7 April 2009 - Security Council - Consultations on Djibouti / Eritrea - Statement to the press by Mr. Jean-Maurice Ripert, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations

The Security Council held consultations on the dispute between Eritrea and Djibouti. Despite UNSCR 1862 of January 24, Eritrea has still not implemented its obligations, i.e., the withdrawal of its troops from the contested area, the engagement of a dialogue with Djibouti, and the initiation of discussions with the United Nations, whom we asked to try to peacefully resolve this dispute because we consider there is no military solution to this crisis.

The Council unanimously noted that Eritrea had not, for now, fulfilled its obligations, and urged the UN secretary-general to pursue his mediation efforts. The president of the Council should convey these concerns to Eritrea’s permanent representative./.