Removal of Eritrean government would end border row – Ethiopia’s Zenawi

By Tesfa-alem Tekle

October 10, 2009 (ADDIS ABABA) — Ethiopian Prime minister Meles Zenawi today said that, with the current unbending position the Eritrean government runs , border demarcation is unlikely.

However, he pointed out that since Asmara government refuses a peaceful solution there are two solutions to end this situation: the first is to force Eritrean government to change its stance and the second is to get rid of this government. But he was quick to add that that Eritrean people only can decide on these options.

“Ethiopia has long showed its readiness to engage in a peace dialogue but Eritrea has repeatedly gave nothing but Deaf ears to it” The premier told the House of People’s Representatives adding “to proceed full border demarcation with Eritrea, the options are two- either the regime changes its existing ill-ideologies or must be ousted.”

The 1998-2000 Border war between the two countries has cost lives of 70,000 people. It has shut down the economic link between the two poorest countries, crippled their economy leaving behind unprecedented domestic challenges.

With tensions still remaining high, there are fears that war might be renewed unless both parties are put together in to a new peace dialogue, using an intensive diplomatic approach supported by new directions.

Eritrea has insisted to see concrete progress on demarcation of the border before engaged to any dialogue with Ethiopia. Demarcation is practically impossible in the absence of Ethiopian consent, which means a degree of flexibility is needed from Asmara on dialogue.

The Ethiopian prime minister accused the Eritrean government of being a major destabilizing factor not only in Ethiopia and Somalia but also to the region as a whole.

“Over the week, Eritrean forces have controlled some territories of Djibouti by forcefully invading the neighbor country” Meles said.

Prime Minister Meles Zenawi’s remarks were made Earlier on the day, while responding to the amendment motions raised by opposition parliamentarians on government’s outlined prior agendas for the current year.

Despite, the number of amendment motions raised by opposition MPs, the house after wide discussion and explanation from Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, today endorsed the yearly government plans presented by the president without any amendment and with majority vote.

The motions raised for amendment, among others include issue of inflation, drought, global warming, the question of salary to government employees, power shortage, border demarcation, and unemployment and law system.

(ST)