UN commends Eritrea on release of prisoners

United Nations officials have welcomed the release, on 2 August, of 15 Ethiopian prisoners of war (POWs) by Eritrea. In a statement released on 9 August, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson commended Eritrea for resuming the process of releasing POWs, describing the move as a "positive step" towards reinforcing peace between it and Ethiopia. "This is a positive development after the long standstill which has characterised the process of releasing prisoners of war so far," she said. Robinson said she hoped the releases would continue and encouraged both governments to build on the momentum thereby gained to address other outstanding issues. She added that this "significant development" confirmed the path chosen by both countries towards peaceful coexistence and cooperation. The 15 POWs were released at the Mereb River Bridge, which links Eritrea with Ethiopia. The process was observed by the Human Rights Office of the UN Mission (UNMEE) in both countries and assisted by the International Committee of the Red Cross. A spokeswoman for UNMEE, Gail Bindley-Taylor Sainte, urged both countries to comply with their obligations under the Algiers peace agreement and international humanitarian law in order to facilitate the release of all POWs war taken during the conflict.