AU Urges Djibouti, Eritrea to Resort to Dialogue

(PANA)-- Expressing deep concern over the confrontation between the armed forces of Eritrea and Djibouti, the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) has urged the two countries to show utmost restraint and resort to dialogue to resolve any bilateral dispute.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its 136th meeting here late Thursday, the Council also called on Eritrea and Djibouti to cooperate fully in the efforts of the AU to resolve the conflict along their common border.

According to the communiqué, the PSC expressed its appreciation to the Djiboutian authorities for the cooperation they extended to the AU mission that visited the country from 5-9 June 2008.

The Council, however, noted with regret that the Eritrean authorities had not yet accepted to receive the mission that was sent by AU Commission Chairperson Jean Ping to help ease the current tension between the two countries.

Condemning the use of force, the Council stressed the imperative need to respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and the independence of member states, in conformity with the AU Constitutive Act.

In addition, Council called for the immediate return to the situation prevailing at the common border of the two countries before the current tension, including the withdrawal from the border of all forces that have been positioned there since 4 February 2008.

Clashes between the armed forces of the two countries since 10 June 2008 have caused losses of lives, and the PSC expressed concern over "the risk of escalation that could result from these regrettable developments".

The Council agreed to convene in due course and at the appropriate level to consider the situation and take the necessary decision, the communiqué added.

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