REPORTED GSE REACTIONS TO UNMEE CRISIS

S E C R E T ASMARA 000090 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/ITA, DS/IP/SPC/SO, AF/E LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/21/2028 TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS KPKO ASEC PINR ER SUBJECT: REPORTED GSE REACTIONS TO UNMEE CRISIS Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for Reason 1.4 (d) ¶1. (S/NF) RSO met with Source February 20 who relayed second-hand information from the MFA's Americas desk officer. Source has provided reliable informaton to RSO in the past. ¶2. (S/NF) The MFA desk officer told Source many GSE ministers and high-ranking civil servants are upset with President Isaias' current course of action in forcing UNMEE out of Eritrea. There is growing dissent within the government over the current policies, but everyone is afraid to say anything or confront Isaias about his actions. The desk officer and his colleagues feel that if UNMEE forces depart Eritrea, the prospects for war with Ethiopia will increase. He told Source UNMEE's current deployment of international troops on the Eritrean side of the border acts as a buffer to prevent war. If UNMME pulls out, or redeploys to Ethiopia, he fears nothing will prevent Ethiopia from attacking Eritrea. He also stated that many Eritreans think Isaias is deliberating increasing tensions, to attract international attention to Eritrea's plight, with the Presidents believes is being ignored. ¶3. (S/NF) The desk officer further stated that his superiors briefed MFA employees that the Eritrean government has evidence Ethiopia will attack, but did not provide any specific information. A reliable DAO source reported that Isaias continues to drink heavily and his health might be questionable. During the recent Eritrean military holiday Fenkil, Isaias was observed drinking two entire bottles of "Zibib," an Eritrean hard alcohol beverage and appeared drunk. MCMULLEN