PSIAD 7

From left to right: 
Ed Rowe (Picard Kentz & Rowe LLP); 
Sean D. Murphy (George Washington University Law School & UN 
International Law Commission);
Chiara Giorgetti (University of Richmond School of Law); 
Tom Snider (Greenberg Traurig LLP); 
Reta Alemu Nega (Ethiopian Embassy); 
David A. Baron (Greenberg Traurig LLP); and 
John Crook (George Washington University Law School). 


Mr. Rowe and of-counsel for the Government of Ethiopia during the Eritrea-Ethiopia Claims Commission, inspired wonderful discussion during Q&A after panelists Mr. Crook, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Nega, and Ms. Giorgetti shared their unique insights into the Legacy of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Claims Commission. 

Mr. Baron moderated an invigorating discussion as panelists shared multiple perspectives on the Commission. 

Drawing on his experience as an arbitrator for the Commission, Mr. Crook reflected on the difficulties arbitrators faced in collecting evidence and expert testimony, but highlighted the unique opportunity the Commission offered to both parties to address difficult issues “off the political agenda.” 

Mr. Murphy, an advocate and of-counsel for Ethiopia, shared five lessons from his experience at the Commission: (1) establishing jurisdiction may be difficult; (2) the exact contours of liability on use of force were not well-defined; (3) be sure you can prove the other side attacked first; (4) with respect to disputed territory, focus on who administered the territory at the time of conflict; and finally (5) sorting out damages can be tricky. 

Mr. Nega was one of the Ethiopian Government’s representative at the Commission. In sharing his perspective, Mr. Nega highlighted the importance of each State’s commitment to international peace and security, particularly through the efficient resolution of disputes in efforts to avoid hostilities spiraling out of control. 

Ms. Giorgetti, of-counsel for the Government of Ethiopia at the Commission, focused more specifically on the Commission’s final judgments and compliance. After detailing the allocation of damages, Ms. Giorgetti pointed out the primary mechanism of enforcing judgments under the Eritrea-Ethiopia Claims Commission Agreement, offered alternative to the article 5 (16) enforcement mechanisms, both ante and post arbitration alternatives.