UN force commander in Ethiopia and Eritrea reports good cooperation by sides
9 November -- The United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) is receiving good cooperation from both sides, according to the Commander of the UN force.
Major-General Patrick Cammaert predicted a speedy deployment of UNMEE's 4,000 troops and more than 200 military observers who are being sent to the mission area from 43 countries. "All are committed to the task ahead and ready to work - to work with the people from Ethiopia and Eritrea with the aim to bring a lasting peace in this region," he told reporters at a briefing in Asmara yesterday.
On the need to open land and air corridors for the peacekeeping force, Major-General Cammaert said this was "a matter of building confidence and trust between the two parties." He said he would discuss the issue with them and expressed confidence that it "will be solved in due time."
Describing the work of reconnaissance teams currently deployed in both countries to prepare for the arrival of battalions in the coming months, the Force Commander said the military observers who had already taken up forward positions "are receiving good cooperation from both sides."
Lauding the two countries for their constructive approach to the issue of the temporary security zone between Ethiopia and Eritrea which the UN is mandated to set up and monitor, Major-General Cammaert voiced confidence that all outstanding issues would be resolved.
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