|
Ref: ONLF/FRB/PR/01-18/07/05
18 July 2005
Foreign relations Bureau
Press Release
In response to yesterday's statement by the Ethiopian
government, ONLF makes the following declaration of good
intent:
- ONLF is ready to
engage in negotiations with the Ethiopian Government in
order to find a just and lasting solution to the
conflict between the people of the Ogaden and Ethiopian
regime if such talks are conducted in a neutral country.
It is also vital that an internationally recognised
entity is present to moderate the process.
- That both parties show
that they are genuine in their intentions and are
committed to the negotiations without putting forward
any preconditions which may hinder or stall the process.
- That both parties
recognise that justice, including respect for human
rights, and mutual respect are the key to a lasting
solution, peace, stability and development.
Background
The struggle of the people of the Ogaden led by Ogaden
National Liberation Front (ONLF) against the Ethiopian
Government is a political conflict that has existed for
more than a century. Its historical basis has roots in
the scramble for Africa. Ethiopia was a party to the
colonisation process along with other European imperial
powers, especially with reference to the Horn of Africa
in which the Ogaden territory lies. This conflict has
already caused major wars in the Horn of Africa both in
1964 and 1977. In addition, it had almost endangered
international peace when the then superpowers confronted
each other from issues that arose from the conflict in
1977. Therefore the issues relating to this conflict are
broader and more complex than the current Ethiopian
constitution attempts to address.
The ONLF believes in principle that peaceful resolution
of the conflict through negotiations is the most
rational and appropriate way of resolving which could
lead to a just and lasting peace between the entities
concerned. This approach would benefit all the suffering
people of the area...
On several occasions ONLF agreed to enter peace
negotiations with Ethiopia, but Ethiopia's unwillingness
to engage in meaningful and genuine negotiations aborted
those attempts.
Once again, ONLF welcomes the call from the Ethiopian
Prime Minister's Office which was aired on the BBC on
the 16th and 17th of July 2005.
click here
 Interview
The Ogaden National Liberation Front
Foreign Affairs Department
foreign@onlf.org
Copyright © 1998-2002
OGADEN
ONLINE All Rights
Reserved.
This site is created by Ogaden Online. Reproduction of any material
on this site is prohibited without express permission of the site owner
and the webmaster.
|
