The facts of the matter are as follows. In June 2008, a group of Eritreans returned home from Egypt. During the interviews carried out at their arrival, it was established that 167 of them were Ethiopian nationals registered as Eritreans in Egypt. (Three babies were born after the arrival of the group in Eritrea raising the total number to 170.)

Upon realizing the situation, the Government of Eritrea approached the Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Eritrea. The Delegation of ICRC made frequent visits to the group who were temporarily sheltered in a school in the city of Massawa. In the private interview conducted by the Delegation of ICRC, the ICRC ascertained that 167 expressed their desire to return to their country. Three opted to stay in Eritrea.

Consequently, the Government of Eritrea proposed to the ICRC to arrange a repatriation mission in two weeks. The ICRC reply to the proposal was that the mission could not be undertaken because of logistical difficulties and the request by the Government of Ethiopia for a 4-6 weeks advanced notice for repatriation missions. This was not off-course, a novel development but a pattern that Ethiopia often resorts to. Later, the ICRC informed the Government of Eritrea that the repatriation of the 167 Ethiopian nationals could only be done simultaneously with the previously arranged voluntary repatriation of Ethiopians residing in Eritrea scheduled on September 25, 2008. (The date for this mission was later pushed to October 9, 2008.) Although the Government of Eritrea was concerned with the unnecessary delays, it nonetheless agreed with the proposed date.

When all the necessary arrangements for the repatriation mission were finalized, in the afternoon of October 7, 2008 the ICRC informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Eritrea that the repatriation mission would be canceled since; Ethiopia was not ready to receive its nationals in accordance with the previously arranged plan. In the event, the government of Eritrean took appropriate decision and ensured the safety of the non resident Ethiopian nationals in returning home.

On 9th of October, with the exception of one pregnant woman who required medical attention, the 166 Ethiopians who requested to be voluntarily repatriated to their country were transported to the border and crossed the Mereb Bridge to Ethiopia.

On their journey and throughout their stay in Eritrea, the group was treated with dignity and the usual warm Eritrean hospitality. This treatment was commended by the persons themselves and humanitarian organizations. The claim that they were deported is nonsensical. First, the persons were not residents of Eritrea. Second, they were repatriated upon their request; those who opted to stay in Eritrea were allowed to do so. The unfounded allegations of ill-treatment of the persons, although regrettable, do not merit serious consideration as it is part of the routine hate-campaign against Eritrea by the Government of Ethiopia and its patrons.

October 17, 2008
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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