afrol News, 28 August - Six Norwegian diplomats have been expelled from Ethiopia after they were blamed for being undiplomatic by interfering in the internal affairs of the country. They were accused of supporting Islamist rebels in Somalia, Ethiopia and Eritrea.

The Norwegian embassy in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa consists of nine staff.

The expelled diplomats have been asked to leave by 15 September, the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Whaide Belay, said.

Sudan had earlier expelled the EU Charge d’Affaires and the Canadian Ambassador, accusing them of interfering in the country’s internal affairs.

Addis Ababa said the move does not mean they are straining diplomatic relations with Norway. They registered dislike about the diplomats connections with Eritrea.

Ethiopian authorities have been angered by Norway’s support for the next round of border talks between Eritrea and Ethiopia to be held at the United Nations headquarters, New York.

For several years, the two neighbouring countries had been fighting over a border dispute. Apart from the border dispute, Ethiopia and Eritrea have been divided over so many issues, which raises fears of wars.

Norwegian officials expressed disappointment over the issue after all they were fostering peace and reconciliation in the region.

The Norwegian Foreign Affairs Secretary, Raymond Johansen disclosed the expulsion order issued on 15 August.

Jonas Gahr Stoere, the Norwegian Foreign Affairs Minister, said the expulsion of six embassy staff means “a big reduction in the degree of development cooperation with Ethiopia.”

By staff writer

© afrol News

Related pages and feature

Current afrol News Top Stories