Annan urges extension of peacekeeping mission

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has recommended a six-month extension of the UN peacekeeping mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE). In his latest progress report on the two countries, Annan said the mission - whose current mandate expires this month - should be extended until 15 September to support implementation of a decision on border demarcation between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The ruling will be announced next month in The Hague by an independent Boundary Commission. "The implementation of the Boundary Commission’s decision, which will be final and binding, will also continue to demand statesmanship on the part of the two governments and their leaders," Annan added. "The United Nations and its peacekeeping mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea will remain committed to playing a major role through delimitation and demarcation." The Secretary-General recommended the establishment of a "wide-ranging mechanism" aimed at consultation and problem-solving during the implementation period. In addition, he said, it would be equally important to continue helping the people of Eritrea and Ethiopia overcome their humanitarian difficulties. "Together with reconstruction and development, the two parties will also need assistance to attain the ultimate objective of the peace process, namely reconciliation and normalisation of their bilateral relations," he said. "The United Nations ... encourages the parties to search for mutually agreeable ways of building trust through increased official and unofficial contacts with each other. The international community stands ready to assist the parties in this regard."