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Ethiopia and Eritrea declare end of war Ethiopia and Eritrea declare end of war
(about 1 hour later)
The leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea have signed a declaration saying that the state of war between the two countries is over.The leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea have signed a declaration saying that the state of war between the two countries is over.
A peace deal ending the 1998-1999 border conflict has never been fully implemented and there has been tension between the neighbours ever since.A peace deal ending the 1998-1999 border conflict has never been fully implemented and there has been tension between the neighbours ever since.
The countries have also agreed to re-establish trade and diplomatic ties.The countries have also agreed to re-establish trade and diplomatic ties.
The declaration came at a landmark meeting between the two countries' leaders in Eritrea's capital, Asmara.The declaration came at a landmark meeting between the two countries' leaders in Eritrea's capital, Asmara.
The summit between Eritrea's President Isaias Afewerki and Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed marked the first time the neighbours' heads of state had met for nearly two decades.The summit between Eritrea's President Isaias Afewerki and Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed marked the first time the neighbours' heads of state had met for nearly two decades.
Was this a surprise?
Yes. Although recent changes in Ethiopia have made it clear that relations could improve.
A peace deal signed in 2000 established a border commission that went on to rule that the town of Badme, the flashpoint for the conflict, was part of Eritrea. Ethiopia's refusal to accept this meant that normal relations were never resumed and the two countries were in a state of "no war, no peace".
The idea that Ethiopia would alter its position was unthinkable until recently. But things have changed very fast since Abiy Ahmed became prime minister in April.
As well as his overtures to Eritrea, Mr Abiy has lifted a state of emergency, freed political prisoners and announced economic reforms.
What did the leaders say?
On Monday, the leaders agreed that "a new era of peace & friendship has been ushered [in]", Eritrea's Information Minister Yemane Gebre Meskel said on Twitter.On Monday, the leaders agreed that "a new era of peace & friendship has been ushered [in]", Eritrea's Information Minister Yemane Gebre Meskel said on Twitter.
Mr Abiy's chief of staff, Fitsum Arega, tweeted that the two countries "are determined to close a costly chapter".Mr Abiy's chief of staff, Fitsum Arega, tweeted that the two countries "are determined to close a costly chapter".
A peace deal ending the border war, in which more than 70,000 people died, was signed in December 2000. However, Ethiopia refused to accept the final ruling of a border commission two years later, which awarded disputed territory to Eritrea, including the town of Badme. What are people saying about it?
A "no war, no peace" situation had existed between the two countries since then. Mr Abiy's surprise visit to Asmara, that began on Sunday, was hailed as historic.
Monday's declaration, which follows a visit to the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, by Eritrean diplomats, comes after Mr Abiy said his country would accept the commission's ruling. Asmara resident Mela Gebre Medhin said on Twitter that she had "goosebumps" thinking about what happened.
This diplomatic initiative is the latest in a series of changes introduced by the Ethiopian prime minister since he came into office in April. Before then, it was unthinkable for Ethiopia to accept that Badme, the flashpoint for the conflict, was part of Eritrea. She also posted pictures on her Facebook page showing people turning out to greet the Ethiopian prime minister
Others have been tweeting about the mood of "total jubilation".
What else has been agreed?
The two leaders said the countries would improve political, economic and diplomatic ties.
Transport and telephone links will also be re-established.
This raises the possibility that families who have been divided by the conflict could finally be reunited.
The leaders also agreed to "work together to guarantee regional peace, development and cooperation", according to Mr Yemane.
What has to happen now?
While this has opened the door for peace there is still a "long way to go to achieve lasting peace", Asmara resident Ms Mela told the BBC .
The key question is what will happen at the border.
In June, there were protests in Ethiopia near the border when the prime minister first said that Badme could become part of Eritrea.
The BBC's Emmanuel Igunza in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa says it is not clear when Ethiopian troops will withdraw from the disputed territories.