One Year After Bombing, Adigrat Remains Focused on Development

Addis Ababa, June 12 (ENA)--Being close to the war front, the residents of Adigrat have had to endure many crises over the past year. Most notably, however, was en event that took place one year ago today.

On 11 June 1998, after being categorically defeated on two different fronts, and out of apparent frustration, Eritrea bombed civilian targets in Adigrat, killing four individuals and wounding 30 others, including an 18 month-old baby and a pregnant woman.

The victims sustained horrific injuries due to Eritrea's use of cluster bombs, which are internationally condemned.

In addition, the Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Commission's warehouse suffered a direct hit and was demolished.

Large quantities of grain and edible oil that were stored in the warehouse were destroyed as a result.

Issaias' airforce also targeted the pharmaceutical factory in Adigrat, but thankfully missed its intended mark.

An Eritrean military source revealed to the Associated Press (20 June 1998) that the factory was targeted to stop it from supplying medicines to Ethiopian soldiers wounded in the fighting, in violation of United Nations Conventions.

In addition to being a direct target of the Eritrean military Adigrat has also been indirectly affected by Eritrea's invasion and occupation of other areas along the border.

Many displaced Ethiopians who were forced to flee from Eritrean troops in the Zalambessa region have made Adigrat their temporary home.

But, despite being adversely affected by the war in many ways, the residents of Adigrat are determined not to let Issaias and his military forces deter them from their development objectives, the Office of the Government Spokesperson said in a statement here Friday.

Road and building construction continues apace, and sold and water conservation projects are booming.

The students of Adigrat have also been determined to pursue their studies normally and they were recently able to take their National School Leaving Certificate Exams without hindrance.

In short, residents of the non-occupied territories in and around Adigrat are actively engaged in a variety of development activities.

Just as Ethiopian citizens are determined to route the occupying Eritrean troops from their sovereign territory, they are equally committed to the pursuit of national development and to ensure that it does not suffer as a result of the unwanted war.