Dagnachew Teklu
18 February 2005
Addis Ababa — Two members of the Eritrean Armed Force (EAF) have been killed 20 km inside the Ethiopian territory while five others were detained by the Ethiopian Forces, United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) officials disclosed on Thursday.
The officials said that the incident occurred in the first week of February around Bure in Manda village outside the UN peacekeeping monitoring area of the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ).
Gail Sainte, UNMEE spokeswoman told journalists at a press conference held between Addis Ababa and Asmara that UNMEE has been holding talks with concerned bodies from both sides about the issue.
She said that Ethiopian Armed Forces have confirmed killing the "two people", which they claimed were "members of Eritrean Armed Forces."
Sainte however indicated that Eritrea has denied the fact the slain and captured officers were members of Eritrean Armed Forces.
"UNMEE was unable to investigate the matter in detail. The detainees claim that they are Eritreans. But, Eritrea issued a statement later on to deny that as well," she said.
Sainte however said that one of the detainees was found bearing Ethiopian identification card, and refused to comment in detail whether the ID was an old one (issued before independence), or one issued currently.
With regard to the EU's concern on "Military build-up" by the two countries, she said, "We do not share concern about the military build up. As we have reported last time, there was reorganizing of troops by the Ethiopian side. They also told us about their activities. It was inside 20 and 40 km of their territory. Not right at the border."
She also indicated that there was no military build up by the Eritrean side. "Eritrea remains in a defence position. We have not seen any military build up," Samuel Nandua, Chief of Staff said.
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