SECURITY COUNCIL PRESS STATEMENT ON ETHIOPIA AND ERITREA

The following is a Security Council press statement on Ethiopia and Eritrea, delivered today by the President of the Council, César Mayoral ( Argentina):

Members of the Security Council are deeply saddened by the death of a member of the Indian contingent of the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) and extend their profound condolences to the family of the deceased and the Government of India.

Members of the Security Council express great concern that the death occurred in the circumstances of the unacceptable restrictions imposed by the Government of Eritrea on the operations of UNMEE, which have grave implications on the safety of its staff and which must be lifted without further delay, as demanded in resolution 1640 (2005) and recent statements of the President of the Council.

Members of the Security Council once again express their profound appreciation for the perseverance, contribution and dedication of the troop-contributing countries to the work of the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE).

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For information media • not an official record