§ 12. Mr. Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury) (Con)What discussions he has had with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments about their border dispute over Badme; and if he will make a statement. [157424]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Chris Mullin)Most recently, I raised the border dispute with Eritrean President Isaias in Asmara on 15 January and with Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles in Addis Ababa on 16 January. I reiterated to both parties that the boundary commission's decision is final and binding, and urged them to engage in a political dialogue on all the issues that separate them.
§ Mr. RobertsonThe Under-Secretary knows that Ethiopian Members of Parliament recently visited this country. Indeed, I was fortunate enough to host a day with them in my constituency. I had the opportunity to discuss the border dispute over Badme with the Ethiopian ambassador. Although I acknowledge the sense of what the Under-Secretary says, does not he feel that the town of Badme is inhabited by Ethiopians rather than Eritreans? Will he recognise Ethiopia's determination to settle the dispute peacefully and express some concern to the boundary commission about its extraordinary decision?
§ Mr. MullinBoth sides signed up to the Algiers agreement, which was to accept the outcome, however difficult, with their eyes open. We accept that it is difficult. However, the difficulties are not only one way; Eritrea also loses out in some respects. The boundary commission has made it clear that it is possible to iron out anomalies that arise from its decision, but that must be done by talks between the two sides, which are currently not speaking to each other. However, I made the point to both leaders—I believe that they were well aware of it—that the only war that matters in their country is that against poverty.