UK rejects Ethiopia aid proviso

Britain has announced an increase in aid to Ethiopia

Britain has ruled out linking aid to Ethiopia with pressurising its government to resolve the border conflict with Eritrea.

International development secretary Hillary Benn told the BBC the UK hoped the conflict will be resolved through negotiations.

Mr Benn has returned from Ethiopia where he announced a three-fold increase of aid to the country.

Ethiopia has rejected an international boundary ruling on the border dispute.

Budget support

"We are encouraging both parties to respect the ruling of the boundary commission and are hopeful that the stalemate will be resolved through dialogue," Mr Benn told BBC News Online.

He said the international community is hopeful that the UN envoy charged with the task of breaking the stalemate between the two countries, Lloyd Axworthy, will make headway when he visits the two countries.

Mr Benn announced that Ethiopia will receive $100m (£53m) aid from Britain in the 2005/06 financial year - a rise from the current $34m (£19m).

The financial aid will provide substantial direct budget support to the Ethiopian government and aims tom help tackle food insecurity.