New York - The UN Security Council asked Eritrea on Thursday to assist in the relocation of the UN military observer mission, which has been unable to carry out its work there in a dispute with the government. Most of the 1,300-strong mission has been regrouped to the Eritrean capital, Asmara, and the city of Assab in past weeks after they were pulled out of a disputed security zone at the border of Eritrea and Ethiopia, effectively ending their task of monitoring the 2000 ceasefire between the countries.
The council president, Russian UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, said following a council meeting that the relocated UN troops were facing a "burden" due to unsuitable accommodations.
"The Security Council insists on full cooperation from Eritrea in the context of the temporary relocation of personnel and equipment," Churkin said. He said UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon will present options and recommendations as to the future of the UN mission.
Ban last week ordered the repatriation of troops except those needed to secure equipment.
Ban said living conditions in three military camps in Asmara were "substandard and congested," and ad hoc facilities did not suit the UN troops. He ordered the UN to send most of the troops to their home countries pending a decision of the council in New York about the fate of the mission.
Some troops from India, Jordan and Kenya were to remain in Asmara to look over equipment and help in the transportation of other UN peace troops, he said. Those who will soon complete their tour of duties will be repatriated and others will go to Ethiopia.
The pullout of the UN mission was the result of months of dispute with the Eritrean government. Last year, Eritrea clamped down on UN helicopter flights and in January began halting fuel supplies for the troops. The council in New York in February condemned Eritrea for its action, which caused the large-scale relocation of UN troops.
