Asmara — The fifth meeting of the Military Coordination Commission (MCC) was held today in Djibouti. The MCC brings together United Nations peacekeepers with senior military delegations from Ethiopia and Eritrea and representatives of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) to resolve military and technical issues relating to the peace process between these two countries in the Horn of Africa.

The meeting was chaired by the Force Commander of the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE), Major-General Patrick Cammaert, and was also attended by Brigadier-General Peter Augustine Blay, senior military representative of the Organization of African Unity (OAU).

The military delegations for their respective countries were led by Major-General Alemshet Degife from Ethiopia and Brigadier-General Abrahaley Kifle from Eritrea.

At today's meeting, the Eritrean delegation confirmed that the Eritrean Defence Forces resumed their repositioning on 5 April 2001, in order to continue the process of establishing the Temporary Security Zone, or TSZ, which is to be a 25-kilometre-wide demilitarized zone between the two forces.

The parties also discussed the subject of joint investigation teams, which could address possible future military incidents. They agreed to consider a draft protocol UNMEE will prepare based on this discussion.

Another key aspect of today's discussion concerned the need for government institutions of both countries to identify how actors such as non-governmental organizations, UN agencies, and members of the international press are to cross the southern boundary between the two countries. The parties agreed to raise the matter with their relevant government agencies.

Both parties recommitted to the principle of freedom of movement for UNMEE in its area of operations and to resolving specific incidents of restriction. The Chairman emphasized the critical importance of freedom of movement for UNMEE throughout its area of operations in order to succeed in fulfilling its mandate of monitoring the parties' security agreements.

In one of those agreements ? the June 2000 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement it had been agreed that Eritrea would restore local administration, including local militia, in the future TSZ. The Chairman informed the MCC that the draft protocol on the militia's functioning wouldl be finalized within the coming days. He also informed the Commission that UNMEE awaits a reply from Eritrean authorities to his request for the anticipated strength and disposition of the militia.

With respect to mine information, both parties agreed to discuss separately with UNMEE the issue of mine clearance.

Other significant points raised at this meeting included the importance of reducing negative propaganda between the two parties as a means of moving forward.

For additional information contact the UNMEE Public Information Offices: Addis Ababa, phone 251-1-443396 (e-mail, walkera@un.org); Asmara, phone: 291-1- 151908 (kellyb@un.org).