In its weekly statement on Friday, the Ministry also indicated that all countries committed to eliminate terrorism from the face of the earth are expected to jointly struggle against these insidious forces such as the Eritrean government that are openly providing assistance to terrorists.

"Peace is a priority issue for Ethiopia so as to ensure that its efforts of ending poverty become successful. Accordingly, it has time and again been reaffirming its commitment and preparedness to work towards lasting peace with the conviction that it would benefit its own peoples and those of the countries in the region," it said.

"However, terrorists are relentless in their machination to hamper peace in our region due to their destructive objective of derailing the committed struggle waged by the Ethiopian peoples and government for growth and development."

“The Eritrean government and its lackeys, the terrorists, are deeply engaged in disrupting peace in Ethiopia and other countries in the region. In coordination with all manner of terrorists, the government of Eritrea is engaged in disrupting activities aimed at obstructing the development efforts of our country.”

“It has already become abundantly clear to the international community that the Eritrean government is primarily accountable for working hand in glove with elements working against sustainable peace and stability in Somalia.”

Meanwhile, the statement recalled that the self-proclaimed violent group, the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has for long been engaged in actions that militate against peace and security in the Somali Regional State, with the support of the Eritrean regime and other terrorist organizations.

“No terrorist can escape the firm hand of the law,” it said citing as a case in point the recent capture of eight members of the ONLF who are suspected of involvement in the perpetration of the terrorist attacks and massacres in the Somali National Regional State.

It is to be recalled that last year, the ONLF perpetrated a grenade attack at a public gathering in Jijiga and massacre of civilians at a petroleum exploration site at Abole in the Somali Regional State, in addition to their engagement in murder sprees in a number of towns in eastern Ethiopia.

The statement noted that efforts by the Horn of Africa countries, like that by Ethiopia, towards accelerated and sustainable growth can be successful only when peace and security are guaranteed.

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