EU backs Ethiopia into a corner over jailed Swedes

Tense negotiations are underway for the release of two Swedish journalists jailed by Ethiopia on terrorism charges in September.

A delegation from the European Union, of which Sweden is a member, is said to have already met with Ethiopian prime minister Meles Zenawi.

EU and Swedish officials are this week expected to outline options to further press the Horn of Africa country into releasing the journalists, including a review of aid obligations.

"In the last couple of days, we have been discussing with Ethiopian officials and we hope to secure the release of the two reporters," a high ranking EU official told this reporter on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.

"Aid suspension is the last option."

Ethiopia was granted 644 million euros ($838 million) in developmental and humanitarian aid for the period between 2008-2013.

The country is one of the leading recipients of western aid with top donor the US donating an estimated $1 billion annually.

More inclined

Addis Ababa has however been more recently inclined to the East with China and India having so far provided about $650 million in credit and investment.

Sweden is applying massive diplomatic pressure after the two reporters were in December sentenced to 11 years in prison.

Martin Schibbye and Johan Persson were arrested in Ethiopia during fighting between government troops and rebels from the secessionist Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF).

Ethiopia accused them of being in the country illegally and and assisting the ONLF rebels.

Brussels has in a statement called for their release.

"Their sentencing on terrorism related charges raises concerns about the freedom of media and expression in Ethiopia," EU policy chief Catherine Ashton's office said, noting that the two "were conducting research as journalists".

"While recognising the Ethiopian judicial process, we hope that the two journalists can be released as soon as possible," the statement added.

Own plea

"The EU will continue to closely monitor this case and will continue our dialogue with the Ethiopian Government on press freedom and human rights."

Ethiopia says the two journalists were convicted on their own plea of guilt.

Mr Meles, who had labelled the two reporters as "vagabonds and terrorist messengers", has recently toned down his fierce stance following the talks with EU officials.

The premier last week in parliament hinted at the possibility of pardoning them but refused to comment further.

However, on the next day powerful politician and close Meles aide Bereket Simon in a media briefing appeared to pour cold water on their possible release.

"I am not aware of any pardoning process at this time," the communication minister and government spokesman said.

"What we know is that the two reporters admitted their crime and the court verdict was independent."

Ethiopia, listed by various human rights groups as a leading media freedom oppressor, finds itself backed into a corner.

Several local journalists and bloggers are in its jails on various terrorism charges and the release of the two Swedes would leave it exposed to huge criticism.

The two journalists have filed a request for a pardon and are waiting for an official response.