This case study examines the breakdown of the dispute resolution process that was intended to lay the foundations for a reconciliation between Eritrea and Ethiopia following their bitter border war of 1998 to 2000. The paper identifies general lessons for future third party settlements. In particular, the Eritrea-Ethiopia case suggests that factors such as the scope of the third party's mandate, the composition of ad hoc panels, and the transparency and duration of the panel's activities might affect the ultimate success of territorial dispute resolution.
Official documents relating to Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission can be found on the website of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at http://www.pca-cpa.org/ENGLISH/RPC/. The reports of the Commission are annexed to the periodic progress reports of the Secretary-General on Ethiopia and Eritrea. The text of Ethiopia's "Request for Interpretation, Correction and Consultation" is reproduced at http://www.waltainfo.com/Conflict/BasicFacts/2002/June/fact_02.htm
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