United Nations Security Council Resolution 1710 – Situation between Eritrea and Ethiopia

Resolution 1710 (2006)

The Security Council,

Reaffirming all its previous resolutions and statements pertaining to the situation between Ethiopia and Eritrea (hereinafter referred to as “the parties”) and the requirements contained therein, including in particular resolutions 1320 of 15 September 2000, 1430 of 14 August 2002, 1466 of 14 March 2003, 1640 of 23 November 2005 and 1681 of 31 May 2006,

Stressing its unwavering commitment to the peace process, and to the full and expeditious implementation of the Algiers Agreements, and the importance of prompt implementation of the decision of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (S/2002/423) as a basis for peaceful and cooperative relations between the parties,

Reaffirming the integrity of the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ) as provided for in the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities of 18 June 2000 (S/2000/601) and recalling the objectives of its establishment and the commitment of the parties to respect the TSZ,

Commending the efforts made by the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) and its military and civilian personnel to accomplish its duties, despite the difficult circumstances,

Stressing further that the full demarcation of the border between the two parties is vital to lasting peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea as well as in the region, and recalling that both parties have agreed to accept the delimitation and demarcation determinations of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC) as final and binding,

Expressing its full support for the ongoing process, aimed at implementing the final and binding decision of the EEBC,

Taking note of UNMEE’s statement of 25 September 2006 on allegations against UNMEE staff,

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 19 September 2006 (S/2006/749),

1. Decides to extend the mandate of UNMEE for a period of four months, until 31 January 2007;

2. Reiterates its demand expressed in paragraph 1 of resolution 1640 (2005) that Eritrea reverse, without further delay or preconditions, all restrictions on UNMEE’s movement and operations, and provide UNMEE with the access, assistance, support and protection required for the performance of its duties, in this regard expresses its deep concern at the recent expulsion of UNMEE personnel by Eritrea;

3. Reiterates its call expressed in paragraph 2 of resolution 1640 (2005) that the parties show maximum restraint and refrain from any threat or use of force against each other;

4. Reiterates its demand expressed in paragraph 5 of resolution 1640 (2005) that Ethiopia accept fully and without delay the final and binding decision of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission and take immediately concrete steps to enable, without preconditions, the Commission to demarcate the border completely and promptly;

5. Regrets the lack of progress on demarcation, calls upon both parties to cooperate fully with the EEBC, including attending EEBC meetings, stresses that the parties have primary responsibility for the implementation of the Algiers Agreements, and calls again upon the parties to implement completely and without further delay or preconditions the decision of the EEBC and to take concrete steps to resume the demarcation process;

6. Demands that the parties provide UNMEE with the necessary access, assistance, support and protection required for the performance of its duties, including its mandated task to assist the EEBC in the expeditious and orderly implementation of the Delimitation Decision, in accordance with resolutions 1430 (2002) and 1466 (2003) and demands that any restrictions be lifted immediately;

7. Intends in the event it determines that the parties have not demonstrated progress towards demarcation by 31 January 2007, to transform or reconfigure UNMEE as the Council may decide;

8. Intends further to review the situation before 30 November 2006, in order to prepare for possible changes by 31 January 2007, and to that end requeststhe Secretary-General to present updated options for possible changes to UNMEE’s mandate;

9. Expresses its willingness to reconsider any changes to UNMEE it may make in accordance with paragraph 7 in light of subsequent progress towards demarcation, and its readiness to take further decisions to ensure that UNMEE will be able to facilitate demarcation as progress becomes possible;

10. Calls on Member States to provide contributions to the Trust Fund, established pursuant to resolution 1177 (1998) and referred to in Article 4 (17) of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed by the Governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea on 12 December 2000, in order to support the demarcation process;

11. Expresses its deep appreciation for the contribution and dedication of the troop-contributing countries to the work of UNMEE;

12. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

Adopted by the Security Council at its 5540th meeting, on 29 September 2006.