Ethiopian army warns Eritrea not to declare war

ADDIS ABABA, Dec 18, 2004 (Ethiopian radio) — Army Chief of Staff Lt-Gen Samora Yenus said the army would contribute its share for the implementation of the new peace initiative put forward by the Ethiopian government to resolve the Ethiopia-Eritrean border dispute.

In an interview with Addis Zemen, an Amharic daily, recently, Samora said members of the army have confirmed that they would pay the necessary sacrifices for the practical implementation of the proposal after they make an indepth discussions on the initiative. Samora stressed the needs that members of the army should contribute their share for the success of the proposal.

Lt-Gen Samora said an army that is at the disposal of a public agenda would not necessarily go to war unless obliged to. But if obliged, it could emerge victoriously. The building of an army is intended for peaceful purpose not necessarily for war, and peace is insured by avoiding conflict and war, he said, adding that if war erupts forcefully, the only means is to end it as quickly as possible.

Samora said the national army would strive for the practical application of the new peace proposal based on the interest of the people and government of Ethiopia: It will be in our best interest if the Eritrean government does not declare war on our country, but if did, it would be our duty to foil the aggression and maintain peace, he said.

Samora said the wish of the Eritrean people need to be peace, development and democracy. He said the desperate Eritrean government is trying to forcefully drag its people into war. Lt-Gen Samora said the Eritreans need give a chance to peace.

Material from the BBC Monitoring Service