Reuters
05-AUG-98
ASMARA, Aug 5 (Reuters)- Eritrea said on Wednesday it was satisfied with the result of a weekend Organisation of African Unity (OAU) meeting to discuss its border conflict with Eritrea.
Tesfamariam Tekeste, a senior official in the Eritrean foreign ministry, told Reuters he was also pleased with a report by OAU ambassadors presented at the meeting held in Burkina Faso.
``The OAU have reflected all our concerns and objectives,'' said Tesfamariam. ``They have got very good information from embassies, the U.N. and outside missions.''
Hundreds died when a simmering border dispute between the two Horn of Africa neighbours flared into violence in May and June.
Ethiopia said on Tuesday the OAU meeting supported its claims to disputed border territory at Badme and Sheraro.
A diplomat familiar with the OAU report to be presented to African heads of state, said Badme was under Ethiopian administration before May.
Eritrea rejected an earlier OAU mission in which four African heads of state urged President Isayas Afewerki to withdraw to territory his country held before the conflict flared into violence on May 6.
The OAU made no similar demand in talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.
Tesfamariam said: ``The OAU admitted that they did not have all the information the first time, but now they have enough information. They have said that this is a completely new initiative.''
Eritrea says it wants an immediate unconditional ceasefire and the implementation of a U.N.-sponsored African peace-keeping force.
The presidents of Zimbabwe, Burkino Faso and Djibouti are expected to meet to discuss the report before the final proposals are made public. No timescale has been set.