WASHINGTON – Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats, on Wednesday issued the following statement concerning the new accord between the African nations of Eritrea and Ethiopia:

The peace agreement signed in Asmara, Eritrea, this past weekend by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia and President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea ending the conflict between their two nations is an historic milestone. It will benefit both nations, the region, and freedom-loving people everywhere. It is a bold step taken by two courageous leaders. The images of Prime Minister Abiy and President Isaias embracing and of Ethiopians and Eritreans waving each other’s flags inspired and touched the hearts of millions of people around the world. Like Anwar Sadat, who went to Jerusalem in 1977 seeking peace, Prime Minister Abiy took a great risk in reaching out to Eritrea and working out terms for peace. Rightly, President Isaias and the Eritrean people warmly received Prime Minister Abiy and accepted the offer to end decades of conflict. The United States and its allies should applaud this peace pact and help both nations forge a better future for their peoples. Along with President Trump for his efforts in Korea, Prime Minister Abiy and President Isaias should be considered for the Nobel Peace Prize.

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