Issued by: Office of the Presidency
12 May 2000
President Thabo Mbeki has expressed grave concern about the resumption of hostilities between Eritrea and Ethiopia. He appealed to all sides to desist from military confrontation and urges them to abide by the peace plan of the Organisation of African Unity.
The President is concerned that as long as there is lack of peace and stability in the horn of Africa, none of the government shall have the opportunity to extricate their peoples from the difficulties that afflict the area.
There is an urgent need for the reconstruction of the region after many years of war. The situation has been ex-arcibated by the natural disasters that have affected the area lately.
The President urges all the leaders in the area to exploit the goodwill that has been shown by the international community to assist the reconstruction of the area.
The President is hopeful that the leadership of the region, assisted by others on the continent, can work together and resolve the problem.
Issued by the Office of the President
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