Voicing his concern at escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on the two East African neighbours to show maximum restraint and abide by the accords that ended their border war seven years ago.

Of particular concern are "recent shooting incidents, as well as the building up of military forces in the border area," according to a statement issued by Mr. Ban's spokesperson.

The Secretary-General called on the two countries to exercise "utmost restraint," maintain their commitment to the Algiers Agreements - the pacts which ended the border war in 2000 - and preserve the integrity of the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ), where the UN has deployed a peacekeeping mission known as UNMEE.

He also urged them to facilitate the implementation of the decision of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC) regarding the demarcation of their border. In 2002 the Commission handed down a final and binding decision awarding Badme, the town that triggered fighting between the two countries from 1998 to 2000, to Eritrea.