In December 1986, the Ethiopian authorities issued new directives concerning the conduct of the ICRC relief operation in the country's northern provinces (Eritrea, Tigre, Gondar and Wollo). The directives effectively subjected ICRC activities to decisions taken by the National Red Cross Society and the Ethiopian authorities, thus calling into question the principles of independence and neutrality which must at all times and in all circumstances guide ICRC action on behalf of victims covered by its assistance and protection mandate.