To: Mr. David Fox
David.Fox@Reuters.com
Reuters Bureau Chief
Nairobi, Kenya

November 13, 1998

Dear Sir:

While I have always considered Reuters to be the top news agency with regard to reporting on Africa, I am deeply disturbed by the Reuters article of November 13, 1998: "Residents of Eritrea town fear Ethiopia attack"

This article was filed by your correspondent in Asmara, Alexander Last. While I have deep reservations concerning general bias in the articles written by Mr. Last, I was outraged by the byline and title of this latest article.

I would greatly appreciate if you would allow me to elaborate on my concerns below.

The byline of the article is listed as Zallambesa, Eritrea. This seems to indicate that Reuters endorses Eritrea's claim to Zallambessa despite the fact that it was invaded and occupied by Eritrea. This is an extremely provacative position for Reuters to adopt, and I am sure you will receive an offical protest on that score.

Furthermore, your own Reuters report from July 8, 1998 contradicts the byline and title of the new article on November 13. Here is your report from July 8:

Title: Pragmatic Villagers Shrug off African Border War
Date: 08-JUL-98
Organization: Reuters
Correspondent: Alexander Last (permanently based in Asmara)

MAICHA'HA, Ethiopia/Eritrea border, July 8 (Reuters) - Untouched by the fervent nationalism on both sides in Ethiopia and Eritrea's border conflict, the people of this border village have adopted a pragmatic attitude.

Until a few weeks ago MaiCha'ha, 15 km (9 miles) south of the Eritrean town of Senafe, was undoubtedly under Ethiopian administration. Senafe is close to the Eritrea-Ethiopia border.

When Eritrean troops rolled into MaiCha'ha on the last day of May, the 400 villagers put up little defence. Three of the five militiamen gave up their guns to the invading forces, and the two others simply left the village, said the priest.

But the soldiers came up against stiffer opposition in the Ethiopian town of Alitena, three hours walk over a ridge, which was the scene of heavy fighting on May 31, a prelude to an even fiercer engagement at Zalambessa to the west on June 3.

In the above article, the byline is listed as "Ethiopia -Eritrea Border." The village indicated (MaiCha'Ha) is located north of Zallambesa. How then can Zallambesa be within Eritrea? Your own correpondent has already provided evidence that the border lies further north of Zallambessa!

Additional and conclusive evidence of where the border lies was provided by the following news report:

Title: Ethiopia Border
Date: June 11, 1998
Organization: Voice of America (VOA)
Reporter: Carol Pineau (based in Asmara in June and July of 1998)


Prior to arriving in Zallamabasa, one sees a sign that reads, "you are leaving Eritrea", and another -- "Welcome to Ethiopia." In the town of Zallamabasa is the Ethiopian charter bank.

The above report indicates conclusively that Zallambessa is part of Ethiopia. The Eritrean government voluntarily put up a sign on its own border that reads, "you are leaving Eritrea." If you would like, I can provide Reuters with a photo of this signpost with an Eritrean missile launcher parked behind it. This photo was taken by the AP in early June.

In conclusion, I would strongly urge Reuters in the strongest sense possible, to refrain from releasing news reports that label occupied Ethiopian territory as Eritrean.

Sincerely,

Dagmawi
E-Mail: dagmawi@oocities.com