Ethiopia: Premier reportedly buys sophisticated security equipment from Ukraine
Source: BBC Monitoring Africa - Political
Publication date: 2003-04-26


Excerpt from report by private Ethiopian newspaper Moged on 26 April

It was learnt that Prime Minister Meles has bought special security equipment.

According to a reliable source, the prime minister is in a serious crisis than ever before after the ruling on Badme [disputed border town which was later awarded to Eritrea] was officially announced. He is so busy to reverse the ruling made by [the Ethiopia Eritrea Boundary Commission]...

The new security equipment was bought from Ukraine last week. The new security equipment is so special that when Meles alights or tries to enter into his vehicle a bullet proof shield will emerge automatically and enclose the premier in the middle of two rows of shields. Meles was forced to buy such sophisticated equipment after he learnt a meeting held against him by some ruling party officials. After the premier learnt of the said meeting, his close associates - Sebhat Nega and others - who used to visit the premier without problem are told to book for appointment if they want to see Meles.

Publication date: 2003-04-26