§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is now their policy on a solution to the conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia, following the downfall of President Mengistu: and whether, in view of the several warnings given to them of his probable removal from power, they consider that encouragement of negotiations between the former dictator and the leaders of the Eritrean people was more likely to result in an end to the war than aiding the Eritreans to defeat him.
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (The Earl of Caithness):Whatever regime is in power in Addis Ababa, negotiations will be needed between it and the Eritrean representatives in order to achieve a lasting solution to the status of Eritrea. We shall continue to urge this approach.