Gadafi assumed the AU chairmanship for next year in the AU conference held in Addiss last week. Immediately after his election to the chairmanship, he flew to Massawa to visit PIA. After the visit, Ghadafi told reporters in Massawa that he has discussed the issue with both Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and President Iseyas Afewerki (PIA) and vowed to settle the long stand off. Can he do it?
I am very optimistic! Gadafi is a very ambitious and egotist leader. Currently he is working hard to transfer the AU into the United States of Africa and has resistance from other skeptic leaders who doesn’t like his ambition. There is a good incentive for him to try to solve the Ethio-Eritrea stand off. The Ethio-Eritrea stand off is one of the most difficult problems in Africa and it will be a great diplomatic victory to add to his resume, if he can do it. So, I wouldn’t be surprised if he takes this as one of his top priority in his chairmanship.
He has also the leverage and timing on his side. The main problem on this issue is Ethiopia’s insistence on dialogue before implementing the court decision and Eritrea’s rejection of any dialogue regarding implementing the court issue. So, by definition, if Gadafi started to negotiate between the two countries, there is no problem for Ethiopia (of course, Ethiopia may prefer another negotiator for sure, but they know they will not get it- he is their best shot). Also, Ethiopia doesn’t seem to have the same degree of backing from Washington as it did under Bush. The problem will be for PIA, who refused any sort of dialogue on the issue. At the same time, it will be difficult for PIA to say “NO” to Gadafi – who has been his best friend and ally for the last 11 years. Another last point is that people in both countries are sick and tired off this conflict and the leaders know it. They may bend they stand and reach some compromise! May God solve this problem for our people!
Update: Gadafi made the interview in Massawa. I have looked the government media out let for the last two days and they have escaped that part of the report. This is a good indication of the government's satnd on the issue. .....no dialogue
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