The following is the full text of the report broadcast from Asmara at 1700 gmt on Wednesday on Eritrean radio, Voice of the Broad Masses of Eritrea, in the Tigrigna language.

The Eritrean Foreign Ministry has issued the following press statement on this situation: The Ethiopian army today, 3rd June, launched an attack in the Anbesete Geleba [phonetic] area in southern Eritrea. The Ethiopian army, which was already deployed on Eritrean territory, attacked at 0530 [local time], supported by tanks and heavy artillery.

This attack will plunge the prevailing dispute between Eritrea and Ethiopia into a new and dangerous phase. Over the past few days, that is to say 22nd, 23rd and 25th May the Ethiopian army attacked Setit [14.20N 35.50E] and on 31st May, it launched four attacks around Aiga [phonetic] and Alitena [14.31N 39.34E].

The Eritrean government has been appealing to the quarters which are trying their best to resolve the dispute, telling them that the Ethiopian attack can only disrupt the efforts being made to calm the situation. The Eritrean government has refrained from giving the whole issue publicity, while ignoring the Ethiopian government's claims and boasts that they were scoring victories over the Eritrean army.

The Eritrean government condemns the continuous attacks mounted by Ethiopia. It also [word indistinct] that self defence is a legal right, while stressing that the issue can only be resolved by way of peaceful and legal means. In accordance with the said [word indistinct], the Eritrean government reiterates its appeal for the demilitarization of the disputed area.

If this appeal fails to evoke a positive response, the situation will deteriorate and occasion needless destruction of life and property. Meanwhile, it is pathetic to witness the Ethiopian government making good its threat to Eritrea, that is if Eritrea fails to withdraw unconditionally from the Ethiopian territories it has occupied, then we shall start a war.