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In the course of the discussion, Malin expressed interest in the
state of Soviet-Ethiopian relations, having come upon rumors
concerning the upcoming visit to the USSR of First Deputy
Chairman of the PMAC Mengistu Haile Mariam, and also in
connection with the negative, as he understands it, attitude of
Somalia
toward the prospective development of Soviet-Ethiopian
cooperation.
I told Malin that our traditionally friendly relations with
Ethiopia
have a tendency to develop further, as evident from the joint Soviet-
Ethiopian communique of
14 July 1976
, resulting from the visit to
Moscow
of an Ethiopian state delegation; the growth of Soviet
technical assistance to
Ethiopia
(teachers in the University, doctors,
etc.); the work here during the second half of last year by Soviet
economic experts, and so forth. It was pointed out that the
continuation of contacts between the two countries at a high level
would be the natural procedure under such conditions, although,
however, that question had not come up in respect to a concrete
plan. I said further that we are aware of the disagreements between
Somalia
and
Ethiopia
, and that our unwavering position in that
connection is to serve as a motivation for both countries to move
towards a peaceful resolution of these disagreements at the
negotiating table, in order to prevent a deterioration of
circumstances in this region. This relates as well to our position in
connection with the current complication in Sudanese-Ethiopian
relations. As concerns the future of developments in Soviet-
Ethiopian cooperation, it is understood that this cannot be directed
against
Somalia
, with whom we are also developing friendly
relations, as the Somali leadership is well aware.
Malin asked, in my opinion, in what spheres would the interests
of the
USA
in
Ethiopia
not be counter to the interests of the Soviet
Union
.
I replied, that in my view, these spheres would first and foremost
encompass the conduct of a policy of respect for the sovereignty and
territorial integrity of
Ethiopia
; noninterference in its internal affairs;
a realistic approach to the social-economic and political
transformations taking place in the country by the will of the people;
the building of peace and security and a halt to the growth of
tensions and conflicts between the countries of that region; and
adherence to the principle of unrestricted navigation in the
Red Sea
,
in accordance with recognized standards of international law and the
interests of peaceful relations in general.
Thanking me for the conference, Malin expressed a desire for
continuation of further contacts and exchanges of opinions
regarding the questions discussed, as to which, for his part, he stated
his agreement.
COUNSELOR-MINISTER TO THE
USSR
EMBASSY IN
ETHIOPIA
/s/ S. SINITSIN
[Source: TsKhSD, f. 5, op. 73, d. 1638, ll. 28-33; translated by
Bruce McDonald.] Click for more
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