§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will raise the current hostilities between Eritrea and Ethiopia at the United Nations Security Council, as constituting a threat to the peace of the Horn of Africa; and whether they will call in the ambassadors of both countries for urgent discussions. [HL2179]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe United Nations Security Council is following this conflict closely, and has received a detailed briefing from the US/Rwandan team who have been facilitating mediation efforts. We are concerned that this dispute threatens regional stability, and risks the lives of innocent civilians and internal development in both countries. The Foreign Secretary raised these issues directly with Prime Minister Meles of Ethiopia and President Isaias of Eritrea in contacts with them on 3 June. We continue to keep both the Ethiopian and Eritrean Governments informed of our concerns, and those of our EU partners, as well as of our support for the mediation efforts being undertaken by the US, Rwanda and the OAU.