Ethiopia, Sudan cooperate in monitoring common borders

ADDIS ABABA, July 28, 2004 (Xinhua) — The Ethiopian and Sudanese troops have been working in close consultations and cooperation to monitor the security situation along the common borders of the two countries, the Ethiopian News Agency reported Wednesday.

Senior military authorities and commanders of Ethiopia and Sudan were meeting on periodical bases to assess security matters on the borders, the Ethiopian National Defense Ministry was quoted as saying.

The two sides have been exchanging information once the activities of anti-peace elements were confirmed in the areas, the ministry said, adding they have been also extradited individuals to each other countries.

Following the establishment of the joint task force, over 80 individuals destabilizing the peaceful situation were captured and about 50 killed in action, according to the ministry.

The ministry described the current common border as a scene where various development activities were undertaken including the resettlement programs, adding that the construction of roads for the mutual benefit of the two countries was being undertaken along their common borders.