United Nations Security Council Resolution 1507

by the United Nations

Adopted unanimously by the Security Council at its 4822nd meeting, on 12 September 2003

The Security Council,

Reaffirming all its previous resolutions and statements pertaining to the situation between Ethiopia and Eritrea, and the requirements contained therein, including in particular resolution 1466 (2003) of 14 March 2003, and the presidential statement of 17 July 2003 (S/PRST/2003/10),

Further reaffirming its unwavering support for the peace process and its commitment, including through the role played by the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) in the implementation of its mandate, to the full and expeditious implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed by the Governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea (hereinafter referred to as "the parties") on 12 December 2000 and the preceding Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities of 18 June 2000 (S/2000/1183 and S/2000/601, respectively, hereinafter referred to as the "Algiers Agreements") and the Delimitation Decision by the Boundary Commission of 13 April 2002 (S/2002/423), embraced by the parties as final and binding in accordance with the Algiers Agreements,

Noting that the peace process has now entered its crucial phase of demarcation and emphasizing the importance of ensuring expeditious implementation of the Boundary Decision while maintaining stability in all areas affected by the decision,

Expressing concern at delays in the demarcation process, particularly given the operational cost of UNMEE at a time of growing demands on United Nations peacekeeping,

Expressing concern at the continuing humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia and Eritrea and the implications this could have on the peace process, and calling on Member States to continue to provide prompt and generous support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Eritrea,

Reiterating its urgent demand that the parties allow UNMEE full freedom of movement and remove with immediate effect any and all restrictions on, and impediments to the work of, UNMEE and its staff in the discharge of its mandate,

Expressing concern regarding the reported increase in incidents of incursions at the local level into the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ), and calling on both parties to prevent such incidents, and expressing further concern about the increasing number of mine incidents in the TSZ, including newly planted mines,

Noting the work done by the UNMEE Mine Action Coordination Centre in demining and education on risk related to mines, and urging the parties to pursue efforts on mine clearance,

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General (S/2003/858), and fully supporting the observations and recommendations made therein,

1. Decides to extend the mandate of UNMEE at the troop and military observer levels authorized by its resolution 1320 (2000) of 15 September 2000, until 15 March 2004;

2. Calls for demarcation of the boundary to begin as scheduled by the Boundary Commission and further calls on the parties to create the necessary conditions for demarcation to proceed, including the appointment of field liaison officers;

3. Urges the Governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea to assume their responsibilities and to take further concrete steps to fulfil their commitments under the Algiers Agreements;

4. Calls on Ethiopia and Eritrea to cooperate fully and promptly with the Boundary Commission to enable it to fulfil the mandate conferred upon it by the parties of expeditiously demarcating the boundary and to implement fully the Commission’s Demarcation Directions and Orders, and to take all necessary steps to provide the necessary security on the ground for the Boundary Commission’s staff and contractors operating in territories under their control, and welcomes assurances given by both parties in this regard;

5. Urges the parties to cooperate fully and expeditiously with UNMEE in the implementation of its mandate, to ensure the personal security of all UNMEE staff when operating in territories under their control, and to facilitate their work, including by establishing a direct high-altitude flight route between Asmara and Addis Ababa to relieve the unnecessary additional cost to UNMEE, and by lifting all visa restrictions on UNMEE personnel and mission partners;

6. Reaffirms the crucial importance of political dialogue between the two countries for the success of the peace process and the consolidation of progress made so far, welcomes initiatives to facilitate this dialogue, and calls again on both parties to normalize their relationship through political dialogue, including confidence-building measures;

7. Decides to follow closely the progress made by the parties in the implementation of their commitments under the Algiers Agreements, including through the Boundary Commission, and to review any implications for UNMEE;

8. Welcomes the contributions by Member States to the Trust Fund for the Delimitation and Demarcation of the Border, and calls on the international community to continue to contribute urgently to the Trust Fund in order to facilitate the conclusion of the demarcation process in accordance with the Boundary Commission’s schedule;

9. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.