UN action shameful, says Eritrea

Asmara, 28 Dec-(ANA)-Eritrea has labelled UN sanctions imposed on it as shameful, and denied allegations that it arms Islamist militants in Somalia.

Eritrea's UK ambassador Tesfamichael Gerahtu said that the sanctions were illegal and would only worsen the problems in the Horn of Africa.

The Security Council imposed an arms embargo, travel bans and asset freezes on top Eritrean officials.

Somalia's beleaguered UN-backed government welcomed the sanctions.

Islamist insurgents have asserted control over most of the country, leaving the government with authority in only small parts of the capital, Mogadishu. (ANA)

FS/ANA/28 December 2009----