AU expresses concern over Eritrea-Ethiopia border tension

AFRICAN UNION

Nov 4, 2005 — The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Alpha Oumar Konare, expresses his grave concern at the reported movements of military personnel on both sides of the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ), as well as irregular activities within the TSZ. This has the potential to escalate into a military confrontation, with far-reaching implications for the two countries and the region as a whole.

The Chairperson urges the two parties to exercise restraint and to refrain from any action that could have the effect of further aggravating the situation.

The Chairperson reiterates the AU’s full support to the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia-Eritrea (UNMEE), and commends it for its contribution to the promotion of peace between the two countries. He calls on the parties to extend full co-operation to UNMEE to enable it carry out its mandate, including the effective monitoring of the TSZ.