Ethiopian opposition parties ask Eritrea to abide by UN law – Express concern over worsening Ethio-Eritrea relations

By Simegnish Yekoye

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - Ethiopian opposition parties expressed their concerns over the deteriorating relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea, and asked Eritrea to be more cooperative with the UN so that negotiation between the two countries might prevent the worst from occurring.
"We are very concerned about the way the situation is becoming more tense, and we want Eritrea to abide by the UN law," said Mr. Temesgen Zewede, former CUD whip within Ethiopia’s Parliament.

Last week, the United Nations Mission to Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) started to regroup in Eritrea’s capital, Asmara, after Eritrean officials prevented the transfer of UNMEE troops to Ethiopia. The UN Secretary General had also expressed his concern over Eritrea’s lack of cooperation.
Though no new restrictions have been reported from Eritrea on the regrouping of the peacekeepers since Wednesday, there is preparation for their temporary relocation to Ethiopia. But the vehicles are still blocked and are unable to complete their redeployment.

"All the decisions made by Eritrea frighten us, as it is totally unacceptable not to respect the UN’s guide," Temesgen said, and added that if things continue this way, the consequence could be war. "Eritrea should start revising its restrictions [on UNMEE operations] and be ready for negotiation."
Leader of the United Ethiopian Democratic Front (UEDF), Professor Beyene Petros, on the other hand says Eritrea has always been consistent with its decision that it wants the UN to force Ethiopia to respect the Algiers agreement.

"What is happening now shows that the UN doesn’t have the power to enforce implementation," Beyene said. "But I am sure both countries wouldn’t just go to war without considering the consequence."
Mr. Lidetu Ayalew of another opposition party, EUDP-MEDHIN, also said he believes that the two countries cannot afford to go to war at this time - but if they do, Eritrea will lose much more than does Ethiopia. "Considering the population and economic capacity of the two countries, Eritrea will be the one to lose if the two countries go to war."
According to Lidetu, the UN is doing all it can to mediate between the two countries, and it would not be able to deter war between Ethiopia and Eritrea. "Otherwise, [the UN] would be interfering with the sovereignty of both countries," he said.

According to the UNMEE, the UN mission manning the border between the two countries, the majority of peacekeepers from the Jordanian, Indian and Kenyan battalions, along with most military observers, have relocated to Eritrea’s capital, Asmara, from the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ) that separates the two countries.

The remaining troops in the TSZ are actively engaged in packing and moving equipment and supplies destined for Asmara, the mission said.
The blue helmets were ordered to relocate temporarily to Ethiopia after Eritrean authorities cut off their fuel supplies. UN officials and the Security Council have urged them to end their restrictions amid growing concern over rapidly dwindling supplies.