Sides reportedly ready to implement peace accord

The OAU says both Ethiopia and Eritrea are ready to implement the peace agreement aimed at ending their border conflict. In a statement, received by IRIN on Monday, the OAU said Algeria - which currently holds the OAU chairmanship - sent an envoy to the two countries at the head of a delegation which noted the "clear disposition" of both sides to implement the deal. In this regard, both countries agreed to send delegations to Algiers on Wednesday to finalise technical arrangements for the OAU Framework Agreement and the Modalities for its implementation, the statement said. US special envoy, Anthony Lake, who has also been shuttling between the two countries has reportedly achieved "great progress" in his mediation efforts, news organisations said. Diplomats were quoted as saying there was more optimism than at any time since the war broke out in May 1998.