September 13, 2000
The United Nations today began deploying the first of 46 military observers to Eritrea and Ethiopia, as part of its mission in the two countries. "We just spoke with the Mission which confirmed the arrivals of seven military observers -- four in Asmara, Eritrea, and three others in Addis Ababa," a UN spokesman told the press today at UN Headquarters in New York.
Upon completion of their deployment to the two capitals, the observers will undergo a four-day training programme before being sent to operational positions in the demilitarized zones beginning 22 September.
Today's development follows the establishment of military liaison offices at the outset of the mission in both Addis Ababa and Asmara, in accordance with the Security Council's 31 July decision to set up the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea with up to 100 military observers.
The Security Council is expected to take up a resolution next week authorizing a peacekeeping mission to the region, as recommended by Secretary-General Kofi Annan in his most recent report on the situation in the two countries.
