UNMEE CONSULTATIONS, MARCH 13, 2008

UNCLAS STATE 026142 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL UNSC KPKO ET ER SUBJECT: UNMEE CONSULTATIONS, MARCH 13, 2008 ¶1. This is an action message. USUN is instructed to draw from the following elements during UNMEE consultations on March 13, 2008. Begin Elements: -The U.S. welcomes the Special Report of the Secretary General on the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE),and supports the UN,s efforts in its attempt to alleviate the crisis along the Ethiopia-Eritrea border. -We note that UNMEE is a Chapter VI operation which operates with the consent of Ethiopia and Eritrea alike, and that its fundamental tasks have always been to monitor implementation of the Algiers Agreement and to assist both countries settle their border dispute and normalize their relations. We condemn Eritrea,s restrictions on UNMEE and how they have impeded the Mission,s ability to fulfill its mandate, conduct operations, and sustain itself in the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ). -We reject the Government of Eritrea,s (GSE) claim that it &had no role in all of the major decisions that affected the status of UNMEE in Eritrea,8 and that the Mission,s relocation arrangements were based on a &unilateral decision8 by the UN. As outlined in the Special Report, the UN made several efforts to bring Eritrea into the process without success. -As outlined in the Special Report, since the advance parties, attempts to relocate February 11, there were a number of serious incidents in which the Eritrean Defense Force (EDF) had prevented the movement of UNMEE, threatening the safety and security, and essentially holding hostage, Mission personnel and equipment. We echo the sentiments of the troop contributing countries (TCCs) that the measures imposed by the Eritrean authorities were "unwarranted, untenable, and unacceptable,8 which stands in contradiction to the claim in the March 10 letter from the Permanent Mission of Eritrea that &Eritrea has always treated UN peacekeepers with respect and dignity,8 and that this &spirit of cooperation and hospitality accorded to the UN troops that have come to Eritrea to serve in a peacekeeping operation is something that TCCs can attest to.8 - As parties to the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities, under which Ethiopia and Eritrea invited the UN to deploy peacekeepers on their territories, both committed to respect and protect the members of the peacekeeping mission, its installations and equipment, and to guarantee the free movement and access of the peacekeeping mission and its supplies, as required, through their territories. Accordingly, we hold Eritrea responsible for the safety of all UN personnel currently located in their territory, and demand that the GSE refrain from interference with the relocation of remaining UN personnel and their equipment and allow all remaining UNMEE peacekeepers to leave Eritrea with their equipment in a &dignified and orderly manner.8 - For years, Eritrea has hampered the efforts of UNMEE to fulfill their mandate. Restrictions imposed by the GSE on UNMEE are unacceptable, inconsistent with the basic obligations of a host state toward a peacekeeping mission, and represent a serious threat to the credibility of this body. Additionally, the imposition of restrictions on the Mission's operations pose serious implications for the safety and security of peacekeepers deployed elsewhere. -The U.S. emphasizes the Secretary General,s statement that UNMEE,s temporary relocation is without prejudice to the provisions in the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities, and calls on Ethiopia and Eritrea to engage in discussions that address fundamental issues that divide them, including the implementation of the delimitation decision of the Ethiopia-Eritrea Boundary Commission (EEBC). We also call on both parties to avoid actions which undermine the Algiers Agreement or exacerbate the situation along their common border, and welcome the Secretary General,s offer of his good offices on these issues. -The U.S. is puzzled by the suggestion of the Eritrean Permanent Representative that the Secretary General,s offer of his good offices to assist the parties in resolving their differences could somehow be inconsistent with the letter or spirit of the Algiers Accords. We emphasize that regardless of the GSE,s position on the SYG,s offer, there can be no cause or justification for its abusive conduct toward UNMEE and its personnel. Additionally, we urge Eritrea not to close potential avenues of assistance for both reducing tensions and resolving outstanding issues with Ethiopia. -The U.S. thanks and recognizes the contributions of TCCs, particularly India and Jordan, and notes their sustained support even during times of increased insecurity of the Mission. -The U.S. thanks and recognizes UNMEE personnel for their hard work and efforts, and notes that they have made great contributions in maintaining peace and security in the region, often under dangerous and precarious circumstances. -The Security Council is obligated to consider all available options, including a range of potential coercive measures, to ensure the GSE's full resolution to this crisis to the complete satisfaction of the Council and the affected TCCs. Moreover, the U.S. notes the urgency for the Security Council to determine the UN,s future role in the Ethiopia-Eritrea border conflict, including reconfiguration of the Mission. The Security Council is under no obligation to maintain UNMEE, particularly given the hazardous circumstances under which the Mission has had to operate, and the intransigence of both parties to resolve their dispute. We stand ready to welcome a Special Report of the Secretary General on UNMEE reconfiguration possibilities. End elements. RICE