Donors condemn Ethiopia bombing

Addis Ababa, May 17, 2006 - The Ambassadors' Donors Group (ADG) on Wednesday condemned bomb explosions which killed four people and injured more than 40 others in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa last Friday.

In a statement signed by French Ambassador Stéphane Gompertz, the ADG expressed sympathy to the victims, their relatives and friends, warning that violence bred more violence and despair.

"Innocent lives have been destroyed and shattered. No motive whatsoever, be it political or not, can justify such criminal acts," the group said.

The ambassadors also expressed appreciation for the calm and dignity which the people of Addis Ababa have shown following the explosions.

"Progress can only be achieved through peaceful dialogue. We remain committed to contributing to that end," the statement added.

The ADG includes Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, The Vatican, Ireland, Italy, Israel, Japan, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, USA, European Commission, UNDP, African Development Bank, IMF and World Bank.

Meanwhile, Ethiopia's National Intelligence and Security Service and the Federal Police Anti-Terrorism Task Force have said they had evidence indicating that the Eritrean government was behind the terrorist attacks.

According to the government-owned daily, "The Ethiopian Herald," the regime in Asmara has been doing everything in its power to destabilise Ethiopia.

"The desperate and war-mongering regime has officially launched training camps for anti-Ethiopian forces... training how to plant bombs and create instability throughout the country.

"The Eritrean government, which has been unable to respond to the increasing demands of its population, has chosen to meddle into the affairs of its neighbouring countries as a means of diverting attention," the paper charged on Tuesday.

Bombs planted in different locations and on commuter buses have killed five people and injured some 50 others in Addis Ababa this year.

Source: panapress