Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09STATE3273
2009-01-13 16:20:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Secretary of State
Cable title:  

DJIBOUT-ERITREA: VOTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR FRENCH

Tags:  UNSC PREL DJ ER ET XA XW 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0007
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #3273 0131628
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O P 131620Z JAN 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 0000
INFO UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHDS/AMEMBASSY ADDIS ABABA PRIORITY 0000
RUEHAE/AMEMBASSY ASMARA PRIORITY 0000
RUEHDJ/AMEMBASSY DJIBOUTI PRIORITY 0000
UNCLAS STATE 003273 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: UNSC PREL DJ ER ET XA XW
SUBJECT: DJIBOUT-ERITREA: VOTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR FRENCH
RESOLUTION

UNCLAS STATE 003273

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: UNSC PREL DJ ER ET XA XW
SUBJECT: DJIBOUT-ERITREA: VOTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR FRENCH
RESOLUTION


1. USUN is instructed to vote in favor of the following
French resolution on the Djibouti-Eritrea crisis.

Begin text

The Security Council

Affirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty,
independence, territorial integrity and unity of both
Djibouti and Eritrea, and recalling the importance of the
principles of good-neighbourliness, non-interference and
regional cooperation,

Recalling that in the statement of its President dated 12
June 2008 (S/PRST/2008/20) it condemned Eritrea's military
action against Djibouti in Ras Doumeira and Doumeira
Island and called upon the two parties to show maximum
restraint and withdraw forces to the status quo ante,

Taking note of the letter of the Secretary-General dated
11 September 2008 (S/2008/602) in which he transmitted the
report of the fact-finding mission he sent following its
5924 meeting (S/PV/5924),

Expressing its deep concern that, as mentioned in the
report of the fact-finding mission referred to above,
Eritrea has not withdrawn its forces to the status quo
ante, as called for by the Security Council in the
statement of its President dated 12 June 2008(S/PRST/2008/20),

Reiterating its serious concern at the absence of dialogue
between the two parties, and at the refusal of Eritrea so
far to engage in dialogue, or to accept bilateral
contacts, mediation or facilitation efforts by
sub-regional or regional organizations or to respond
positively to the efforts of the Secretary-General,

Noting that Djibouti has withdrawn its forces to the
status quo ante and has cooperated fully with the
fact-finding mission mentioned above, as well as with
other missions sent by sub-regional and regional
organizations,

Taking note of the first visit to Asmara, since the
conflict of June 2008, of the Chairperson of the
Commission of the African Union in October 2008,

Expressing its deep concern about the continuing tense
border dispute between Djibouti and Eritrea and over the
possible impact of the grave and unstable security
situation in the area of Doumeira on sub-regional
stability and security after the serious incidents of 10
June 2008, which led to dozens of deaths and wounded,


1. Urges Djibouti and Eritrea to resolve their border
dispute peacefully, as a matter of priority and in a

manner consistent with international law, and emphasizes
that it is the primary responsibility of the parties to
set up the appropriate diplomatic and legal framework to
this end ;


2. Reiterates its appreciation for the efforts by the
Secretary-General, the African Union and the Arab League
to engage both parties, encourages them to strengthen
their efforts in this regard and encourages also regional
and sub-regional organizations as well as Members States
that are in a position to provide their assistance to this
end to do so;


3. Welcomes the offer of good offices made by the
Secretary-General, deeply regrets that Eritrea has
continuously refused to grant visas to the members of the
fact-finding mission mentioned above, or to receive any
envoy by the Secretary-General, and welcomes the continued
readiness of the Secretary-General to send a fact-finding
mission or an envoy to Eritrea;


4. Welcomes the fact that Djibouti has withdrawn its
forces to the status quo ante, as called for by the
Security Council in the statement of its President dated
12 June 2008 (S/PRST/2008/20) and established by the
fact-finding mission, and condemns the refusal of Eritrea
to do so;


5. Demands that Eritrea :

i) Withdraw its forces and all their equipment to the
positions of the status quo ante, and ensure that no
military presence or activity is being pursued in the area
where the conflict occurred in Ras Doumeira and Doumeira
island in June 2008, and

ii) Acknowledge its border dispute with Djibouti in Ras
Doumeira and Doumeira island, engage actively in dialogue
to defuse the tension and engage also in diplomatic
efforts leading to a mutually acceptable settlement of the
border issue, and

iii) Abide by its international obligations as a member of
the United Nations, respect the principles mentioned in
article 2, paragraphs 3, 4, and 5, and article 33 of the
Charter, and cooperate fully with the Secretary-General,
in particular through his proposal of good offices
mentioned in paragraph 3;


6. Demands that Eritrea comply immediately with paragraph
5 above and, in any case, no later than five weeks after
the adoption of this resolution;


7. Requests the Secretary-General to provide to it a
report on the evolution of the situation, and on the
compliance by both parties with their obligations, and on
his contacts with both parties and, as appropriate, with
the African Union and other relevant regional
organizations no later than six weeks after the adoption
of this resolution;


8. Decides to review the situation six weeks from the
adoption of this resolution, on the basis of the report
mentioned in paragraph 7, with a view to taking, as
appropriate, further decision;


9. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

end text.
RICE