MELES ON E-E: CONFLICT NO MORE IMMINENT TODAY THAN

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