Ethiopia-Eritrea peace takes shape as delegation arrives in Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa — An Eritrean delegation arrived in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, on Tuesday, taking the next step in a historic diplomatic ballet aimed at ending decades of conflict and hostility. The thaw between the foes who fought a bitter border war 20 years ago follows an olive branch dramatically offered by new Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Abiy greeted Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh and presidential adviser Yemane Gebreab at the capital’s airport, leading them along a red carpet past traditional dancers, local celebrities and a brass band. The meeting takes place just three days after a blast at a rally attended by Abiy — a sign, analysts say, of the risks he has taken with a programme that embraces far-reaching change at home and abroad. Earlier this month Abiy said he would abide by a 2002 ruling, issued by a UN-backed commission, and withdraw from contested territory, including the town of Badme, that both nations claim. Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki r...
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