Press Release
Ethiopia Refuses To Sign OAU Peace Plan, Rejects Ceasefire

At the ongoing talks in Algiers, the Ethiopian government is refusing to sign the two substantive documents of the OAU peace plan, the Framework Agreement and the Modalities of Implementation. It had earlier rejected the details and sequencing of implementation incorporated in the Technical Arrangements.

In the Algiers talks, Ethiopia has also rejected a ceasefire, which is the first and key provision of the OAU peace plan.

Ethiopia's refusal to sign the documents does not only constitute a fundamental breach of the OAU peace plan endorsed at the Algiers OAU Summit, but it is also tantamount to putting a new precondition. Indeed, Ethiopia's refusal to sign the documents can only mean that is has not in reality accepted them.

The two substantive documents unequivocally provide for the signature of the documents and a ceasefire agreement at the start of the talks, taking place for the first time between the two sides, in order to subsequently work out comprehensive details of implementation on the basis of these two documents (Articles 1 and 9 of the Framework Agreement and Articles 5 and 7 of the Modalities of Implementation). Signature of the documents and a ceasefire agreement at the start of the talks are vital steps that follow from faithful adherence to the provisions of the Framework Agreement and the Modalities of Implementation which have been endorsed by the OAU Summits.

The proximity talks have been convened because Ethiopia rejected the Technical Arrangements worked out by experts from the OAU, UN, Algeria and the US. Both Eritrea and Ethiopia had given their word of honor in August last year to accept the Technical Arrangements as a "take it or leave it" document. Eritrea honored its respect and commitment to the OAU and accepted the Technical Arrangements, despite several reservations, when these were submitted to both sides in August last year. But Ethiopia reneged on its commitments and refused to accept the Technical Arrangements after eight months of delay.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Asmara, 3 May 2000