S/RES/1507 (2003)
Security Council Distr.: General
12 September 2003
03-49887 (E)
*0349887*
Resolution 1507 (2003)
Adopted 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,
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S/RES/1507 (2003)
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.