DIALOGUE PROVIDES WAY OUT (APRIL 29, 2010)

IN some parts of the world, boundary conflicts have provided troubling times and served to bitterly divide otherwise very friendly nations.
While such conflicts usually provoke intense emotions and sentiments that sometimes see nations at war, they are ignited by issues that could have been amicably resolved through dispassionate negotiation and dialogue.
In this regard, it is impressive to note that Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire have opted to pursue dialogue to address whatever differences are emerging over the maritime boundary between the two countries. Which ever way one looks at it, this is a very important milestone in entrenching the friendship and good neighbourliness between the two countries.
At the opening of the meeting, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Cote d’Ivoire, Mr Desire Tagro, emphasised that the issue was about the demarcation of the maritime boundary between the two countries and not oil fields.
Indeed, while there have been many allusions to the oil find in the country, it is important that, as noted by Mr Tagro, the real issue of maritime boundary demarcation is highlighted.
The DAILY GRAPHIC shares Mr Tagro’s view that the friendship and relationship between President John Evans Atta Mills and his Ivorian counterpart, President Laurent Gbagbo, had been qualitatively built and had to be guarded.
Indeed, traditionally, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire have been very good neighbours and the good neighbourliness between them has been expressed in co-operation between them, particularly in the area of electricity generation and supply.
Both Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire have benefited from each other with regard to the supply of electricity in times of need and such a strong bond of friendship and co-operation must not be allowed to wither as a result of differences the two countries may have over their maritime boundary.
It is heart-warming to note that both countries have shown commitment to resolve the issue in the most amicable manner and in pursuit of that commitment.
Prior to the meeting, there had been other meetings held earlier in the year and it is gratifying to note that the Ivorian President has extended an invitation to his Ghanaian counterpart to visit Cote d’Ivoire after the Accra meeting to dispassionately look at the boundary issue between the two countries.
Even as leaders of the two countries pursue the option of dialogue, the DAILY GRAPHIC urges them to continuously adopt a dispassionate posture and engage in their discussions in a manner that emphasises their reputation as good neighbours, with the peace, security and economic empowerment of their people as the key considerations.
While one cannot rule out the likelihood of both parties encountering some challenges in the course of the negotiations, it is our hope that such challenges will be addressed in an objective manner devoid of fever-pitch emotions and acrimony.
The DAILY GRAPHIC also wishes to caution the media to be circumspect in their reportage of the issue and the ongoing negotiations and avoid the use of inflammatory language, considering the sometimes very volatile nature of border issues.
With the present commitment expressed by the two countries, there are strong indications that there will be an amicable demarcation of the maritime boundary to further strengthen the good relations between the two countries.