UNMEE Mandate extended

Extending the mandate of the 4,200-strong UNMEE peacekeeping force for six months, the UN Security Council warned that it was vital for demarcation of the contested Ethiopia-Eritrea border to get underway as scheduled in October. The council called on both countries to "assume their responsibilities" under the peace deal agreed at the end of their bitter war. It also urged the two countries to cooperate "fully and promptly" with the boundary commission and ensure security of personnel carrying out the demarcation. Demarcation has been delayed twice but diplomats told IRIN they were optimistic that the process could start in the uncontroversial eastern sector. Ethiopia is opposing key sections of the April 2002 boundary ruling that relate to the western and central sector of the border and which place areas such as the symbolic village of Badme and parts of Irob in Eritrea. "...the peace process has now entered its crucial phase of demarcation," the Security Council stated. It said "expeditious implementation of the Boundary Decision, while maintaining stability in all areas affected by the decision," was crucial for the two countries. It also expressed "concern at delays in the demarcation process, particularly given the operational cost of UNMEE at a time of growing demands on United Nations peacekeeping". The council called on Ethiopia to appoint a field liaison officer to work with the boundary commission. Eritrea’s officer was appointed in late August. The statement comes as senior military officials from both countries prepare to meet in Nairobi, Kenya on Tuesday for critical talks. The two sides will meet at the Military Coordination Commission (MCC) in the Kenyan capital - probably for the last time before demarcation begins. The Security Council emphasised the "crucial importance of political dialogue between the two countries," beyond the military talks held at the MCC every six weeks. According to western diplomats, both the UK and South Africa have been urging the two countries, whose relations UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has described as a "cold peace", to engage in talks.