The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has elected a new head six months after the death of the previous patriarch.

BBC: New leader of The Ethiopian Orthodox Church Abune Mathias

"We hope that this is a symbol that the wounds are healing between the two countries, " said the Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Abune Paulos.

BBC: Leaders at prayer in Asmara (pic: Jorge Aramburu/UNMEE)

To our disbelief a beautiful Ethiopian Orthodox church was looted - the inner sanctuary descrated, stained-glass windows broken, holy paintings ripped up, crosses - even those in the graveyards - looted.

BBC: De-mining in the Horn