ERITREA AND ETHIOPIA

Early day motion 1410, tabled 9 June 1998 by John Austin (Labour). Signed by 29 members.

That this House condemns the bombing of Asmara by Ethiopia and the attack on Makele by Eritrean forces; recalls the past co-operation between the Eritrean and Tigrayan liberation forces in overthrowing the evil dictatorship of Mengistu and the personal links between Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia and President Issaiais Afwerki of Eritrea; recalls the courageous decision of the Tigrayan leadership to allow a referendum in 1993 in Eritrea on self-determination leading to a peaceful secession and independence for Eritrea; regrets that final agreement on borders was not reached at that time; believes that continued violence can only harm the peoples of both countries; expresses support for the work of US Assistant Secretary of State, Susan Rice, and Vice-President Kagame of Rwanda in their efforts to find a peaceful solution; urges the leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea to heed the international calls for peace and in particular those from President Mandela of South Africa and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and to accept international mediation of the dispute possibly under the auspices of the Organisation for African Unity.

Signatures by party: Labour 26, Labour/Co-operative 2, Liberal Democrat 1.