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Eritrean, Ethiopian military officials discuss security zone at UN-chaired meeting

Eritrean, Ethiopian military officials discuss security zone at UN-chaired meeting

Military representatives from Eritrea and Ethiopia met today to discuss developments in the United Nations-monitored security zone separating the two countries, which the UN has reported to be free of major incidents over the past few months.

Chairing the tenth meeting of the Military Coordination Commission (MCC), the Force Commander of the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) emphasized that – despite recent allegations and press reports – the situation in the Temporary Security Zone remained calm. The session was held at the Mereb River Bridge linking the two States.

Major-General Patrick Cammaert appealed to both parties to refrain in the period ahead from words or deeds that might be construed as provocative, and warned against the potential volatility of small incidents or escalating behavior. He urged that both parties live up to the letter but also to the spirit of the Agreements they had reached.

The participants at the meeting decided that in the case of future allegations or problems, an investigation team comprising a representative of UNMEE, the Organization of African Unity (OAU), and either Ethiopia or Eritrea (depending on the location in question), could be “dispatched unhindered to investigate,” the UN Mission said: in a statement.

During the session, the OAU was represented by Brigadier-General Peter Augustine Blay, Ethiopia by Brigadier-General Yohannes Gebremeskel, and Eritrea by Brigadier-General Abrahaley Kifle.

The next session of the MCC will be held on 8 January 2002 at a venue to be decided.