Washington: Escalating Tensions on Eritrea-Ethiopia Border Affect Entire Region

Washington, March 10 (KUNA) -- The U.S. Department of State warned today, Saturday, about the repercussions of the recent escalation in tensions along the border between Eritrea and Ethiopia, and called on both sides to exercise restraint and return to dialogue. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a statement that “the escalating border tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea could affect the entire region,” adding that “the Horn of Africa cannot bear the consequences of another military conflict and humanitarian crisis.” Pigott further noted that a conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia would jeopardize the existing U.S. cooperation with both countries. The U.S. Department of State strongly urged both parties to respect each other’s sovereignty, exercise the utmost restraint, and return to a dialogue and cooperation approach in accordance with the agreements reached under the peace deal signed between them in 2018. It considered that peace based on dialogue is the only path to achieving sustainable security, economic growth, and prosperity. Ethiopia announced on Thursday, two days ago, the closure of its embassy in the Eritrean capital and the expulsion of 10 diplomats from Addis Ababa, citing what it described as “direct and indirect hostile and escalatory acts.” In response, Eritrea decided to sever all diplomatic relations with Ethiopia. (End) A.M.M. / M.M.J.