Annan envoy discusses UN peacekeeping force with Ethiopian Prime Minister
14 November -- The United Nations chief envoy to Ethiopia and Eritrea - where the UN has mounted its newest peacekeeping force - held constructive discussions in Addis Ababa today with Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.
Legwaila Joseph Legwaila, Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Representative to Ethiopia and Eritrea, characterized the meeting as "extremely cordial and productive," according to the UN Mission, which is known by its acronym UNMEE.
Mr. Legwaila said he was gratified that the Ethiopian Government had done its part to sustain the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and that he looked forward to continued cooperation with the Ethiopian leadership. For his part, the Prime Minister welcomed Mr. Legwaila's appointment as Special Representative, describing him as experienced and capable.
Also today, the Special Representative met with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zhengyun. He had additional meetings scheduled with Russian Ambassador Valery N. Lipnyakov and Italian Ambassador Marcello Recoveri. Tomorrow, Mr. Legwaila is expected to meet with representatives of France, Botswana and the European Union.
UNMEE was set up in July after Ethiopia and Eritrea ended their two-year border war by signing a cessation of hostilities agreement. The Mission is in the process of preparing for the deployment of over 4,200 military personnel to monitor the cessation of hostilities and assist in ensuring the observance of security commitments.
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