ETHIOPIA PM: We want love with Eritrea, not war

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Ahmed has called for love – not war – with long-standing rival Eritrea.  Speaking on television after hosting an Eritrean delegation for dinner on Tuesday night, Mr Abiy said: “Love is the only way out. We have tried war, it didn’t benefit either side. It cost lives, time, money – and it […]

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Ahmed has called for love – not war – with long-standing rival Eritrea. 

Speaking on television after hosting an Eritrean delegation for dinner on Tuesday night, Mr Abiy said: “Love is the only way out. We have tried war, it didn’t benefit either side. It cost lives, time, money – and it diverts attention from other important things.”

Tens of thousands of people were killed during a 1998-2000 war between the two countries for control of the town of Badme. 

Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki was not at the talks, but he sent a high-level delegation – which included his political adviser Yemane Gebreab – to Ethiopia in an attempt to end the border dispute. 

Mr Yemane said both countries had closed a sad chapter, and a new one was opening.