Border bridge to be reopened

A strategic bridge over the Mereb River connecting Ethiopian and Eritrean towns on the disputed border will be reopened on 7 July by the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE). The seventh Military Coordination Commission (MCC) meeting, held in Nairobi on Wednesday, announced the plan to open the bridge.

Destroyed during the two-year conflict, the bridge was recently repaired through a donation from the Netherlands and the efforts of UNMEE peacekeepers, an UNMEE statement said on Thursday. The MCC was chaired by UNMEE Force Commander Maj-Gen Patrick Cammaert, and Brig-Gen Augustine Blay, representing the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). Maj-Gen Alemshet Degife led the delegation from Ethiopia, and Brig-Gen Abrahaley Kifle led that of Eritrea.

During a discussion on holding military coordination meetings in the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ) on the border, Ethiopia “stated its willingness to begin... [but] the Eritrean delegation indicated that it was premature”. The chairman stressed that these MCC sector meetings in the TSZ were necessary to “address specific military and security concerns, open channels of communication and build confidence between the parties at the local level”, the UNMEE statement said.

Problems over continued restrictions to UNMEE’s freedom of movement - which remains a serious concern for the UN - were also discussed.

The situation of those displaced by the conflict returning home was also of concern to both parties. Other issues covered by the MCC included draft guidelines for handling unburied mortal remains in areas controlled by either party. Draft guidelines were circulated by the chairman.