Ethiopia - They Say, We Say...

Other countries say...

"The overall countrywide situation as of June 2006 is stable. However, in the first half of 2006 there were several explosions in the capital city of Addis Ababa and the provincial capital Jijiga. Five deaths and dozens of injuries were reported in Addis Ababa, and injuries were also reported in Jijiga. Injuries and deaths due to civil unrest and explosions were also reported in the western Oromiya region in late 2005 and early 2006. Following the May 2005 elections, civil disobedience led to widespread unrest with injuries and deaths of Ethiopian citizens in June and November 2005." US State Department

"Explosive devices, such as grenades, are readily obtainable throughout Ethiopia and are occasionally used during domestic disputes. You should remain vigilant in public places throughout the country. Incidents involving British nationals are few and far between and are usually a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time." UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Ethiopia says...

"With a high sense of responsibility, the government has taken steps to minimize infringement on human rights as the result of the ill-advised and perilous tactics the opposition sought to pursue.

"The unrest fomented by the opposition, fanning discontent and exploiting the army of the unemployed in cities employing violence as a tactic, seeking to unseat government by force, has been the cause for the death of police officers and civilians. Had the government failed to quell the insurrection with a high sense of responsibility, it is quite clear the devastation could have been staggering.

"While this is the truth, the report issued by the Human Rights Bureau of the U.S. State Department was unfounded and based on claims with political motives, discrediting the Department for failing to examine reports it received. "Ethiopian Embassy in Washington DC. Response to US State Department Report on Human Rights