Statement by Foreign Minister Yohei Kono on the border conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea

May 12, 2000

On May 12, the Government of Ethiopia announced that heavy fighting against Eritrea was taking place near the border, and the Government of Eritrea announced that the Ethiopia had launched an offensive against Eritrea shortly after midnight on May 12 (local time). Such a development is highly deplorable given that mediation efforts of the international community led, inter alia, by the Organization of African Unity (OAU) are under way.
Japan strongly urges both countries to cease immediately any military action against each other.

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