| Which came first the chicken or the egg? |
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| Written by Abeba Isahac | |
| Tuesday, 30 October 2007 | |
Just for the record, and in order to bring some sanity into the exchanges taking place, let us look at indisputable recorded dates and the sequence in which things happened..
It was only in October of 2005 that the Eritrean government denied UNMEE the permission to fly their spying helicopters, and around about the same period imposed the restrictions on movement throughout the country. That is just two years ago. Until then, since the signing of the Algiers agreement seven years ago, and the coming out of the verdict from the Hague, Eritrea had been patiently waiting for the weyane to settle down and get over their immature and childish tantrums, and now their crying and whining over what they are calling a “violation of the agreement on cessation of hostilities” as though they had ever cared or respected its contents.
News from 2002 (Biddho.com) Border demarcation ruling due to be announced is result of Ethiopia’s peaceful struggle: statement Addis Ababa, April 13, 2002 (WIC) The Ethio-Eritrean Border Commission has handed down its ruling on the territories disputed by Ethiopia and Eritrea, and all the disputed territories have been placed under Ethiopian administration. Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin told journalists that... Along the Mereb Belesa strip of land, the Onashhak, Kolo Bordo, Sebeo and Dikutu kebeles (localities) were ruled Ethiopian. Several other kebeles (localities) which were earlier annexed by Eritrea were also given back to Ethiopia. The other disputed areas including the town of Zalambessa, and the regions of Irob as well as Alitena, also earlier occupied by Eritrea, have been declared sovereign Ethiopian territories by the Border Commission. Another major disputed region, Badme and its environs, has been effectively declared Ethiopian. The Badme area was also under Eritrean occupation, but was later freed by the Ethiopian Defence Forces. The Bada area in the East which was also claimed by Eritrea, was declared Ethiopian. Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin told journalists that the decision of the Boundary Commission signafies "sanity has won over insanity, and that the rule of law has prevailed over the rule of the jungle". He added that "the decision has rejected any attempt by Eritrea to get rewarded for its aggression", and proves that Ethiopia was justified in all its positions in rejecting Eritrea's occupation of the disputed territories. Seyoum expressed hope that the co-guarantors of the Peace Process, which include the UN, EU, the OAU the US and Algeria, would continue to play their constructive role and assist the parties complete the peace process. Statement issued by the Council of Ministers of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia regarding the decision given by the Boundary Commission in The Hague The Boundary Commission in The Hague has been weighing evidence provided by the Governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea for the last year and a half, and has today announced its decision. The international community recognizes that Ethiopia alone has been making relentless efforts to reverse the aggression and to resolve the dispute peacefully on the basis of pertinent colonial treaties and applicable international law. Our country did not allow the aggression to stand, but instead, struggled with determination to force the Shabia's Government to evacuate from the areas it had illegally occupied. Indeed our country was resolute in its strong belief that the attempt to resolve boundary questions through military means is an outright violation of international law. Our country had no choice but to resort to force to not only defend itself but also to vigorously eject Eritrean forces from Ethiopia. Moreover, it is our country that provided the basic form and content to the implementation of the Algiers Agreement. And it is our country that facilitated the conditions for the creation of the Boundary Commission, and the successful completion of its mandate. Ethiopia strongly believes that the Commission's accomplishment of its mandate and the rendering of its decision is a demonstration that peace prevails over war, and law over disorder. Ethiopia believes that this is the most decisive victory that it has won with regards to the Ethiopian-Eritrean boundary dispute. The decision rendered by the Boundary Commission today has the following contents:
1. With regards to the boundary dispute between the two countries on the Mareb-Belessa-Muna boundary line: Respected Peoples of Ethiopia: Statement issued by Information and Public relations Department with the ministry of information The Victory of Ethiopia Before the court of Law proves to be the result of its sound policy Ethiopia has registered encouraging results in various fields of endeavor since the government charted-out its policy of peace, democracy and development during the last few years. The tangible results attained so far are indicative that Ethiopia’s development program is not an illusion but a pragmatic one that would help to speed up the economic development thereby improving the livelihood of the people in a relatively short period of time. The facts on the ground and the achievements so far registered indicate that if citizens work harder the development objectives of the country would certainly be attainable. It is unquestionable that the achievements so far gained in the areas of peace, democracy and development is the result of the correct policy of the country. Under the leadership of the incumbent government and with the popular participation of the public, the policies mapped out by the government have been discussed and endorsed by the public, which have proved to be effective during implementations. It is the Ethiopian government's conviction that the soundness of its policies emanates from the peoples participation in all fields of endeavor. The peaceful and legal conclusion of the Ethio-Eritrea conflict is one of the many successful cases attained through the peaceful policy pursued by the Ethiopian government. When the hawkish government in Asmara invaded Ethiopia by force claiming a territory, the political oppositions in the country too followed a belligerent course of action. However Ethiopia moved to settle its border dispute with Eritrea through legal and peaceful means, which was categorically opposite to the course of action of the government in Asmara as well as the oppositions at home. The peaceful course of action followed by the Ethiopian government demonstrates not only its conviction that peace is a precondition to the prevalence of democracy and development but also its awareness of the supremacy of the law. Solving difference through a peaceful and legal means has been a principle of the Ethiopian government, which did no just with the Ethio-Eritrea conflict. This principle is the guiding light of the government and will continue unaltered in the future. Since the invasion, the Ethiopian government has been aggressively campaigning to resolve the problem legally and peacefully. For that reason, even after Ethiopia's emphatic military victory over the invading troops of Eritrea, Ethiopia honorably continued its peaceful principles and signed the Algiers peace accord. The Ethiopian government has exerted utmost efforts to win the case by providing tangible evidences to the Ethio-Eritrea Boundary Commission in The Hague as well as by employing internationally renowned legal advisors. Ethiopia's resounding military victory over the invading Eritrean troops has been also repeated before the court of law in The Hague. The border ruling from The Hague is not only the result of Ethiopia's peaceful struggle beginning on the morrow of Eritrea's invasion into Ethiopia. It has once again proved the validity of Ethiopia's policy of peace, which is the source of pride to all Ethiopians. The Boundary Commission's ruling reaffirms the supremacy of the law. It also indicates that aggression is futile. Since the Ethiopian people fully understand the destructiveness of the flames of war they have been in support of the steps taken by the government to solve the problem peacefully right from the beginning. The Ethiopian people are joyous over the victory of their country both in the military field as well as before the court of law in The Hague. The expression of support of Ethiopians to the peaceful and legal solution of the dispute emanates from their conviction that citizens and the country would benefit from the prevalence of peace in the country. It was not expected that the opposition parties would hail the victory attained at the international court of Arbitration in The Hague. By rejecting the Algiers peace agreement the opposition parties have proved that they are against a lasting and just solution to the Ethio-Eritrea conflict. Like the government of Eritrea the opposition too could not accept the supremacy of the law. Their wish is either to invade the sovereign state of Eritrea short of that to capture the port of Assab by force which they claim is vital to the existence of Ethiopia and that is why. It will not please the opposition that the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute has been solved through peaceful path taken by the Ethiopian government and people. It is surprising that just like the Eritrean government the oppositions opt for the use of force, which indeed was instrumental in bringing about the demise of the previous régimes. The opposition continues their course of action with the issued of the border demarcation agenda in the hope of avoiding challenging questions from citizens pertinent to policy issues. Ethiopians have been rendering their full support to the peaceful approach pursued by their government since the morrow of the Eritrea's invasion into Ethiopia. That is why they expressed their resounding joy over the final ruling at The Hague. It is to be recalled that Eritrea was brought to the negotiating table only after its invading forces were routed and chased out by the gallant defense forces of Ethiopia. Ethiopia's victory both in military field and before the international court of justice left the regime in Asmara in utter shock, embarrassment and confusion. The Asmara government is trumpeting about its border demarcation agenda in the hope of avoiding burning issues that are being raised by Eritrean citizens. As if the government in Asmara had not arrogantly rejected peaceful alternatives, it is now pretending to be the champion of peace further deceiving and confusing its own citizens. We are aware of the fact that the double victory scored by Ethiopia is the fruit of its sound policy which led those who believe in force into utter embarrassment. Needless to say that Ethiopia will continue to peruse this correct policy in the future. (END) Addis Ababa, 13 April 2002 Ethiopia wins both war, case: Seyoum Addis Ababa, April 13 (ENA) --Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin said the Hague-based international court of arbitration which was handling the cases of the Ethio-Eritrean border claims on Saturday ruled that the contested areas be regarded as an integral part of the sovereign Ethiopian territory. Seyoum said Ethiopia, which has shattered the myth of Eritrean invincibility at the war fronts, has once again defeated Eritrea at the law of court by gaining all the lands falsely claimed by the regime in Asmara. The Foreign Minister made the remarks while briefing local and foreign journalists on the verdict of the international tribunal. He said Ethiopia was fully satisfied with the decision of the independent boundary commission. " Ethiopia has proved to be right and Eritrean occupation of Ethiopian territories by force has been rejected," Seyoum said. Justifying the decision, Seyoum contented, the ruling is a victory of law and order over the rule of the jungle, violence and anarchy. The Foreign Minister said " Ethiopia hopes that the decision of the boundary commission will once and for all seal any attempt by any military adventure to change border claims by force." According to the Foreign Minister, the decision of the boundary commission clearly implies that it was the Eritrean government that instigated aggression against the so-called disputed areas, which are now proved to be Ethiopian sovereign territories. According to the Algiers peace deal, both parties should accept the decision of the boundary commission as final and binding with no right to appeal, Seyoum said. He said Ethiopia would remain committed as ever before to the speedy and scrupulous implementation of the decision. The foreign minister also urged Eritrea to facilitate the speedy implementation of the boundary commission's decision. Seyoum said "Ethiopia would remain vigilant until it is assured that the other side is also convinced that it wouldn't achieve any thing through military means." Asked about considering normalizing relations with Eritrea, Seyoum said Ethiopia first wants to see transparency and predictability of the Eritrean government prior to normalizing relations. (END) Commission's ruling outcome of Ethiopia's hallowed, peaceful moves: Department Addis Ababa, April. 15(ENA)--The just ruling handed down by the Ethio-Eritrean Boundary Commission in The Hague was the outcome of Ethiopia's hallowed moves taken to gain back what rightfully belongs to it, Information and Public relations department with the Ministry of Information said. Ethiopia followed a peaceful way to defend what is hers in a different way pursued by the belligerent government of Eritrea and other oppositions crazed by the thought of expansionism. The department made the remarks in a statement it issued on Monday under the title " The ruling of the Boundary Commission proved the correctness of our foreign policy." The statement said " We scored yet another victory because we demanded only that belongs to us and strove to get what is ours." "The victory that we gained through legal and peaceful means, taught an important lesson on how we could demarcate our boundaries with our other neighbors in the future," the statement said It said "the April 13 decision of the Commission has also sent an important message to us and other neighbors of ours that there was no other alternative solution better than solving border disputes through legal and peaceful way." Apart from causing human lives lose and economic destruction, the use of force won't vindicate territorial claim, the statement noted. It said a foreign policy based on aggression and infringing upon the rights of others would create chaos internally and invite a series of conflicts with neighboring nations. The peaceful victory was part of Ethiopia's democratic program and the reflection of its wise foreign policy, according to the statement. The commission's ruling gave Ethiopia double victories, it said, adding that the first one deals with the fact that the border dispute has been settled exactly in accordance with Ethiopia's claims and national interests. The second victory is that the decision has confirmed to the international community that Bademe, Zalambessa, Alitena and other territories, which have been won back through the heavy sacrifice made by the gallant Ethiopian defense forces, are an integral part of Ethiopia. (END) Eritrean government continues misinforming its own people about the Hague decision: Seyoum Addis Ababa, April .15(ENA)--The government in Asmara has broken its two days self-imposed silence to confuse the people by falsely claiming that the boundary commission has awarded Badme to Eritrea, the minister of foreign affairs said on Monday. In an excusive interview with Abyotawi Democracy newspaper, organ of the ruling Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) said the boundary commission has ruled in its landmark decision Badme to be an integral part of the Ethiopian sovereign territory. The Ethiopian government, which is controlling Badme has confirmed after the announcement of the ruling based on tangible map measuring instruments that Badme is within the Ethiopian territory. Presently Ethiopian carotgrphers have been deployed to Badme and its environs to work the delimitation coordination on the ground, he said, adding that as the final results are made public the Eritrean government would be ashamed and embarrassed as usual. The Eritrean government has continued deceiving and misinforming its own people for the sole reason to prolong its grip in power and silence the strong resistance, he said. He said the government in Asmara should be ready to implement the ruling of the international arbitration instead of fabricating things that may not worse. The BBC has committed a mistake, which is incompatible to its big name and reputation by posting a news article that is not credible and accurate, he said. The AFP reporter said the Eritrean minister of foreign affairs has left the auditorium after the announcement of the decision in The Hague tight lipped. Although the Eritrean television has denounced Ethiopia’s comments on the decision of the international tribunal as a lie, diplomatic source have confirmed that a number of key towns and villages including Badme and Zalembassa have been awarded to Ethiopia, according to AFP. (END) Press Statement Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Ministry of Foreign Affairs What May 28 Means For Ethiopians May 28, 2002 May 28 marks a turning point in Ethiopia's history. The day marks the end of dictatorship in Ethiopia, and the beginning of the process of democratization which has continued to be deepened over the last eleven years. The day also marks the laying down of the foundation for a new Ethiopia in which its nations, nationalities and peoples live in full equality and freedom. May 28 marks the beginning of the realization of the right to self-determination in Ethiopia which is enshrined in full in the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Unity in diversity, as the motto of the new Ethiopia, has contributed to the strengthening of the solidarity among the Ethiopian people which was so abundantly demonstrated in frustrating the Eritrean aggression against the sovereignty of our country. This year, the Ethiopian people mark May 28 with full confidence that the coming years will witness the further deepening of the democratic process in the country, intensified efforts in the fight against poverty and the consolidation of peace which is so critical for achieving economic progress and for guarantying the democratic process is irreversible. This year, Ethiopia celebrates May 28 with renewed commitment to carrying out the various strategies set out by the Government in the economic, political and social areas. The country is at present in the process of implementing a major reform programme in all these areas which has been facilitated by the radical re-orientation and genuine reform within the ruling party, the EPRDF. There is no doubt that Ethiopia's economic future lies in the transformation of the agricultural sector and rural Ethiopia. As a result, the transformation of the agricultural sector is given top priority in our development strategy. Ethiopia's economic future is also dependent on the country's capacity in implementing the various political, economic and social programmes put in place. It is precisely for this reason that at present the Government gives so much attention to capacity building and why a Ministry in charge of this endeavour has been established. No nation that fails to identify its priorities properly and realistically, in light of its national interest, can succeed, or has ever succeeded. For Ethiopia, measured by any standard, poverty alleviation, peace and stability and nurturing democracy in the country are no doubt the three critical issues which are vital for protecting and advancing the country's national interest. Ethiopia's national interest is inextricably linked with the fight against poverty. It is only when we succeed in this war and prevail in the struggle to bring about economic progress in our country that we can protect Ethiopia's national interest. Therefore, nothing should be allowed to divert the attention of the Ethiopian people from this national calling. We should and can prevail in this fight. Ethiopia's national interest can also be defended and promoted only when the Ethiopian people manage to continue securing durable peace, both within the country and in our sub-region. In this regard, Ethiopians, both inside and outside the country, should be fully cognizant of the challenges that the country faces in our sub-region. It is particularly important to recognize fully the various attempts being made by a number of hostile forces to inject poison in the already volatile political situation in Somalia. We will continue to be committed to helping Somalia achieve peace, as we will continue to be vigilant to keep at bay those who have the design to exploit the situation in Somalia to undermine Ethiopia's national security. The consolidation of democracy cannot be an empty slogan for Ethiopians. The very future of the country lies in our ability to sustain the democratic process. This is demanded by Ethiopia's vital national interest. Ethiopia's unity, its economic well being and its peace can be maintained, achieved and protected only through democratic governance and the consolidation of the democratic process. For Ethiopia, democracy is not simply a political value, but it is a necessity without which the country will have no future. Thus, the strengthening of the democratic process and its consolidation is in the vital national interest of the country. All these ¾ enhanced democratization, success in the fight against poverty and durable peace ¾ are objectives around which all Ethiopians should and must rally. These are values on the basis of which all patriotic Ethiopians should arrive at national consensus for protecting, defending and promoting the national interest of Ethiopia. Over the past few years, Ethiopia was sidetracked from pursuing, with the necessary vigour, its economic agenda because of the criminal war of aggression launched by Eritrea. We came out of that war victorious. We were again victorious in the decision handed down by the Boundary Commission at The Hague. Ethiopia remains fully committed to the peace process and this is in the tradition of our people. That is how we shall continue to work for peace until the demarcation process is completed. This is a favour we do to no one. It is simply a national calling. No one in our sub-region will benefit more from peace than the people of Ethiopia. It is in peace that we can fulfill our potentials, and Ethiopia has a lot of potentials yet unrealized. It is with this pledge that we should and must mark May 28 this year.
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 06 November 2007 ) |
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