NEWS RELEASE
Wednesday, June 23, 1999
Prime Minster of Ethiopia, Meles Zenawi, and the Italian Vice Foreign Minster, Reno Serri, yesterday discussed ways for a speedy implementation of the OAU peace plan.
Prime Minster Meles said that the OAU Framework Agreement requires Eritrean forces to withdraw from all Ethiopian occupied territories. Sen. Serri said that Italy supports the OAU’s efforts to settle the Ethio-Eritrean conflict through peaceful means.
The premier and the Italian official also discussed the situation in Somalia and ways to bring lasting peace and reconciliation to that country. Meanwhile, the Italian government is providing financial and technical assistance to facilitate the return of the Axum Obelisk from Rome to Ethiopia.
During his visit to Ethiopia, Sen. Serri also signed an agreed country programme worth 112 million US dollars for development strategies such as roads, education, food security and health. Private sector development and institution building have been identified as further focus areas.
The current Italian commitment demonstrates the goodwill and strong support of the Italian government to the development efforts of Ethiopia.