Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07ADDISABABA3187
2007-10-29 13:09:00
SECRET//NOFORN
Embassy Addis Ababa
Cable title:
MELES ON E-E: CONFLICT NO MORE IMMINENT TODAY THAN
how-toVZCZCXRO1926 OO RUEHROV DE RUEHDS #3187 3021309 ZNY SSSSS ZZH O 291309Z OCT 07 FM AMEMBASSY ADDIS ABABA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 8353 INFO RUCNIAD/IGAD COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 7114 RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC IMMEDIATE RHMFISS/CJTF HOA IMMEDIATE RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE RUEKDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE RHMFISS/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL IMMEDIATE RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
S E C R E T ADDIS ABABA 003187
SIPDIS
NOFORN
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR AF, AF/E, AND INR/AA
LONDON, PARIS, ROME FOR AFRICA WATCHER
CJTF-HOA AND USCENTCOM FOR POLAD
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/29/2017
TAGS: MOPS PBTS PREL ET ER
SUBJECT: MELES ON E-E: CONFLICT NO MORE IMMINENT TODAY THAN
LAST YEAR
REF: ADDIS 3183
Classified By: Ambassador Donald Yamamoto for reasons 1.4 (B) and (D).
S E C R E T ADDIS ABABA 003187
SIPDIS
NOFORN
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR AF, AF/E, AND INR/AA
LONDON, PARIS, ROME FOR AFRICA WATCHER
CJTF-HOA AND USCENTCOM FOR POLAD
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/29/2017
TAGS: MOPS PBTS PREL ET ER
SUBJECT: MELES ON E-E: CONFLICT NO MORE IMMINENT TODAY THAN
LAST YEAR
REF: ADDIS 3183
Classified By: Ambassador Donald Yamamoto for reasons 1.4 (B) and (D).
1. (S/NF) Prime Minister Meles Zenawi told Ambassador on
October 27 that the threat of conflict between Ethiopia and
Eritrea is no more imminent today than it was last year.
Following increased reporting in recent days of Ethiopia and
Eritrea moving troops and heavy military equipment closer to
their common border, Ambassador queried Meles on rising
tensions along the border. Meles argued that Ethiopian
forces are in defensive positions.
2. (S/NF) Ambassador urged the Prime Minister to use
"maximum restraint" to avert any skirmish or conflict from
escalating into full conflict along the border, cautioning
that any misreading or misunderstanding could quickly
escalate and have serious unintended consequences. The
Prime Minister responded that he still believed Eritrean
President Isaias would not launch a full-all out attack on
Ethiopia or attack Ethiopia in specific sectors or areas
along the border. Ethiopian forces are prepared to repel any
aggressive action by Eritrea. The Prime Minister added that
his commanding generals were in meetings on military issues
unrelated to the border. The Ambassador confirmed that he
would be available anytime day or night to receive
information from the Prime Minister should the situation
along the border dramatically and suddenly change. Meles
noted that Ethiopia and the U.S. will continue to maintain
close contact on the border issue.
3. (S/NF) Ambassador also raised growing tensions along the
border with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Tekeda Alemu
earlier in the day. Tekeda also asserted that he saw no
significant rise in tensions along the border. Ambassador
and Post will continue to follow the border issue closely and
report any changes.
YAMAMOTO
SIPDIS
NOFORN
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR AF, AF/E, AND INR/AA
LONDON, PARIS, ROME FOR AFRICA WATCHER
CJTF-HOA AND USCENTCOM FOR POLAD
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/29/2017
TAGS: MOPS PBTS PREL ET ER
SUBJECT: MELES ON E-E: CONFLICT NO MORE IMMINENT TODAY THAN
LAST YEAR
REF: ADDIS 3183
Classified By: Ambassador Donald Yamamoto for reasons 1.4 (B) and (D).
1. (S/NF) Prime Minister Meles Zenawi told Ambassador on
October 27 that the threat of conflict between Ethiopia and
Eritrea is no more imminent today than it was last year.
Following increased reporting in recent days of Ethiopia and
Eritrea moving troops and heavy military equipment closer to
their common border, Ambassador queried Meles on rising
tensions along the border. Meles argued that Ethiopian
forces are in defensive positions.
2. (S/NF) Ambassador urged the Prime Minister to use
"maximum restraint" to avert any skirmish or conflict from
escalating into full conflict along the border, cautioning
that any misreading or misunderstanding could quickly
escalate and have serious unintended consequences. The
Prime Minister responded that he still believed Eritrean
President Isaias would not launch a full-all out attack on
Ethiopia or attack Ethiopia in specific sectors or areas
along the border. Ethiopian forces are prepared to repel any
aggressive action by Eritrea. The Prime Minister added that
his commanding generals were in meetings on military issues
unrelated to the border. The Ambassador confirmed that he
would be available anytime day or night to receive
information from the Prime Minister should the situation
along the border dramatically and suddenly change. Meles
noted that Ethiopia and the U.S. will continue to maintain
close contact on the border issue.
3. (S/NF) Ambassador also raised growing tensions along the
border with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Tekeda Alemu
earlier in the day. Tekeda also asserted that he saw no
significant rise in tensions along the border. Ambassador
and Post will continue to follow the border issue closely and
report any changes.
YAMAMOTO