Eritreans reject “dialogue ploy” by Ethiopia over border ruling

ASMARA, March 22, 2005 (ERINA) Amare Tekle, diplomatic and foreign relations in the president’s office, underlined that the Eritrean people reject under any circumstance the so-called dialogue to dismantle the final and binding ruling of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission.

In a statement he made at the 61st meeting of the UN Human Rights Commission, Dr Amare pointed out that “freedom is the sole fundamental right of humankind,” and that for the Eritrean people freedom is the source of all other rights. Hence, he underscored, they will continue to reject any attempt to violate or compromise their freedom.

Amare emphasized that accepting the ‘dialogue ploy’ would not only mean abandoning our human and legal rights but also an accomplice of those forces who are conspiring to demolish international law. Noting that it is totally immoral to talk about so-called dialogue on an issue that had reached legal conclusion, Amare underlined that the Eritrean people would continue their struggle to safeguard their rights and interests as well as preserve accepted international norms that ensure international peace and security.

He went on to stress that any overt and covert attempts on the part of any international or regional organization to create obstacles for any nation in its efforts to have legitimate control over national sovereignty and resources constitute a violation of UN Charter and other laws that ensure human rights.

Quoting pertinent articles connected with international laws and agreements, Amare said: “Any attempt by any country or organization to compel any state to engage in ‘dialogue’ or conclude unjustified agreement through compromising its sovereignty and territorial integrity is tantamount to a deliberate act of crime.”