Ethiopian leader says border ruling "generally acceptable"

�Nov 26, 2004

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has said that the decision by the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission is "acceptable". Meles was speaking in a live address to the Ethiopian House of People's Representatives in Addis Ababa. The following is an excerpt from Mele's address, monitored in progress, broadcast by Ethiopian TV on 25 November

[Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, Passage omitted] When markers are placed, the tangible situation in an area is verified and the necessary adjustments are made. The adjustments are made through dialogue.

What we are saying is that we accepted the decision on delimitation at the time. We have not changed this.

When it comes to demarcation, necessary adjustments should be made according to the situation in the area and in accordance with the ruling of the [Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary] Commission. This is common practice.

Therefore, there is nothing new we ourselves created in the new initiative, it is a common practice. The fact that we said we have accepted in principle does not mean just to go there tomorrow and implement a decision whereby houses are divided into two. It will not lead to peace.

Our aim is peace. However, what is being said is that the decision is generally acceptable.

Source: Ethiopian TV, Addis Ababa, in Amharic via BBC Monitoring, 25 Nov 04