Haile Selassie

“ The manner in which they administered their former territories, the manner in which they attempted to indicate divisions among African peoples along tribal lines, sometimes along lines of special interest, were designed to perpetuate their colonial system. Africa has now awakened to this evil legacy of colonialism.
All of us realize that if nations are to be divided along tribal lines and then along village lines — for in each tribe there are again sub-divisions — then we have autonomous villages which cannot defend themselves and which cannot work as a nation. ”

“ We will do everything within Our power to help execute the understanding that has been reached between the two sides in Our capital city. May God help you in consolidating the interests of your nation. ”

“ We have often said that African Unity cannot be realized if there is division and dissension within its component parts — nations. The agreement that has been reached by the government of the Sudan and the South Sudan in Our capital city is of more than momentary importance. It augurs well for all the peoples in this part of the world and for all the peoples of Africa at large. ”

“ We say this because the stronger a nation is, it would be in a better position to consolidate its national interests, establish brotherly relations with its neighbours and contribute, in a significant way, to the maintenance of peace and security. We have often said that more closer co-operation between our two nations is a matter of national interest to our two peoples: thus Ethiopia has an interest in the national unity and political independence of the brotherly people of the Sudan. ”

“ What has been achieved shows the magnanimity of the people of Southern Sudan and the government and people of the country. The agreement towards accommodating the interests of all concerned in such vital questions calls for greater understanding and goodwill. Understanding between two groups within a nation is not an easy task. ”

“ The tangible results achieved in the talks held here in the last two weeks show that man is basically rational when faced with grave issues which affect the unity, the prosperity of his homeland. This our friends have been able to achieve today. ”