Eritrea Ethiopia - US State Department Press Release

Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC, November 20, 2007
Question Taken at November 20, 2007 Daily Press Briefing
(to watch video follow the above link, start at around 23 min)

Question: What is the U.S. reaction to the recent heightened tensions between the two countries? Have we been in touch with them? At what levels?
The United States continues to urge both Ethiopia and Eritrea to show maximum restraint, to refrain from the threat or use of force against each other, and to avoid any action that may escalate tensions between the two countries. Renewed conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea would have a negative impact on all countries in the region. The Department issued a statement November 9 calling on the parties to avoid provocations and our concerns regularly are conveyed by our Chiefs of Mission to officials of both governments. The UN Security Council issued a statement November 13 calling on the parties to avoid force and to respect their commitments in the Algiers Agreements.
Released on November 20, 2007

The following is excerpt from Actual Question and Answer time
QUESTION: You know, the escalation of tensions in recent weeks amongst -- between Eritrea and Ethiopia -- what's the United States doing to try and encourage them to resolve their disputes?
MR. MCCORMACK: I'm not aware of what we're doing in the near term here recently. I know that we have made efforts to have the boundary demarcation commission meet. We have tried to get that back up and running through meetings in London as well as contacts directly with each government. I think the Ethiopian Government has expressed some willingness to do that. There's been some reticence on the Eritrean side. I'm not aware, however, Sue, of what we have done in recent weeks. I'm happy to check for you, though.

QUESTION: Okay. Has Jendayi Frazer made any special, you know -- is she going any time soon?
MR. MCCORMACK: Well, she was just recently in the region. I know she broke off from the Deputy Secretary. I'm not sure where she traveled to after she was with him in Mali and some other places in West Africa.