Prime Minister Meles Zenawi held talks on Thursday with a senior delegation of the Chinese government led by Wang Shengwen.

The aim of the visit of the Chinese delegation was to share the empathy of the people and government of China with Ethiopian counterparts over the indiscriminate massacre of innocent civilians of the two countries by anti-peace forces at Abule area in Degehabur zone.

The delegation said the inhuman massacre committed by the terrorist group would not affect the long standing friendship and economic ties between Ethiopia and China.

The heinous terrorist act is carried out by the self-styled Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) under orders from the regime in Eritrea.

Prime Minister Meles expressed to the Chinese delegation his government's distress over the appalling act of terror that victimized innocent civilians nationals of the two countries.

Having expressed condolences, Meles assured the delegation of his government's readiness to provide the necessary protection to Chinese citizens assisting in development activities in Ethiopia.
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In an ambush at dawn on April 23, terrorists massacred 65 Ethiopians and 9 Chinese citizens - all civilian workers at an oil exploration project run by a Chinese Company.

The terrorists also kidnapped seven Chinese and Ethiopian workers of the project.