Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stressed the importance of Red Sea access as existential for Ethiopia, rejecting accusations of invasive intentions towards Eritrea. He called for negotiations rather than conflict and asserted military readiness as a defensive posture. Amid rising tensions, he urged for peaceful discussions and affirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to regional development.
During a parliamentary session, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia asserted that the nation harbors no intention to invade Eritrea despite its critical need for access to the Red Sea, which he characterized as existential for Ethiopia. Emphasizing diplomatic negotiation, he stated, “Our desire is to negotiate based on the principle of give and take,” underscoring the importance of finding mutually beneficial solutions to current tensions without resorting to conflict. Abiy warned that ignoring these discussions could lead to significant challenges in the future, stressing, “War is unnecessary.”
Accompanying this sentiment, Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh expressed confusion regarding Ethiopia’s claimed aspirations for maritime access, labeling them as misguided and warning against any forceful or diplomatic endeavors to pursue them. There are also concerns among Ethiopian leaders, particularly within the Tigray Interim Administration, regarding the potential escalation of conflict with Eritrea, with Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae suggesting that war appears likely and that Tigray could become a central combat zone.
U.S. Senator James Risch echoed these apprehensions, cautioning that renewed conflict in northern Ethiopia could have devastating implications. He urged both nations to de-escalate their rising tensions. In light of accusations against Ethiopia’s intentions, Abiy firmly asserted, “Many accusations have been made, but most do not hold water,” portraying Eritreans as akin to Ethiopians in their developmental pursuits and urgently advocating for cooperative economic progression instead of warfare.
Despite his preference for peace, Abiy confirmed Ethiopia’s readiness to defend itself if provoked, stating, “No one is emboldened to challenge us. We are fully prepared.” He reiterated the aim of Ethiopia’s military readiness is defensive, aimed towards preventing conflict rather than instigating it, affirming, “We have no desire to start a conflict.”
Abiy highlighted Ethiopia’s longstanding commitment to regional peace and development, referencing the country’s restrained military engagements in trouble spots like Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan. He also cautioned against potential provocations from external entities, emphasizing the repercussions of being challenged. Abiy underscored the nation’s pressing need for Red Sea access as a fundamental priority transcending political parties or current governance: “A country with 130 million people… cannot remain confined while its access is restricted.”
In conclusion, he reiterated a commitment to find peaceful resolutions that ensure mutual advantages for Ethiopia and its neighbors, urging for dialogue and understanding to acknowledge Ethiopia’s needs without infringing on the rights of others.
In summary, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has articulated Ethiopia’s intention to seek diplomatic solutions regarding Red Sea access while denying any desire for conflict with Eritrea. He reinforced the country’s preparedness for defense but emphasized that military readiness is not geared towards aggression. The emphasis remains on peaceful negotiation and collaboration among nations to achieve mutual growth and stability in the region.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
