Eritrea has denied Ethiopian charges that it had "masterminded and executed" the recent kidnapping of five Europeans and eight Ethiopians.
The Europeans were freed on Tuesday in Eritrea 12 days after they were seized by gunmen in Ethiopia's remote north. The fate of the eight Ethiopians is unknown.
"This statement was made by Ethiopia because they think these kinds of statements will give them political mileage," Information Minister Ali Abdu said. "We not only deny this, but I think this is just a public relations stunt and if there is anyone who is wishing to indulge in public relations bluffing then let them enjoy it."
Tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea have simmered since the once-close neighbours fought a 1998-2000 border war that killed more than 70,000 people.
The freed Europeans were reunited with relatives yesterday in the Ethiopian capital.