PRESS RELEASE
Precautionary Measures Taken Regarding Eritreans Residing In Ethiopia
12th June, 1998

The policy of the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia regarding the 550,000 Eritreans residing in Ethiopia remains unchanged: they can continue to live and work peacefully in Ethiopia.

However, out of national security considerations, the Government is taking the following precautionary measures regarding Eritreans and Eritrean organizations in Ethiopia:

1. Some Eritreans who are in senior positions of responsibility have been told to take one month's enforced leave. In particular the measures give priority focus to security sensitive installations such as telecommunications, aviation, the power company, etc. The persons on forced leave can stay in the country.

2. The Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) has an office in Addis Ababa to look after party affairs. Officials and functionaries at the leadership level of the party office are required to leave Ethiopia. However, their dependents are given the choice of staying in the country, if they wish to do so.

3. The Eritrean Community Organization (C.O.M.), which has an office in Addis Ababa, is being treated in a similar manner. The community leadership and senior functionaries of the organization are required to leave Ethiopia, while members of their families are allowed to make a choice if they wish to stay in the country.

4. Also required to leave Ethiopia are Eritrean individuals who have been raising money for the Eritrean war effort, have been involved in spying activities, taking advantage of their residence in Ethiopia. Their properties will not be confiscated and they are allowed to nominate an agent/agents to look after their interests.

12 June 1998

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Press Inf. & Documentation G/Directorate
P.O.Box 393
Tel. 517345
Fax 514300
E-mail MFA.Addis@telecom.net.et