The Algiers Agreement was a peace agreement between the governments of Eritrea and Ethiopia that was signed on 12 December 2000, at Algiers, Algeria, to formally end the Eritrean–Ethiopian War, a border war fought by the two countries from 1998 to 2000. In the agreement, the two parties reaffirmed the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, which had been signed on 18 June 2000. The Algiers Agreement provided for the exchange of prisoners and the return of displaced persons and established a Boundary Commission to demarcate the border and a Claims Commission to assess damages caused by the conflict. Conditions and structure of the agreement The purpose of the agreement was to: End/terminate hostilities permanently and agree to refrain from the threat or use of force. Respect and implement fully the provisions of an agreement on cessation of hostilities signed on 18 June 2000. Release and repatriate all prisoners of war and all other persons detained. Provide humane treatment to each other's nationals and persons of each other's national origin within their respective territories. The agreement established three commissions: the Eritrea–Ethiopia Boundary Commission (to delimit and demarcate the border between the two states), the Eritrea–Ethiopia Claims Commission (to assess claims for damages stemming from the war), and an independent and impartial body appointed by the UN Secretary General to investigate the beginnings of the war. Each commission was composed of five members and located in The Hague, Netherlands. Each country was to appoint two commissioners who were not nationals of the country. The president of each commission was selected by the other commissioners. Provision was made that if they failed to agree on a president within 30 days, the Secretary-General of the United Nations would appoint a president after consultation with the parties. The Boundaries Commission and the Claims Commission would work with the Permanent Court of Arbitration to judge each party’s claims. In July 2001, the Commission sat to decide its jurisdiction, procedures and possible remedies. The result of this sitting was issued in August 2001. In October 2001, following consultations with the Parties, the Commission adopted its Rules of Procedure. In December 2001, the Parties filed their claims with the commission. The claims filed by the Parties relate to such matters as the conduct of military operations in the front zones, the treatment of POWs and of civilians and their property, diplomatic immunities and the economic impact of certain