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Security Council extends UN mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea for six months

Security Council extends UN mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea for six months

The Security Council today unanimously extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) for six months, until 15 March.

The Security Council today unanimously extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) for six months, until 15 March.

In adopting its resolution, the Council left unchanged the deployment levels of troops in the region, which number 4,200, including 220 military observers.

The Council also decided to keep under review the progress made by the parties in the implementation of their commitments pursuant to the Algiers Agreements, through the Boundary Commission and other entities.

Depending on any progress, the Council agreed to review any implications such developments would have for UNMEE, including those concerning territorial transfers during the boundary demarcation as outlined by Secretary-General Kofi Annan in his report in July.

UNMEE was established two years ago after Ethiopia and Eritrea signed a ceasefire agreement ending two years of fighting in a border dispute. The Mission is mandated to monitor the ceasefire and ensure the observance of security commitments by both sides.