'Innocent lives are destroyed'

2006-05-16 23:14

Addis Ababa - Ethiopia's main donors have denounced a string of deadly explosions that rocked Addis Ababa last week, saying there was no possible justification for the unclaimed blasts.

The Ambassadors' Donors Group, which represents 24 nations and four multi-lateral lenders, said the nine blasts on Friday - that killed four people and wounded 40 - had shattered lives for no reason.

The group said: "Innocent lives have been destroyed and shattered.

"No motive whatsoever, be it political or not, can justify such criminal acts.

"Violence breeds more violence and despair. Progress can only be achieved through peaceful dialogue. We remain committed to contributing to that end."

The bombs ripped through two office buildings, a cafe, a bus station, three buses and a bridge in the capital.

11 killed since January

The country's police said the blasts were "criminal acts" but have not accused any individual or group of being behind them.

The explosions were the latest in more than a dozen mystery blasts to hit Addis Ababa and provincial towns, killing 11 people since January.

Ethiopia has blamed arch-foe Eritrea of supplying explosive materials for the blasts.

Asmara has denied the charge. Some Ethiopian officials have said they suspect separatist rebels or opposition figures were responsible.

Tension has been high in Addis Ababa for months since at least 84 people died - many at the hands of police - in opposition-led protests against alleged fraud in the May 2005 elections.

Currently, 111 defendants, including nearly the entire leadership of the main opposition Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), are on trial. They are accused of fomenting a post-election coup.

In the past, the Ambassador's Donors Group has called for those on trial to be released on bail, and for a dialogue between the government and the opposition to resolve their differences.

- AFP