***image2:left*** Specifically, they were said to have transmitted ''a message to the [Ethiopian] leaders through the peace facilitators asking them if they would be prepared to stop their [then current] offensive in exchange for the [Eritrean] president's ouster.'' This allegation is not only false. It is ludicrous.... I would have known, since I was centrally involved in the talks. No one asked us to pass such a message. Of course, if they had, we would have refused.