The debate in the media is raging now between those who think the Ethiopian government should have done more to save lives and those who seem to accept the Ethiopian government's explanation. The latter says it has informed and appealed to donors early on; and that there is no connection between Ethiopia's war against Eritrea and the drought and famine-like situation in Ethiopia today. Catherine Bertini, the WFP director, who concluded a tour of the region last week declared that "this is not famine". One could imagine the Ethiopian government's sigh of relief. For, Bertini have just given them an excuse to defend themselves from the irresponsibility of pursuing a war against Eritrea instead of focusing on development, dealing effectively with the drought, and saving the lives of the drought victims in the process. But now, they can argue "this is not famine."

However, does it really matter what one calls it? And does the declaration by Ms Bertini exonerate the Ethiopian leadership in any way? Aid officials and politicians may call the situation famine, drought, or whatever else they want. The fact remains that people are dying. As much 400 people reportedly have already been victims of the famine-like situation in Ethiopia. This is deplorable. It should not have been allowed to happen in Ethiopia in the year 2000 given that country's history of drought and famine. The government of Ethiopia has not done enough to save its people from dying of hunger.

And yet, Meles Zenawi, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, in an attempt to deflect criticism of his government's policy of pursuing a "meaningless" war against Eritrea when Ethiopians are dying of hunger, says, "In Ethiopia, we do not wait to have a full tummy to protect our sovereignty".

While many in the international media and governments around the world are boldly and rightly pointing the finger at the government of Ethiopia for being callous and insensitive when it comes to its priorities, some still are throwing blanket accusations at the governments of both Eritrea and Ethiopia. But it is only fair to note that Eritrea has done its fair share:

• (1) Eritrea has accepted in its entirety the peace package sponsored by the OAU including the originally OAU-sponsored and so-called non-amendable Technical Arrangements for the implementation of the Framework Agreement and the Modalities, and fully supported by the Clinton Administration, which is deeply involved in this process of finding a peaceful solution to the conflict between the two countries.

• (2) Eritrean leaders, from the start of this conflict in May 1998, have been demanding a face to face dialogue and negotiations with the Ethiopian leadership.

• (3) Eritrea earlier this month even offered the services of the Port of Assab, the largest and nearest port to the drought affected region of Ethiopia, to transport food aid to the famine victims. Ethiopia's response to all the above was a resounding NO.