Ethiopia-Eritrea Grenzkonflikt

Bitter enemies

In November last year the Boundary Commission, fed up with the lack of progress, gave both parties a year to accept the boundary as the Commission had determined, as they had promised to do.

Otherwise they said they would declare the border demarcated, and wash their hands of the whole affair.

The danger is that Ethiopia and Eritrea remain bitter enemies and have forces massed along their one-thousand kilometre border.

Eritrea has increased the number of militia and troops inside the 25km Temporary Security Zone that runs along the border, increasing the possibility of clashes with Ethiopian forces on the southern side of the zone.

At the same time, the number of UN troops patrolling the border has been gradually reduced, making it more difficult for the organisation to monitor the situation.

Experts warn that tension is rising, and believe that if Thursday's meeting fails to make progress, the border conflict could be re-ignited, with terrible consequences.

TENSE BORDER

Dec 2000: Peace agreement

Apr 2002: Border ruling

Mar 2003: Ethiopian complaint over Badme rejected

Sep 2003: Ethiopia asks for new ruling

Feb 2005: UN concern at military build-up

Oct 2005: Eritrea restricts peacekeepers' activities

Nov 2005: UN sanctions threat if no compliance with 2000 deal

Quelle: BBC News