Summary: March 6, 2002: EU Statement at the Security Council Public on the Report of the Security Council mission to Ethiopia and Eritrea (New York)
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The countries of Central and Eastern Europe associated with the European Union, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, the associated countries Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, and the EFTA country belonging to the European Economic Area, Iceland, align themselves with this statement.
The EU wishes to express its appreciation to the Norwegian Presidency for convening this public debate on the report of the Security Council mission to Ethiopia and Eritrea. We welcome the report and the opportunity it provides for Member States to share their assessments as we enter this crucial period of the ongoing peace process between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
The EU reiterates its strong support for the Peace Agreement signed in Algiers on 12 December 2000 as well as the Agreement of Cessation of Hostilities signed in Algiers on 18 June 2000. In this context, we look forward to the border delimitation determination by the Boundary Commission. The EU welcomes recent statements by the parties reaffirming that the decision of the Boundary Commission is final and binding, and their commitment to respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the
other party, in accordance with the Algiers Agreement.
The announcement by the Boundary Commission of its decision in the next few weeks will close the first phase of the ongoing peace process. The EU expects the parties to ensure that the process of implementation of the demarcation of the Ethiopian-Eritrean border will commence immediately and will proceed expeditiously, in a coordinated manner, while maintaining stability in all areas affected by the decision.
The EU expresses its full support to UNMEE and to the work of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ambassador Legwaila. The Security Council will consider next week the extension of the mandate of UNMEE. We look forward in this regard to the recommendations of the Secretary General with a view to provide an overall framework for the implementation phase and the appropriate role of UNMEE. We recall the central role for the United Nations, as set out in the Algiers Agreement, in
implementing the decision of the Boundary Commission and urge the parties to cooperate fully with UNMEE in implementing that determination and to maintain open communications with the Special Representative of the Secretary General in this crucial period.
In order to facilitate the implementation phase, the EU shares the view of the Security Council mission that a further development of the institutional framework for the peace process will be needed, particularly through appropriate strengthening of the Military Coordination Commission as well as through other mechanisms based on dialogue between the parties and their full cooperation with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General. The EU stands ready to offer what assistance it
can.
The EU emphasizes that according to the Algiers Agreements the mandate of the United Nations peacekeeping mission shall terminate when the process of delimitation and demarcation of the Ethiopian-Eritrean border has been completed. Accordingly, we attach the utmost importance to the continuation of the arrangements for the separation of the forces, as achieved by the establishment of the Temporary Security Zone. It is equally important that the parties refrain from any actions that could have
destabilizing effects, including movements of population and troops.
Demarcation is a physical process that must necessarily take place on the ground. The border region involved in the dispute remains heavily land-mined, being a major threat to the population and the United Nations personnel operating in the area. Demining is an essential preliminary to border demarcation. In this regard, the EU reminds the parties of their primary responsibility and urges them to cooperate fully to ensure expeditious demining. UNMEE's mandate should be adjusted, as necessary,
to allow it to play a full and appropriate role in the demarcation process.
In the context of confidence-building measures, we call on the parties to immediately release and return unconditionally all the remaining prisoners of war and all those detained as a result of the armed conflict. It is also important to ensure a sustainable reintegration of refugees, internally displaced persons and demobilized soldiers. The EU calls on the parties to urgently resolve all the other outstanding issues, including the full freedom of movement of UNMEE.
The demarcation of the border and the implementation of confidence-building measures are key steps towards normalisation of relations between the neighbouring countries. The overall objective of the peace process is the reconciliation, reconstruction and development for the benefit of their people. The EU calls on the governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea to move towards normalisation and lasting reconciliation.
We are encouraged by the joint meetings of the religious leaders held on 14 and 15 February in Asmara and Addis Abeba. We stress the particular importance of promoting cross-border contacts at the local level, rebuilding community relations and the role that women can play in this regard.
The consolidation of peace between both countries will contribute to relaunch the process of regional cooperation and integration. Regional cooperation is of vital importance for a stable and sustainable development in the Horn of Africa, which remains an area of particular concern for the EU. We note in this regard the signing of the protocol on the establishment of a conflict early warning and response mechanism at the 9th Inter-Governmental Authority on Development Summit on 11
January.
The EU, as a witness and co-signatory of the Algiers Comprehensive Peace Agreement, remains committed to continuing its support of the peace process, particularly through the Special Representative of the Presidency, Senator Serri. We will continue to provide assistance to the populations affected by the conflict and other humanitarian disasters, such as the current drought. With continued progress in the peace process, the EU wishes to support peace building, reconstruction and development and
to contribute to bringing about a dialogue on confidence-building measures and efforts towards normalisation, cooperation on all aspects of mutual interest and lasting reconciliation between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
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