Ethiopia-Eritrea: UN mission confirms calm in temporary buffer area

Reacting to recent statements by Ethiopia regarding alleged Eritrean troop deployments in the temporary security zone (TSZ) separating the two countries, the UN Mission there today reported that the TSZ "remains stable and calm."

In a statement released jointly in Asmara and Addis Ababa, the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) cited Ethiopian allegations that Eritrea had deployed nearly 30,000 regular troops in the TSZ. Ethiopia had also accused UNMEE of a policy of "appeasement" towards Eritrea.

"In response UNMEE undertook immediate investigations including ground and air reconnaissance patrols in all three sectors of the TSZ and has found no indication of an Eritrean military buildup," the Mission stated.

While unsubstantiated press reports had alleged that Eritrean forces invaded and controlled pockets of Ethiopian territory in the western sector, "UNMEE's installations and patrols in the area report no unusual activity."

Noting that allegations of major troop buildups and accusations of appeasement "do not help the cause of peace," UNMEE urged restraint by both parties.