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Press Release
Border
Demarcation Process Should not be Obstructed
London
18 Aug 2003
The
Eritrea-Ethiopia Border Commission (EEBC) sitting at The Hague, entrusted
with the task of demarcating the border between Eritrea and Ethiopia,
clearly gave its final verdict on April 13, 2002. At the heart of
the controversy is Badme – a small town the ownership of which is alleged to have sparked off one of
the bloodiest wars in 1998-2000. The unnecessary war cost both Eritrea
and Ethiopia the loss of thousands of lives and unimaginable amount of
material resources. The EECB eventually clarified its decision in April
this year and declared that the town of Badme lied inside
Eritrea.
It is to be remembered that both Eritrea and Ethiopia agreed to abide by
EECB's decision and accepted the decision as final thus allowing for the
commencement of the physical demarcation of the border. Unfortunately,
various Ethiopian officials and organisations have been repeatedly
questioning the Commission’s verdict. Ethiopia, after its solemn
pledge, has dishonestly resorted to its ‘right’ to challenge a United Nations
ruling on Badme.
EHDR-UK believes EECB's decision to be final and the UN must therefore
move forward to demarcate the border without any further delay or
postponement. Ethiopia should accept the verdict and not be allowed
to influence the outcome, as any digressive exercise will probably cause
another wave of conflict. EEBC, through the use of UN’s good
offices, should apply all the necessary pressure on Ethiopia to remain
committed to its pledge.
According to the EEBC’s timetable, the assembling of border posts, which
has been delayed several times, is now due to begin in October and that
should proceed without hindrance. Eritrean citizens from the 25 km
buffer zone, which runs for 1000 km along the Eritrean-Ethiopian border
and which is located inside Eritrean territory, deserve a respite to
return to their homes and rebuild their lives.
Moreover, EHDR-UK calls upon all groups and individuals to forward their
appeals to the UN in support of a lawful conclusion of the case.
Board of Directors
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