Ambassadors of the Netherlands, Nigeria categorically denied report of Eritrea’s radio

Addis Ababa July17 (ENA)--Ambassadors of the Netherlands and Nigeria to Eritrea categorically denied a radio broad cast by the broad masses of Eritrea on 15 July 2001 that the two officials have confirmed Ethiopia has violated the agreement on the establishment of the temporary security zone.

 According to a joint press statement issued by the ambassadors on Monday, they said they are in no position to confirm or deny that any violation of the agreement on the temporary security zone.

 Both ambassadors reiterated in the statement that their respective governments’ continued support to the peace process and the mandate of the United Nations mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea.

 The radio reported on a working tour of western sector of the temporary security zone by the ambassadors of the Netherlands Yoks Brandt and Haruna Wando of Nigeria to have witnessed Ethiopia’s violation of the agreement.

 The broadcast to the effect that the two ambassadors…“Based on personal assessment of the area and the explanations given to them with the help of a map confirmed that the Ethiopian regime had violated the agreement on the establishment of the temporary security zone…“is inaccurate and misleading, the statement said.

 The embassies of the two ambassadors appreciate that the commission for coordination with the UN peacekeeping mission provided the opportunity to get greater knowledge and a clear understanding of the situation on the ground.

 "The two embassies regret any misunderstanding that might have arisen as a result of this misrepresentation by the voice of the broad masses of Eritrea,'' according to the statement.

 The aspect of the broadcast relating to the alleged confirmation by the two ambassadors should be disregarded, the statement quoted the officials as saying.

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