It is crucial that the EDA solve its differences, or the national conference will cease being national both in substance and participation…If the desire is to hold the conference only for the sake of holding it, then the result will be the vicious cycle of the past decade…The same leaders or others similar to them might perceive holding a conference an opportunity to negotiate their positions within the umbrella organization, or appear more reliable allies of our friends. Others may be persuaded that after the Security Council sanctions and presumed isolation of the dictatorship, this is the train that will bring them straight to Asmara and would not miss the ride for nothing. UN resolutions are only illusions; they do not win political battles.