Meeting with US Ambassador David Shinn on Ethiopia-Eritrea War

The Ethiopia-Eritrea war that began on May 6, 1998 involved multiple stakeholders across the international community who sought to defuse the situation and find a settlement. The US Government was heavily involved and worked closely with the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and Dr. Salim.

This meeting with Ambassador David Shinn, the US Ambassador to Ethiopia, was one of countless meetings between Dr. Salim and the Americans seeking to find a resolution to the conflict.

Dr. Salim: Is there anything at stake in the area?

Ambassador Shinn: None that I know of by way of gold, oil or minerals. I have heard people talk about a fertile part of the land.

Dr. Salim: Is it possible for Meles to concede more, given the pressures he faces on being soft with the Eritreans and wanting to make peace at any cost?

Ambassador Shinn: That is part of the problem. It's very difficult for Meles to back down given the pressure he finds himself confronted with. Both sides talk about principles. But beyond principles, there is not much left.