Eritrea releases UN Volunteer detained for more than five weeks

The United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) welcomed today’s decision by Eritrea to release and hand over a UN Volunteer it had detained for more than five weeks.

The UNMEE staff member, who was arrested on 28 August, “appears to be in good spirits and is currently undergoing a medical evaluation,” according to a media statement released by the Mission.

“The Mission welcomes the decision by the Eritrean authorities and looks forward to continued cooperation with the Government of Eritrea to conclude the investigation of this case,” the statement added.

“Once again, UNMEE would like to reaffirm its commitment to ensuring that its staff continue to respect the laws and regulations of the host country.”

UNMEE monitors the ceasefire along the disputed border over which Eritrea and Ethiopia fought a war between 1998 and 2000. Its work has been hampered by Ethiopia’s refusal to accept the border set by a Boundary Commission and by restrictions imposed on the Mission by Eritrea.