Statement by Foreign Minister Yohei Kono on Ethiopia's Acceptance of the OAU proposal for the Cessation of Hostilities

June 15, 2000

The State of Eritrea and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia have announced their acceptance of the proposal by the OAU (Organization of African Unity), on June 9 and 14, respectively, for the cessation of hostilities. The Government of Japan welcomes the decisions made by the both countries, as it has continuously urged these countries to stop fighting in the past. Japan would also like to commend the Democratic People's Republic of Algeria, the Current Chairman of the OAU, for its mediation efforts, and appreciate the support to such efforts extended so far particularly by the United States and the European Union.
Japan hopes that the acceptance of the said proposal by the two countries will lead to the peaceful lasting resolution of the dispute, and is determined to continue its active efforts to that end.

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