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