UN AND ETHIOPIAN GOVERNMENT SIGN SOFA

The United Nations and the Ethiopian Government have signed a Status-of-Forces Agreement (SOFA) concerning the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE).

The SOFA outlines the rights, privileges and obligations between the UNMEE Mission and the host country within a legal framework. The agreement with the Ethiopian Government was signed Friday at United Nations Headquarters in New York.

"We believe this is a significant and positive step forward in the continuing peace process," said Legwaila Joseph Legwaila, the Special Representative for the Secretary-General, who met today in Addis with Ethiopian Foreign Affairs Minister, Seyoum Mesfin, to discuss the progress of the Mission and the establishment of the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ).

As part of the agreement, freedom of movement for all UNMEE military and civilian staff is guaranteed. Taxes for locally purchased goods for official use also will be waived under the SOFA.

"We are very pleased that the SOFA has been signed since it will ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the Mission," said Cheikh-Tidiane Gaye, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General based in Addis.

*****

For additional information contact the UNMEE Public Information Offices: Addis Ababa, phone 251-1-443396 (e-mail, walkera@un.org); Asmara, phone: 291-1-151908 (e-mail: kellyb@un.org)

Main Page

UN Home Page

Not an official document of the United Nations. Maintained by the Peace and Security Section of the Department of Public Information in cooperation with the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. (c) United Nations 2001