News leaked by various sources, including Western intelligence services, reports that the Ethiopian Government will launch attacks against Eritrea between mid-January and mid-February along three directions.

Meanwhile, efforts are underway by U.S. officials to ascertain whether the air moratorium between the two countries still holds.

The Government of Eritrea has always maintained that both parties must renounce force as a means of settling their border dispute. It has repeatedly affirmed that what is needed is a binding agreement on a cessation of all hostilities, including a total ban on air strikes. The Ethiopian Government, however, has been adamantly opposed to a cessation of hostilities, even to a ban on air attacks. The result of accepting Ethiopia's condition is a precarious 'moratorium'--which any side can unilaterally break at a time of its choosing. Ethiopia has indeed warned at the time the moratorium was agreed upon that "it would utilize whatever capability it has on the ground or on the air if it is convinced at any time that peace has no chance."

Ethiopia's repeatedly declared intent to launch war is by now widely known. While anyone is free to speculate about the outcome of any such war, it is highly unfortunate that Ethiopia has been helped in its belligerent attitude by extraneous circumstances and misguided parties.

The Government of Eritrea has never--and does not--consider war as an option. It realizes full well that war cannot resolve the dispute. It, therefore, renews its calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, including a ban on air strikes. But if it is attacked, it reserves its legitimate right to self-defense. In that event, it is the Government of Ethiopia which bears full responsibility.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Asmara, 12 January 1999