(Saturday, December 23, 2000)
Eritrea Profile
In an Interview with local journalists on December 19, President Isaias Afewerki affirmed that the comprehensive peace agreement reached between Eritrea and Ethiopia to resolve the border dispute can only be implemented by peaceful and legal means based on colonial boundaries.
On the Peace Process, Especially Recent Developments Culminating in the Signing of a Comprehensive Peace Agreement
A close examination of the ups and downs witnessed in the peace process over the past two and half years reveals one basic truth: The fact that a lasting solution to the Eritrean-Ethiopian conflict fundamentally lies in a legal framework. As the Eritrean Government has been asserting throughout the period since the onset of the crisis, a solution to any border conflict can only be achieved through legal means on the basis of respect for inherited colonial boundaries and in accordance with colonial treaties. States are what they are today essentially because they are founded on the internationally accepted norms just cited. This applies to Eritrea and Ethiopia as it does to the neighbouring states of Sudan, Djibouti, Somalia and Kenya.
After having reached at the conclusion that a solution to the border crisis should be sought within a legal framework on the basis of border demarcation in accordance with colonial treaties, the parties involved in the peace process, along with the support of the international community, joined forces to bring about the signing of the comprehensive peace agreement between Eritrea and Ethiopia.
As regards mention in the document of the dates 1900, 1902 and 1908 on the basis of which the task of demarcation should be undertaken as well as what the role of the UN Cartographic Unit would be thereof and its relations with the Border Commission, it suffices to underline that the demarcation needs to be carried out strictly on the basis of the aforementioned colonial treaties.
On Why the Ethiopian Government was compelled to Accept Border Demarcation, As Constantly Advocated by Eritrea, at this Particular Moment
Political analysts may give their own interpretation and provide possible answers to the question. What interests us most is again the fundamental truth that a lasting solution to any border conflict solely lies in a legal framework and that the parties to such a conflict need to tackle it on the basis of respect for inherited colonial boundaries. On our side, we firmly maintain that no government or political authority, including that of Ethiopia, is entitled to arbitrarily change existing boundaries between states. Hence the need to concentrate on effective implementation of the provisions of the peace accord.
On Prospects for Normalisation of Eritrean Ethiopian Relations
Putting emotions that emanate from crisis situations aside, the benefits that accrue from a forward-looking attitude and course of action, I believe, are certainly not only gratifying but of immense value. One needs to see beyond the crisis of today as regards Eritrean-Ethiopian relations and thus take into account the long-standing ties that existed between the peoples of Eritrea and Ethiopia. The neighbourly relations between the peoples of the two countries need to be seen as a blessing and not a curse. Provided both sides manage to fully overcome the current crisis, there is no reason why the two peoples should not envisage promising prospects in their future relations. Viewed within this framework, it is not sheer indulgence in wishful thinking to talk about adopting a forward-looking posture regarding the development of amicable Eritrean-Ethiopian relations in the years ahead. After all, governments come and go but peoples prevail.
In this connection, the pronouncements being aired out by the Ethiopian authorities to the effect that there cannot take place normalisation in Eritrean-Ethiopian relations as long as the present Eritrean government stays in office is not only negative but also illegal. The Ethiopian government has no right to assert that there can be no peace as long as the present Eritrean government is in the saddle. Such a claim is tantamount to saying that something should be done to topple the Eritrean government. In the final analysis, this stance of the Ethiopian authorities is an invitation to continued state of conflict between the peoples of Eritrea and Ethiopia in general and Tigrai in particular. It is the prerogative of the Eritrean people and nobody else whether to keep in office or remove the Government of Eritrea. The same holds true for the people of Ethiopia. No political authority anywhere has the right to attempt to erect a permanent barrier as regards relations between peoples. Has not the so-called Berlin Wall eventually crumbled?
I am convinced that the people of Ethiopia as a whole including Tigrai would not fall prey to the mean policy pursued by the Ethiopian authorities as far as relations between the peoples of the two countries is concerned.
On Factors Guaranteeing Effective Implementations of the Provisions of the Algiers Peace Accord
The signing of the peace accord is the combined outcome of the endeavours of all those who worked hard to promote the peace process. The experience acquired over the past two and half years as well as the valuable lessons learned in the process represent one factor of guarantee. On might mislead part of the people for a while but certainly not all the people all the time. The peoples of both Eritrea and Ethiopia have obtained a historic experience over the past two and half years since the onset of the border crisis.
The second guarantee has to do with the no less big experience that the world community, including governments, political organization, peace movements and the like in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, etc. have drawn from their follow-up of the peace process and the support they gave to the noble undertaking.
Although the exercise of due caution is called for and it may not be wise to take things for granted, one should not lose hope as a result of the sad experience of the post as well as the current negative propaganda barrage on the part of the Ethiopian government's hawkish cadres.
On Return of Ethiopian Forces to Positions Prior to May 6,1998
Apart from the map they issued in 1997, the Ethiopian authorities did not officially publish any material pertaining to the issue at hand during the past two and half years. A clear explanation yet remains to be given on what really constitutes the 'May 6' issue. When Ethiopia declared war against Eritrea on 13 May 1998, there was talk about Badme. Since then, nothing was produced to our query of where on the map is the reference made to Badme. After the signing of the peace agreement and by the time the peacekeeping forces get fully deployed, the places to which the Ethiopian forces have to withdraw needs to be properly identified. Likewise, an independent investigation should to be carried out regarding the situation that prevailed in 1997. A lot of questions await due reply. Even then, we hold the view that ultimately what matters most is a resolution of the conflict on the basis of colonial treaties.
The peacekeeping forces are in the process of being deployed. What's more, the peace process is on track. In the final analysis, the Ethiopian government, provided it is committed to the accord it had signed, is expected to work in earnest for its implementation.
Pending the implementation of the peace agreement, the war-displaced persons have to be able to return to their homes and thus begin to rebuild their lives. Irrespective of what implies 'May 6', the deployment of the peace keeping forces is expected to facilitate the return home of the war-displaced persons on a priority footing.
To-date, the Ethiopian authorities have not provided any explanation of where their forces had been prior to May 6, 1998. They rather kept on sticking to one precondition or the other with a view to avoiding to address the real issue. However, given the prevailing circumstances, sufficient attention needs to be given to the task of realizing the objectives of the peace accord reached by Ethiopia and Eritrea.
On Demining Tasks
All the areas on which mines had been planted by the Ethiopians obviously need to be cleared of explosives. This indeed is a pre-requisite for the return home of the war-displaced Eritrean citizens. Especially after the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities had been concluded. On our side, we planted no mines at all. As far as we are concerned, we will demonstrate full cooperation with the concerned parties that the necessary steps are taken that would enable the war-displaced persons to return to their former places of abode. In other words, create favourable conditions, including the creation of mine-free zones, for a return to their original places of settlement. In the first place, it is the bounden duty of the two parties to the conflict to implement the agreements that have been reached. Then follows the responsibility of the world public to help the realization of the set goal.
On Development Programs Being Envisaged After the Signing of the Peace Agreement
Programs that were designed to achieve progress in a number of fields including infrastural and agricultural schemes as well as in the service sector were not halted on account of the war. Indeed, significant achievements were scored in the development arena during the 1998-99 period and even in the year 2000.
Admittedly, it may not be possible in times of conflict to attain the set target as originally planned. Once the crisis encountered is overcome, it becomes possible to achieve twofold or more outcome in development endeavours. Thus, we are convinced that the potential is there to score still more gratifying outcome in the development sphere once peace is restored.
On Redeployment
Apart from the map it issued in 1997, there has not been any documents submitted by the Ethiopian Government regarding the conflict during the past two and half years. So the issue of "May 6 position" is vague. It was proposed to be identified through independent investigation. The events and incidents of 1997 were also to be investigated. All these issues are still suspended. Now that the peacekeeping forces are due to take positions the question may get answer. Ultimately, the problem can only be solved on the basis of the colonial treaties. The deployment of the peacekeeping force is to pave the way for the final settlement of the problem. Afterwards the commission will demarcate the borders. In the meantime, the displaced people should be able to return to their respective localities irrespective of where the borderlines lie. So far, the Ethiopian Government did not specify where this pre-May 6 positions are. Now we are coming close to the truth.
On the Future Tasks of the Eritrean Government
Our development programs have not been affected by the crisis. We did not suspend our agriculture, infrastructure and social service programs even under the worst situations. With all the obstacles, the programs implemented and the production output in 1998/99 and 2000 were not only satisfactory but also exemplary. Of course, with such obstacles progress may not fully meet expectations. Even before independence, we have been using our resources as effectively. After independence in 1991, we tried to gear the potential of the country towards development and the results were reflected in the economic progress we have witnessed during the past couple of years. During the past two years, we have seen the emergence of a strong force and capacity and this has taught us how we could harness this potential in development endeavours in the future. This force has enabled us to face the challenges we met in a stronger and better manner than the ones we had during the liberation struggle.
On Development Programs
We have the emergency rehabilitation program assistance. Even though it could be viewed as vital in alleviating the damage inflicted by the war, the cooperation we maintain with the World Bank and other development partners goes beyond that. The present support extended to the Emergency Recovery Scheme by the World Bank and other partners serves as a bridge to full-fledged development programs. There could be some constraints to implement this program. The program cannot be executed overnight and people might not return to their homes and become beneficiaries instantly. Our capacity to execute the programs, however, should not be doubted. We have proved this in the previous seven years. We are capable of implementing them effectively.
On Demobilization
One of the government's priorities is demobilization. This is not a new experience for us. When we are always forced to get engaged in a war, the people have been carrying guns to defend their nation. During the recent crisis the people did the same and have made a history of which they will be proud throughout their entire life. When the problem is over we have to return to normal life and be able to execute development programs. So if genuine peace reigns, it is one of the Government's priorities to demobilize the largest portion of the army. This is what we have been discussing with the World Bank, UN and various international organizations. This scheme, however, did not come all of a sudden with the signing of the recent peace agreement. We have been working on this since the onset of the conflict. We have been executing programs that target women members of the army. They have been trained in various skills in order to enable them become productive when they are demobilized. Similar programs were also introduced to the male members of the army. Now, we are working on detailed programs which would enable people to acquire a skill or knowledge in various fields and ensure equal opportunity to all citizens. This could not be done with our own resources. We need the cooperation of international organizations. Our partners also share the view that the demobilization process should be conducted in an organized manner.
On Building Trust vis-a-vis Ethiopia
What we have learnt from the recent invasions is how powerful the Eritrean people are. The Eritrean people have obtained valuable experience. Peace can only be achieved when you are ready and capable of deterring any force that comes to subjugate you. The people of Eritrea always attach peace with dignity. They paid dearly to achieve this. The peace accord signed recently came this way. The ultimate guarantee for peace is the existence of a strong bond of cooperation between the peoples of both countries.
On Some Elements in Ethiopia Who Oppose the Peace Accord
These groups are quite similar with those who have been beating war drums during the past two and half years. There are very few elements in Ethiopia who think that they have interest in this war. They want to inculcate in the minds of the Ethiopian people the feeling that Eritrea is part of Ethiopia and thus should be annexed and subjugated by force in order to get an outlet to the sea and become a regional power. These forces, whether inside Ethiopia or abroad, are still living under an illusion and obsession. As everywhere in the world, these people will also be thrown into the dustbin of history. They are aspiring to return us back to their out look of the 17th and 18th century. The present Ethiopian Government was also engaged in a similar propaganda to exploit the emotions of these groups.
On the other hand, there are forces in Ethiopia that have positive and constructive thinking. This is of benefit not only for Ethiopia but also its neighbors. The Ethiopian Government has been promising to capture Assab and Asmara, to topple the Eritrean Government and promote the old thinking of the Ethiopian empire. The distress we are witnessing on the part of some of these groups is the reflection of their unfulfilled expectations. They do not represent the genuine interest of the Ethiopian people at all.
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