Annan warns of Ethiopia’s defiance; commends
Eritrea
UNITED NATIONS, July
9 (KUNA) - Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Friday
warned that the
political impasse over marking the border between Eritrea and
Ethiopia, following
their 1998-2000 war, could be a source of instability in
the Horn of Africa,
putting the blame mainly on Ethiopia.
Eritrea's recent
indication that it will engage UNMEE constructively to
resolve any differences
is welcome, Annan said. But Ethiopia's continued
opposition to the
demarcation process in conformity with the final and binding
decision of the
Boundary Commission is a source of deep concern, he added.
“It is worth reminding
the parties, and in particular Ethiopia, that the two
Governments
themselves entrusted the Boundary Commission with the entire
demarcation process,
drew up its mandate and selected its Commissioners,”
he recalled.
"I am concerned
that a relatively minor incident, even one of
miscalculation, could
degenerate into a very serious situation, which no one
would wish for and
which would be tragic for all concerned," he said in a
report to the
Security Council on the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea
(UNMEE).
He said his Special
Envoy, Lloyd Axworthy, Special Representative, Legwaila
Joseph Legwaila, and
UNMEE, whose current mandate ends on 30 September, are
ready to work with
both governments to clarify issues, resolve differences
peacefully and
prevent incidents in the border area.
With four years
having passed since the end of hostilities, Annan stressed
that it is time for
the parties to demonstrate flexibility and realize, "and,
perhaps, explain to
their peoples, that sober choices will have to be made in
order to end the
current stalemate." (end)
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KUNA 092319 Jul
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