Russian
& East German Documents on Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa, 1977-78
Memorandum
of a Conversation between East German leader Erich Honecker and Siassi Aforki,
General Secretary of the Revolutionary Party of Eritrea, in Berlin, 31 January
1978 (dated 3 February 1978)
Honecker: [Welcoming remarks]
Aforki: We are very proud and very happy about
this meeting. It is a historical meeting. The first visit of our comrades
in the GDR already brought very positive results. [...] We highly appreciate
the good offices of your country and your party. What we have achieved so
far is already a turning-point in our fight. The results of the meeting with
the Ethiopians are still uncertain, but in any case it will be a historic
meeting. In the past 17 years a fierce battle has been waged. Not one meeting
took place between Eritreans and Ethiopians. If something developed from this
first meeting, this will not only be good for our two countries but for the
peoples of the entire world. The only pre-condition for it is goodwill on
the Ethiopian and on our side.
[Short review of the Eritrean-Ethiopian conflict.]
Comrade Erich Honecker: For the first dialogue
with the Ethiopians it will be decisive to consider in which direction one
has to become active in the interest of the Revolution. We are deeply interested
in the success of the Ethiopian Revolution and in the objectives of the Eritrean
People's Liberation Movement. Both sides have the goal to repel the imperialist
intervention and build a new humane social order. It is very painful that
comrades who are ideologically close are involved in such a conflict. We welcome
the fact that Comrade Aforki has the determination and mandate to come to
Berlin to find out together with the representatives of the DERG how the problems
can be solved. We have used our influence as much as possible to make sure
that you will be heard. Now much depends on the dialogue which - after 17
years - can lead to a turning-point. As I understand Comrade Aforki, he is
moving in this direction. In his conversation with Comrade Werner Lamberz,
Comrade Mengistu indicated his readiness to grant the people of Eritrea full
autonomy within the Ethiopian state. What form this should take is a matter
to be dealt with by both sides. The national question has immense importance
for the whole Ethiopian Revolution. Its solution is also hindered by Somalia's
aggression. Somalia currently receives the support of all imperialist governments.
Concerning the Eritrean question, one has to see the opportunity given by
[the similarity of] the contents of the Eritrean Liberation Movement and the
Ethiopian Revolution. I agree with Comrade Aforki that a solution would be
of great significance not only for the peoples of Ethiopia and Africa but
also for all peoples. We accord great significance to the currently arranged
contact and the incipient dialogue. We hope it will lead to agreement. The
revolutionary streams belong together. Comrade Aforki has rightly stated that
one can then proceed together against the imperialists. From my point of view,
the full autonomy within the Ethiopian state is the correct solution in order
to pursue together the common task of economic build-up and the creation of
a progressive social order in Ethiopia and Eritrea. Your forthcoming meeting
can be successful. It is a historic meeting. I am interested in the question
if you, Comrade Aforki, in the case one might come to an agreement, will have
the strength to implement it. Besides you, there are two other movements in
Eritrea. In case of an agreement one would have to carefully plan all steps.
Comrade S. Aforki: The main problem is in how far
Ethiopia is willing to meet our demands. It is clear from the start that if
Ethiopia is not bringing along new proposals, a solution will not be possible.
There is no point in discussing the possibility of unifying both revolutions.
What we need are guarantees that the fight against imperialism and reaction
will continue. Only one principal question is of importance. Everything depends
on the capabilities and tactics of our organization. We won't be picky in
minor questions. It is totally clear to us that in the case of an actual agreement
its implementation is the important thing. Then we will check the details
and implement them patiently. Eritrea has many enemies within and without.
If they all find out about it, we will have many difficulties. But we are
preparing for it. It is true that we are not the only organization. That,
however, does not worry us. Because of our great influence and military strength
we can succeed. The other two organizations in Eritrea have allied themselves
with the imperialists and the reaction in the Arabic region.
We have to expect that the imperialists will take
advantage of the situation in case of a solution of the Eritrean problem and
escalate the situation and heighten the conflict. Therefore it is necessary
that the Socialist countries will guarantee a peaceful solution. In the case
of an agreement prudent tactics are necessary not to allow the reactionaries
to exert their influence. In Ethiopia as well there are forces which are powerfully
fighting against a just solution. The current regime cannot proceed against
these forces by itself. This is an important question.
Honecker: [Report on GDR domestic and foreign policy]
[Concluding remarks]
[Source:
SAPMO-BArch, DY30 IV 2/2.035/127; document obtained and translated by Christian
F. Ostermann.]
