Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Masahiko Koumura on the Dispute between Eritrea and Ethiopia

July 17, 1999

Japan supports the proposal of the "Modalities for Implementation of the OAU Framework Agreement" adopted by the OAU Summit on July 14 and welcomes the fact that both Eritrea and Ethiopia show positive responses to this proposal.
Although there will be some difficulties to overcome in realizing lasting peace, Japan strongly hopes that both Eritrea and Ethiopia go into the implementation process of the OAU Framework Agreement as soon as possible based on this proposal, and continue their efforts to achieve peace between them.
Japan decided, on such development, to dispatch Kishichiro Amae, Director-General of the Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to the capitals of both countries to convey this message of the Japanese Government to the two countries and to discuss the future peace process.

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