Dates announced for Security Council mission

All 15 members of the UN Security Council will travel to Ethiopia and Eritrea from 20-25 February to address the peace process between the two neighbouring countries and to discuss the further implementation of the Algiers peace accord, signed in December 2000.

According to a statement from the Security Council, the delegation will be headed by Ambassador Ole Peter Kolby of Norway. The Council members are due to meet Prime Minister Meles Zenawi in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 22 February and President Isayas Afewerki in Asmara, Eritrea, on 24 February. The mission will also have other meetings in the two capitals and visit the Temporary Security Zone.

"This is a very critical time in the promising peace process between Ethiopia and Eritrea," Ambassador Kolby said. "The upcoming determination by the Boundary Commission and its implementation are pivotal steps towards building a comprehensive and lasting peace. Norway is pleased to contribute to this important process and welcomes the participation of all 15 members of the Security Council."

The Boundary Commission is expected to finalise determination of the border delimitation by the end of this month, the statement noted. "This determination is binding on the parties, as both sides have committed themselves to accepting fully the determination by the Boundary Commission," it said.

"The Security Council mission will underline the international community's commitment to contribute to the completion of the peace process, and is expected to discuss with the parties measures to implement all aspects related to the Boundary Commission's determination, including mine clearance and the physical border demarcation on the ground," the statement said.

"The mission is further expected to address elements related to the consideration of the UNMEE [UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea] mandate renewal by 15 March, including with respect to certain outstanding operational issues."

The statement said the mission would also address confidence building issues, including the release of all prisoners of war and civilian internees, "as well as the overall objective of normalising relations between the two neighbouring countries".

Meanwhile, the Military Coordination Commission (MCC) has agreed to meet in Djibouti on 5 February, UNMEE anounced. The meeting, due to have taken place on 10 January, was delayed as the sides could not agree on a venue. The MCC, which is chaired by the UNMEE commander and brings together both countries, meets periodically to discuss and evaluate the military situation in the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ) and adjacent areas.