Ethiopia should respect border decision- Eritrean minister
Oct 29, 2005 (DUBAI) — The Ethiopian government should accept the Border Commission’s decision confirming Eritrean sovereignty over its territories, Eritrean Information Minister Ali Abdu Ahmed said to the Emirati Khaleej Times.
In an exclusive interview to Khaleej Times, Ahmed who is visiting the UAE, pointed out that the issue between Eritrea and Ethiopia is not political but legal, as the regime in Addis Ababa is violating sovereignty of Eritrean territories and refusing to accept the final decision of Eritrea and Ethiopian Boundaries Commission (EEBC) and discarding the law. “The only way out is to accept, respect and fully implement the decision of EEBC,” he stressed.
The minister noted that any attempt by the Ethiopian government to befool the people on the decision by diverting their attention from the main issue was futile. Eritrean sovereignty over its territories has been severely battered by Ethiopia over the past four years, he charged.
Asked about the normalisation of relations with Sudan, he said that Eritrean government took great initiative to enhance its relations by sending a high profile delegation to Khartoum to help in easing the tension between two countries.
Eritrea has played a greater role in supporting the peace agreement between Sudan and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) with the aim of bringing about a comprehensive and peaceful solution for the people of Sudan who deserve to live in a stable and secure atmosphere in their home country. “We are optimistic that the relations with Sudan will soon be enhanced and normalised,” he commented.
Talking about economic development and investment, the minister said that efforts are being exerted towards reconstruction and development plans. “Eritrea is self reliant, as our principle of cooperation makes us stand on our own foot rather than depending on others,” he said.
Eritrea has a 150km long beach which serves as great fishery resource that is open to all people of the world to come and invest without any restrictions or conditions. There are various types of investment opportunities that can be tapped by the investor and successful outcome is guaranteed, he said.
Ahmed urged UAE investors to visit Eritrea to learn about the various investment opportunities.
(Khaleej Times/ST)