Professor Biruk Hailu, a scholar of political and international relations, stated that Ethiopia's request for sea access, based on international law, is gaining acceptance from other partner entities.
Professor Biruk Hailu emphasized in an interview with ETV's Dagu program that obtaining sea access is crucial for participating in international trade and service transactions. He noted that the right to access the sea for importing and exporting goods and services is explicitly enshrined in international law.
He further stated that the Ethiopian government has now openly raised the question of sea access, a topic that had remained untouched for over 30 years, and that the public has wholeheartedly embraced and believes in this cause.
According to Professor Biruk, there is nothing to stop Ethiopia from reclaiming its historical role in maritime affairs. He asserted that Ethiopia's use of sea access is inevitable, adding that international law supports this right under Articles 60, 70, 124, 125, and 127.
He also mentioned that during the 3rd Red Sea and Gulf of Aden conference recently held in Addis Ababa, efforts were made to clearly explain the sea access request to both allies and adversaries.
Professor Biruk characterized Ethiopia's sea access request as a fair demand, presented transparently for peaceful resolution, based on the 1982 UN General Assembly resolution and the 1994 international agreement slated for implementation.
He cited Uganda, a landlocked country, as an example. Uganda entered into an agreement with Tanzania based on mutual benefit, signing a deal to develop Tanzanian ports and commencing implementation of over 1,300 kilometers of road and railway construction.
Professor Biruk concluded by stressing that Ethiopia seeks the support of all parties to peacefully achieve its right to sea access and that working on the principle of "give and take" is essential to ensure an appropriate response.