Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

World Video | Defence | Foreign Affairs | Natural Events | Trade | NZ in World News | NZ National News Video | NZ Regional News | Search

 

Security Council: Ethiopia, Eritrea Must Cooperate

Security Council urges Ethiopia, Eritrea to cooperate with border demarcation

  • Click here to view video of the security council report
  • The United Nations Security Council today welcomed Ethiopia's and Eritrea's acceptance as final and binding an agreement on the delimitation of the border between the two countries, and urged them to cooperation fully with the commission responsible for demarking the boundary.

    In a statement read out by the President of the Security Council during a formal meeting, Ambassador Inocencio F. Arias of Spain said the 15-member body welcomed the latest report by Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the activities of the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE).

    Yesterday, Under Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Marie Guéhenno presented the report to the Council, in which Mr. Annan says in general, both the parties cooperate well with UNMEE and respect the integrity of the Temporary Security Zone. He stresses, however, that lasting peace requires the expeditious demarcation of the border and a relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea that enables them to address problems through peaceful discourse.

    Today's statement by the Council expressed its concern at delays in the demarcation process so far, saying this is contrary to the wish for lasting peace expressed in the 2000 Algiers Agreement. It called upon the two countries to pursue, within the provisions of that accord, any matters that might arise in connection with the implementation.

    Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

    Are you getting our free newsletter?

    Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

    The Council also reiterated its serious concern regarding outstanding issues, in particular restrictions on the freedom of movement of remaining UNMEE personnel and the continuing absence of a direct high-altitude flight route for the mission's aircraft between the two countries' capitals, Asmara and Addis Ababa, resulting in additional costs to the Mission.

    Further, it called on Ethiopia and Eritrea to normalize their relationship through political dialogue, including confidence-building measures, such as holding alternating meetings of the Military Coordination Commission in each other's capitals.


    © Scoop Media

    Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
     
     
     
    World Headlines

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Join Our Free Newsletter

    Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.