Security Council Resolution On Eritrea, Ethiopia

31 January 2008

Adopted by the Security Council at its 5829th meeting, on 30 January 2008

The Security Council,

Reaffirming all its previous resolutions and statements pertaining to the situation between Ethiopia and Eritrea (hereinafter referred to as “the parties”) and the requirements contained therein, including in particular resolutions 1320 (2000),1430 (2002), 1466 (2003), 1640 (2005), 1681 (2006), 1710 (2006), 1741 (2007) and1767 (2007),

Stressing once again its unwavering commitment to the peace process, and to the full and expeditious implementation of the Algiers Agreements as a basis for peaceful and cooperative relations between the parties, and recalling paragraph 15 of article 4 of the Peace Agreement of 12 December 2000 (S/2000/1183), in which the parties agreed that the delimitation and demarcation determinations of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC) shall be final and binding,

Expressing its support for the efforts of the EEBC, welcoming once again the acceptance by the parties of the delimitation decision of the EEBC of 13 April 2002, recalling that it acknowledged the Statement of the EEBC of 27 November 2006, and taking note of the 26th EEBC Report annexed to the Secretary-General’s report of 23 January 2008 (S/2008/40),

Stressing that the physical demarcation of the border between Eritrea and Ethiopia would support a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the dispute between the parties and normalization of their relations,

Expressing its deep concern about the continuing dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea, and over the continued tense and potentially unstable security situation in the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ) and the adjacent areas, and stressing that it is the primary responsibility of the Parties to end this situation by fulfilling their obligations expeditiously under the Algiers Agreements,

Reaffirming once again the integrity of the TSZ as provided for in paragraphs 12-14 of the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities of 18 June 2000 (S/2000/601), and recalling the objectives of its establishment, in particular to create conditions conducive to a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the conflict, and the commitment of the parties to respect the TSZ,

Underlining that the Security Council remains committed to its role, in particular helping to ensure that the parties respect the commitments they made in the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities of 18 June 2000 (S/2000/601) and the Peace Agreement of 12 December 2000 (S/2000/1183), to which the United Nations was one of the witnesses,

Commending the efforts made by the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) and its military and civilian personnel to accomplish its duties, despite the difficult circumstances,