H.I.M. words concerning Ethiopia`s position
``Because of her unity and independence, Ethiopia had and
still has jealous enemies and aggressive dissidents.
It is therefore the primary duty of every Ethiopian to safeguard the unity and
freedom that has been fortified since time immemorial by the courage and bravery
of our forefathers.We have to maintain its integrity, to work and benefit from
its existence.
Ethiopia is a nation fully committed to African unity and to the greater cause
of world peace and subsequently shall continue to support and strengthen the
O.A.U., which was established as an African instrument for peace and progress.
Ethiopia is, by her own choice, a nonaligned state. Our Policies on the
vexatious international issues of the day have been declared to all, and our
adherence to them is steadfast: the urgent imperative of universal disarmament,
the settlement of disputes by peaceful negotiation, the supremacy of reason and
logic over force and irrationality.
We insist that the way to peace among men and nations rests in the even-handed
application and enforcement of the principles of the United Nations and
Organization of African Unity:
non-interference in the internal affairs of others, self
determination for the remaining dependent peopies of the world, respect for the
territorial integrity of independent states In the conduct of the international
affairs of our nation, we have placed high value upon personal contacts between
peoples and leaders of nations.
Ethiopia is a peace-loving nation. Except for those times when it had to rise up
in arms to fight-off aggression or to advance the cause of collective security;
there is not one instance in history of Ethiopia provoking a conflict by
violating territorial integrity or by interfering in the internal affairs of
others, and there will never be any such
instance.However, Ethiopia will never be found wanting in its efforts to
strengthen its defence force,sustained as it is by the traditional valor of its
gallant people, to thwart the designs of those who are bent on violating the
freedom and unity of its people and its territorial integrity.``