DJIBOUTI/ERITREA: TALKING POINTS FOR UNSC

UNCLAS STATE 075018

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: UNSC PREL PHUM PHSA EWWT KCRM SO XA XW
SUBJECT: DJIBOUTI/ERITREA: TALKING POINTS FOR UNSC
CONSULTATIONS JULY 21


1. This is an action request. USUN may draw from the talking
points in paragraph 2 for the UN Security Council's July 21
debate on Djibouti and Eritrea.


2. Begin talking points:

-- The U.S. calls on Eritrea and Djibouti to move forward to
resolve their border issues peacefully, in accordance with UN
Security Council Resolution 1862 (2009). Hostilities between
Eritrea and Djibouti further threaten peace and security in
the already volatile Horn of Africa.

-- It is clear that Eritrea,s military action against
Djibouti in Ras Doumeira and Doumeira Island in June 2008 led
to an armed conflict that left 44 Djiboutian soldiers dead
and several others wounded or missing.

-- Eritrea also has failed to comply with Resolution 1862,
namely the withdrawal of its troops from the contested area,
engaging in dialogue
with Djibouti, and the initiation of discussions with the
United Nations.

-- On July 13 Eritrea further exhibited its lack of
cooperation with the international community when it
cancelled the Sanctions Monitoring Group,s planned visit to
the country.

-- Moreover, the UN Monitoring Group on Somalia has noted in
its reports that Eritrea has provided funding, weapons, and
training to armed insurgent groups that perpetuate war in
Somalia.

-- The USG and the international community are willing to
engage the Eritrean government should the Government of
Eritrea end its destabilizing activities in the Horn of
African and take steps toward improved bilateral relations.

-- The U.S. calls on both sides, especially Eritrea, to cease
all military
hostilities immediately, withdraw troops from the border
area, and find a peaceful solution to the conflict.

-- Both parties should take steps to avoid further conflict
in a region that is already facing tremendous instability.

--If Eritrea does not respond to calls by the international
community to reverse its destabilizing role in the region,
the Security Council will need to consider what additional
action to take.
CLINTON