Ethiopia was also forced to exercise its right of self-defense because the peace process, in which it was engaged for two years, had hit a brick wall, as exemplified by the failure of the Algiers proximity talks, which failed because Eritrea refused to engage in substantive discussions. Eritrean intransigence at the peace table had the effect of prolonging the war situation that has been going on for two years now. Ethiopia and the Eritrean people could not afford such prolongation of the conflict. Something had to be done to bring it to a speedy end. There were no easy ways out.
Any conflict inevitably entails human suffering and dislocation.
Even before the recent flare-up in fighting, close to 400,000 Ethiopians had been displaced by the Eritrean aggression. Many have lost their lives during the conflict. Ethiopia deeply regrets the suffering and loss of human lives caused by the Eritrean aggression. Ethiopia is committed to doing everything possible to minimize the loss and suffering. But ultimately, it is the rogue regime in Asmara that must take full responsibility for all the suffering and loss of lives of Ethiopians as well as Eritreans that occurs because of the conflict.