Buffer zone calm and stable, UNMEE says

[SUBSCRIBERS: Please note this replaces the previous story of 4 January 2002 "ERITREA-ETHIOPIA: UN peacekeepers call for freedom of movement", which is incorrect and has been withdrawn.] The UN peacekeeping mission for Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) has said the situation in the buffer zone between the two countries is calm and stable, and reiterated there was no evidence of a troop build-up. UNMEE spokesman Jean Victor Nkolo told a press briefing in the Eritrean capital Asmara on Friday that the peace process was on track and no specific difficulties were envisaged over the next six months. Regarding freedom of movement for the peacekeepers, he acknowledged this was a recurring problem. "We hope that this will be resolved and that UNMEE peacekeepers will be given all the freedom of movement that we need," he said. "However, we do not expect that in next six months we will face major difficulties due the lack of freedom of movement...Nevertheless we continue to demand that this freedom of movement be granted to us in an unrestricted manner." UNMEE wants unrestricted freedom of movement in the areas adjacent to the northern boundary of the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ) to check on the redeployment of forces. Eritrea's stance is that according to the peace agreement of December 2000, UNMEE has freedom of movement within the 25 km area of the TSZ. Extending the area would enlarge the buffer zone to 40 km and encroach on Eritrea's sovereignty, which Asmara says is not part of the agreement. But, Eritrea says, that with prior notification UNMEE's requests to visit adjacent areas can be met. "Unrestricted freedom of movement north of the boundary of the TSZ, will allow us to increase the reassurance that we will provide to the parties, and to the Security Council and to the international community," Nkolo added. On Monday, Nkolo stressed to IRIN that despite allegations and counter-allegations by both Ethiopia and Eritrea, there was no evidence of a troop build-up on either side. He also told the press briefing that a contingency plan was in place if there was continuing disagreement over the border issue. But, he noted, both countries had agreed in writing that the ruling by the Boundary Commission at The Hague on border demarcation - due to be delivered next month - would be final and binding.