UNSC PRESS STATEMENT ON ERITREAN TSZ INCURSION

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 001998 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR IO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL UNSC ER ET SUBJECT: UNSC PRESS STATEMENT ON ERITREAN TSZ INCURSION REF: ADDIS ABABA 2793 ¶1. (SBU) UN DPKO Deputy Hedi Annabi briefed the UNSC on the unprecedented incursion of Eritrean military forces into the UN Temporary Security Zone (TSZ) (reftel). Following a brief discussion of a draft press statement presented by the Permanent Mission of Greece, the UNSC unanimously adopted the attached UNSC press statement. USUN Pol Minister Counselor took the opportunity to highlight the need for a serious review of UNMEE's mandate given the lack of progress on resolving remaining border issues. All members demanded a withdrawal of Eritrean forces from the TSZ but also supported adding language to the press statement calling for Ethiopian cooperation with final demarcation of the border. The current UNSC president, Ambassador Kenzo Oshima (Japan), delivered the statement to the media following the session. ¶2. (U) Begin Text: Members of the Security Council are deeply concerned over reports that the Eritrean Defense Forces (EDF) have moved approximately 1500 troops and fifteen tanks into the Temporary Security Zone. Members of the Security Council express concern that such actions are contrary to the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities of 18 June 2000 and violate the integrity of the Temporary Security Zone. Members of the Security Council call on Eritrea to immediately withdraw its troops from the Temporary Security Zone, to extend its full and unconditional cooperation to the United Nations Mission in Ethiopian and Eritrea, particularly to maintain cease-fire arrangements in place, and to immediately lift the restrictions imposed on UNMEE. Members of the Security Council call on both parties to show maximum restraint and to refrain from any threat or use of force against each other, to avoid any action which may lead to an escalation of the tension between the two countries and to adhere to previous commitments they have made. Members of the Council once again reaffirm the integrity of the Temporary Security Zone and their unwavering commitment to the peace process, including in the full and expeditious implementation of the Algiers Agreements and implementation of the final and binding decision of the EEBC. Members of the Security Council call on Ethiopia to implement fully the EEBC decision. End Text. BOLTON