Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed asserted Ethiopia’s commitment to negotiating maritime access to the Red Sea without initiating conflict with Eritrea. He emphasized the critical nature of this issue for Ethiopia’s aspirations and encouraged dialogue over military action. Amid growing tensions, Abiy highlighted Ethiopia’s readiness to defend itself while rejecting any confrontation with Eritrea.
In a recent parliamentary address, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized Ethiopia’s intention to peacefully negotiate access to the Red Sea, declaring that the country has no desire to invade Eritrea. He labeled this access as “existential” for Ethiopia, advocating for dialogue rather than conflict, asserting, “If we ignore this today, it will create problems in the future.” His remarks come amidst rising tensions as both nations grapple with mutual concerns over maritime access.
Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh expressed confusion regarding Ethiopia’s maritime aspirations and cautioned against both diplomatic and military efforts to obtain this access. Additionally, Tigray officials voiced fears of a potential conflict escalated by Eritrea’s involvement in Tigray’s turmoil. U.S. Senator James Risch echoed these concerns, urging both nations to de-escalate tensions to avoid disastrous consequences for northern Ethiopia.
Abiy firmly rejected confrontation accusations, characterizing Eritreans as kindred spirits with shared developmental goals. He expressed Ethiopia’s commitment to mutual progress while highlighting that the nation is prepared to defend itself if provoked, stating, “We do not have any fear—this must be underlined.” Abiy noted that military readiness serves to deter aggression and called for economic collaboration.
Highlighting Ethiopia’s historical role in fostering regional peace, Abiy noted, “We have refrained from engaging in direct military conflict with anyone so far.” He also addressed the issue of external provocations, asserting that significant retaliation would result from any provocations directed at Ethiopia. Furthermore, he conveyed that the question of Red Sea access transcends political affiliations and is imperative for a country aspiring to economic growth.
Lastly, Abiy advocated for a “peaceful and mutually beneficial solution,” urging the international community to recognize Ethiopia’s needs while considering regional balance. He reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to resolving issues through dialogue, emphasizing that sustained peace and cooperation are paramount.
In summary, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has made it clear that Ethiopia does not seek to invade Eritrea, but rather aims to negotiate access to the Red Sea with a focus on mutual benefits. Amid rising tensions, he encouraged dialogue while asserting Ethiopia’s readiness to defend its interests if necessary. The Prime Minister’s advocacy for peaceful resolutions underlines the importance of collaboration and the pursuit of economic progress in the region.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
