Resolution on the situation in Ethiopia

The Council adopted the following conclusions on the resolution on Ethiopia. It :

- expressed its grave concern about the tense and volatile situation in the border region and reaffirmed its commitment to see peace and security restored;

- reiterated its full support for United Nations Security Council Resolution 1640(2005), which, inter alia, demands that Eritrea immediately reverse the decision to ban UNMEE helicopter flights and all other restrictions imposed on UNMEE, that both parties return to the 16 December 2004 levels of deployment of their troops, and that Ethiopia accept fully the final and binding decision of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission;

- expressed its concern at Eritrea's request that the European and North American members of UNMEE should be withdrawn. The Council supported the UN's demand that the Eritrean government immediately and unequivocally rescind its decision without preconditions;

- underlined the urgent need for immediate concrete steps to be taken by Ethiopia to enable the Ethiopia Eritrea Boundary Commission to demarcate the border completely and without delay. The start of the demarcation process has to be accepted promptly by both parties in a constructive spirit in order to bring to an end current tension;

- called upon both countries to refrain from any threat or use of force against each other and, to contribute to de-escalation, to redirect funds that are used for military expenditure towards development;

- agreed on the need for continued international diplomatic engagement on Ethiopia / Eritrea. In this regard, the Council welcomed the proposed EU troika visit to Addis Ababa and Asmara. The Council further expressed its support for the United Nations Security Council's determination to consider further appropriate measures, including under Article 41 of the Charter of the United Nations, if one or both parties fail to comply with the demands to return to 16 December 2004 levels of deployment within 30

days of the adoption of Resolution 1640(2005), or if Eritrea fails to reverse the ban on UNMEE helicopter flights and additional restrictions;

- reiterated that the EU would keep the situation in the border region under constant review.