From: Biniam Tekle (biniamt@dehai.org)
Date: Tue Jul 08 2008 - 06:40:29 EDT
Tension grows along Sudan-Ethiopia border Tuesday 8 July 2008 04:30.
July 7, 2008 (KHARTOUM) – A row has erupted between the Khartoum and Addis
Ababa following the defection of an Ethiopian official to Sudan.
The governor of Asosa town in Western Ethiopia Ahmed Khalifa fled to the
capital city of Damazin in the Blue Nile state for unknown reasons,
according to the daily Al-Hayat published in London.
The newspaper said that Khalifa was accused by the Ethiopian authorities of
offering concessions to Sudan on border issues. Sudan has turned down a
request by its Eastern neighbor to hand over Khalifa.
The report quoting unidentified Sudanese officials said that Ethiopian
forces have been chasing Bani Shangol armed opposition members inside Sudan
near the towns of Kurmuk and Gaissan.
But Atem Garang, a senior southern official and deputy national parliament
speaker said that Bani Shangol opposition movements are supported by Eritrea
and denied any involvement by the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS).
Some observers speaking to Al-Hayat expressed fears that Addis Ababa could
retaliate to what it perceives as support to its dissident by arming Darfur
rebels.
The Sudanese army today issued a statement accusing Ethiopian forces of
attacking Hantoub Mountains and killing one policeman.
The Sudanese army spokesperson Osman Al-Agbash said the attack "represents
another cycle of international conspiracy on our natural resources and
economic gains".
Al-Agbash said Ethiopia violated an agreement that allows Sudanese troops to
be stationed in the area. He further said a joint committee with Ethiopia
will commence to discuss the incident.
The semi-autonomous South Sudan has long borderline with Ethiopia and the
two sides have signed several agreements last month to promote transport,
education and economic development in the border areas.
(ST)
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