UNMEE says no Ethiopian force in TSZ 

Addis Ababa, August 9 (ENA)--- A senior official with the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) says the mission has thoroughly investigated Eritrea's allegation that Ethiopian forces were in the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ) and found out no circumstantial evidence.

   Legwaila Joseph Legwaila, special representative of the UN Secretary General, told journalists at the Mereb River Bridge that UNMEE has informed Eritrean authorities of its findings on the allegations. 

 Legwaila said since the establishment of the TSZ, UNMEE has conducted numerous investigations of all manner of allegations that are made by one or both parties.

  UNMEE is a neutral monitoring body tasked with monitoring the implementation of the Ethio-Eritrean Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities and the peace deal signed in December last year, he said.

  Legwaila said UNMEE gives priority to ensure that operations within the TSZ continue to strengthen the peace process. 

 The Mission also attaches due attention to continuing the search for solutions to issues of concern to both governments, the official said. 

 UNMEE Force Commander, Major General Patrick Cammaert, said on his part that progress was made at the UNMEE 8th Military Coordination Commission meeting in Nairobi with regard to the recovery, identification and repatriation of unburied mortal remains in areas controlled by either party.

  Much of the discussion during the meeting was centered on confidence building measures, the force commander said. 

 He said the Eritrean and Ethiopian delegations at the meeting also deliberated on reducing tensions and facilitating the return of internally displaced people to their homes of origin on either side of the southern boundary.

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