UNMEE PRST, APRIL 30, 2008

UNCLAS STATE 045915 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL UNSC KPKO ET ER SUBJECT: UNMEE PRST, APRIL 30, 2008 ¶1. This is an action request. USUN is instructed to join consensus on the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) Presidential Statement (PRST) text in paragraph two below. ¶2. Begin text: The Security Council notes that the continuation of Eritrea,s obstructions towards UNMEE has reached a level so as to undermine the basis of the Mission,s mandate and has compelled UNMEE to temporarily relocate. The Security Council recalls its previous condemnation of Eritrea,s lack of cooperation. The Security Council notes the underlying fundamental issues and stands ready to assist the parties to overcome the current stalemate, taking into account the interests and concerns of both parties. The Security Council will, in the light of consultations with the parties, decide on the terms of a future UN engagement and on the future of UNMEE. The Security Council stresses, in accordance with its repeated statements, that the primary responsibility for achieving a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the border dispute and normalizing their relations rests with the parties themselves. The Security Council urges both sides to show maximum restraint and to refrain from any threat or use of force against each other and calls upon the parties to address forthwith the unresolved issues in accordance with the commitments made in the Algiers Agreements. End text. RICE