Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Eritrea Accepts OAU Modalities for Implementation of the OAU Framework Agreement

Press Release
Eritrea Accepts OAU Modalities for Implementation of the OAU Framework Agreement

Today, 14 July 1999, the Eritrean government announced its acceptance of the OAU's "Modalities for the Implementation of the OAU Framework Agreement ..." proposed at the 35th OAU Summit in Algeria.

The full text of the Modalities, as well as President Isaias Afwerki's remarks, follow.

Embassy of Eritrea
Washington DC, 14 July 1999

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Modalities for the Implementation of the OAU Framework Agreement on the Settlement of the Dispute Between Ethiopia and Eritrea

The two Parties reaffirm their commitment to the principle of the non-use of force to settle disputes.

The two Parties reaffirm their acceptance of the Framework Agreement and commit themselves to implement it in good faith.

There shall be a return to positions held prior to 6 May 1998.

On the basis of these principles, the two Parties agree on the following modalities for the implementation of the Framework Agreement:

1. The Eritrean Government commits itself to redeploy its forces outside the territories they occupied after 6 May 1998.

2. The Ethiopian Government commits itself to redeploy, thereafter, its forces from positions take after 6 February 1999 and which were not under Ethiopian administration before May 6, 1998.

3. The two Parties agree to put an end to all military activities and all forms of expression likely to sustain and exacerbate the climate of hostility and thus compromise the implementation of the Framework Agreement.

4. The redeployment of troops shall commence immediately after the cessation of hostilities. This redeployment shall not, in any way, prejudice the final status of the territories concerned, it being understood that this status will be determined at the end of the border delimitation and demarcation.

5. The modalities for the re-establishment of the civilian Administration and population in the concerned territories shall be worked out after the cessation of hostilities.

6. The two Parties accept the deployment of Military Observers by the OAU in cooperation with the United Nations. The Group of Military Observers will supervise the redeployment of troops as stipulated in the present modalities and carry out all other duties that are entrusted to it, in conformity with the relevant provisions of the Framework Agreement.

7. The two Parties commit themselves to sign a formal Ceasefire Agreement which provides for the detailed modalities for the implementation of the Framework Agreement.

Done in ............................ on ........................ 1999

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President Isaias Afwerki's Remarks Regarding the OAU Modalities, 14 July 1999

Mr. Chairman,
Your Excellencies,

It is Eritrea's understanding of the Framework Agreement and the Modalities presented to us that:

1) The principle of non-acquisition by force applies equally to both sides and to all territories seized since the conflict started;

2) Redeployment and interim arrangements do not prejudge the status of the territories concerned;

3) Undoing the damage done by the conflict does not only require redeployment but, more importantly, addressing the humanitarian dimensions of the conflict. In this regard, it is imperative to fully compensate the deportees, if not for the irreparable harm done to them, at least for expropriated property; and

4) Demarcation will be carried out expeditiously in order to bring the dispute to a quick end.

On the basis of this understanding and in the interests of peace, which we owe not only to the people of Eritrea but, may I add, also to the people of Ethiopia and our continent as a whole, and as mark of goodwill to the OAU, Eritrea has decided to accept the "Modalities for the Implementation of the Framework Agreement" presented to us by the High Level Delegation. In accepting the Framework and Modalities, Eritrea hopes to make its small contribution to the realization of the lofty objective proposed by the newly elected President of Africa's giant, Nigeria, General Obasanjo, and I believe endorsed by this Summit -- to make the year 2000 "The Year of Peace and Security" in Africa.

Your Excellencies,

Eritrea knows the bitterness of war and also the taste of the fruits of peace. It has absolutely no interest, and sees no advantage, in war. Our Ethiopian neighbours may pride themselves on the size of their country and population. But the experience of Algeria, which inspired us when we were launching our own liberation struggle, as indeed the whole lesson of the decolonization of our continent including Eritrea's own liberation, point eloquently to the pitfalls of that thinking. More importantly, here in Africa, leave alone the poorer among us, the richest in our midst can ill afford war.

So let us endeavor to put this sad chapter behind us and work for peace. This will be no easy task. There will be problems and pitfalls along the way. But with determination and the support of Africa and the world at large, there is no reason we cannot succeed. Let me assure Your Excellencies that Eritrea will work indefatigably for peace.

Thank you.