Approaching Reciprocity: The border issue as a symptom
Few countries exercised arm conflicts, but soon sought legal resolution. Countries solve their territorial claims bilaterally, or at the international hearings, or through other means of mediations. For example: Germany and Denmark successfully resolved an age-old boarder dispute (1815 – 2001) of 68 kilometres. Russia and the United States of America agreed on fishing claims in the central Bering Sea, and Botswana was rewarded the disputed islands with Namibia.
For clarity, here are some of the on-going disputes which may impress us with their experiences: Russia and Japan have had their modern border dispute since 1945 over the Kurile Islands. They are four small islands along 1200 km. of coast line under Russian administration that have been without a conclusive peace treaty between Japan and Russia. Norway and Russia negotiate on the delimitation of maritime boundaries. China and Japan dispute concerning the Senkaku Islands. India and Pakistan still dispute over Kashmir. Afghanistan - Pakistan on their boarder. The Spanish and Moroccan claims over Ceuta and Melilla. Bolivia – Chile – Peru dispute in the Atacama Desert. Mexico and USA dispute in their boarder lands. Canada disputes with USA and Denmark over maritime boundaries. Cambodia – Laos, Cambodia – Vietnam claim in Ratanakiri Province in Cambodia. Iraq and Turkey dispute in the Northern of Kurdistan region. Bahrain and Qatar dispute over maritime delimitation. Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan dispute in the Caspian. Spanish with Britain dispute in Gibraltar for territorial waters. Ireland and Britain dispute over their border. Bulgaria and Greece dispute over their boarder lands. It is possible that some of these disputes may have been currently resolved.
More importantly, almost all of the disputing countries have warm or modest diplomatic relations between one another, because they examine that the benefit of diplomacy out-weigh the dispute. Skilled politicians might consider war, only when it seems that self defence is universally accepted and morally right.
Since May 1998 the so called border dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea has been difficult to mediate because of the controversial nature of the conflicts between the two governments.
Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia, had an interview with African-confidential.com, a London based news letter, on May 03, 2009, in Addis Abeba. He said that “the EPRDF has been in power for this long both a reflection of its strength and the weakness of the opposition”. Meles stressed the need for more leadership reforms than policy. At the same time, with regard to the questions on the border issue and further relations with Eritrea, Mr. Meles emphasized that“the boundary was a symptom of an underlying sickness and you do not cure a sickness by treating its symptoms only. Therefore, Ethiopia is in need of dialogue, but Eritrea is not engaging us in dialogue. That is the same approach that they are following in Djibouti and elsewhere. So I think that that needs to change and it can only change from inside. But as soon as it does change, then I am sure that the window will be opened. But, if we must have what we have now, we can live with it, more or less indefinitely”, Meles added.
One of the main concerns in Ethiopia is the politics of ethnicity which can be a divisive policy. The fear is that would marginalize some ethnicities and discourage national unity. It could be difficult to maintain the unity during government transition, or socio-economic crises. Those may require corrections and phase out gradually.
In principle, I wish to see Ethiopia in peace and unity. I respect the courage of those patriots who are dreaming of accommodating Ethiopian unity. A growing confidence among all nationalities is valuable for a solid unity in Ethiopia. In this regard, handling Tigray has to be one of the main requirements. Although the upcoming election may carry some thing of its own fashion, learning from the elections of 2005 can be a good ground to attain popular goals. Elections should not focus on a grabbing of power, but on broad-minded national unity and popular interests.
When we are observing that some positive achievements in economy and democratic practices have been made by the EPRDF government or it is dealing with common national agendas, let us applaud to its contributions and build confidence among each other. Although there are several reasons to criticize the EPRDF government, we may not have to think that anything would help by doing provocative propagandas against our political rivals. Working together on various national issues can develop common responsibility.
More importantly, the opportunity scheduled for May 2010 national elections in Ethiopia would have to open the doors for a proper Ethiopian integration and prospective Ethio-Eritrean reciprocity.
President Isaias Afeworki of Eritrea gave an extensive interview to the Ethiopianreview.com in May 2009, in Asmara. He said that “the border conflict which was insanity to me was never ever an issue”.
“There was no border threat at all” Isaias added.
Despite the fact that Isaias Afeworki has been known as a manipulative leader in the Eritrean politics, he meaningfully told the Ethiopian Review Reporters that “Eritrea without cooperation with Ethiopia is a vacuum”, and “the sky is the limit for Ethiopia and Eritrea integration,” Mr. Isaias said.
Such bold statements are good lessons to those who live in a fairy tale about Eritrea. Of course, under favourable administrative conditions, Eritrea within the limit of her own resources could have done better than she has to date. There have also been sensitive cultural and regional polarities in Eritrea. Undesirable sentiments can hinder progress in different aspects of life. However, Eritreans need to develop genuine understanding in sharing our common concerns. The Eritrean people need the rule of law, development in economy and education.
Although what Isaias said, and the style of his behaviour matters, the truth is that a close cooperation between Ethiopia and Eritrea is a bottom line for peace and progress in the region. There is a growing trend towards this effect.
Since the last two years, both Isaias Afeworki and Meles Zenawi had confessed on several occasions that the border issue was a pretext for their disagreements on other policies. More reliably, the sense of those interviews of Mr. Meles and Mr. Isaias tell that the boundary issue is a symptom and not the main problem between the Ethiopian and Eritrean governments. As such, it is not a matter of whether you win or lose at Badme; it is a matter of what you are going to do when you win? Thereof, promoting the border issue by any force as the main obstacle for stability is a wasting of time and political gimmick.
The two leaders have been reluctant to deal with the issues between themselves. Each one of the two governments has adopted emotional, reckless policies against the interest of both peoples. Those have caused the loss of inalienable ties between the peoples of Ethiopia and Eritrea. As such, the border issue is a bankrupt pretext which has been blocking bilateral cooperation and further possibilities for socio-economic integration. The governments have been accusing each other for their failure to bring cooperation between these two sisterly nations. Such circumstances are particularly contributing to Eritrea being in limbo and whispering. As people, understanding popular interests without being intimidated is essential.
Actually, the political games between the two leaderships currently seem in tremendous crises. All those frustrations could yet push into a further war. However, the peoples of Ethiopia and Eritreawould have to courageously do their best to mitigate possible casualties and facilitate such situations for their common progress and stability.
The primary needs are to revise and reconcile our common values no matter who has been at fault. Of course it has to be done carefully. The differences between our peoples are reconcilable in their nature as far as we are capable of applying the opportunities in a wise manner.
The first step needs to be an exit strategy from the apparent hostilities between these two governments. A general negotiation for a diplomatic relationship has to be inspired in any way. Subsequently, it will be required that an examination of the fundamental points of social and economic reciprocity between Ethiopia and Eritrea be undertaken. It is essential to start with mutual respect and realities.
Reasons for reciprocity:
Eritrea may use the opportunity of her most focal point of interest with Ethiopia in regard to the Red Sea. Cooperation with Ethiopia can motivate Eritrean socio-economic development. Sudan, Djibouti and Yemen do not need Eritrean port services, because all of them have their own access to the sea. In that regard, Eritrea has few options to use her maritime resources, unless she closely cooperates with Ethiopia.
Ethiopia, after her withdrawal from Massawa and Assab, has established major routes through Djibouti. Although Ethiopia may pay high operational costs, she has been maintaining her commercial routes better than imagined. In this regard, Eritrea and Djibouti are likely to be transformed into rivals over the same Ethiopian interests. Therefore, competition between these two outlets is going to be in favour of the Ethiopian choice for commercial access. Thus the geo-strategic influence that Eritrea could have benefitted over the Ethiopian interest along the Red Sea has turned against her by showing that Ethiopia is more economically influential over Eritrea.
However, the Eritrean Red Sea is not only for commercial access, but has a massive attraction for naval capacity in the region. It is obvious that Ethiopia needs guaranteed access to the Red Sea for ports and related services. Many Ethiopians say that the port of Assab has to be acquired by Ethiopia, which cannot be a bilateral solution. In general, that cannot yield an overall strategic shield over Ethiopian sovereignty in respect to the surrounding geopolitics. Hence, Eritrea and Ethiopia can develop together in several ways.
In my speculation, Ethiopia will seek to negotiate on various services to build a solid confidence with Eritrea. Therefore, Eritrea may need to revise the outcome of her geographical location on domestic and international economies (geo-economics) notably with respect to the Red Sea. Those initiatives and other interests can bring basic reciprocal obligations and may grow into harmonious relations. First, let Ethiopia and Eritrea simply trade each other.
This is not only about the point of economic reciprocity between Ethiopia and Eritrea; more importantly, it should be an example of reconciliation of our values for national and regional security.Such interrelations may also avoid proxy conflicts from within and from other directions. Those can bring a form of stabilized progress in the Horn of Africa. As such, it is good for Eritrea and good for Ethiopia!
Mishandling of these vital issues, I think, would cause threats of conflicts in different directions at any time. As such, parts of the Afar regions, both in Eritrea and Ethiopia have the possibility of becoming areas of major conflicts concerning the Ethiopian needs of access to the Red Sea. There would also be growing pressure from Ethiopia over its Tigray region in regard to the unfavorable circumstances between Eritrea and Ethiopia. Consequently, Eritrea, on top of her deteriorated social and economic situation could badly suffer for various loads that may be exerted from Ethiopia. On the other hand, Ethiopia may retard her economic growth and face social instability. Other forces mainly from abroad may take advantage of our inconvenient situations and engage us in proxy conflicts. We cannot ignore unfortunate possibilities. We do not have to take improper advantage of each other, nor do we need to get our peoples into such instabilities. Let us consider historical ties, border attachments, as well as other sentiments are psychological influences. Let us wisely plan for a win-win solution.
As far as common negotiations are imperative for progress and stability, any Eritrean government has to look at what can benefit the Eritrean people and approach Ethiopia with better policies. Any government in Ethiopia may be required to address the strategic interest with Eritrea and sincerely approach any government in Eritrea. Both may draft proposals of prerequisites that will verify common interests and respect public opinions. Establishment of agreements may be needed before it is too late for economic and geopolitical reasons.
The Ethio-Eritrean public roles are demanding:
The involvement of the Ethiopian and Eritrean public into discussions will enable us to review our common interests and push any governments in office for their implementation. Collectively, we have to raise our minds to build full confidence between the peoples of Eritrea and Ethiopia. I am an Eritrean by birth, and my writing is intended to contribute a glimmer of hope towards a bilateral understanding on our reciprocal values.
As far as good wishes are concerned, educating our peoples is definitely important for a common knowledge. Although policy makers may have to do deep analysis on various issues, public discussions ought to be carried out at any opportunity for mutual understanding over important concepts. Thus, people may dialogue on common points such as: What are the diverse attitudes of many Ethiopians and Eritreans concerning mutual interests? Where do the opportunities and threats lie? What policies need to be revised in order to approach major concerns? What are the certain valuable points of reciprocity that may be imperative to bind both parties? Many issues will need to be addressed by both parties in amicable ways. Hence, we may need to control our emotions to deal with realities.
If we are to be in a peaceful place, then both peoples must be courageous to agree and devise a road map for strategic principles. Peace is not about the present situation, it is more about the future generations. Let us open the doors!
Bibliography:
The Settlement of Boundary Disputes in International Law, by Dr. A.O. Cukwurah, 1967
International Dispute Settlement 3rd edition, by J.G. Merrills, 1998
www.boundaries.com for more publications
Comments
you're actually talking about yr self; first you use wondosen ethiopian name even though you're hard core pfdj faggot. second, i am mature enough to crack your thick skull in half. third, you're on yr knees licking isu afaf nuts 24/7; now tell me who is the man here. fourth, you claim to hate tigrians yet you worship one and his family i.e the yemanes, hagos kishas. you're one worthless bitchhhhhhhhhhh , just one question though HOW MUCH DO YOU GET PAID TO CONFUSE ERITREANS, you do a good job. they should give you a raise wedi hagaz from columbus ohio.
MANY OF THE TIME I USE TO TELL YOU THAT YOU ARE A HALF MAN, AND THAT YOU DONT HAVE A CAPACITY TO CONFRONT WITH MATURED MEN. YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE A MESSENGER OF WOYANE OF ADWA SO YOUR WRITING THROUGHT THIS WEB SITE WONT GIVE ANY MEANING . OK AND OUT
hasawi faggot
Thank god your family is doing good. However, they are the few I am sure you know that. The majority of ppl are not so lucky. It is a known fact that things are harder in Ethiopia than ever before ask any ordinary Ethipian who tells the truth.
The fact is, you can not run a country on AID for the last 35 years and call it a country in PROGRESS. Real ecomomy requires that you produce or provide somthing so you can EARN $$$. Ethiopia does very little of that and most of it is owened by foregien companies. Remember over 75% of Ethiopias budget is a foregin AID. That means it exist at the mercy of AID. Point blank.
Eritrea is not run by war mongering. It is those who enable Ethiopia that are war mongering. If USA just stop helping Ethipia which will never happen, their won't be no WAR. Eritrea have a very little choise but to stay firm on our ground and do what we do best, stay independent.
so why war between may be to calm the gap of social structure,econo mical differences,edu cational appliances...by bringing the advanced to the lowest the lowest to advanced creating equilibrium that leads to UNITY of this etnic who knows???time will tell us!!and then enjoy the show....
Regarding Eritrea, I don't think she needs Ethiopia for success. I think Eritrean can succeed on thier own. The only thing needed is peace. If this war mongering regime is replaced by a civilized one, you will see Eritrea develop very rapidly. I think its an easier task for Eritrea, becasue is is a small country, with a small poplulation. quote name="Simple facts"]Quoting ZxAmiche:
With all due repect,
I think their is a lot of misconception about economic growth. I must say you are not looking at the fundmentals. Let's start with the numbers.
80million people almost= almost, ZERO industry. Where is the production for domestic consumption?
No food security, country is constantly on the most HUNGRY list.
Agriculture export is dead on its track. The government made huge mistake allowing outsiders, specially middle easterns to lease land. You know why? Ask yourself simple question, why would you lease land when you can produce and sale it yourself to the countries that leasing your land for little or nothing. Where is the benefit? Now these cash rich land poor countries will produce the food they need and take the food to their ppl and you got what few $$ once a year and maybe few employment, what? That is DUMB, and short sighted, ask anyone and they will tell you the same.
What is happening in Ethiopia happened in many 3rd world countries. They borrow money, build roads and nice buildings and they will be in DEBT for life. Slave to IMF and World bank. I can go on and on but hope this will give you a glimps of reality.
Let's focus on two countries in The Middle East, Israel and Egypt. Both exist by the mercy of USA and EU. Isreal is a welfare state. Every year the US gives Israel $ 6 billion in cash some say it is as high as 12billion a year. Now this does not include military assistant and deplomatic cover. Egypt is also subsidized by US governement. Every year Egpyt recives billions of $$ in FOOD aid in the form of grant and creadit. That is how egypt is able to feed itself.
What is my point?
On the other hand Eritrea recives little or nothing in AID from EU (128 million/year) non from US. Is able to run a government. Really.
Now who need who?
Ethiopia exist at the mercy of USA and EU. Period.
We don't need them and they don't need us.
PAGE ! HOT NEWS
This weekend more than 5 woyane’s soldiers killed, 5 voluntarily surrendered, 2 soldier carrier truck destroyed and the woyane check point were destroyed. The engagement with the woyane forces was between the valleys terrain land and between the dusty roads to Gonder region.
The woyanes were confronted hardly by our strong Ethiopian opposition allied liberation forces. (The EPPF and the Ethiopian Democratic of Tigrai liberation fronts). I hope soon Gods Will, Ethiopian liberation forces form all other Ethiopian provinces will join and get together united with the northern liberation forces very soon.
What make me surprise is many of the woyane demoralized soldiers starting to run away from the front line to-wards the northwest Sudanese boarder, probably many expected to ask for a refugee status there. When media asked them their complaints of the woyane soldiers was almost 99% of them are forcibly recruited and they are in very grave situations.
They say they are overworked or overstayed, neglected and are always living in a stress for years they are stuck up in side the trenches NO WAR OR PEACE situation with enormous difficult conditions ( every day they don’t get a proper food, unhealthy and contaminated drinking water mostly infected by bilharzias and malaria, diharia and many contagious diseases.
They don’t get any medication in case one suddenly bitted by poisonous snakes just to die, they don’t have a proper organized military closing issuance system, ( they have to buy form their pocket - no vacation – vacation mostly are given for tigray nationals only, other nationality who are trusted or one of their woyane puppets rarely given. In general the soldiers are living in aggressive and abusive environment.
The worst thing from all is grades or ranks are given for Tigrinya’s speaking soldiers only. Because of discrimination and woyane corrupted officers the soldiers feel that they don’t have any future for the higher military ranks, and mostly are given priorities for the Tigrayans soldiers only. Therefore the soldiers are frustrated and become fed -up to stay at the No mans terrain and mountainous land with no any solutions in the horizons for more than 10 years.
The Woyane soldiers are asking them self why they are there for so long years at the Ethio / Eritrean boarders and for what reasons they are there for more than 11 years ??? Is their main plan was to protect woyanes to continue governing Ethiopia for life ??? , and get more time to steel the resources and money of Ethiopian people ???? They stay governing for 20 years do they what to continue for life ??? Whose plan is it ??? Is it USA plan ??? Is my country Ethiopia becomes a state part of USA ???
This time the Ethiopian people say NOOO and a big NO. The world knows now that Woyanes are 100 % thieves, they are professional beggars and they are begging from the US and EU systematically. They are steeling the Ethiopia’s money, and resources transfer it to the western banks not by their names but through their dependants (as an example by wives, children, intimate friends names or by close friends such as Sheik AMOUDI directly or indirectly they draw the money through system of construction contracts by means of a deal 50% to 50% business deals as well through many tricks or other different through different sensitive means.
This dirty group of Melese Zenawi has not left any thing from Ethiopia they snatch away every thing, because the country’s economy in general, the factories, the high rise buildings, the banks and all the sensitive ministries of the country are in their HANDS.
Melese zenawi and his 8 collogues all of them from tigray Adwa group are the top and the most corrupted leading figures that Ethiopia is facing today. The most dirtiest, sinful and shameful acts that they are doing is they play with our helpless Ethiopian women and girls. (Refer to the picture taken secretly of this corrupted man sheik Amoudi with 16 year old young girl ) This is very ANOYING.
The next that I will write is about so many evil things that the woyane are doing against the Ethiopian and Eritrean people – as an example one from the top stories was why they go to war with Eritrea ?? and why they decide this kind of dirty and disastrous war against the Eritrean population? So Question will bring another question, hence what one can say is wait and see.
Wondu. (Wondwosen_zene be2002
With all due repect,
I think their is a lot of misconception about economic growth. I must say you are not looking at the fundmentals. Let's start with the numbers.
80million people almost= almost, ZERO industry. Where is the production for domestic consumption?
No food security, country is constantly on the most HUNGRY list.
Agriculture export is dead on its track. The government made huge mistake allowing outsiders, specially middle easterns to lease land. You know why? Ask yourself simple question, why would you lease land when you can produce and sale it yourself to the countries that leasing your land for little or nothing. Where is the benefit? Now these cash rich land poor countries will produce the food they need and take the food to their ppl and you got what few $$ once a year and maybe few employment, what? That is DUMB, and short sighted, ask anyone and they will tell you the same.
What is happening in Ethiopia happened in many 3rd world countries. They borrow money, build roads and nice buildings and they will be in DEBT for life. Slave to IMF and World bank. I can go on and on but hope this will give you a glimps of reality.
This weekend more than 5 woyane’s soldiers killed, 5 voluntarily surrendered, 2 soldier carrier truck destroyed and the woyane check point were destroyed. The engagement with the woyane forces was between the valleys terrain land and between the dusty roads to Gonder region.
The woyanes were confronted hardly by our strong Ethiopian opposition allied liberation forces. (The EPPF and the Ethiopian Democratic of Tigrai liberation fronts). I hope soon Gods Will, Ethiopian liberation forces form all other Ethiopian provinces will join and get together united with the northern liberation forces very soon.
What make me surprise is many of the woyane demoralized soldiers starting to run away from the front line to-wards the northwest Sudanese boarder, probably many expected to ask for a refugee status there. When media asked them their complaints of the woyane soldiers was almost 99% of them are forcibly recruited and they are in very grave situations.
They say they are overworked or overstayed, neglected and are always living in a stress for years they are stuck up in side the trenches NO WAR OR PEACE situation with enormous difficult conditions ( every day they don’t get a proper food, unhealthy and contaminated drinking water mostly infected by bilharzias and malaria, diharia and many contagious diseases.
They don’t get any medication in case one suddenly bitted by poisonous snakes just to die, they don’t have a proper organized military closing issuance system, ( they have to buy form their pocket - no vacation – vacation mostly are given for tigray nationals only, other nationality who are trusted or one of their woyane puppets rarely given. In general the soldiers are living in aggressive and abusive environment.
The worst thing from all is grades or ranks are given for Tigrinya’s speaking soldiers only. Because of discrimination and woyane corrupted officers the soldiers feel that they don’t have any future for the higher military ranks, and mostly are given priorities for the Tigrayans soldiers only. Therefore the soldiers are frustrated and become fed -up to stay at the No mans terrain and mountainous land with no any solutions in the horizons for more than 10 years.
The soldiers are asking them self why they are there for so long years at the Ethio / Eritrean boarders and for what reasons they are there for more than 11 years ??? Is their main plan was to protect woyanes to continue governing Ethiopia for life ??? , and get more time to steel the resources and money of Ethiopian people ???? They stay governing for 20 years do they what to continue for life ??? Whose plan is it ??? Is it USA plan ??? Is my country Ethiopia becomes a state part of USA ???
This time the Ethiopian people say NOOO and a big NO. The world knows now that Woyanes are 100 % thieves, they are professional beggars and they are begging from the US and EU systematically. They are steeling the Ethiopia’s money, and resources transfer it to the western banks not by their names but through their dependants (as an example by wives, children, intimate friends names or by close friends such as Sheik AMOUDI directly or indirectly they draw the money through system of construction contracts by means of a deal 50% to 50% business deals as well through many tricks or other different through different sensitive means.
This dirty group of Melese Zenawi has not left any thing from Ethiopia they snatch away every thing, because the country’s economy in general, the factories, the high rise buildings, the banks and all the sensitive ministries of the country are in their HANDS.
Melese zenawi and his 8 collogues all of them from tigray Adwa group are the top and the most corrupted leading figures that Ethiopia is facing today. The most dirtiest, sinful and shameful acts that they are doing is they play with our helpless Ethiopian women and girls. (Refer to the picture taken secretly of this corrupted man sheik Amoudi with 16 year old young girl ) This is very ANOYING.
The next that I will write is about so many evil things that the woyane are doing against the Ethiopian and Eritrean people – as an example one from the top stories was why they go to war with Eritrea ?? and why they decide this kind of dirty and disastrous war against the Eritrean population? So Question will bring another question, hence what one can say is wait and see.
Wondu. (Wondwosen_zene be2002
Okay Mr.,we need to clarify you something before you go on to say this bad things about people. you see homosexuality is caused by demon possession and you need to come to terms with God. Self-exorcism is almost like fixing your own life. Pray fast, etc. test yourself for the spirits first before making jokes.
http://www.rawatansihir.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1900
I can't help being impressed by this comment, although I don't like his generalization of Eritreans. Not all Eritreans are stubborn. Many of us have come to realize we have been dubbed.
Quoting Peter Huntingford:
I meant " What you are saying is very HONORABLE ! ( not horble ) thank you !
Bihigi natka zitebahalkayo ayhibin mszibil mengisti negotiation?!
The only similarity between the mentioned border disputes and ours is that they are border disputes. But none of them has reached to a legal conclusion.
As much as I like to see these brotherly people to live in peace It is hard to imagine the government of Eritrea will sit on negotiating table no matter what. It doesn't make sense!
The first step should come from the government of Ethiopia. Lift the precondition they put and let demarcating the border physically start. In so doing the two sides will start talking each other of course. When they may both agree to make some changes they change the ruling. When one side wants to make changes and the other side does not, they follow the ruling. That is it!
After this I do believe any Eritrean will support and push for normalization between people and governments of both countries.
At the same time both goverments, specialy the government of Eritrea will not get any excuse to continue suspend the constitution and deny the people its democratic rights.
The port issue and any other economic integration comes after.
Peace to the brotherly people of Ethiopia and Eritrea.
Quoting riesi midri:
=================
I think it's very good and wishfull idia , but i am afraid that you are " Jumping the gun " here .
Who is the number one benficiary of the unresolved border despute with Ethiopia ? It's non other but DIA himself .
Do u really think that there will be a true deplomatic and political reform with this regime ? I wish that was the case
not only with Ethiopian but with the rest of the world , but unfortunatelly we have to fallow the reality at hand the dectates the reall isuue of the day .
The reality is , the " No War - No Peace " policy have been very instrumental for this regime to use as an excuse the inexcusable act it is comiting aginst Eritreans , and furthermore and more importantly , it has been a destractive force from the main issues that we Eritreans should be talking and demanding which is having a ligitmate government by the people , and among other things the implimentation of the constutition . So for Eritrea to even start having a negotiatian with Ethiopia , we must first have the change in leadership in Eritrea , This is a very destorted regime whose priority is to stay in power without any regard to the Eritreans . I am afraid what your article is saying is very horable and once that should be shared with all of us as part of our viable future Eritrea , but unfortunatly , we must first take care of the symptom if we are going to get rid of the sickness . Thank you !
Do you understand english? the writer has eloquently explained to you why ethiopia has a choice of services while you have no choice of customer, yet you being typical eritrean still brag about ethiopia needing your port. why would ethiopia need your port? why not Djibouti,? After all, either way Ethiopia has to pay for it's service but in fact it is much better for ethiopians to deal with better manured Dijiboutians than dealing with a black-ship of east Africa.that is Eritrea.
My friend, as professor Tekeste once said there is No Eritrean today wise enough to think in the interest of Eritrea and I am not surprised by your stubbornness which is part of being Eritrean. I am one of those ethiopians who regret the fact that Eritrean independence came too late and i am happy with the way things stand between us now. I don't expect you to swallow this fact but history is a witness that the best time in your history when you had a dignified existence as a society was when you were Ethiopians, although you tent to appreciate your good old colonial period merely for the sense of materiel advancement it gave you, for which i don't put complete blame on you but also our own historical failure to develop and modernize our own society. but now that is gone and done that I am glad we have both gone our separate way for what ever reason, although the separation doesn't seem to be enough to keep you at bay, because of course you wanted more than independence..we all know what it is. but having said that I believe from recent experience that a hostile and completely separate Eritrea is more manageable for Ethiopia than a friendly Eritrea. and believe me my fiend, I pray to God to prolong Isayas's life and NO peace No war forever. I promise I am not interested in your empty port although it true to say there are ethiopians of all walk including hard line Tigriyans who have their eyes wide open on Assab. I wish you good luck with that, but if I was you, I would take advantage of the current and the most pro- eritrea government in Ethiopia and reconcile with them. that is what any eritrean with a right mind would do if at all the interest of eritrean people are your prime concern. just a thought.
RSS feed for comments to this post.