Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ASMARA90
2008-02-22 08:12:00
SECRET//NOFORN
Embassy Asmara
Cable title:
REPORTED GSE REACTIONS TO UNMEE CRISIS
how-toVZCZCXYZ0000 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHAE #0090 0530812 ZNY SSSSS ZZH R 220812Z FEB 08 FM AMEMBASSY ASMARA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9459 INFO RUEHDS/AMEMBASSY ADDIS ABABA 6193 RUEHDJ/AMEMBASSY DJIBOUTI 3040 RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 1604 RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 1782 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0700 RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC RUMICEA/JICCENT MACDILL AFB FL RUEPADJ/CJTF-HOA J2X CAMP LEMONIER DJ RUEKDIA/DIA WASHDC RHMFISS/CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
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)
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
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