Security Council strongly condemns lack of cooperation by Eritrea’s Government with United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea

Presidential Statement Demands End to Restrictions, Expresses Intent to Consider Further Steps to Protect Mission’s Personnel

The Security Council this afternoon strongly condemned the lack of cooperation by the Government of Eritrea with the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE), and demanded that it end all its restrictions on the Mission, while expressing its determination to consider further appropriate steps for the safety and protection of the Mission and its personnel.

According to a statement read by Ricardo Alberto Aria ( Panama), the Council noted with great concern that, by maintaining restrictions on UNMEE and by refusing to reinstate fuel deliveries to UNMEE, the Government of Eritrea had created a situation in which a temporary relocation of personnel and equipment from Eritrea had been rendered inevitable.

The Council also expressed deep concern about the impediments and logistical constraints put on the Mission in its attempts to organize a temporary relocation and condemned such steps taken by Eritrea.  It held Eritrea responsible for the safety and security of the Mission and its personnel.

UNMEE’s mandate had been extended by Council resolution 1798 (2008) of 30 January (see Press Release SC/9237).

The meeting was called to order at 5:50 p.m. and adjourned at 5:55 p.m.

Presidential Statement

The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2008/7 reads as follows:

“The Security Council recalls that, on 30 January 2008, it adopted resolution 1798 (2008) on the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE).  The Security Council is following with the utmost concern the situation confronting the Mission.  It expresses its full support for the efforts of the Secretary-General to address this problem.

“The Security Council notes with great concern that, by maintaining restrictions on UNMEE despite the Council’s numerous demands, and, by refusing to reinstate fuel deliveries to UNMEE, the Government of Eritrea has created a situation in which a temporary relocation of personnel and equipment from Eritrea has been rendered inevitable.  The Security Council also expresses deep concern about the impediments and logistical constraints put on the Mission in its attempts to organize this temporary relocation.  The Security Council condemns such steps taken by Eritrea.

“The Security Council strongly condemns the lack of cooperation from the Government of Eritrea which not only gravely contravenes United Nations Security Council resolutions and the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities of 18 June 2000 (S/2000/601) but also fails to comply with Eritrea’s general obligation to assist forces that have been stationed with its consent.  The Security Council holds Eritrea responsible for the safety and security of the Mission and its personnel.

“The Security Council demands that the Government of Eritrea resume full cooperation with UNMEE, including by ending all its restrictions on the Mission, and abide by all its obligations as a UN Member State.

“The Security Council expresses its determination to closely monitor the situation and to consider further appropriatesteps for the safety and protection of the Mission and its personnel.”

---