Deeply Concerned by Reports of Fighting on Ethiopia-Eritrea Border, Secretary-General, Deputy Urge Both to Exercise Maximum Restraint

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by reports of fighting on 12 and 13 June on the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

The Secretary-General discussed the issue in his meeting in Brussels today with the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, while the Deputy Secretary-General called the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Eritrea.  They urged both Governments to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any act or statement that could exacerbate the situation.  They also called on both Governments to resolve their differences through peaceful means, including by ensuring the full implementation of the peace agreement they signed in 2000.  The United Nations remains available to assist the two countries in this endeavour.