The
Ethiopian government is working at setting up a united
front of Eritrean opponents in order to step up the heat
on the regime of Issayas Afeworki.
The
Ethiopian
People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front
(EPRDF, Ethiopian governing coalition)
sponsored a conference of various Eritrean
nationalities at Mekele in the Tigray
Regional State in the north of Ethiopia on 7
July. This conference constitutes a first
step in setting up machinery to precipitate
the fall of the regime of President
Issayas Afeworki. It gathered
delegates from five Eritrean ethnic groups (Afar,
Kunama, Bilin, Nara and
Saho) including representatives from
organisations participating in the
Democratic Front of Eritrean Nationalities
(DFEN, Eritrean opposition) headed by
Ibrahim Haroon and
Cornelius Osman.
The second stage in the EPRDF strategy is to
hold a National Conference for Democratic
Change (NCDC) gathering all of the Eritrean
opposition organisations. This conference is
planned to be held in Addis Ababa or Mekele
at the end of July, but there is a strong
risk it will be put back because the
Ethiopian authorities want at all costs to
obtain the participation of the
Eritrean
People’s Democratic Party (EPDP) led
by
Mesfin Hagos, which for the time
being is far from certain. This group is the
best suited to represent Eritrean Christians
from the highlands, whereas the DFEN draws
its membership mainly from the lowlands and
the coastal region. This is similar to
several other opposition organisations,
including the Islamists which recruit from
among the Muslim population in the Eritrean
lowlands.
Finally, Ethiopian officials in charge of
security in the Afar region led by
Ghebre Yohannis have tried, with
only qualified success, to get the
Ugugumo Afar rebels to participate
in the 7 July Eritrean nationalities
conference. But one of the leaders with whom
they had been in discussion who answers to
the name of
Araboo broke off negotiations,
returning with his men into the bush. The
EPRDF then turned its attention to another
Afar rebel leader, known by the name of
Willisa, to negotiate the
possibility that the Ugugumo could continue
its armed fight provided that its actions
are directed exclusively against Eritrea.
Gebreab G/Kirstos
July 22, 2010
In spite of the failure to listen to the voices of
reason, the EDA leadership and the National Conference
architects and spin-doctors continue to insist that the
process of the Conference is winning the hearts and
minds of Eritrean Diaspora. But the actions and the
thinking that shaped the conference speak otherwise.
The 13 July session of the
European Parliament defence sub-committee
turned into a debate on European policy in the
Somalia region. That was when it heard Rear Admiral
Thomas Ernst, the deputy commander-in-chief
of the
European Union naval force, operation
Atalante, in charge of protecting shipping off the
coast of Somalia
Sawa,
23 July 2010 - The Executive Director of the
national board of Eritrean Higher Institutions
of Education, Dr. Tadese Mehari, said that the
newly opened colleges in the country have
managed to provide quality education that meets
Aljazeera 21-07-2010
The African Union has warned in an internal report that
it risks losing public support in Somalia if it
continues to kill large numbers of civilians.
About 5,000 AU peacekeepers are stationed in the
Somali capital, Mogadishu, protecting the weak
Transitional Federal Government.
The AU's report concluded that the peacekeepers have
indiscriminately shelled civilian areas, causing large
numbers of casualties.
The organisation called for "urgent attention" to the
problem
Asmara, 22 July
2010 – President
Isaias Afwerki
is participating
in the 12th
regular CEN-SAD
Summit in the
Chadian capital
of Njamena.
The two-day
summit which
opened today
would hold
deliberations on
the objective
situation of CEN-SAD
and its future
action program.
On arrival at
Njamena
International
Airport in the
afternoon hours
yesterday,
President Isaias
was accorded
warm welcome by
Chadian
President Idris
Debi, Government
officials,
diplomats and
others.
Residents near Liboi, Kenya said
there was a fierce exchange of
fire between the two sides
[File: EPA]
Aljazeera 21-07-2010
Kenyan security forces on the border
with Somalia have clashed with suspected members
of the al-Shabab group, officials and residents
said.
Wilson Murungi, the commissioner of Lagdera,
said al-Shabab fighters ambushed a Kenyan border
patrol and wounded one officer.
"The attack was not a raid inside [Kenya]. Our
officers were attacked as they conducted a
normal patrol.
I was never brought up to be a pessimistic person and
I will never be either. In fact I am always an
optimistic person as I am a fish by my birth sign for
those of you who adore astrology. But sometimes reality
is bitter to swallow. As the famous senator from
Arizona love to boast “straight talk
express”, I am about to delve into the recent ethnic
gathering in Mekele,
Ethiopia. I am for ethnic
rights and all kind of rights but the recent race into
ethnic mania raises lots of questions than it shed
answers.
QAC officials and
guests at the graduation ceremony
The Qatar
Aeronautical College (QAC) has hosted a ceremony for
graduates of its various programmes before the institute
closes on August 4 for the session.
A total of 10 air traffic controllers (ATCs),
four
Complaints about facilities and services yesterday
forced a five-hour suspension of proceedings at the
ongoing African Union Summit at Commonwealth Speke
Resort Munyonyo as some drama played out on the
sidelines of the conference.
In one incident, suspected plain-clothed security
personnel were seen tearing down a poster of Libyan
leader, Col. Muammar Gadaffi in the media room at
Munyonyo...
Canadian
miner Nevsun Resources’ large precious-metals- and
base-metals-rich volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS)
deposit, located 150 km west of Asmara, Eritrea, is
expected to reach commercial production during the first
quarter of 2011.
Eritrea Calls for End to UN Sanctions
Larry Freund | United Nations
20 July 2010
Eritrea's ambassador to the United Nations, Araya Desta, called
the agreement with Djibouti a significant development, but he
said the sanctions imposed on Eritrea by the Security Council
last year were unjust.
"Eritrea takes issues of peace and security very seriously, and
it shall not be discouraged or deterred from participating in
meaningful and fruitful discussions that would concretely
contribute to sustainable peace in its region. In light of the
steps taken by Eritrea together with Djibouti under the auspices
of the Qatari diplomatic efforts, and Eritrea's firm commitment
towards peace efforts in Somalia, my delegation appeals to the
Security Council to lift the sanctions imposed on Eritrea," he
said.
Number of
summer visitors( to Eritrea) has doubled this year
compared with the pervious year.
About 21,000 Eritrean Nationals
Arrive In The Country For
Vacation
Asmara, 20, July 2010 –
About 21,000 Eritrean
nationals have arrived
in the Homeland from
different parts of the
world in the past two
months to spend their
vacation time, according
to reports from the
immigration office.
The nationals, who
arrived from May 15 – 13
July, said that their
visit to their country
is part of their
continuous resolute
rebuff and rejection of
the unjust and illegal
sanction resolutions of
the US. Moreover, they
expressed satisfaction
in being able to spend
their vacation time with
their family and friends
in peace as well as
observe the ongoing
development endeavors
through popular
participation of the
society at large and the
Government as well as
members of the EDF. The
nationals voiced
determination to
redouble their
contribution in the
future.
Reports added that the
number of summer
visitors has doubled
this year compared with
the pervious year.
President Isaias Leaves for Chad
Asmara,
21 July 2010 - President
Isaias Afwerki today
left for Njamena, Chad,
to attend the CEN-SAD
Summit.
In the course of the
meeting from July 22 to
23, the Heads of State
would conduct discussion
on the objective
situation of CEN-SAD and
its future action
program.
WASHINGTON
— The United States should add Eritrea to a terrorism blacklist
over its support for an Al-Qaeda-linked group tied to last
week's deadly bombings in Uganda, a senior US lawmaker urged
Tuesday.
Representative Ed Royce, the top Republican on a House
subcommittee on terrorism, nonproliferation and trade, urged US
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in a letter to designate
Eritrea a state sponsor of terrorism.
20 July 2010 – The United Nations today welcomed steps by Eritrea and Djibouti to resolve their border dispute through mediation by Qatar, saying Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was ready to provide technical support if needed to facilitate a settlement.
Under Secretary-General for Political Affairs B. Lynn Pascoe told the Security Council that the Qatari Prime Minister, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr Al-Thani, had written to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon informing him that Eritrean troops had withdrawn from the disputed areas of Ras Doumiera and Doumiera Island and that Qatari military observers had been deployed to those localities pending a final settlement.
This follows the signing of an agreement by Eritrea and Djibouti on 6 June, under the auspices of Qatar, in which the neighbouring countries decided to resolve their border conflict through a negotiated settlement.
The International Crisis Group has dismissed alleged links
between Eritrea and Somali insurgent group al-Shabab following
calls from an United States lawmaker to designate the country a
state sponsor of terrorism.
In a letter sent Tuesday, U.S. Congressman Ed Royce advised
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to add Eritrea to the
country's list of State Sponsors of Terrorism.
President Opens International
Youth Symposium Here
Asmara,
21 July 2010 - President
Isaias Afwerki today
opened the International
Youth Symposium at Hotel
Asmara Palace under the
theme: “Common
Understanding on Peace
and Stability, as well
as Sustainable
Development.”
In an opening speech,
the President pointed
out that the symposium
is the continuation of
the 4th ERI-Youth
Festival, and that it
reminds the
responsibility of the
youth in the region
towards meeting the
challenges being
encountered at the
regional and global
level through
strengthening common
friendship. He also
wished success to the
conference.
Meanwhile, in a seminar
he conducted under the
title “Current
Challenges, Peace and
Reconstruction of the
country and the Region,”
Mr. Abdalla Jabir, Head
of Organizational
Affairs at the PFDJ,
pointed out that a
country short of lasting
peace and security, as
well as clear political
path negatively affects
other countries,
especially neighboring
ones. In this respect,
he underscored the
paramount importance of
fostering close
partnership of
cooperation among
countries, especially
active participation of
solid organization and
contribution of youths.
Noting that no country
has been able to ensure
economic emancipation by
isolating itself from
the outside world, Mr.
Abdalla stressed the
need for the youth in
the region to enhance
partnership, strengthen
organizational capacity
and become owners of
their resources, and
thereby strive for peace
and security, as well as
reconstruction of their
respective nations.
Likewise, the
Chairperson of the
Symposium Coordinating
Committee, Ms. Rahel
Woldeab, stated that the
symposium is aimed at
fostering friendship
among the youth in the
region. She further
explained that no peace
and development at the
national and regional
level could be realized
without the active
participation of youths.
Representatives of youth
associations and
organizations from
Sudan, Libya, Egypt and
Somalia conveyed
messages of solidarity
to the symposium.
Lauding Eritrea’s role
in ensuring peace and
security in the region,
they asserted that they
would strive for
regional harmony and
cooperation.
In the international
symposium that would
continue until July 23,
nine study papers would
be presented focusing on
the role of youths in
the nation-building
process, the role of
youth association in
nurturing common
understanding,
development and peace,
among others.
WASHINGTON
— The United States should add Eritrea to a terrorism blacklist
over its support for an Al-Qaeda-linked group tied to last
week's deadly bombings in Uganda, a senior US lawmaker urged
Tuesday.
Representative Ed Royce, the top Republican on a House
subcommittee on terrorism, nonproliferation and trade, urged US
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in a letter to designate
Eritrea a state sponsor of terrorism.
"The time to tackle state support of Shebab is now, before
this menace becomes even more potent and reaches our shores," he
said, referring to the group that has claimed responsibility for
the attacks.
"That response must include an honest recognition of the
destructive role the government of Eritrea is playing in the
region by designating it as a state sponsor of terrorism," said
Royce.
To Mr. Tewelde Ghebresselae,
Chairman of Eritrean Democratic Alliance,
Dear Chairman Tewelde,
Eritrean Global Solidarity takes the opportunity of the
convening of the Central Leadership of Eritrean
Democratic Council to convey through an open letter its
good wishes for your highly anticipated meeting and
deeply felt concerns- on issues that are common to all
of us struggling in various capacity, to bring an end to
the absence of the Rule of law, Justice, Democracy and
Human Rights in Eritrea- in an open and transparent
manner.
It is our hope and wish this letter will be shared with
all member organizations of EDA and the public at large.
It will be an understatement to say that we have been
anxiously observing the overall acrimonious political
ambiance that seems to be swirling around the EDA
umbrella due to the disunity around the issue of the
National Conference for Democratic Change (NCDC). We did
make an honest effort by posting our first Open letter
on June 10, 2010. Once again we are sending another
letter as part of our civic duty.
The full weight of our first open letter is the very
foundation of our second letter. We still abide by our
first letter’s fundamental message: How possible can it
be for EDA to conduct a very successful NCDC when the
all organizations under its umbrella are not even
participating? This vexing question has become more
pronounced and central as the designated day of the
convening of the NCDC gets closer.
MOGADISHU,
SOMALIA
--
An
African
Union
peacekeeping
force,
funded
by
hundreds
of
millions
of
dollars
from
the
United
States
and
its
allies,
has
killed,
wounded
and
displaced
hundreds
of
Somali
civilians
in a
stepped-up
campaign
against
Islamist
militants,
according
to
medical
officials,
human
rights
activists
and
victims.
Empower the youth!
The Eritrean youth, wherever he/she might be, is
the guarantor of the sovereignty of our motherland
and the engine of change. Those who fear the youth, need to get
out of the way.
23rd Round National
Service Graduation and 4th Eritrea-Youth Festival
Sawa, 16 July 2010 – The 23rd round
national service members graduated
today and the 4th ERI-Youth Festival
was officially opened with vivid
enthusiasm.
Speaking at the official graduation
ceremony, President Isaias Afwerki
congratulated all the participants
and particularly the youth from
abroad saying: "You have made us
proud!" He then expressed his
appreciation to all those who
organized the uplifting event.
President Isaias went on to point
out that at a time when today's
youth are being perceived as less
responsible than previous
generations; Eritrean youths have
proven that their
Last Updated on Monday, 12 July 2010 22:49
Written by Berhan
Hagos Monday, 12
July 2010 22:44
Despite the energetic campaign and the significance
attached to the upcoming National Conference for
Democratic Change (NCDC), the vast majority of Eritreans
in Diaspora remain oblivious to this event.
Any casual follower of Diaspora Eritrean politics
will be hard pressed to learn about the NCDC without
digging deep into
Eritrean American Miriam Zehaie is Ms University of
Texas at Arlington She is a 3rd Year Student Majoring in
Education. Miriam is 19 year old. She is a model of
young Eritrean
American. She was at July 4th Parade . Yoel ZehaieD.J.
Keren, Knon radio Dallas
A National Conference is usually
held to solve problems, to heal, and pave the way for democratic
institutions that would guarantee a peaceful and harmonious coexistence
of all the constituents of a given nation. Eritrean National Conference
should ideally be held in Asmara, hopefully very soon, after the demise
of the dictatorship or at its last death gasps, to start the journey of
passage to democracy. It will confer and deliberate, among other things,
about nation and state building, peace with ourselves and our
neighbours, a constituent assembly, a constitution that will take into
due consideration our diversity, elections, a parliament, and the
institution of a democratic government.
Related Topic: Letter to the UN 1992
As you may remember my last article on our voice of
the voiceless websites was the one about the National
Conference. Though, most of the people in the opposition
site including the heavy weights do agree on my
reservations that I have pointed out by then they
disagree with me on why I made it public. The good part
is in private we are all in the same page. From the many
feed backs that I collected both by e-mail and over the
phone I was in a good shape with all my callers and
writers and the only difference was my hard steps in
making the reservations open; the notion of “kikalah
ayneberon”. I some times think I am a wise fool.
I have no idea how many times or for how long should we
conceal our dirty truth “kuslis” in dark. I do not know
how we have developed and how we can destroy this school
of thought about politics is all secretes and that you
would only talk about your feelings in private it could
be in bars,
On behalf of all members of Association of Disabled
Eritreans and myself, I salute you whole-heartedly and
dearly. I do not think I am exaggerating if I say that
we are witnessing our forefathers’ proverb, zeymote
yraKeb “Those who are not dead are destined to meet
again.” I consider it a great blessing that some of us
are seeing one another after 32 years. Moreover, we do
not evaluate this day lightly because we are laying a
great historic foundation for our Association, thus, all
of us are proud of this day, for that reason, it is a
very special and an extraordinary day.
Department of
Information and Culture Eritrean People’s Democratic
Party Tuesday, 29 June 2010 05:01
On Saturday, June 26, 2010, Mr. Tesfamichael Yohannes,
member of EPDP Executive Committee and Head of
Organizations department, met with Eritrean public
residing in Atlanta and its environs,
and briefly discussed and
updated the participants on the ever-worsening
repression of Eritrean people under the PFDJ regime, as
well as the present circumstance surrounding the
Eritrean people’s democratic struggle.
EPDP Chapter in the Bay
Area Monday, 28
June 2010 07:08
embers of
EPDP hosted public meeting on Saturday June 26th
in Oakland California. Haw Tesfai Woldemichael,
Deggiga, member of EPDP Executive Committee was the
guest speaker. Deggiga with his eloquent speech and
depth of analysis focus on the following three topics:
Current situation of Eritrean people and the
opposition
The journey of unity of three organizations; EPP,
EDP, and EPM
28 June 2010 –Eritrea
deserves credit for its recent constructive engagement
with its neighbours and the international community,
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says in a new report in
which he urges the country to provide evidence that it
is complying with a Security Council resolution that
imposed sanctions for the country’s destabilizing
activities in Djibouti and Somalia.
“Despite the
Government of Eritrea’s long-standing positions on
Somalia and Djibouti, it has recently taken a number of
steps towards constructive engagement with its
neighbours and the wider international community,” Mr.
Ban says in a
report to the Security Council on Eritrea’s
compliance on resolution 1907, issued in January last
year.
“While recent developments represent a move in the
right direction, I urge the Government of Eritrea to do
more to provide evidence of its compliance with
resolution 1907 and the practical measures set out in
it,” the Secretary-General says.
The resolution imposed an arms embargo on Eritrea and
a travel ban and an assets freeze on Eritrean political
and military leaders who violated the embargo, provided
support to armed opposition groups destabilizing the
region or obstructed implementation of a previous
Council resolution that demanded that Eritrea withdrawal
its troops from Djibouti.
The resolution followed a request by the regional
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and
the African Union (AU) for the Council to take such
action.
The positive steps referred to by the
Secretary-General include Eritrea’s reception of the
Sanctions Committee in Asmara, its participation in the
Istanbul Conference on Somalia, and its engagement in
regional mediation efforts led by Qatar on Eritrea’s
border dispute with Djibouti.
“I am encouraged that Eritrea is now engaging in an
effort to arrive at a peaceful resolution to the border
conflict and normalize relations with Djibouti,” Mr. Ban
writes.
However, he notes that the UN’s ability to verify
Eritrea’s compliance with resolution 1907 is very
limited, and expresses hope that the new monitoring
group on Somalia and Eritrea, which will be established
in due course, will provide for independent monitoring
and reporting on the implementation of measures imposed
by the resolution.
The Secretary-General also welcomes recent reports
that indicate that Eritrea is taking measures to restore
its representation at the headquarters of the AU and
encourages the Horn of Africa country to make a similar
effort in re-establishing its membership in IGAD.
“Eritrea’s enhanced engagement with regional
organizations and international partners would be an
important contribution to strengthening peace and
stability in the Horn of Africa,” he adds.
He says that long-term peace and stability in the
region require a comprehensive approach to address the
interlinked conflicts.
The
Association of Disabled Eritreans (ADE) is convening a
constituent congress in Chicago, Illinois in North
America on July 3, 2010. This constituent congress will
establish an Eritrean Association of Disabled
Eritreans-North America Chapter.
Eritrean Democratic Association welcomes the
establishment of Eritrean Association of Disabled
Eritreans-North America Chapter and affirms its stand in
solidarity with the Association of Disabled Eritreans,
an association dedicated to the support of Eritreans who
sustained heavy injuries during the 30-year war of
independence, as well as Eritreans who became disabled
as a result of natural causes.
Saying
No to EDA sponsored intimidation and harassment
I read the report of your recent
annual meeting and am rather perplexed by your report of
what transpired in the organisation at the close of
2009. I am particularly surprised to note that you have
accused myself and Mr Noel M Joseph of the following:
Failing to comply with the spirit and procedures
of NECS on several issues (and I presume occasions).
Failing to fulfill obligations emanating from
the positions accorded to us.
A lot happened during the months
leading up to December 2009, when both Noel and I
thought it was impossible for us to carry on within the
context that ..
First I like to extend my regards to the chairmen and members of
the organizations.
I am writing this letter for three related reasons. The first is
the feeling that your organizations are the right organizations,
where people like me must turn to with regard to the messy EDA-
which
unashamedly is thinking of filling the political vacuum once the
inhumane dictator in Asmara is dethroned. The second is the
urgency to put an halt to the mess of EDA- which has demoralized
the opposition, and which poses a real danger to post-Isayas
Eritrea. Thirdly, I do believe that your respected
organizations have the leverages, and unique opportunity to make
a significant difference.
I don't think there is any doubt with regard to the
performance
Asmara, 25 June
2010 – President
Isaias Afwerki
said that a
meeting aimed at
further
enhancing
Eritrean-Egyptian
relations would
be held in
Asmara shortly,
in continuation
of the bilateral
discussion
conducted in
Cairo. He made
the remarks in
an interview he
conducted today
here in the
capital with the
Egyptian daily,
Al-Ahram.
First I like to extend my regards to the chairmen and
members of the organizations.
I am writing this letter for three related reasons. The
first is the feeling that your organizations are the
right organizations, where poeple like me must turn to
with regard to the messy EDA- ..
Three Statements Concerning
Eritrea
Statements on Eritrea
The US Embassy in Asmara released
three statements today concerning the Eritrea – Djibouti
Agreement, the recently released Trafficking in Persons
(TIP) Report, and a reiteration of US policy regarding
the Eritrean Ethiopian Boundary Commission.
Eritrea
– Djibouti Agreement
The Embassy of the United States of
America welcomes the signing of the June 6, 2010
agreement between President Isaias of Eritrea and
President Guelleh of Djibouti allowing the State of
Qatar to mediate the border dispute between the two
countries. The Embassy views this agreement as an
important first step toward achieving renewed peace and
stability in the region. It is encouraging that the two
countries have shown willingness to resolve this dispute
peacefully. The Embassy urges Eritrea and Djibouti to
work together for a rapid, peaceful settlement.
On June 14, 2010 Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton released the 2010 Trafficking in Persons
.....According to the report, acts of forced labor (a
kind of Trafficking in Persons) occurred in Eritrea,
particularly in connection with the implementation of
the country’s National Service program. National
Service conscripts are obliged by Eritrean law to serve
for only 18 months, but some are forced to serve in
their positions for over 10 years under the threat of
inhuman treatment, torture, or punishment of their
families, the report states.
Human trafficking exists in the
United States, and, for the first time, the United
States was ranked in the report. It was classified as
Tier 1 because it is meeting the standards for
enforcement and victim assistance as required by the
Trafficking Victims Prevention Act, a law passed by the
U.S. Congress. The United States is making significant
efforts to address trafficking, and the Tier 1 rating is
not a reprieve from further positive action.
The Embassy would like to reiterate
long-standing United States Government policy regarding
the Eritrea Ethiopia Boundary Commission’s decision.
The Algiers Peace Accord, ending
the Ethiopian-Eritrean conflict, must be respected
without qualification. Both Ethiopia and Eritrea agreed
to accept unequivocally the Eritrea Ethiopia Boundary
Commission's (EEBC) decision as final and binding. The
United States expects each government to uphold its
commitment to abide by this agreement. The United State
urges both parties to implement the EEBC decision
peacefully, fully, and without delay. As the process
moves forward, communication directly between the two
countries will be imperative.
The United States values its
relationships with Eritrea and Ethiopia. We are
committed to helping the two nations realize the
political freedoms and economic prosperity that their
people deserve. Peace is the prerequisite for achieving
these goals.
EPDP Delegation Submits Report to EC on Talks
with EDA; Situation Not Changed
Last Updated on
Thursday, 24 June 2010 03:35 Written by EPDP
Department for Information and Culture
Thursday, 24
June 2010 02:59
On 21 June
2010, the Transitional Executive Committee of the
Eritrean People’s Democratic Party (EPDP) received
and reviewed a report of its delegation to talks in
Addis Ababa held with leadership members of the
Eritrean Democratic Alliance (EDA) concerning the
scheduled holding of a national conference for
democratic change in Eritrea this summer.
The EPDP leadership
thoroughly discussed the report and concluded that
there was no new element out of the Addis Ababa
talks to help it change its previous decision
regarding EPDP’s absence from attending an
ill-prepared national conference.
With each new day, EDA's
conference objective is becoming clear:
",,, this neutralisation of
the border between Eritrea and Djibouti comes at a bad time,
just when the Ethiopian government wants to help the Eritrean
opposition oust President
Issayas Afeworki.."
Seyoum Mesfin caught short
Addis Ababa did not
appreciate Qatar’s mediation in the conflict between Djibouti
and Eritrea.
Qatar’s intervention in the border conflict between
Djibouti and Eritrea was not to the liking of the
Ethiopian Minister for Foreign Affairs,
Seyoum Mesfin, who is believed to have asked
the Djibouti Ambassador in Addis Ababa for an
explanation. Ethiopia considers that Qatar’s
diplomatic initiatives in the region are pushed by
Egypt, which is in dispute with Addis Ababa about
the sharing of water from the Nile. Furthermore,
this neutralisation of the border between Eritrea
and Djibouti comes at a bad time, just when the
Ethiopian government wants to help the Eritrean
opposition oust President
Issayas Afeworki. But Djibouti and Eritrea
have different interests in this affair, which have
converged in this “armistice”. President
Ismaïl Omar Guelleh of Djibouti wants to
pacify the situation in the northern part of his
country ahead of the presidential election in 2011.
Afeworki, for his part, is pleased to secure his
country’s border with Djibouti at a time when the
conflict with Ethiopia is resurfacing.
The
Horn of Africa: Current Conditions and U.S. Policy
Testimony by Ted Dagne, Congressional Research Service
Before the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health,
House Foreign Affairs Committee
June 17, 2010, Washington, D.C.
"A few months after the offer to meet in a third
country, Carson’s
Principal Deputy, Don Yamamoto, applied for and received
a visa to go to Eritrea, suggesting a change in policy
on this issue once again. Ambassador Yamamoto went to
Eritrea in May 2010 but the Eritrean government
officials refused to meet with him, arguing that he
obtained his visa to do work related to the U.S.
embassy. Ambassador Yamamoto stated that he intends to
go back to Eritrea and has submitted another request for
a visa."
Efforts
to Improve Relations
Over the past several years, President Isaias has stated
that his government is ready to constructively engage
Washington on a wide range of issues, including
cooperation on the war on terror. Bush Administration
officials, however, stated that the Eritrean government
had rejected requests to engage in talks with
Washington. In 2008, the Eritrean government sent a
letter to then-President Bush offering dialogue in order
to improve relations. The letter was delivered, with a
cover letter by a Member of Congress, to the White House
in early 2008...
....
However, in October 2009, Eritrean Foreign Minister
Osman Saleh, Eritrean Presidential Advisor Yemane
Ghebreab, and U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Susan Rice,
met in New York and discussed U.S. concerns about
Eritrea’s alleged role in Somalia. At that meeting, the
Eritrean delegation was asked to state that the Eritrean
government would end its support to armed groups in
Somalia. ..
EDA
accused of fraud and violation of its own guidelines in
forming the preparatory committee for the national
conference. Unless hoodwinked, Ethiopia would also
be considered as an accomplice as it has been pushing
for convening of the conference.
Meskerem 061710: Information
shared with meskerem indicates that EDA allegedly
committed fraud in selecting the preparatory committee
of the controversial national conference. According to
the sources and based on the agreements, the EDA would
be in clear violation of its own guidelines/rules. The
preparatory committee that was created in violation of
such rules/ guidelines hence becomes illegitimate, fraud
and illegal.
According to EDA's agreed upon guidelines/rules, members
of political organizations can not join or become
members of the preparatory committee representing
civil societies.
The following individuals, who are members of the
preparatory committee representing civic societies, are
believed to be bona fide members and leaders of
political organizations and were knowingly selected to
represent civil societies.
Mr. Mohammed Ali Al Haj, member of
Alkalas and
Tadamun.
Mr. Goitom from Switzerlad, member and founding
member of Bilen Organization ( one of the
organizations attending the Mekele separatist
conference)
If the above holds water and since the buck stops at
the desk of the EDA, it is responsible for the
alleged crime of misrepresentation and fraud.
Its credibility is in question. Moreover, unless the
Ethiopian government was hoodwinked by the EDA, it
is an accomplice in this crime that has the
potential of bringing down the EDA.
Eritrea
appoints AU representative
Ansaba 061710: Ansaba website quoting Ethiopian
sources reports that the Eritrean government has
appointed the seasoned diplomat, Ambassador Girma
Asmerom, its AU representative. It is to be remembered
that the
Eritrean government has complained to the AU
accusing arch-foe Ethiopia of hindering its right to
participate in Africa Union summits.
Where will the ambassador set up his office?
It is not clear yet whether the ambassador will go to
Ethiopia to set up his office or set his office
somewhere else but attend all AU meeting outside
Ethiopia and begin challenging the AU and Ethiopia in AU
forums.
As Eritrea successfully moves to break the diplomatic
siege, Ethiopia is engaged in organizing the
dysfunctional Eritrean opposition by funding separatist
conference in Mekele and unsuccessfully brokering an
agreement between the EPDP and EDA in regards to the
convening of the national conference.
The talks between EPDP and EDA ended on 0616-2010
without any result. Although, according to sources in
Addis, nothing was agreed upon, the forces of
misinformation have already started to disseminate lies
that there was an agreement to change the conference
into workshops for now and convene the conference in
December 2010.
In another news, Meskerem sources in
Germany have confirmed that Mr. Mesfin Hagos, a member
of the two-man EPDP delegation, has returned to Germany.
US hails Emir's mediation efforts Gulf Times
Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:03 PM PDT
The United States has welcomed the efforts made by HH
the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani to mediate
the border dispute between Djibouti and Eritrea
that led to the signing of a peace agreement.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON AFRICA AND GLOBAL HEALTH
Donald M. Payne (D-NJ), Chairman
June 15, 2010
________________
DATE:
Thursday, June 17, 2010
TIME:
10:00 a.m.
SUBJECT:
Horn of Africa: Current Conditions and U.S. Policy
EDA and EPDP talks end without any progress, sources.
The meeting between the EDA and the EPDP ended yesterday
without any result. Reliable sources told meskerem that
the meeting ended yesterday 0615-2010 and nothing was
resolved. The source added that the situation is best
described by yesterday's
press release from the EPDP.
The sources were not willing to comment whether there
was a deadlock and whether this means that the two
opposing parties will go their own separate ways.
ንቁም በብህላወነ?
Mekele planned conference throws the opposition into
mayhem.
Ansaba websites reports that ethnic separatist
organizations sponsored conference will be held in
Mekele on June 20, 2010. The four ethnic separatist
organizations (Kunama, Afar, Saho and Bilen) have
invited a chosen 5 to their conference. The source added
that the Mekele conference, facilitated by the four
separatist organizations and funded by Ethiopia, will
bring together organizations that consider the Eritrean
government as an ethnic Kebesa government. Hiruy's
invitation has many scratching their heads. The EPDP,
Tadamun and the Salvation Front led by Ahmed Nasser are
not invited.
Copy
of Eritrea-Djibouti pact lodged with Arab League
Gulf Times
Wednesday16/6/2010June, 2010, 12:56 AM Doha Time
Qatar yesterday lodged an official copy of the
agreement between Eritrea and Djibouti, to resolve the
border dispute between them, with the Arab League.
Under the Eritrea-Djibouti agreement, Qatar was
authorised to mediate and find a peaceful solution to
the border dispute between the two countries. The
agreement was signed for Qatar, as a mediator and
witness, by HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.
This was announced following a meeting between Qatar’s
Ambassador to Egypt and its permanent representative to
the Arab League Saleh Abdullah al-Buainain, and Deputy
Secretary General of the Arab League Ahmed bin Helli.
During the meeting, they discussed a host of issues of
mutual interest and the latest developments in the Arab
region
We at Citizens for Democratic Rights in Eritrea (CDRiE)
and in line with our declared principle of promoting
regional peace, cooperation and integration, express our
profound support for the agreement signed between the
Presidents of our two sisterly countries – The Republic
of Djibouti and The State of Eritrea - on 6 June 2010 to
resolve their border dispute peacefully under the
mediation of the State of Qatar.
We are pleased to see the Qatari mediation effort
receive the support of The African Union, The Gulf
Cooperation Council, The European Union and the UN
Security Council. We call on these institutions to
continue their support for peaceful resolution by
extending assistance to Eritrea and Ethiopia to
demarcate their legally delimited common border.
GEOGRAPHY
Eritrea is located in the Horn of Africa and is bordered
on the northeast and east by the Red Sea, on the west
and northwest by Sudan, on the south by Ethiopia, and on
the southeast by Djibouti. The country has a high
central plateau that varies from 1,800 to 3,000 meters
(6,00010,000 ft.) above sea level. A coastal plain,
western lowlands, and some 300 islands comprise the
remainder of Eritrea's landmass. Eritrea has no
year-round rivers.
..PEOPLE
Eritrea's population comprises nine ethnic groups, most
of whom speak Semitic or Cushitic languages. The
Tigrinya and Tigre make up four-fifths of the population
and speak different, but somewhat mutually intelligible,
Semitic languages. In general, most of the Christians
live in the highlands, while Muslims and adherents of
traditional beliefs live in lowland regions. Tigrinya
and Arabic are the most frequently used languages for
commercial and official transactions. In urban areas,
English is widely spoken and is the language used for
secondary and university education.
صرحت مصادر مأذونة لـ"عنسبا.كوم"
بأن عدد من التنظيمات القومية الأرترية قد أكملت
استعداداتها لعقد اجتماع جامع بينها يوم الأحد القادم
الموافق 20 يونيو 2010م بمدينة "مقلي " شمال اثيوبيا.
وأوضحت المصادر بأن الاجتماع
سيكون واسعا حيث يتدارس امكانية عقد مؤتمر يخرج بقرارت
وموجهات عمل مستقبلية. يرأس هذا النشاط السيد/ قرنليوس
عثمان رئيس
تنظيم الكوناما ، وتضم التنظيمات كل من
تنظيم عفر البحر الاحمر الحليف الأوثق لجبهة
الإنقاذ الوطني جناح السيد/أحمد محمد ناصر ،
تنظيم قاش سيتيت ،
تنظيم الساهو الذي تعود خلفيات عضويته الى تجربة
الجبهة الشعبية ، وتنظيم
البلين.
هذا وقد صرحت مصادر من اوربا
وهي مقربة من اللقاء لــ"عنسبا.كوم"
حيث قالت: ( ان التكتل الجديد هو الأكبر حجما داخل التحالف
المعارض ، من حيث عدد تنظيماته القومية ، التي لها أجنحة
عسكرية ، وبهه عناصر سبق ان عملت مع النظام الارتري ،
وتعرف تكتيكاته
EPDP
Department for Information and Culture Tuesday, 15 June 2010
15:03
15.06.2010
The delegation of the Eritrean People’s Democratic
Party (EPDP) in Addis Ababa has confirmed this morning
that talks on holding a successful and representative
national conference are still under progress and that no
agreement has so far been reached.
This corrects the report in Awate.com which hits
that an agreement has been reached on the difference for
holding a national conference. The Awate.com headline
which reads: “EDA member organizations iron out glitches
to hold a national conference”. However, the truth is
that no glitches have been ironed out yet.
The Awate news report further states that EPDP “has
indicated its readiness to attend the NCDC which is
being organized by the EDA”. The EPDP has never opposed
the holding of a national conference. It has been and is
still insisting that the EDA has to first iron out its
internal differences, and then draft and agree on the
required documents and engage itself in a serious
preparation that ensures the success of such a historic
event.
The EPDP does not look at a national conference as a
simple workshop or a seminar.
Misleading,
for what purpose: "No agreement reached in Addis talks",
meskerem sources in Addis.
meskerem 61410:
"The title "EDA
Member Organizations Iron Out Glitches To Hold A
National Conference " posted at awate website dated
Jun 15, 2010 regarding the talks between the EDA and
EPDP is misleading" reliable sources tell meskerem. The
report that overtly implied the capitulation of the EPDP
on its demand will not been received well by the
leadership and rank and file of the EPDP. A member of
EPDP who called meskerem from Addis in the early
hours of this morning views such reports as not helpful
in the ongoing talks between the EPDP and EDA.
The
article posted yesterday by one of the editors of
the website, Saleh AA Youni, in relation to the
same talks that poked sectarian jab at the Ethiopian
Prime Minister and the EPDP delegation is considered to
be the continuation of the same pattern of destructive
and divisive politics of the website.
These Addis sources tell meskerem that the talks are
still continuing and that there has not been any"
ironing of any glitch; far from it.”. A senior
member of the EPDP told meskerem that the EPDP had never
indicated that it is not ready to attend the conference.
The EPDP has concerns in fundamental national and
democratic issues and grievances of serious nature. It
would like these matters to be resolved before it
participates in the conference.
ኪድ
ኣይትበሎ
ከም ዝኸይድ ግበሮ?
Meskerem 061310:
Information leakage
about issues raised in the Addis meeting and the
ensuing personal attacks against EPDP delegation
might derail the talks between EPDP and the EDA.
Information
leaked to a website by "good authority" regarding
issues raised at the talks between EPDP and EDA in
Addis, raises fear of breakdown of talks between the
EPDP and EDA delegates in Addis.
Although rumors and scornful innuendos have been
circulating against EPDP since the initial meeting
between these antagonized parties, it now has been
brought into the open by the "confidant" of the EDA
delegation, the Awate website. Quoting sources of
"good authority", the website indicated that the
sources of rumors and scornful innuendos were
none other than the EDA delegation itself.
In an article titled, "From
Each According To His Bahli..". Al-Nahda, By
Saleh AA Younis - Jun 13, 2010", Mr. Saleh AA Younis,
quoting reliable sources ( many suspect to be
Tewolde Ghebresellasie), writes: " I have it on good
authority that those who are in Addis Abeba now
asking Uncle Meles to help them reconcile with their
own fellow citizens spent half their time discussing
awate.com and Ali Salim. Oh, mon dieu!"
The irresponsible leakage and its subsequent
appearance in a website has infuriated the rank and
file of the EPDP. Fears are mounting that the
EPDP might pull out of the meeting on account of
lack of trust and seriousness of EDA
delegation. The EDA delegation is made up Mr.
Tewolde Gebresellasie, Chair, Mr. Abdalla
Mahmud, member and Mr. Kernelios Osman, member.
The rank and file, supporters and sympathizers
(swelling by the day) of the party are saying "How
long and how many times does the party has to be
treated this way by the EDA and its cadres
before it says enough is enough?" Why is the party
being pursued with such a vigor to join the
conference and then be treated as such?
ኪድ ኣይተበሎ ከም ዝኸይድ
ግበሮ?
It is to be remembered that the EDA preparatory
committee, specifically the divisive Bashir Yishaq,
was accused by the EPDP for leaking the paper it
presented to the preparatory committee. Bashir
Yishaq was accused of leaking the paper to some
elements in Australia who are not so friendly to the
EPDP. The individuals in Australia wrote articles in
Arabic language ridiculing and scorning the paper
that was presented to the preparatory committee to
be presented in preparation for the conference.
It is not possible to clap with one hand. The EPDP
does not have a trustworthy, serious and mature
partner in these talks. Hence it should not continue
in the talks. If the EPDP can not trust the EDA
delegation in this sensitive and serous talks, it
would be justified to demand the replacement of
these untrustworthy and devious delegation members.
If not, it would be justified to honorably withdraw
from talks, the conference and the EDA itself.
UN News Centre
11 June 2010 – Commending the agreement reached by
Eritrea and Djibouti to peacefully resolve their
two-year border dispute, the Security Council today
...
See all stories on this topic
China welcomes Qatar to play as a mediator between
Djibouti and Eritrea to settle a border dispute
according to a recent agreement, a Chinese Foreign
...
See all stories on this topic
EPDP Dept
of Information and Culture Thursday, 10
June 2010 20:00
Contrary
to unfounded rumours being fabricated by certain
ill-wishing quarters, the talks between the
leaderships of the Eritrean People’s Democratic
Party (EPDP) and the Eritrean Democratic
Alliance (EDA) are progressing well under a
normal atmosphere.
The EPDP
delegation on 7 June met with a high-level
delegation of friendly Ethiopia. The latter
delegation also met on 8 June with EDA
leadership members for preliminary
consultations.
On 9 June, the EPDP and EDA sides started
discussions in the presence of the friendly
delegation. Among the key areas identified for
discussions were:
Exploring the issues related to the
unhealthy internal squabbling within and
among the national umbrella of the Eritrean
opposition organizations/parties;
Mechanisms of achieving the objectives
of a national conference and the basic
documents that could be drafted and
submitted for satisfactory public discourse
before the conference is held; and
The modalities of conference preparation
through a representative and competent body
that can ensure the success of such an
historic event.
" After we are
done with Eritrea, Somalia will look like a
fight of rowdy fans of a football match"
Meles Zenawi
A nation
betrayed by its sons?....
the act of treason in the making?
Ethiopia's intention regarding
the opposition conference, as reported by The
Indian Ocean Newsletter see below, supports
meskerem's assertion that the so-called Eritrean
Opposition conference is a cover for Ethiopia's
evil design against the sovereignty and
territorial integrity of the Eritrean nation.
It is becoming clear, with each
new day, that the creation of a military front
by eight of the 10 EDA member organizations lead
by the Ethiopian general and the creation of
parliament-structured organization via the
treasonous conference, is part of Ethiopia's
design to occupy Eritrea and install a TFG
style puppet government in Eritrea, fulfilling
Meles' threat...
Eritrea opposition
"prepares military attack" across the border. Is
this a a planned strategy to ignite the border
war with Ethiopia on the heels of the failed
sanctions?
A possible border crossing of Ethiopia-backed
Eritrean rebels however could pose a risk of a
resumption of the unresolved 1998-2000 border
war at a very high cost for both countries.
According to the US-sponsored newspaper 'Sudan
Tribune', "eight Eritrean political
organisations have formed a joint military front
that will enable them to launch a massive and
well coordinated military attacks as a strategy
to depose President Issayas Afeworki's
government."
June
8th, 2010
...Heading for Asmara
Meles
Zenawi will no doubt not leave matters
there. He will try to push home his
advantage, not only against the legal
opposition but also against the various
Ethiopian rebel groups that are waging
sporadic armed struggle against his regime (OLF,
ONLF), backed by Eritrea. That is probably
the reason the EPRDF leaders keep insisting
at the moment that an Eritrean opposition
conference that had been on the cards for
years should finally be held in Addis Ababa
in July. Their idea is to put the conditions
in place as soon as possible that could lead
to a future overthrow of President Isaias
Afwerki.
full text
Written by Benjamin Joffe-Walt
Published Wednesday, June 09, 2010
A
spat of violent incidents leads to concerns over
growing instability.
The head of the military police is killed. An
army ambush on rebels ends in the death of three
soldiers. Everyday, a killing is splashed across
the news as low-intensity armed clashes spread.
Sounds a bit like Iraq, Darfur, Afghanistan or
the Congo?
Nope. It's the tiny, East African nation of
Djibouti, which over the past week has teetered
closer and closer to civil war.
Jamming and hacking or testing Eritrea's surveillance,
defense and electro-military vulnerability.??
In continuation
of the acts of
jamming and
interference
against Eritrean
media outlets,
as of late too
some parties are
‘hacking’ the
website of the
Eritrean
Ministry of
Information, and
thereby issuing
statements in
the name of the
Ministry and
intercepting the
account of
Heads.
Hence, we would
like to inform
that any
statement or
massages that is
not
authenticated by
the Ministry of
Information
through Eri-tv
and Dimtsi
Hafash(Radio of
the Broad
Masses) is not
at all
authentic and
thus not
official. We
also urge the
cooperation of
all on this
issue. Victory
to the Masses!
Ministry of
Information
Rabita Al-Islamia II:
Repackaging An Old Brand To Fit New Ambition
By Semere Tesfai, St. Louis, USA -
07/23/2010
...The Eritrean Covenant think-tanks have kept their lips tight
for a reason. They know they don’t have what it takes to defend
what they put in print. They know their statement is
controversial, polarizing, divisive and full of hypocrisy and
half-truth that can’t be defended in public. They are so clever
they took the safest route which is, no meetings, no discussions
and no interviews just take it as is and use your own
imagination approach. When are the Sahos and Jebertis
considered free? When do you consider De-Tigrignanization
completed? When do you consider De-Ethnocritization
completed? Nobody knows. The only sure thing is, the
Eritrean covenant has assured us
“The process of Tigrignization of the state must be halted
immediately and reversed…” Could it be
Islamization of Eritrea? Could it be Arabization of
Eritrea? Could it be a combination of both? I don’t know. It’s
any body’s guess. But for sure, it is uniting ethnic
Tigrignas behind the PFDJ regime for the wrong reason: fear of the other faith.
Ethiopia’s hijacking of the
upcoming conference is becoming more apparent;
the conference of 6
religious + 3 ethnic separatist organizations + 1 vacillating
organization of the Eritrean "opposition"
Meskerem
06-08-2010: Ethiopia’s
hijacking of the upcoming conference of 10 Eritrean opposition
organizations is becoming more apparent as the day gets
closer to the date of the conference. The Ethiopian government
owned media is in full throttle in anti-Eritrean news and
propaganda in preparation and warm up to the conference that is
deviating from the national agenda and steering towards
sub-national and sectarian agenda.
The conference, sarcastically named as National Conference for
Democratic Change, is organized, funded and directed by the
Ethiopia regime. The Eritrean opposition , with total
number of less than a hundred members, is intent on arrogantly
forcing itself upon the Eritrean people as having the
legitimacy, jurisdiction and mandate to hold a national
conference of a nation with 5 million people and make decisions
and sign contracts on behalf of the people. The fact that these
less than a hundred live as refugees, immigrants and citizens of
their host countries is not even taken into consideration.
Virtual dictators, building castles in the sky…
This sectarian conference is being rejected by the Eritrean
diaspora public, especially those of us veterans of the
opposition who have seen the capitulation of the opposition from
a nationalist opposition to an opposition that has betrayed the
national agenda and advanced religious, tribal, ethnic and
regional divisive agendas.
The public is clearly saying NO to the conference. The absence
of the public from the meetings called by the paid-organizers is
proof enough that the sectarian Ethiopia-controlled conference
is rejected and condemned by the public. Only two meetings in
the whole US of A.
ብስሙራት ዜጋታት ንሰብኣዊ መሰል ኣብ
ኤርትራ፣ (Citizens United For Human Rights in Eritrea) ዝልለ ሲቪካዊ
ማሕበርና ተመስሪቱ ምንቅስቓሱ ካብ ዝጅምር እንሆ ድሮ ካልአይ ዓመቱ አሕሊፉ። ናይ’ዚ ማሕበር አቃውማ
ዘይሻራውን ዘይፖለቲካውን ኮይኑ፣ ንጹር ዕላማኡ ከአ ንሰብአዊ መሰላት ዝጣበቕ ማሕበር ኢዩ።
ማሕበርና ኣብ ትሕቲ ጽላልን ሕግን ዓለምለኻዊ ናይ ኤርትራውያን ምትእኽኻብ፡ ( Eritrean
Global Solidarity – EGS) ተጠርኒፉ ዝንቀሳቐስ ማሕበር’ውን እዩ።
ከደት ተቖርመመት ደቐቐት: መህደሚኣ ደለየት: 'ታ እገዳ 'ታ
ማዕቀብ::
AU hails Eritrea-Djibouti deal AFP via Yahoo! News
Tue,
08 Jun 2010 09:55 AM PDT
African Union chief executive Jean Ping praised Eritrea
and Djibouti Tuesday after the feuding neighbours agreed to
mediation by Qatar to solve a border dispute.
African Union welcomes Eritrea, Djibouti mediation deal AlertNet
Tue,
08 Jun 2010 08:11 AM PDT
Source: Reuters * Qatari Emir will try to settle border row *
Horn nations overlook crucial shipping lanes By Barry Malone
ADDIS ABABA, June 8 (Reuters) - The African Union on Tuesday
lent support to a ...
GCC chief hails pact Gulf Times
Mon,
07 Jun 2010 14:17 PM PDT
The GCC Secretary General Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Attiyah has
welcomed the agreement signed by President of Eritrea
Isaias Afwerki and Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh, which
was mediated by HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.
Qatar mediating Eritrea-Djibouti border dispute Gulf Times
Mon,
07 Jun 2010 14:17 PM PDT
QNA/Doha Qatar said yesterday that Eritrean troops have
withdrawn from an area they controlled in Djibouti as a result
of Dohaâ??s mediation bid to end a territorial dispute between
the two neighbours.
DOHA: Qatar’s diplomatic initiatives to
broker peace in strife-stricken regions of the world got a
further boost yesterday when it was picked to mediate in the
long-running border dispute between Eritrea and Djibouti.
Both Eritrea, which gained independence from Ethiopia in
1991, and Djibouti, a former French colony, have authorised
Doha to mediate and find a lasting solution to the border
row between them.
The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, H E Sheikh Hamad
bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani, yesterday announced that
Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki and his Djibouti
counterpart, Ismael Omar Guelleh, had inked a deal whereby
they have authorised Qatar to mediate in the border dispute
between their two countries.
“They (Eritrea and Djibouti) have authorised the
mediator, the Emir, H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani,
who signed as a mediator and witness, with the full
authority to issue an executive working document to the
agreement,” the Premier said in a statement, according to
Qatar News Agency (QNA).
Eritrean troops have withdrawn from an area they
controlled in Djibouti as a result of Doha’s mediation bid.
A Qatari observation force is tasked with monitoring the
border between the two countries “until the conclusion of a
final agreement on settling the conflict,” QNA reported. The
force, made up of about 20 soldiers, arrived in Djibouti on
Friday, according to a news agency report.
The texts of the agreement will be exchanged between the
foreign ministers of the two countries in Doha soon.
There are seven articles in the agreement, according to
which a committee will be set up under the chairmanship of
the Qatari Premier with a member each from Eritrea and
Djibouti.
The job of this panel would be to resolve the boundary
differences between the two countries within the framework
of the authorisation given by the two sides.
The committee shall nominate and appoint with the consent
of the two sides (Eritrea and Djibouti) an international
company to carry out the demarcation of the border between
the two countries in accordance with international
principles and rules on border demarcation.
Qatar will monitor the demarcation of boundaries between
the two countries.
Eritrea is a former Italian colony which was annexed to
Ethiopia in 1962 and got free in 1991. The issue of its
border row with Djibouti is with the UN as well as the Arab
League, where Eritrea has only observer status. Djibouti, on
the other hand, is an Arab League member.
Meanwhile, the GCC Secretary General H E Abdulrahman bin
Hamad Al Attiyah, in a statement to QNA yesterday welcomed
the agreement signed by the Eritrean and Djibouti Presidents
which was mediated by the Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa
Al Thani, who also signed the agreement in the capacity of
the State of Qatar as mediator and witness.
In a press statement released here today, the GCC
Secretary General said that mediation of Qatar in this
regard involving exchange documents between the two foreign
ministers in Doha soon, reaffirms Qatar’s vital role in
pursuing dialogue and resolving conflicts.
The agreement between Eritrea and Djibouti mediated by
Qatar coincides with a new round of Doha negotiations after
those initiated to resolve the Darfur crisis, driving home
the point of Qatar’s effectiveness in international politics
and diplomacy for peace in Sudan, he noted.
Qatari PM says
Eritrea has already conducted withdrawal from disputed border
areas.
DOHA
- Qatar said on Monday that Eritrean troops have withdrawn from
an area they controlled in Djibouti as a result of Doha's
mediation bid to end a territorial dispute between the two
neighbours.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem al-Thani was
quoted by official QNA news as saying that Eritrea has already
conducted "a withdrawal from disputed border areas," a move
verified by a Qatari observer force.
The Qatari mediation provides for the formation of a
committee, headed by Sheikh Hamad, which is empowered to appoint
an international firm to demarcate the border, with Eritrea and
Djibouti's consent, QNA said.
The Qatari observation force is tasked with monitoring the
border between the two countries "until the conclusion of a
final agreement on settling the conflict," QNA reported.
The force, made up of about twenty soldiers, arrived in
Djibouti on Friday, according to Djibouti press reports.
The long-running border row between Djibouti and Eritrea over
the disputed Ras Doumeira promontory on the shores of the Red
Sea led to clashes in 1996, 1999 and again in 2008.
Qatar, a small Gulf country rich in natural gas and oil, has
offered to mediate in various conflicts, including internal
strife in Sudan, Yemen and Lebanon.
EPDP Delegation Arrives
in Addis for More Talks on
Last Updated on Sunday, 06 June 2010 19:30 EPDP Dept for
Information and Culture Sunday, 06 June 2010
18:46
6 June 2010 18:46
A leadership delegation of the Eritrean People’s Democratic
Party (EPDP) arrived in Addis Ababa this morning, 6 June 2010,
for additional talks with the leadership of the Eritrean
Democratic Alliance (EDA) on issues related with a convention of
a national conference for democratic change.
The delegation consists of Mengisteab Asmerom, head of the
EPDP Department for Information and Culture, and Mr. Mesfin
Hagos, EPDP Executive Committee member in the Department for
Internal Affairs. The talks are scheduled to be started
tomorrow Monday, 7 June 2010.
It is to be recalled that the EPDP has decided last April to
withdraw its representative from the preparatory committee for a
national conference protesting that the EDA leadership ignored
to consider the Party’s concerns about stated shortcomings in
the organization and preparation of such a historic and rare
event of paramount national importance to the entire people
opposed to the dictatorial regime in Eritrea.
16 May 2010: "Al-Anspa. Com from" informed sources said
that the intention of the coalition tend to postpone the date to
hold a forum of national dialogue for democratic change and so
that he could hold bilateral meetings between factions of the
coalition supporting the Forum held on the one hand and the
People's Democratic Party Eritrean opposition has
On the other hand.
They noted that the sources that the division between
the parties disagree on a forum has reached such an extent that
the Ethiopian government to just weight and intervene in order
to heal the rift and bring the parties to the agreement,
Ethiopia has called on the parties to make concessions concrete
in order to convene the Forum, and as a result, it is likely to
postpone the date
Add's conference to make some amendments to the
membership of the Preparatory Committee of the Forum, so that
the Ethiopian intervention has reduced the severity of fears of
a break which threatens the opposition alliance.
Recalled in this connection that a meeting had been held
between the Ethiopian Prime Minister Mr. / Meles Zenawi and
Eritrean leaders of factions of the opposition coalition,
followed by another meeting with the Minister of State Mr. /
Seyoum Mesfin and those leaders.
Eritrea's 19th Independence Anniversary was celebrated
from 1 May - 30 May in United Kingdom.
Ihe Great Day; Glorifying the Values!
Eritrea's 19th Independence Anniversary was
celebrated from 1 May - 30 May in United Kingdom.
The Big Day in the Eritrean History reflects the
sacrifice paid to develop a sate of mind, a set of
thinking related o the values of liberation, freedom and
democracy and s nation building process, based on an
independent stance. Thus, it is a Day that ushered the
emergence of Eritrea as a nation and created a new
reality in the Horn of Africa. This meant a reality of
hope, prospects of peace and security, with a huge
potential for development and an era of collective
responsibility.
Preparations underway to conduct
International Youth Symposium
Shabait.com: Asmara, 3 June 2010 – In connection with
the 4th Youth Festival that would be held in Sawa from
16 to 19 June, International Youth Symposium would be
held. This was disclosed in a statement by the National
Union of Eritrean Youth and Students (NUEYS).
Accordingly, the symposium which is scheduled to be held
from June 21 to 23 is aimed at promoting concerted
efforts and common understanding among youths towards
ensuring peace and stepped-up development.
Representatives of different youth associations and
students from different parts of the world are expected
to participate.
In the symposium to be conducted under the theme :
“Common Understanding for Development”, various papers
focusing on the role of youths in achieving the
Millennium Development Goals, the role of youth in
ensuring peace and stability of sovereignty and
political path, youth and the media and skills that
would provide impetus to lasting development and peace,
among others.
It is to be recalled that a similar International Youth
Symposium was held in connection with the 3rd Eritrean
Youth Festival in 2008.
19th
ERITREAN Anniversary Independence
Day in Stockholm
The
Ethiopian government is working at setting up a united
front of Eritrean opponents in order to step up the heat
on the regime of Issayas Afeworki.
Sawa,
23 July 2010 - The Executive Director of the
national board of Eritrean Higher Institutions
of Education, Dr. Tadese Mehari, said that the
newly opened colleges in the country have
managed to provide quality education that meets
Canadian
miner Nevsun Resources’ large precious-metals- and
base-metals-rich volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS)
deposit, located 150 km west of Asmara, Eritrea, is
expected to reach commercial production during the first
quarter of 2011. 
Asmara,
21 July 2010 - President
Isaias Afwerki today
left for Njamena, Chad,
to attend the CEN-SAD
Summit. 
WASHINGTON
— The United States should add Eritrea to a terrorism blacklist
over its support for an Al-Qaeda-linked group tied to last
week's deadly bombings in Uganda, a senior US lawmaker urged
Tuesday.
Asmara,
21 July 2010 - President
Isaias Afwerki today
opened the International
Youth Symposium at Hotel
Asmara Palace under the
theme: “Common
Understanding on Peace
and Stability, as well
as Sustainable
Development.”
"እሞ
ዝሃብኩም ሂብኩም ዘተስፈኹም ኣተስፊኹም ካብ ሽመልባ ኣምጻኡ:: ዝኣበዩ ኸኣ ኣብኣ ይረኽቡዋ:: ካብኡ
ብዝተረፈ ዋላ ካብ መቐለ:ሽሬ ክትሕውስሎም ኢኹም::" 
0713-2010
ሓምለ
5፡ 2010
The
Association of Disabled Eritreans (ADE) is convening a
constituent congress in Chicago, Illinois in North
America on July 3, 2010. This constituent congress will
establish an Eritrean Association of Disabled
Eritreans-North America Chapter.
Dear
colleagues of NECS Europe
EPDP Delegation Submits Report to EC on Talks
with EDA; Situation Not Changed 
Addis Ababa did not
appreciate Qatar’s mediation in the conflict between Djibouti
and Eritrea.
The
Horn of Africa: Current Conditions and U.S. Policy
EDA
accused of fraud and violation of its own guidelines in
forming the preparatory committee for the national
conference. Unless hoodwinked, Ethiopia would also
be considered as an accomplice as it has been pushing
for convening of the conference.
Eritrea
appoints AU representative
June
8th, 2010 
Meskerem
06-08-2010: Ethiopia’s
hijacking of the upcoming conference of 10 Eritrean opposition
organizations is becoming more apparent as the day gets
closer to the date of the conference. The Ethiopian government
owned media is in full throttle in anti-Eritrean news and
propaganda in preparation and warm up to the conference that is
deviating from the national agenda and steering towards
sub-national and sectarian agenda. 
DOHA
- Qatar said on Monday that Eritrean troops have withdrawn from
an area they controlled in Djibouti as a result of Doha's
mediation bid to end a territorial dispute between the two
neighbours.
