Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
"The South African Government notes the present escalation of the border dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea with deep concern. Reports of ongoing skirmishes between the armed forces with accompanying loss of lives are most worrying.
The Government of South Africa calls on both parties to let reason prevail in the current crisis and to refrain from any actions that could lead to further escalation of conflict. The two governments are urged to commit themselves to finding a peaceful solution to the dispute.
The South African Government states its full support for current initiatives by the Secretary-General of the Organization for African Unity, Mr Salim Ahmed Salim, as well as all other initiatives to try find a speedy solution to the crisis".
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 4 JUNE 1998