Press Release
Peace Agreement between Eritrea and Ethiopia

A comprehensive peace agreement was signed between Eritrea and Ethiopia by the leaders of the two countries in Algiers on 12 December 2000. The Government and people of Eritrea have joined the international community in hailing this agreement as a profound achievement representing a crucial building block towards comprehensive peace and development in the subregion in particular and the whole African continent in general.

It is Eritrea's firm belief that a just and fair implementation of the agreement--which includes formation of a boundary commission basing its work on the colonial treaties of 1900, 1902 and 1908; an investigation committee; and a claims commission--and its expeditious achievement within the specified time frame requires the full cooperation of the two parties and the active commitment of the international community.

Eritrea, on its part, remains committed to fully cooperate towards the successful implementation of the agreement with an open and constructive spirit. As clearly stated in the speech delivered by President Isaias Afwerki during the signing ceremony in Algiers, the Government of the State of Eritrea reaffirms Eritrea's desire and commitment to forget the grievances of the past and look to a future of peace and hope between the fraternal peoples of the two countries.

The Government of the State of Eritrea expresses the deep gratitude and appreciation of the people of Eritrea to all the parties that contributed to the facilitation of the process which achieved the Agreement on Comprehensive Peace between Eritrea and Ethiopia.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Asmara, 16 December 2000