PRESS RELEASE

House of Commons' Standing Committee Passes a Motion Regarding the Eritrean and Ethiopian Border Demarcation

Ottawa, Canada, May 5, 2005.  On May 5, 2005, the House of Commons' Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade has voted a motion that  calls  the Government of Canada to forcefully pressure the Government of Ethiopia to abide by the ruling of the Ethiopian and Eritrean Border Commission (EEBC).

The motion was passed unanimously by members of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade, which brings together representatives of all the major Canadian political parties. The motion calls "on the Government of Canada to increase the pressure on the Government of Ethiopia to accept, in full, the recommendations of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission, including the decision on the town of Badme."

In its motion, the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Canada has further proposed that "that the Government of Canada forcefully indicate to the Government of Ethiopia that our future co-operation would heavily depend on Ethiopia's acquiescence to the recommendations of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission."

The motion also “…suggests that the government of Canada offer assistance under UN auspices, to the governments of Eritrea and Ethiopia to help in the demobilization of their respective armies.”

It also ”…Suggests that the government of Canada offer incentives, in terms of developmental aid and other assistance to the Governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea, if they live up to their obligations under the comprehensive Peace Agreement signed in Algiers, especially with regards to the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission provisions.”

The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade moved that the Chair of the Committee forward the Committee's motion to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for consideration and action.

It is to be noted that a similar motion was tabled on November 13, 2003.

On this occasion, the Network of Eritrean-Canadians would like to express heartfelt appreciation to all Members of Parliament and Eritrean-Canadian volunteers that rallied behind this just cause. A copy of the motion will be included in the days to come.

For Further Information, please contact:

NETWORK OF ERITREAN CANADIANS
networkoferitreans@canada.com

The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade Motion to the House http://www.parl.gc.ca/