Ethiopia and Eritrea

Lord Avebury
asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will propose to the German presidency of the European Union that further attempts should be made to persuade Ethiopia to accept unconditionally the findings of the Ethiopia Eritrea Boundary Commission and to facilitate the demarcation of the boundary accordingly. [HL1538]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Triesman)
The United Kingdom voted in favour of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1741 on 30 January. The resolution reiterated the demand made in UNSCR 1640 that Ethiopia “accept fully and without delay the final and binding decision of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission”. The Ethiopia Eritrea Boundary Commission (EEBC) proposal to demarcate by co-ordinates is a matter for the EEBC to pursue, as it is the entity that Ethiopia and Eritrea have agreed will rule on demarcation. The UNSCR called upon the international community to engage with Ethiopia and Eritrea to make progress on their dispute and, with our partners, including the German presidency of the EU, we will consider what action might be taken to help the parties do this.

Lord Avebury
asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will propose to the United Nations Security Council that the council should indicate to the Government of Ethiopia that if they do not accept the Ethiopia Eritrea Boundary Commission's (EEBC) findings unconditionally, the council will proceed to demarcation by co-ordinates, as proposed by the president of the EEBC on 27 November 2006. [HL1800]

Lord Triesman
The United Kingdom voted in favour of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1741 on 30 January. The UNSCR resolution reiterated the demand made in Resolution 1640 that Ethiopia “accept fully and without delay the final and binding decision of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission” (EEBC). The EEBC proposal to demarcate by co-ordinates is a matter for the EEBC to pursue, as it is the entity that Ethiopia and Eritrea have agreed will rule on demarcation.