The Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF) has agreed to "direct, official peace talks" a third mediating party. The EPLF also formed a committee to examine issues and form documents for the discourse. During this time, Jimmy Carter arrived to for a discussion between the EPLF leader Isayas Afeworke and Ethiopian President Mengistu Haile Mariam aimed at ending the civil war. Former President Carter was in Ethiopia at the request of Col. Mengistu to help clarify the rebel position and choose a future mediator. No date has been set for future negotiations between the government, Eritrean and Tigrean rebels, but estimates suggest that they could occur by May. The EPLF demand for independence will be discussed during these talks, although it is unlikely to be conceded by the government.

Observers estimate that 480 people have now been killed as a result of alleged involvement in the attempted coup against President Mengistu. Of these, 40 were high-ranking commanders. Mengistu issued a strong order that "actual figures and identity of those killed and imprisoned should not be disclosed.

Summary by Cheryl Chancey