Eritrea: Deploying Military Forces into Temporary Security Zone

The United States calls on Eritrea to respond to the October 17 statement issued by the United Nations Security Council by immediately withdrawing the tanks, troops, and accompanying artillery that breached the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ) on October 16, 2006. This action violates Eritrea’s commitments in the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities of June 18, 2000 and is an action that further undermines regional stability.

The United States urges both Eritrea and Ethiopia to show maximum restraint, to refrain from the threat or use of force against each other, and to avoid any action that may escalate tensions between the two countries.

The United States calls on both parties to comply with their commitments in the Algiers Agreements of June 18, 2000 and December 12, 2000, and to address their differences peacefully and in accord with these commitments.

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2006/945