Ethiopia denies aid is diverted to the military
Firstly, it does not make clear it was Eritrea that invaded Ethiopia in May 1998, killing civilians and forcing many thousands from their homes and land.
Secondly, the boundary commission has not demarcated the disputed border region.
It made a ruling, which Ethiopia accepts in principle. Ethiopia is urging Eritrea to enter into dialogue as the way forward. Eritrea is refusing dialogue, thereby prolonging the tension.
Thirdly, the allegation of humanitarian assistance going to the military is not substantiated by the hundreds of NGOs operating in Ethiopia. It is a propaganda ploy against Ethiopia.
Finally, in spite of last year’s bumper harvest, Ethiopia still needs additional food supplies for a small percentage of its 72 million people, but with ongoing efforts to bring an end to reliance on rain-fed agriculture, full food security is likely to be achieved in the near future.
Wagaye Berhanu
Head of Press Section
Ethiopian Embassy
17 Princes Street
London SW7 1PZ
