THE UNITED HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS WELCOMES THE RELEASE OF 15 ETHIOPIAN PRISONERS OF WAR

9 August 2002




The United High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, welcomes the release and repatriation to Ethiopia of 15 Ethiopian prisoners of war, which was assisted by the ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross) and observed by UNMEE Human Rights Office ( United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea) , on 2 August, at the Mehreb River Bridge. This is a positive development after the long standstill which has characterized the process so far.

The High Commissioner commends Eritrea for restarting the process of releasing POWs. This significant development confirms the path chosen by both Ethiopia and Eritrea towards a peaceful coexistence and mutual cooperation. In the same vein, the High Commissioner expresses the hope that releases will continue and encourages both the Government of Ethiopia and the Government of Eritrea to build on the momentum so that all post-conflict pending issues can be addressed without delay.




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