Meles claims victory on all fronts

Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said on Tuesday that Ethiopia had achieved victory on all fronts in the fighting with Eritrean forces. “The justness of our objective, the people’s support and the heroic defence forces’ determination, steadfastness and technical skills have brought the glorious victory on all fronts,” Ethiopian radio quoted Meles as saying in an interview. He did not say if this meant that Ethiopia was ready to stop the fighting. Noting Asmara’s announcement that it had withdrawn all Eritrean forces from disputed areas, he said this was “the kind of justification to be expected from an irresponsible person”. He said Eritrea’s acceptance of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) peace plan came only 12 hours after its leaders had vowed to fight to the end. “This shows that they cannot deceive anyone but themselves,” Meles said.