Ethiopian, Eritrean officials meet in 'positive' atmosphere, UN reports

Representatives of Ethiopia and Eritrea held talks today in a “relaxed and positive atmosphere” in their first meeting since the delimitation of the border between the two formerly warring nations, according to the United Nations mission in the two countries.

The meeting in Djibouti of the Military Coordination Commission (MCC) - the only regularly scheduled face-to-face contact between representatives of the two nations - was chaired by the Force Commander of the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE), Major-General Patrick Cammaert, who congratulated both delegations on the recent boundary decision, adding that the reaction from both parties had been very positive.

Brigadier-General Peter Augustine Blay, who represented the Organization of African Unity (OAU) at the meeting, commended the armed forces of both parties for their professionalism and good discipline on the ground.

The MCC received a short briefing on the military situation in the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ) which remains "very calm," according to UNMEE. Participants then engaged in an initial exchange of views on the implementation of the boundary decision, as well as the military and security implications of that process.

UNMEE said today that the MCC "will meet more frequently in the period ahead to address matters related to implementation." The next session will be held on 10 May in Djibouti.