B4-0165, 0182, 0195 and 0210/99

Resolution on the conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its previous resolution of 18 June 1998 ((OJ C 210, 6.7.1998. p. 206.)),

- having regard to the European Union declaration of 15 January 1999,

- having regard to UN Security Council Resolutions 1177 and 1226,

A. whereas fighting recently resumed between Ethiopia and Eritrea,

B. recalling that, in mid-June 1998, those two countries signed a moratorium on attacks from the air under the aegis of the United Nations,

C. recalling that, since early May 1998, those two countries have been fighting over part of their common frontier in the south of Eritrea and the north of Ethiopia, and whereas thousands of people have died since June 1998,

D. deploring the fact that international mediation efforts have failed because of the reluctance of both countries to work seriously for a peaceful settlement,

E. regretting the fact that hostilities have resumed, although the Organisation of African Unity has proposed to the two belligerent nations a peace plan which is designed to settle their frontier dispute and is fully supported by the European Union and the United Nations,

F. dismayed that the two countries have resorted once again to violence although, until the outbreak of the conflict, they were both members of IGAD (the intergovernmental development authority) which endeavoured to promote peace and stability in the region,

G. wishing to prevent an escalation of the conflict between these countries from destabilising the entire Horn of Africa,

H. having regard to the deplorable conditions in which a large part of the population of the two countries are living and to the deterioration of the humanitarian and social situation resulting from this war,

1. Condemns the resumption of violence between Ethiopia and Eritrea;

2. Urges both belligerents to declare an immediate cease-fire and to reach a peaceful and equitable settlement of their frontier dispute by subscribing fully to the OAU and UN peace plans;

3. Reaffirms that the conflict cannot be solved by armed force and that the continuation of fighting is undermining the international credibility of both countries and is a serious setback to the hopes of improving the present deplorable living conditions of their inhabitants;

4. Calls on the belligerent parties to cooperate fully with the Organisation of African Unity with a view to securing by negotiation a satisfactory agreement based on its proposed peace plan;

5. Supports the mediation efforts undertaken at international level and calls on the European Union and on the OAU to step up their efforts with a view to finding a political solution to the conflict;

6. Calls on the Council and the Commission to link development aid and Lomé-related benefits to respect by both countries for international law and procedures for the peaceful settlement of disputes;

7. Calls on all the political forces and all components of civil society in Ethiopia and Eritrea to do their utmost to exert pressure on their respective governments with a view to a peaceful solution being found to the conflicts;

8. Calls on both countries to refrain from any policy involving the forced displacement of people, particularly on ethnic grounds;

9. Calls on the Commission to provide for an increase in the humanitarian aid it already provides to the inhabitants of Ethiopia and Eritrea, particularly to refugees and other persons displaced because of the conflict;

10. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Co-Presidents of the ACP-EU Joint Assembly, the Secretaries-General of the OAU, the UN and IGAD and to the Governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea.