Sahel and Sahara summit urges implementation of Eritrea-Ethiopia border ruling

ASMARA, May 16, 2004 (shabait.com) — The 11th session of the Conference of Heads of State of the Community of Sahle-Saharan States (CEN-SAD) that was carried out in Bamako, Mali, was concluded yesterday May 15 2004 with their approving for the settling of peace and stability in the regions of the member states and the continent of Africa as a whole.

Regarding the issue of the Eritrean-Ethiopian peace process, the heads of states called for a prompt implementation of the boundary commission’s verdict and the UN Security Council’s release on the case.

The heads of states also evaluated the progress in the Somali and the Sudanese peace process, which according to their evaluation showed constructive developments.

In the case of the CEN-SAD internal affairs, the heads of states signed documents on cooperation in various sectors as well as defense and security collaborations. They also ratified the reports of the 10th and 11th sessions of the executive council as well as the activities of the chairman of the gathering.

Moreover, the gathering approved the membership of Ghana, Liberia, Ivory Coast and Ginny Bissau that accordingly increased the number of the CEN-SAD member states from 18 to 22.

The heads of states of the CEN-SAD further agreed for the next meeting to be carried out in Burkina Faso.

It is to be noted that President Isaias Afwerki left for Bamako on the 14th of May to take part in the meeting.