ADDIS ABABA /ENA/- Scholars stressed the need for the government of Ethiopia to pursue its diplomatic efforts and dialogues to enable the country have access to ports in a mutually beneficial manner.
In his recent presentation to members of the parliament regarding Ethiopia’s quest for access to sea port, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed underscored on the need to discuss on the issue of access to sea ports.
Given geographical, historical, economic backgrounds, Ethiopia has the right to have access to sea through peaceful means.
A senior instructor on international history at Hawassa University Ababu Aligaz said sea ports that had originally been used by pervious rulers of the country has regrettably and sadly been taken away by a major historical error causing the disclosure of the issue that was toned down for decades.
In spite of the fact that there were various challenges across the red sea, such situations did not prevent the country from using the ports. He noted that Ethiopia was effectively utilizing the ports of Berbera, Zeila, Assab and Massawa and other alternatives to link up with the rest of the world through trade and other spheres of relations.
The scholar noted that there are historical and legal justifications that provide for ownership and access to ports. He mentioned that there is a need to rectify the historical error in a peaceful manner and current efforts to raise the issue need to continue in a more vigorous manner.
He also underscored that the entire public, scholars and politicians need to raise the awareness of the youth on the matter and help them to come to a common national consensus on the topic.
A former instructor of international law at Mizan Tepi University and currently engaged on other duties, Tadesse Aybera said for his part that Ethiopia needs to further enhance ongoing efforts on her historical and legal rights to have access to the sea ports.
He added that the government should continue to pursue its diplomatic efforts and dialogues to enable the country to have access to ports in a mutually beneficial manner.
Tadesse further noted that the government is obliged to ensure justice based benefits for citizens by utilizing the provisions of international law and creation of a spirit of fraternity and cooperation to ensure peaceful development in the region.
He also underscored on the need to conduct deeper and wider level of consciousness to ensure common understanding on the issue of access to ports.
Instructor of political science and international relations at Wachemo University, Mulualem Hailemariam underlined that Ethiopia needs to work in cooperation with all international partners to resolve the issue of access to ports on the basis on international law and the principles of give and take.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 12 NOVEMBER 2023
