Addis Abeba — The government blamed rebels backed by arch-foe Eritrea on Tuesday for the two bombs that killed three people and wounded more than a dozen in the capita Addis Ababa.
The attacks late on Monday came a day after the the first round of local, regional and federal elections that have prompted opposition claims of harassment and a boycott.
"This is the work of the enemy, trying to disrupt Ethiopia's ongoing democratic elections," Information Minister Berhan Hailu told Reuters. No arrests have been made yet, police said.
A state media said the explosions tore through two petrol stations in the city at the same time, killing and wounding residents who were queuing to buy fuel. Bloodstains and charred clothing lay at the scene of one of the blasts.
Bereket Simon, special adviser to Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, blamed the attacks on separatist rebels.
"The early stages of our investigation indicate that organisations like the Ogaden National Liberation Front and the Oromo Liberation Front, who are organised and financed by the Eritrean government, are responsible," he told Reuters.
The government has often blamed rebels backed by Asmara for attacks in the past.
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It has come to our attention that, as usual the tyrannical Ethiopian Government accused the Oromo Liberation Front as responsible for the bomb blasts that happened yesterday in the areas of Gerji and Lem Hotel in Finfinnee (Addis Ababa).
The OLF vehemently denies the Ethiopian Government's unfounded accusation. The OLF did not blast the bombs at Gerji and Lem Hotel in Finfinnee (Addis Ababa). The OLF has no part in the bomb blast.
The OLF has a long standing policy against terrorism. The OLF never uses terror as a means to achieve its political objectives. The OLF never targets civilian population and their properties in its military operations. It should be recalled that the OLF resorted to armed struggle as a last resort after the tyrannical regime closed all avenues to peacefully and democratically pursue its political objectives.
The OLF believes that the bomb blasts were orchestrated by the Ethiopian regime itself. The Government orchestrated the blasts to deflect attention from the complaints that are being made regarding the rigged and defrauded by-election and local election of April 12, 2008; an election that de jure and de facto resulted in a one party (TPLF/EPRDF) tyrannical rule.
For the Oromo Liberation Front
Beyan H. Asoba
Spokesperson
The World's Worst Dictators No. 17
Meles Zenawi began his political career in 1974. Twenty-one years later he gained power in Ethiopia. To satisfy Western demands, Meles created puppet parties for all Ethiopian ethnic groups. In 1998, he forced his people to an unnecessary war with Eritrea, causing thousands of deaths. He agreed to arbitration but when the Commission ruled against him, Meles refused to abide by the decision and kept for Ethiopia land that belonged to Eritrea. Source: Parade
Hey guy, are you going to tell us that World #2 mad 'leader' next to Gadafi, Isayas is a democratic person? First see your own dirt. Do you consider you have a country?
As the world knows Eritrea is ruled by a group of aged vagabonds that have associated themselves with the major terrorist groups. So, there is no doubt this inhuman deed was well coordinated by your blood crazy dictator. But very soon you will see how my country could oust them and bring meaningful peace the horn of Africa.
Gerrilijam, you are simply on the behalf of ertrian gov't/Higdef...it is realy shame to talk about ethiopia you are not morally fit...Ertrian journalists and veterans are the eye wittness.but unfortunately no one knows where these inocent people are now living....in which jail .. in ertria there is no free press,no freedom of religion,no constitution,no election....so please don't post nonsense comment on this respected web site ! please! you can't persuade the people of the world ..in this information age!!!no political gain you can achieve...Do your home work please what can you say about: "Some 1300 Eritrean soldiers crossed the borders to Ethiopia over the past 6 months in defiance to massive oppression and ill-military policies they face at home, Sudan Tribune rported on Tuesday citing the Administration of refugees and returnee Affairs"
Gerrilijam, you are simply on the behalf of ertrian gov't/Higdef...it is realy shame to talk about ethiopia you are not morally fit...Ertrian journalists and veterans are the eye wittness.but unfortunately no one knows where these inocent people are now living....in which jail .. in ertria there is no free press,no freedom of religion,no constitution,no election....so please don't post nonsense comment on this respected web site ! please! you can't persuade the people of the world ..in this information age!!!no political gain you can achieve...Do your home work please what can you say about: "Some 1300 Eritrean soldiers crossed the borders to Ethiopia over the past 6 months in defiance to massive oppression and ill-military policies they face at home, Sudan Tribune rported on Tuesday citing the Administration of refugees and returnee Affairs"
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