The following Security Council press statement on Ethiopia and Eritrea was delivered on 8 may by Council President Zalmay Khalilzad ( United States):
Members of the Security Council remain deeply concerned by the impasse in the Eritrea-Ethiopia peace process and by the growing tension between the two countries.
Members of the Security Council once again reaffirm the integrity of the Temporary Security Zone and urge both parties to withdraw immediately their troops and equipment from positions within and in close proximity to the Temporary Security Zone.
Members of the Security Council are encouraged by the statement that the Prime Minister of Ethiopia made to Parliament on 29 March 2007 that the Ethiopian Government had accepted the final and binding decision of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC), and demand Ethiopia implement fully and without delay the EEBC decision.
Members of the Security Council reiterate their support to the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) and their demand that Eritrea reverse, without delay or preconditions, all restrictions on UNMEE’s movement and operations, and call upon both parties to fully cooperate with UNMEE with a view to resuming the meetings of the Military Coordination Commission.
Members of the Security Council reiterate their call on both parties to show maximum restraint and to refrain from hostile public statements and from any threat or use of force against each other.
Members of the Security Council welcome and look forward to the continuation of the ongoing efforts by the Secretary-General and the international community to engage, as stipulated in resolution 1741 (2007), including by appointing a new Special Representative, with Eritrea and Ethiopia to help them to normalize their relations, to promote stability between the parties and to lay the foundation for sustainable peace in the region.
Members of the Security Council reaffirm 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 EEBC decision and, in this regard, call upon both parties to request and enable the Boundary Commission to proceed with the complete and prompt demarcation of the border.
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For information media • not an official record
Security Council SC/9014
AFR/1529