Cablegate: Unsc Press Statement On Eritrean Tsz Incursion

VZCZCXYZ0021
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUCNDT #1998 2911426
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 181426Z OCT 06
FM USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0497
INFO RUEHGG/UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHDS/AMEMBASSY ADDIS ABABA PRIORITY 1021
RUEHAE/AMEMBASSY ASMARA PRIORITY 0831
RUEHNR/AMEMBASSY NAIROBI PRIORITY 0509
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 001998

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR IO

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL UNSC ER ET
SUBJECT: UNSC PRESS STATEMENT ON ERITREAN TSZ INCURSION

REF: ADDIS ABABA 2793

1. (SBU) UN DPKO Deputy Hedi Annabi briefed the UNSC on the
unprecedented incursion of Eritrean military forces into the
UN Temporary Security Zone (TSZ) (reftel). Following a brief
discussion of a draft press statement presented by the
Permanent Mission of Greece, the UNSC unanimously adopted the
attached UNSC press statement. USUN Pol Minister Counselor
took the opportunity to highlight the need for a serious
review of UNMEE's mandate given the lack of progress on
resolving remaining border issues. All members demanded a
withdrawal of Eritrean forces from the TSZ but also supported
adding language to the press statement calling for Ethiopian
cooperation with final demarcation of the border. The
current UNSC president, Ambassador Kenzo Oshima (Japan),
delivered the statement to the media following the session.

2. (U) Begin Text:

Members of the Security Council are deeply concerned over
reports that the Eritrean Defense Forces (EDF) have moved
approximately 1500 troops and fifteen tanks into the
Temporary Security Zone.

Members of the Security Council express concern that such
actions are contrary to the Agreement on Cessation of
Hostilities of 18 June 2000 and violate the integrity of the
Temporary Security Zone.

Members of the Security Council call on Eritrea to
immediately withdraw its troops from the Temporary Security
Zone, to extend its full and unconditional cooperation to the
United Nations Mission in Ethiopian and Eritrea, particularly
to maintain cease-fire arrangements in place, and to
immediately lift the restrictions imposed on UNMEE.

Members of the Security Council call on both parties to show
maximum restraint and to refrain from any threat or use of
force against each other, to avoid any action which may lead
to an escalation of the tension between the two countries and
to adhere to previous commitments they have made.

Members of the Council once again reaffirm the integrity of
the Temporary Security Zone and their unwavering commitment
to the peace process, including in the full and expeditious
implementation of the Algiers Agreements and implementation
of the final and binding decision of the EEBC.

Members of the Security Council call on Ethiopia to implement
fully the EEBC decision.

End Text.

BOLTON

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