UN Personnel And Equipment Regrouping In Asmara, Eritrea

19 February2008 (UN highlightsof noon breifing)

Due to the lack of cooperation by Eritrean Authorities in the Mission's efforts to temporarily relocate into Ethiopia, the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (· UNMEE) has been instructed to regroup in Asmara all personnel and equipment in Eritrea. This move will facilitate further relocation out of the country.

The Security Council and the troop contributing countries were informed of this on 15 February.

As UNMEE's regrouping began this weekend, two flatbed trucks carrying Armored Personnel Carriers from the far western border post of Om Hajer were stopped inside the Temporary Security Zone by Eritrean militiamen on Sunday.

The flatbeds and personnel have remained in Om Hajer, where Eritrean authorities continue to prohibit their departure.

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