Brussels, Belgium — The European Union (EU) has hailed the establishment of a temporary security zone between Ethiopia and Eritrea, describing the development as "a watershed" in the implementation of the peace agreement between the two countries.

An EU statement in Brussels pleaded with the two parties to honour their commitment to guarantee freedom of movement for the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) in its areas of operation.

The European Union also invited them to urgently create a direct air corridor between Addis Ababa and Asmara and to immediately release war prisoners still in detention.

It requested the two parties to refrain from supporting in any way armed opposition groups likely to threaten the temporary security zone.

The statement said the EU is determined to support the consolidation of peace, reconstruction and development with a view to lasting reconciliation between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Last January the EU released 7 million Euros (1 Euro = 0.89 US dollars) in favour of returnees on both sides following the border conflict.

Humanitarian organisations operating in the region say at least 300,000 persons were repatriated on either side of the border.

War prisoners detained in Ethiopia and Eritrea have benefited from a special programme financed to the tune of 6.7 million Euros granted by the EU on 17 April 2001.