Eritrea/Ethiopia: EEBC sole authority not
central role player here
15 January 2005, EDnews – The endless attempts of UN
special envoy for Eritrea and Ethiopia, Lloyd Axworthy, to create confusions
regarding the Algiers peace accord and to distort UNSC resolution know no
bounds. In a briefing to journalists yesterday, Mr. Axworthy has reportedly
relegated the EEBC to a “central role player” in the border issue between
Eritrea and Ethiopia and that “it remains to be the central part of the
solution that has to be found”.
That shows Mr. Axworthy’s disdain and disrespect not only
for the Algiers peace agreement but the EEBC. According to Algiers, the EEBC is
not a “central role player” but the sole and exclusive authority on delimiting
and implementing the delimitation decision. The EEBC is not any part of “the
solution that has to be found”. It has already produced the solution that had
to be found and there is no more “solution that has to be found” regardless of
how and in what form Mr. Axworthy tries to negate the ultimate decision of the
EEBC of 13 April 2002.
Mr. Axworthy is also quoted as saying “the
resolution by the Security Council on Dec. 21st last year calling on both
parties to get together and for the Commission to provide guidance to these
parties as they work towards the implementation process.” That is a distortion.
That statement never called on both parties to get together. The statement said
“They (Members of the Security Council) look to the Commission to provide
guidance to all parties involved as they work together on the implementation
process”. And the way that works is via
the Field liaison Officers of each side under the sole authority and guidance
of the EEBC, claro, sir?
When asked “As to breaking the deadlock”, Axworthy has reprtedly
said, "ultimately there are only two people who can come to grips with
that and these are the leaders of the two countries." First of all there
is no deadlock for no one is debating, contesting, contending or arguing over
anything. That Ethiopia is still talking about the border decision does not
constitute deadlock but defiance, in which case Mr Axworthy’s job is to bring
or even compel Ethiopia’s leader into compliance with Algiers. Eritrea’s leader
has long been in compliance beyond any equivocation.
Mr. Axworthy is also reported to have described
his job “as exploring ways to bring the two parties to the table and the
reengagement of the Boundary Commission”.
Mr. Axworthy, your job is to make sure that the decision of the Boundary
Commission is implemented as is and if necessary to offer your “help” to
facilitate matters only towards that effect. The Boundary Commission cannot be reengaged
anymore because the border decision is ultimate and the case is closed. All
what both parties have and must do now is to cooperate with the Boundary
Commission ( meaning do what is required and asked of them by the Commission
without ifs and buts).
Mr. Axworthy, if that is really how you intend to fulfill
your mission as a UN special envoy for Eritrea and Ethiopia, then you are not
only flying with one wing but you are flying with one broken wing and you
should brace yourself for a terrible crash-landing because you are abusing your
responsibility as clearly articulated by UNSC press release SC/7997 that
recalled UNSC press release SC/7972.
Good luck in your flight with one broken wing, sir.
Unlimited, high
