During the 1998-2000 war between #Eritrea & #Ethiopia, the US not only sided with the #TPLF but also provided support & diplomatic leverage.
When #TPLF jets bombed #Eritrea Capital, Asmera, on June 5, 1998; Eritrea responded immediately & proportionately. Yet, the then US Ass. Secretary of State for Africa went out of diplomatic protocols & lobbied the OAU to adopt a resolution against #Eritrea.
In July 1998, President Clinton rushed to broker a Moratorium on Air Strikes between #Eritrea and #Ethiopia; knowing #Eritrea's response capabilities. In reality the aim was to help #TPLF buy time to build its military might.
#Eritrea suggested for a comprehensive truce, but the Clinton Administration insisted on a partial arrangement arguing #Ethiopia was not prepared for a comprehensive truce.
Ethiopia abused that window to purchase SU-27 jet fighters, mostly with Western financial support.
Ethiopia abused that window to purchase SU-27 jet fighters, mostly with Western financial support.
On 6 Feb 1999, #TPLF breached the Moratorium & launched a new attack against #Eritrea by falsely claiming "#Eritrea bombed Adi-Grat."; A claim it later withdrew.
The US authorities were silent even though they were fully aware of #TPLF's flagrant breach of the Moratorium.
The US authorities were silent even though they were fully aware of #TPLF's flagrant breach of the Moratorium.
August 1999, the US along with others came out with a peace package known as 'Technical Arrangements' between #Eritrea & #Ethiopia, which both parties declared acceptance.
It soon became evident that #TPLF didn't accept it in good-faith.
#Eritrea President alerted Washington that #TPLF was only biding time to launch another war.
Washington reassured Eritrea that #Ethiopia would face severe consequences should this turn out to be the case.
#Eritrea President alerted Washington that #TPLF was only biding time to launch another war.
Washington reassured Eritrea that #Ethiopia would face severe consequences should this turn out to be the case.
As it happened, #TPLF/#Ethiopia launched the 3rd offensive on #Eritrea on 12 May 2000.
The US Administration backtracked on its commitments and only nudged the UNSC to impose military sanctions on both the guilty & aggrieved parties.
The US Administration backtracked on its commitments and only nudged the UNSC to impose military sanctions on both the guilty & aggrieved parties.
It is important to look at statement of US EMBASSY in Asmera against this backdrop.
It's highly imperative the US rectify past misdeeds against #Eritrea, buttress the efforts already underway to improve bilateral r/s between the two countries.
It's highly imperative the US rectify past misdeeds against #Eritrea, buttress the efforts already underway to improve bilateral r/s between the two countries.
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