OEA Press Release on the FORUM at Capitol Hill
February 19, 2004
The Organization of Eritrean Americans (OEA) and Americans for Peace in Africa
(APAF) hosted a forum entitled “Peace in the Horn of Africa-Implementation of
the Eritrean Ethiopian Boundary Ruling”, at the Rayburn Building on Capitol Hill
yesterday. The panelists and speakers included Professor Suleiman Nyang from Howard
University, Mr. Ron Phillips, Senior Policy Advisor - Armed Services Committee,
and Mr. Melvin Foote, President, Constituency for Africa. The speakers raised
a number of important topics including the sanctity of colonial boundaries; the
importance of a speedy demarcation of the Eritrean Ethiopian border in accordance
with the Boundary Commissions’ final and binding decision of April 2002; and the
need for stability and peace in the region.
Professor Nyang presented three issues: Implications for Peace in the Horn of
Africa, Lack of implementation of the Boundary Commissions decision and HR 2760-Resolution
of the Ethiopia-Eritrea Border Dispute Act of 2003, a Bill introduced by Representatives
Tom Lantos (D-California) and Donald Payne (D-New Jersey) and co-sponsored by
Representatives Edward Royce (R-California) and Eliot Engel (D-New York) that
calls on Eritrea and Ethiopia to abide by the final and binding Eritrea Ethiopia
Border Commission decision or face economic sanctions. Professor Nyang welcomed
HR-2760 and called it a “timely” legislation that could bring peace and much needed
stability to the Horn of Africa.
Mr. Ron Phillips recalling his recent trip to Eritrea praised President Isaias
Afworki and the people of Eritrea for “hard work and dedication of the people
despite the problems” and for their “ingenuity, enthusiasm and commitment”. He
talked about Eritrea’s history and Eritrea’s recognized borders which have existed
for over 100 years. He also stated that Eritrea was “a very important part of
our [US] security goals in the Horn and also throughout the Middle East.”
Mr. Melvin Foote, a Pan-Africanist, also reiterated the importance of a speedy
demarcation of the Eritrea-Ethiopia border and called for peace in the Horn of
Africa. Mr. Foote emphasized the importance of African unity. Dr. Haile Mezghebe
moderated the discussion and noted that for the people of Eritrea and Ethiopia,
peace was a prerequisite to addressing the many humanitarian and development challenges
facing both nations.
A Press Release calling for a peaceful resolution to the Eritrea-Ethiopia dispute
by Congressman Dan Burton (R-IN), who was unable to attend the event, was read
to the audience.