Ethiopia-Eritrea

Question: What is the U.S. reaction to the recent heightened tensions between the two countries? Have we been in touch with them? At what levels?

The United States continues to urge both Ethiopia and Eritrea to show maximum restraint, to refrain from the threat or use of force against each other, and to avoid any action that may escalate tensions between the two countries. Renewed conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea would have a negative impact on all countries in the region. The Department issued a statement November 9 calling on the parties to avoid provocations and our concerns regularly are conveyed by our Chiefs of Mission to officials of both governments. The UN Security Council issued a statement November 13 calling on the parties to avoid force and to respect their commitments in the Algiers Agreements.

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