From: Berhane Habtemariam (Berhane.Habtemariam@gmx.de)
Date: Wed Apr 15 2009 - 15:32:44 EDT
President Isaias holds talks with British Conservative Party delegation
By Staff
Apr 15, 2009, 14:13
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15 April 2009 - President Isaias Afwerki today received and held talks at
the Denden Hall with a British Conservative Party delegation headed by Mr.
Andrew Michel, who is the Party's head of development cooperation.
The two sides conducted discussion on ways of fostering possible bilateral
cooperation in the future and regional issues.
In briefings he gave to the delegation as regards the Somali issue,
President Isaias pointed out that the reconstitution of Somalia should be
achieved on the basis of internal capacity rather than external
interference, and that conducive ground should be created for the entire
Somali nationals to jointly discuss the country's reconstitution. Indicating
that the international community should only play supplementary role to the
peace process being undertaken by the Somali people to resolve their issue
themselves, he underscored that imposing so-called government that is not
accepted by the Somalis is but impractical, unacceptable and destructive
move.
The President further explained that the 'government' installed by external
forces would not only fail to meet the aspirations of the Somali people but
could not also bring about peace and stability. He elaborated that Eritrea
has been advocating this stance for over 20 years.
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As regards non-governmental organizations, President Isaias stated that
although at first they used to operate in the name of providing humanitarian
assistance, in due course they began not only to meddle in matters that do
not concern to them but also sought to promote personal interest, in
addition to trying to pose as a substitute for governments. In this respect,
he pointed out that Eritrea wishes the creation of conducive atmosphere that
promotes trade and investment rather than becoming the recipient of aid.
Mr. Andrew Michel on his part commended the President's extensive analytical
briefings regarding the Somali issue and said that Britain's understanding
as regards Eritrea's stance in the Somali issue was limited and that the
delegation members would work cautiously in the future.
Likewise, Lord Ashkroft, member of the Upper House in the UK Parliament,
said that he agrees with the briefings of President Isaias regarding the
negative practices of NGOs.
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