SECRETARY-GENERAL DISMAYED AT PUBLIC ATTACKS AGAINST UN MISSION BY ERITREA

SECRETARY-GENERAL DISMAYED AT PUBLIC ATTACKS AGAINST UN MISSION BY ERITREA

Following is the text of a statement attributable to the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is dismayed at the recent public attacks made by the Eritrean authorities against the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) and its staff, as well as the restrictions imposed on its operations.  UNMEE has investigated each and every allegation made against its staff, and has taken action and shared their outcome, where appropriate, with the Government of Eritrea.  However, the tone and scope of the recent unfortunate statements made by the Eritrean authorities can seriously impact on the effectiveness of the Mission in the performance of its mandated tasks, and could also endanger the security of its personnel.

The Secretary-General expresses his hope that both parties, and in particular the Government of Eritrea, will engage UNMEE in a constructive manner, allowing the Mission the indispensable freedom of movement and the necessary cooperation to carry out its mandate in accordance with the Algiers Agreements and the relevant Security Council resolutions.

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