May the grace and peace of Our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. As the Catholic Bishop of the Eparchy (Diocese) of Adigrat, Tigray, I wish to state that the territorial jurisdiction covers the whole of the Tigray State. During the recent hostilities between Eritrea and Ethiopia the people on both sides of the border suffered untold hardships. Within my jurisdiction alone over 300,000 were displaced: their homes were destroyed; their cattle ran wild; their lands remained uncultivated; schools, clinics and churches were looted, either severely damaged or totally destroyed. Zalambessa, for instance, was systematically bulldozed. Together we are still living with the dire consequences of that conflict, and in Zalambessa alone the Catholic Church lost 8 institutions.

When hostilities ceased and a Border Commission established all the people held high hopes that a secure, stable peace, based on justice would ensue for the people on both sides. To date, however, the information at hand seriously jeopardises those hopes. Without prior consultation on the spot, arbitrary proposals are being presented that are highly injurious to security, stability and, therefore, a lasting peace. What is the logic that violates and sweeps aside the historical, legitimate rights of people? Without a settlement based on justice, the possibility of future dangers cannot be dismissed as arising from vague fears.

Several of the proposed areas of demarcation along the border flagrantly violate their historical and legitimate rights. Justice, therefore, would seem to have been relegated to oblivion. It is totally inconceivable, otherwise, that their social identity, economic, cultural, educational, religious and health services’ infrastructures should be axed. In this regard to have access to Zalambessa from the east, the region surrounding Alitiena, the people would be obliged to cross the border four or even five times. Without making a very long detour on foot there is no alternative market where they might sell produce or buy commodities. To understand, therefore, the catastrophic economic and social consequences do not call for any stretch of the imagination. They would be deprived of vital services and for which alternatives simply do not exist. For the Border Commission to suggest such draconian measures is the surest way to plant mines that could detonate in the future. With seemingly little regard for the prospects of enhancing the people’s quality of life, the suggested proposals in this regard are simply counterproductive.

To be explicit but not exclusive I am referring to areas around Endalgeda, Zalambessa – Alitiena line of accessibility, Badme and Sheraro, etc. In some cases flagrant cartographic mistakes, dating back almost 100 years, even though they were admitted at the time, would receive the sanction of international law, if these suggested demarcations should be enacted.

Parishes belonging to this ecclesiastical jurisdiction, the Eparchy of Adigrat, which were founded from here over 100 years ago and whose national status has never been questioned nor doubted, would be sliced off. This represents a totally arbitrary and undemocratic proposal by the Border Commission, as not once has either members of the Commission or their delegates taken the slightest trouble or shown the slightest interest in consulting those who would be so adversely affected.

As a Bishop I have at heart the well being of all the people, irrespective of their religious affiliations, living within this territorial jurisdiction. If I failed to speak out in the cause of justice and peace, I would be guilty of a grave dereliction of duty. Previously, the people living on both sides of the border in the areas I have mentioned have lived in peace. Now, why should their social harmony and mutually respected national identities be jeopardized without any prior consultation of the peoples affected on both sides?

Trusting that those who carry the awesome responsibility for implementing justice and peace may give my voice and that of the concerned millions their sympathetic and constructive consideration.

May God bless you and enlighten you with the spirit of lasting peace.

This letter is sent also to : - The Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commissioon, the Hague, Netherlands.
- President of the UN Security Council, MMexico Mission to the United Nations.
- Ambassador L.J.Legwaila, SRGS (UNMEE), Asmara
- H.E. Alpha Oumar Konare, Head - Africann Union - Addis Abeba
- Mr. Yves Gazzo, Head - Delegation of thhe European Commission in Ethiopia, Addis Abeba
- Mr. John D. Negropponte, the U.S. Ambasssador to the UN, New York.
- The Permanent Mission of the Russian feederation to the UN, New York.
- The Permanent Mission of the People's rrepublic of China to the UN, N.Y.
- Ambassador S.E.M.Jean-David Levitte, Deelegation of France to the UN Security Council, New York.
- The U.K. Mission to the United Nations,, New York.
Copy to: - H.E. Seyoum Mesfin, Foreign Minister off the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Addis Abeba.
- H.E. Tsegay Berhe, President of the Reggional State of Tigray, Mekelle.
- His Grace Abune Berhaneyesus D.Suraphieel, Metropolitan Archbishop of Addis Abeba & President of Ethiopia-Eritrea Episcopal Conference.
- Vatican Embassy - Addis Abeba