May 31, 2000 (7:35 pm local time)
Statement of the Council of Ministers of the
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Our country Ethiopia has been known for her fidelity to international laws and principles and for her policy directed at all states, particularly neighboring countries, of respect for equality, mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence. The policy that Ethiopia believed in and followed in respect to its relations with Eritrea was based on these principles as well.
Despite this, however, the ruling dictatorial EPLF regime disrupted the budding relations between the two peoples, by its invasion and occupation of Ethiopian territories, using border claims as a pretext. At the time when the arrogant regime infringed upon our sovereignty, the House of Peoples Representatives and the Council of Ministers of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia issued a clear and unambiguous resolution demanding that the aggressor withdraw its troops, or failing that, we would be forced to safeguard our national sovereignty by force. The Government has been guided by this decision over the past two years.
In the interest of a peaceful solution to the conflict, efforts have been deployed to pursue all available avenues of peace to regain our sovereignty in full. At the same time, priority was also given to build a capable defense force that would be able to reverse the aggression. Meanwhile, we embarked on diplomatic efforts to bring the crime committed against our country to the attention of the international community.
The people of Ethiopia and the international community have been keen witnesses to the fact that the arrogant Issaias regime had, since the start, been rejecting the path of peace. Viewing the quest for peace through its warped vision of military exigency, the regime has demonstrated an appetite for the peaceful option when face with military defeat, while rejecting that same option when it believed it had the upper hand. In the end the regime ensured the failure of the Algiers peace talks last month with its customary intransigent position.
After exercising extraordinary patience and with the realization that the peaceful option had been exhausted, the Ethiopian Government was compelled to liberate the territories under occupation and regain national sovereignty. The rapid and effective offensive taken by the heroic defense force has caused the crushing defeat of the enemy. The measures taken have resulted in the humiliating defeat of the forces of aggression, as at other times in Ethiopia's history, and caused the destruction of the much-vaunted enemy force.
It is to be recalled that the objectives of the Government which were declared at the start of the conflict, and followed through since then, were to ensure the return of our territories and the reversal of the aggression. These objectives have been fully met as a result of the military actions that were launched on May 12 (2000). We have regained the territories that were under the control of the enemy, and our sovereignty has been restored. The enemy has suffered great human and material losses, and is now morally bankrupt. We have been able to reverse the aggression in a short time. We have scored a clear military victory. All told, we have registered significant military, political, and diplomatic achievements.
The Ethiopian Government went to war because it had not other option than that of force to regain its occupied territories. It did not do so to invade Eritrean land or infringe on Eritrea's sovereignty. It is therefore taking measures that it considers necessary following the achievement of its objective.
On this basis, the force that had deeply penetrated Eritrea on the western front is now withdrawing to positions which would insure the defense of our territories that have been liberated from the enemy. Our force in the northern front has been instructed to stand down. Our force in the east will embark on verifying that the area is free from remnants of the enemy force and also carry out activities to strengthen the defense of the territories that it has liberated. Our forces have fulfilled their objectives with distinction and hence their task has been changed to reflect the successful completion of their mission.
As the crisis is presently moving from the military to the diplomatic arena, Ethiopia is attending the Algiers talks with an approach that would enable her to safeguard her legitimate rights and interests. The EPLF regime, which just a month ago was creating obstacles for the peace talks, has been forced to come to Algiers following its military defeat. The discussions have not been concluded; they have only just commenced. If the enemy were to embark on any sort of provocation to put an obstacle on the path we have charted, our heroic ground and air forces will continue to take the appropriate action.
In conclusion, the Government expresses its deep pride in the indefatigable endeavors carried out by the Ethiopian people to restore national sovereignty. The government is proud of the outstanding valor and military prowess of the national defense force.
At this time the Government reiterates its objection to the stand of those countries and organizations who have played a negative role by acting against our country's legitimate rights. The Government wishes to take this occasion, to express its deep respect and gratitude for those countries and organizations who maintained a position of fairness and who provided us with the appropriate support at this time of challenge.
The Council of Ministers of the
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
May 31, 2000
Issued by the FDRE Office of Government Spokesperson on 31/05/2000
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