Brussels, 16/04/2002 (Agence Europe) - On 15 April, the Spanish Presidency published the following declaration on behalf of the EU:
"The EU welcomes the decision of the Boundary Commission announced in The Hague on 13 April. The final legal settlement of the position of the Ethiopia/Eritrea border is a central element of the comprehensive peace agreement signed by the leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea on 12 December 2000 and the peace process between the two countries. The EU stresses the need for the implementation of all the provisions of the comprehensive peace agreement and the cessation of hostilities agreement. In this regard, the EU pledges its full support to the UN mission to Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) which has an important role to assist Ethiopia and Eritrea in implementing the decision of the Boundary Commission. The EU also expresses its support to the Special Representative of the Secretary General, Ambassador Legwaila. The EU underlines that in order to fulfill their facilitation role, UNMEE and, particularly, the SRSG, require permanent access to the appropriate government authorities. The EU urges both sides to safeguard the peace on the ground by fully respecting the temporary security zone and maintaining continued separation of forces and ensuring there is no unilateral movement of population or troops as these arrangements will set the conditions necessary for the process of demarcation to begin. The war between Ethiopia and Eritrea had a devastating impact on both countries. The Boundary Commission Decision provides an opportunity for both parties to move forward and take the necessary steps to assist the normalisation of relations. In this regard the EU calls upon the parties to further intensify dialogue with each other and other parties involved in the peace process, to ensure an orderly transfer of territorial control in line with the decision of the Boundary Commission. The EU urges both parties to respect the rights of the individuals affected by the delimitation and demarcation of the border and to ensure that any movement of population will be carried out on a voluntary basis. The EU remains committed to support the peace process, especially through the Special Representative of the Presidency, Senator Serri. The EU also recognizes that international assistance is still required to address the immediate needs of civilians directly affected by the conflict, and declares its willingness to assist in both countries, within the context of implementation of the decision of the Boundary Commission, as well as to support all efforts towards normalization and lasting reconciliation between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the EU, the associated countries Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, and the EFTA countries Norway and Liechtenstein, members of the EEA, align themselves with this declaration."