The White House Briefing Room
February 9, 1999
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
______________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release
February 9, 1999
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
I am deeply concerned by the heavy fighting along the border between
Ethiopia and Eritrea. Since the dispute began in May 1998, my
Administration has sought to work with these two friends of the United
States to achieve a peaceful resolution. Susan Rice, the Assistant
Secretary of State for African Affairs, has conducted intensive shuttle
diplomacy between Ethiopia and Eritrea, and former National Security
Adviser Anthony Lake has made four trips to the region at my request.
We remain committed to this crucial effort. A peaceful solution can
and must be found without delay. I urge both parties to halt the fighting
immediately. If the conflict continues, its human and economic cost will
be incalculable for the people of Ethiopia and Eritrea ? and for the entire
region.
I am disappointed that hostilities resumed while sustained diplomatic
efforts by the international community were continuing. We welcome
Ethiopia?s standing acceptance of the Organization of African Unity?s
Framework Agreement, and maintain our support for the efforts of the OAU
and others to promote a peaceful resolution of this conflict.
The return to hostilities cannot bring about a lasting solution to
this dispute. I am particularly alarmed by the recent use of air power,
which escalates the conflict and violates the agreed airstrike moratorium.
I urge the Ethiopian government to refrain from further use of its aircraft
as currently employed along the border, and I ask both sides to renew their
commitment to the moratorium.
For the sake of their people, the leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea must
immediately halt the fighting and recommit themselves to diplomatic efforts
to secure a peaceful settlement.
30-30-30
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