NEWS RELEASE

Thursday, April 29, 1999

UN ENVOY MEETS WITH PRIME MINISTER MELES

Ethiopian Prime Minster Meles Zenawi met this morning with United Nations Special Envoy for Africa, Mr. Mohammed Sahnoun.

During the meeting, Meles clearly reiterated Ethiopia's position: the government of Eritrea needs to officially declare that it will withdraw its troops from all Ethiopian land and agree to set a short timeframe in which the withdrawal will be implemented. Noting that Eritrea invaded Ethiopia's sovereign territory in May 1998, Meles emphasised the importance of undoing the invasion before other matters can be contemplated. As long as Ethiopian territory remains under Eritrean occupation, it is impossible to discuss a cease-fire and negotiate a resolution to the border conflict. For his part, Sahnoun told the Prime Minister that he will continue with his efforts.

Ethiopia is firm in its position out of a belief that aggression cannot and must not be rewarded. Moreover, the prohibition against invading another country's sovereign territory is a fundamental principle of international law and enshrined in the United Nations Charter, as is the right of self-defence when such an act occurs. Given Eritrea's track record of aggressive behaviour towards its neighbours, it is all the more important that its invasion of Ethiopia not be tolerated. Thus, it is not only in Ethiopia's own interest, but also out of interest for the future stability of the entire region, that Eritrea be required to withdraw its troops--thereby bringing about a return to the status quo ante--before other issues can be discussed.

Since Eritrea first invaded Ethiopia in May 1998, Ethiopia has been seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Despite its right to defend its sovereign territory from foreign invasion, Ethiopia did not respond in kind to Eritrea's use of force. The Ethiopian government remains committed to the OAU Framework Agreement as a peaceful means to resolve the conflict.