Dear Mr. Foley:

I deeply regret the use of United States air power in the current conflict with Iraq, in particular against economic targets and near civilian population centers. I also deeply regret the threat of United States airstrikes against the regime of Slobodan Milosevic in Serbia. However, I understand the necessity of these actions in light of the obstinate refusal of these regimes to commit themselves to peaceful coexistence with their neighbors.

I encourage the State Department to examine the actions of its own government before commenting on the legitimate defensive measures undertaken by Ethiopia as a result of the war imposed on it by Eritrea. I would also note once again, that the government of Eritrea has consistently refused to accept the peace plans advanced by the OAU and endorsed by the UN.

Finally, I would like to express my deep regrets that the United States was mute and did not condemn Eritrea when the following outrages took place:

(1) When Eritrean warplanes bombed the Adigrat Pharmaceutical factory on June 11, 1998 and shamelessly admitted this to the Associated Press.

(2) When Eritrea warplanes deliberately bombed the Ayder school in Mekele on June 4, 1998. The school was bombed twice in the span of an hour, with over 50 Ethiopian civilians killed.

(3) When Eritrea randomly shelled the town of Adigrat killing many civilians and forcing the students of Adigrat to move their schools several miles south, out of artillery range.

(4) When Eritrea launched its invasion of the Zalanbessa area (especially on June 3) killing dozens of civilians with indiscriminate artillery bombardments.

The above facts should remind the State Department of the need for a consistent and principled foreign policy. The lack of such an approach in the Ethiopia-Eritrea conflict will only encourage Eritrean intransigence and reduce the chances of a peaceful settlement in the near future.

Sincerely

- Dagmawi