Resolution 1227 (1999), Adopted Unanimously, Urges States To End Sales of Arms, Munitions to Both Countries

The Security Council this afternoon demanded an immediate halt to the hostilities between Ethiopia and Eritrea, in particular the use of air strikes, and a resumption of diplomatic efforts by both parties to find a peaceful solution to the conflict. Adopting resolution 1227 (1999) unanimously, the Council condemned the use of force in the conflict and stressed that the Framework Agreement, approved by the Organization of African Unity (OAU) on 17 December 1998, remained a viable and sound basis for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

It strongly urged all States to immediately end all sales of arms and munitions to the two countries. The Council expressed full support for the OAU, the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy for Africa, Mohamed Sahnoun, and concerned Member States in their efforts to find a peaceful solution to the current hostilities. It called upon Ethiopia and Eritrea to ensure the safety of civilian populations and to respect human rights and international humanitarian law.

The representative of Ethiopia told the Council that rather than try to resolve the conflict peacefully, Eritrea used provocative military actions to divert attention from the core issue -- the need for Eritrea to withdraw from Ethiopia. His Government had sought a diplomatic solution to the crisis and had accepted peace proposals, but Eritrea had rejected virtually all peace proposals and created confusion by pretending to remain engaged in the OAU process. As for the Council's resolution, he had strong reservations about the call for an end to arms sales to both countries, which placed the victim and the aggressor on the same footing.

Eritrea's representative said his country had consistently called for a renunciation of force, a commitment to a peaceful, legal solution and a ceasefire. Such calls, repeated by the international community, had been rejected by Ethiopia. He urged the Council to note Ethiopia's responsibility for the start and escalation of the conflict and to act appropriately. At the behest of its President, the Council observed a minute's silence at the outset of the meeting in tribute to the memory of King Hussein. The meeting, which began at 4:15 p.m., was adjourned at 4:35 p.m.

"The Security Council,

"Reaffirming its resolutions 1177 (1998) of 26 June 1998 and 1226 (1999) of 29 January 1999,

"Expressing its grave concern regarding the border conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea and the resumption of hostilities between the parties,

"Recalling the commitment of Ethiopia and Eritrea to a moratorium on the threat of and use of air strikes,

"Stressing that the situation between Ethiopia and Eritrea constitutes a threat to peace and security,

"1. Condemns the recourse to the use of force by Ethiopia and Eritrea;

"2. Demands an immediate halt to the hostilities, in particular the use of air strikes;

"3. Demands that Ethiopia and Eritrea resume diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict;

"4. Stresses that the Framework Agreement as approved by the Central Organ Summit of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, and Resolution on 17 December 1998 (S/1998/1223, annex) remains a viable and sound basis for a peaceful resolution of the conflict;

"5. Expresses its full support for the efforts of the OAU, the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy for Africa, and concerned Member States to find a peaceful resolution to the present hostilities;

"6. Calls upon Ethiopia and Eritrea to ensure the safety of the civilian population and respect for human rights and international humanitarian law;

"7. Strongly urges all States to end immediately all sales of arms and munitions to Ethiopia and Eritrea;

"8. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter."