Ethiopia has given permission for US forces to use its air space and territory, a government official announced Thursday.
”Ethiopia grants over-flight rights and access for bases to the United States,” the official told the national news agency, which did not name him.
The official said it was not clear when or if the US would avail itself of the Ethiopian offer.
Ethiopia and Eritrea are the only two countries in Africa among the 30 states Washington has named as coalition allies.
Many African countries, as well as the African Union, have expressed regret that the war was launched without the backing of the United Nations Security Council.
The official said there were no plans for Ethiopia to contribute troops to the war in Iraq.
”Over the past many months in particular, there has been an enhanced cooperation between the US and Ethiopia in the fight against international terrorism which for Ethiopia is a vital national security matter,” the official said. – Sapa-AFP