The Boundary Commission's Proposal to Issue a 'Demarcation Decision' Without a Demarcation Process would be legally invalid

(21/11/2006)

On 7th November 2006 the Ethiopia-Eritrea Boundary Commission unexpectedly sent a letter to the concerned parties, informing them of its proposal to issue a "demarcation decision" on 20th November 2006 without completing the demarcation process as required under the Algiers Agreements.

The Government of Ethiopia replied by letter to the Commission, informing them that its proposal, if implemented, would result in a decision void of any legal force or effect and therefore must be rejected by Ethiopia.  The Government stated that such an act would be a dramatic departure from the demarcation the Commission was mandated to fulfil in the Algiers Agreement, and thus would be ultra vires (outside of the Commission's authority), because the Commission cannot redefine its mandate at this point in the demarcation process without agreement of the parties.

Ethiopia called upon the Commission to withdraw its letter and to cancel the proposed meeting for 20th November 2006.

Press Release

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

20th November 2006