Network of Eritreans for Constitutional Governance (NECG)

UN Team To Evaluate Situation Along Djibouti/Eritrea Border

01 August 2008, APA-Washington DC- (USA) A fact-finding mission dispatched by the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has arrived in the Horn of Africa to assess the political, security and humanitarian situation along the border between Djibouti and Eritrea, in the light of the recent tensions there, APA learns here Friday.

Eritrean military action against Djibouti in Ras Doumeira and Doumeira Island in early June left several people dead and dozens wounded. The clashes prompted calls from Mr. Ban and the Security Council for the two neighboring countries to commit to a ceasefire and withdraw their forces to the status quo.

The situation along the joint border was recently reported to be calm but tense, with military regrouping occurring on both sides and a de facto ceasefire continuing to hold.

The mission was sent in response to a request by the UN Security Council.

Members of the team are scheduled to meet with the African Union (AU), the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and other partners in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

The team will then head to Djibouti, where it will hold meetings with civilian and military authorities and conduct a field visit to the border area to collect information about the recent incidents.

The mission is expected to complete its work on 6 August and submit a report to the UN Secretary-General upon its return.

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