In progress at UNHQ

SG/SM/5861

SECRETARY-GENERAL PLEASED THAT POLITICAL WILL EXISTS TO RESOLVE DISPUTE OVER RED SEA ISLANDS OF HANISH BY PEACEFUL MEANS

2 January 1996


Press Release
SG/SM/5861


SECRETARY-GENERAL PLEASED THAT POLITICAL WILL EXISTS TO RESOLVE DISPUTE OVER RED SEA ISLANDS OF HANISH BY PEACEFUL MEANS

19960102 (Received from the Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General.)

ASMARA, 31 December -- Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali today held talks in the Eritrean capital with President Isaias Afwerki, on the dispute between Eritrea and Yemen over the Red Sea islands of Hanish, following the conclusion of his three-day official visit to yemen, during which he conferred with President Ali Abdallah Saleh and members of his Cabinet.

The Secretary-General is pleased to note that the political will exists on both sides to resolve the issue by peaceful means.

The Secretary-General reiterated that he stands ready to extend his good offices to help the two countries settle their differences. He still hopes, however, that the issue could be resolved bilaterally or through regional arrangements.

The Secretary-General intends to report to the Security Council on his consultations with the parties.

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For information media. Not an official record.