   (8/31/1999)
  Eritrea President expresses cautious optimism   (8/18/1999)

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