Ethiopia: Strange Ways for "Setting the Record Straight"
* Ethiopia invaded the Bada region (Adi Murug) of Eritrea in July 1997 to dismantle by force the Eritrean administration. This prompted the Eritrean President to write a letter to Ethiopia's Prime Minister protesting the use of force to create facts on the ground. Eritrea subsequently suggested the formation of a Joint Border Commission at senior levels of both governments.
* Ethiopia published an illegal map in October 1997 incorporating large tracts of Eritrean territory in the Badme, Tsbrona and Bada areas. This was an act of aggression in violation of international law.
* Ethiopia triggered the clashes that occurred in May when about sixty Ethiopian army troops completely encircled a group, of ten Eritrean officers who were in the Badme area and opened fire. Four were killed and three wounded. This unprovoked attack led to spiraling clashes in the subsequent days, with both sides bringing reinforcements and a final showdown on 12 May 1998.
* Ethiopia declared war (through its Parliament) on May 13, 1998, to subsequently unleash military action against Eritrea on the Burie and Zalambessa areas in late May and early June.
* "Eritrean armed forces presently in Badme Town and its environs should be redeployed as a mark of goodwill and consideration for our continental organization; it being understood that this redeployment will not prejudge the final status of the areas concerned ...
* Environs refers to the areas surrounding Badme Town
* Eritrean redeployment from Badme Town and its environs should be immediately followed by the demilitarization of the entire border, through the redeployment of the forces of both parties along the entire border, to positions to be determined subsequently, as part of the implementation process of the Framework Agreement."
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Asmara, 23 March 1999