Ethiopia's finance minister says western donors' freezing of $375 million in aid to his country is unacceptable.
Sofian Ahmed said Friday the direct aid amounts to 10 percent of Ethiopia's annual budget.
Western diplomats said Thursday the European Union, the World Bank and other donors would withhold the aid as a result of Ethiopia's crackdown on opposition leaders and journalists.
Media reports say the donors hope to disburse the money through other channels to address Ethiopia's widespread poverty.
The government crackdown followed clashes between security forces and protesters last month, in which at least 46 people were killed. Wednesday, a judge ordered the continued confinement of more than 80 opposition leaders and journalists detained during the protests.
A total of 131 people are charged with plotting against the Ethiopian government, treason, and genocide.
