    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [February 9, 1999]
    [Pages 182-183]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Eritrea-Ethiopia Border Conflict
    February 9, 1999

        I am deeply concerned by the heavy fighting along the border between
    Ethiopia and Eritrea. Since the dispute began in May 1998, my
    administration has sought to work with these two friends of the United
    States to achieve a peaceful resolution. Susan Rice, the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, has
    conducted intensive shuttle diplomacy between Ethiopia and Eritrea, and
    former National Security Adviser Anthony Lake
    has made four trips to the region at my request.
        We remain committed to this crucial effort. A peaceful solution can
    and must be found without delay. I urge both parties to halt the
    fighting immediately. If the conflict continues, its human and economic
    cost will be incalculable for the people of Ethiopia and Eritrea and for
    the entire region.
        I am disappointed that hostilities resumed while sustained
    diplomatic efforts by the international community were continuing. We
    welcome Ethiopia's standing acceptance of the Organization of African
    Unity's Framework Agreement and maintain our support for the efforts of
    the OAU and others to promote a peaceful resolution of this conflict.
        The return to hostilities cannot bring about a lasting solution to
    this dispute. I am particularly alarmed by the recent use of air power,
    which escalates the conflict and violates the agreed airstrike
    moratorium. I urge the Ethiopian Government to refrain from further use

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    of its aircraft as currently employed along the border, and I ask both
    sides to renew their commitment to the moratorium.
        For the sake of their people, the leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea
    must immediately halt the fighting and recommit themselves to diplomatic
    efforts to secure a peaceful settlement.