Statement of the Government of Eritrea
Concerning the Appeal Issued by the Current Chairman of the OAU

The Government of Eritrea welcomes the "Communiqu=E9 of the OAU on the Conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea" issued today, 24 May.

The OAU Communiqu=E9 requests, among other things, "Ethiopia and Eritrea to immediately implement the redeployment of their respective forces to the positions they controlled prior to 6 May 1998, in conformity with paragraphs 1 & 2 of the Modalities without prejudging the final status of the territories concerned, which will be determined at the end of the delimitation and demarcation process."

The OAU Communiqu=E9 affirms "Eritrea stated its readiness to respond immediately and favourably to the two-point appeal of the Current Chairman of the OAU, namely the immediate cessation of the fighting and the resumption of Proximity talks."

Ethiopia on the other hand refused to accept to stop fighting although this was a central point of the appeal of the Current Chairman and a necessary condition for the implementation of redeployment in accordance with the Modalities of Implementation. In this connection, the OAU in its Communiqu=E9 has stated "it strongly deplores that its appeal for an immediate end of the fighting has not been heeded." Unable to persuade Ethiopia to accept a cessation of the war, the OAU has appealed for measures to be taken by both sides "with the aim of initiating the de-escalation of the conflict and arrive at its cessation."

Eritrea has decided, for the sake of peace, to accept the OAU's appeal for de-escalation. In this spirit, Eritrea:

1. Announces, in accordance with the second requirement of the OAU Communiqu=E9, that it has decided to re-deploy its forces to positions held before 6 May 1998. Eritrea will begin this redeployment at midnight 25th May on the Zalanbessa area.
2. Reiterates, in accordance with the fifth requirement, its commitment to implement the Framework Agreement and the Modalities and to resolve the border dispute in conformity with the two afore-mentioned documents.
3. Expresses its readiness to finalize the consolidated Technical Arrangements which will pave the way for the full implementation of the OAU peace package; and,
4. Expresses its readiness to send its delegation to the Algiers proximity talks.

In heeding the appeal of the OAU, Eritrea notes that Ethiopia's pursuit of the war in defiance of the OAU and the international community has cost the lives of tens of thousands and the displacement of a million citizens. Furthermore, Eritrea requests that the OAU and the international community take all necessary action in the event that Ethiopia once again refuses to heed the OAU's call.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Asmara, 24 May 2000