Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed affirmed that Ethiopia seeks no military confrontation with Eritrea over Red Sea access, which he deemed “existential” for the country. Emphasizing negotiation and cooperation, he warned against neglecting discussions, fearing long-term consequences. Amid rising tensions, he asserted Ethiopia’s readiness for self-defense while promoting peace and development in the region.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia addressed parliament, asserting that the nation has no intention to invade Eritrea over maritime access. He described access to the Red Sea as “existential” for Ethiopia and emphasized a desire for negotiations grounded in mutual benefit. He cautioned that neglecting these discussions could lead to future complications, advocating for dialogue over conflict. “War is unnecessary,” he stated.
Amid rising tensions, Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh expressed confusion regarding Ethiopia’s aspirations for maritime access, cautioning against pursuing such objectives through either diplomatic or military means. Concerns about a potential conflict have been echoed by Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae of the Tigray Interim Administration, who warned that war may become inevitable, potentially making Tigray the battleground. U.S. Senator James Risch also highlighted the alarming situation, urging both countries to de-escalate tensions to prevent catastrophic repercussions.
Prime Minister Abiy denied allegations of Ethiopia’s aggressive stances, portraying Eritreans as “brotherly” and advocating for collaborative economic growth. He affirmed Ethiopia’s right to defend itself but reiterated, “We have no desire to start a conflict.” His comments reflected a commitment to maintaining peace in the region, citing Ethiopia’s role in promoting stability in Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan without engaging in direct military confrontation.
Abiy warned against external provocations, indicating that any such actions would elicit significant retaliation, although Ethiopia would not initiate conflict. He depicted the quest for Red Sea access as a national priority for a populous and economically ambitious nation, underlining the need for a peaceful resolution that considers the interests of all parties involved. He stressed the importance of dialogue in addressing Ethiopia’s needs while ensuring mutual benefits for its neighbors.
In summary, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has articulated Ethiopia’s stance on maritime access to the Red Sea, emphasizing diplomatic engagement over military confrontation. He reassured that Ethiopia does not seek to invade Eritrea and firmly opposes conflict. Amidst rising regional tensions, Abiy advocates for peace and development, promoting dialogue as the path forward for resolving access issues while considering the welfare of neighboring countries.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
