VZCZCXYZ0004
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #6142 0722331
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P R 122327Z MAR 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 0000
INFO UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
RUEHDS/AMEMBASSY ADDIS ABABA 0000
RUEHAE/AMEMBASSY ASMARA 0000

UNCLAS STATE 026142 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL UNSC KPKO ET ER
SUBJECT: UNMEE CONSULTATIONS, MARCH 13, 2008 
 
 
¶1.  This is an action message.  USUN is instructed to draw 
from the following elements during UNMEE consultations on 
March 13, 2008. 
 
Begin Elements: 
 
-The U.S. welcomes the Special Report of the Secretary 
General on the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea 
(UNMEE), and supports the UN,s efforts in its attempt to 
alleviate the crisis along the Ethiopia-Eritrea border. 
 
-We note that UNMEE is a Chapter VI operation which operates 
with the consent of Ethiopia and Eritrea alike, and that its 
fundamental tasks have always been to monitor implementation 
of the Algiers Agreement and to assist both countries settle 
their border dispute and normalize their relations.  We 
condemn Eritrea,s restrictions on UNMEE and how they have 
impeded the Mission,s ability to fulfill its mandate, 
conduct operations, and sustain itself in the Temporary 
Security Zone (TSZ). 
 
-We reject the Government of Eritrea,s (GSE) claim that it 
&had no role in all of the major decisions that affected the 
status of UNMEE in Eritrea,8 and that the Mission,s 
relocation arrangements were based on a &unilateral 
decision8 by the UN.  As outlined in the Special Report, the 
UN made several efforts to bring Eritrea into the process 
without success. 
 
-As outlined in the Special Report, since the advance 
parties, attempts to relocate February 11, there were a 
number of serious incidents in which the Eritrean Defense 
Force (EDF) had prevented the movement of UNMEE, threatening 
the safety and security, and essentially holding hostage, 
Mission personnel and equipment.  We echo the sentiments of 
the troop contributing countries (TCCs) that the measures 
imposed by the Eritrean authorities were "unwarranted, 
untenable, and unacceptable,8 which stands in contradiction 
to the claim in the March 10 letter from the Permanent 
Mission of Eritrea that &Eritrea has always treated UN 
peacekeepers with respect and dignity,8 and that this 
&spirit of cooperation and hospitality accorded to the UN 
troops that have come to Eritrea to serve in a peacekeeping 
operation is something that TCCs can attest to.8 
 
- As parties to the Agreement on the Cessation of 
Hostilities, under which Ethiopia and Eritrea invited the UN 
to deploy peacekeepers on their territories, both committed 
to respect and protect the members of the peacekeeping 
mission, its installations and equipment, and to guarantee 
the free movement and access of the peacekeeping mission and 
its supplies, as required, through their territories. 
Accordingly, we hold Eritrea responsible for the safety of 
all UN personnel currently located in their territory, and 
demand that the GSE refrain from interference with the 
relocation of remaining UN personnel and their equipment and 
allow all remaining UNMEE peacekeepers to leave Eritrea with 
their equipment in a &dignified and orderly manner.8 
 
- For years, Eritrea has hampered the efforts of UNMEE to 
fulfill their mandate.  Restrictions imposed by the GSE on 
UNMEE are unacceptable, inconsistent with the basic 
obligations of a host state toward a peacekeeping mission, 
and represent a serious threat to the credibility of this 
body.  Additionally, the imposition of restrictions on the 
Mission's operations pose serious implications for the safety 
and security of peacekeepers deployed elsewhere. 
 
-The U.S. emphasizes the Secretary General,s statement that 
UNMEE,s temporary relocation is without prejudice to the 
provisions in the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities, 
and calls on Ethiopia and Eritrea to engage in discussions 
that address fundamental issues that divide them, including 
the implementation of the delimitation decision of the 
Ethiopia-Eritrea Boundary Commission (EEBC).  We also call on 
both parties to avoid actions which undermine the Algiers 
Agreement or exacerbate the situation along their common 
border, and welcome the Secretary General,s offer of his 
good offices on these issues. 
 
-The U.S. is puzzled by the suggestion of the Eritrean 
Permanent Representative that the Secretary General,s offer 
of his good offices to assist the parties in resolving their 
differences could somehow be inconsistent with the letter or 
spirit of the Algiers Accords.  We emphasize that regardless 
of the GSE,s position on the SYG,s offer, there can be no 
cause or justification for its abusive conduct toward UNMEE 
and its personnel.  Additionally, we urge Eritrea not to 
close potential avenues of assistance for both reducing 
tensions and resolving outstanding issues with Ethiopia. 
 
-The U.S. thanks and recognizes the contributions of TCCs, 
particularly India and Jordan, and notes their sustained 
support even during times of increased insecurity of the 
Mission. 
-The U.S. thanks and recognizes UNMEE personnel for their 
hard work and efforts, and notes that they have made great 
contributions in maintaining peace and security in the 
region, often under dangerous and precarious circumstances. 
 
-The Security Council is obligated to consider all available 
options, including a range of potential coercive measures, to 
ensure the GSE's full resolution to this crisis to the 
complete satisfaction of the Council and the affected TCCs. 
Moreover, the U.S. notes the urgency for the Security Council 
to determine the UN,s future role in the Ethiopia-Eritrea 
border conflict, including reconfiguration of the Mission. 
The Security Council is under no obligation to maintain 
UNMEE, particularly given the hazardous circumstances under 
which the Mission has had to operate, and the intransigence 
of both parties to resolve their dispute.  We stand ready to 
welcome a Special Report of the Secretary General on UNMEE 
reconfiguration possibilities. 
 
End elements. 
RICE