UNMEE PUBLIC INFORMATION
UNMEE/PIO/PR/39
Seeking to maintain critical support
for the peace process in Ethiopia and Eritrea, United Nations Secretary-General
Kofi Annan has recommended a six-month extension of the mandate of the
peacekeeping mission now deployed in the two countries. If the Security
Council agrees to this proposal, the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea
(UNMEE) will be extended until 15 September.
In making this recommendation in his new report to the Security Council on UNMEE, released on 8 March, Mr. Annan pointed to progress made in the peace process, and also noted obstacles concerning the establishment of the proposed Temporary Security Zone (TSZ) between the two countries.
The report noted in particular that Eritrea has halted the repositioning of its troops from the area due to its objections to adjustments made to the original map of the zone. As a result, the UN Mission has not been in a position to establish the TSZ formally. The Mission has also been concerned by recent instances in which the parties have restricted its freedom of movement.
"This situation has created a delicate and potentially dangerous vacuum of authority in the areas where the Temporary Security Zone is to be established," Mr. Annan warned. "UNMEE peacekeepers face an unstable situation, as one or the other party may be tempted to move back into areas that have recently been vacated."
Mr. Annan called for an expeditious resolution of the situation, and he also stressed the need for both parties to grant UNMEE unimpeded and unconditional freedom of movement.
Looking to the future, the Secretary-General noted that the buffer zone's establishment "will no doubt be accompanied by increased humanitarian challenges associated with the return of population to areas in and around it." In order to reduce the risks involved, he urged donors to contribute to mine-clearance activities.
"Over the past few months, the two Governments have shown commitment to a peaceful settlement of the conflict," Mr. Annan wrote. "I encourage them to persevere on the road to peace, which will allow the two countries to build the foundations for economic recovery and to ensure that trust is restored and genuine reconciliation takes root."
The Secretary-General's report pointed out that UNMEE notes a number of positive developments. These include the fact that no significant cease-fire violations have occurred during the past three months, as well as the establishment of a Boundary Commission and a Claims Commission that include representatives picked by the parties. However, Ethiopia has challenged one of the commissioners appointed by Eritrea, an issue the Secretary-General hoped would be resolved quickly.
The Security Council is scheduled to discuss the report in consultations on 13 March, which the Secretary-General's Special Representative, Legwaila Joseph Legwaila, will attend.
For additional information contact
the UNMEE Public Information Offices: Addis Ababa, phone 251-1-443396
(e-mail, walkera@un.org); Asmara, phone: 291-1-151908 (kellyb@un.org).