From: Berhane Habtemariam (Berhane.Habtemariam@gmx.de)
Date: Wed May 20 2009 - 14:15:51 EDT
Eritrea's independent path is a national course not to be swayed by any
blowing wind: President Isaias
By Staff
May 20, 2009, 13:33
Asmara, 20 May 2009 - President Isaias Afwerki told Al-Ahram, the Egyptian
newspaper with wide circulation, that Eritrea's independent and straight
path is a clear national course which is anchored on national interest and
principles, and not one that is swayed by any blowing wind.
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Noting that national path is above all considerations, ideologies and
philosophies, the President pointed out that no practice of posturing
outside this path was witnessed in Eritrea's journey, and as such the
adoption of any ideology no matter what mantle it takes up has no acceptance
in Eritrea.
President Isaias further indicated that the existing co-existence and
tolerance in Eritrea are in themselves history and culture, and that the
Islamic and Christian Faiths have been coexisting in harmony in the country
dating back to 1,300 years. And this in turn has a positive impact on the
prevailing harmony and mutual respect the Eritrean people are enjoying at
present, he elaborated. The President explained that customary law being
precise and acceptable should equally not be viewed lightly as it plays
major role in the allocation of resources, land tenure system and other
issues. "In Eritrea, there exists no room at all for any sub-national
sentiment," he underscored.
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President Isaias went on to say that the substantial investment made and the
achievements scored in the nation-building process, especially human
resource development over the past 18 years since independence constitute a
cornerstone in the on-going endeavors to achieve food security. He also
noted the major contribution Eritrean nationals educated and working abroad
are making in this regard.
In reply to a question "as to why Eritrea's special relations with Israel
has deteriorated at present," the President stated that there is nothing
special in the relations and that it is but normal diplomatic ties. And no
ups and downs have been witnessed in such ties, he added.
Furthermore, President Isaias explained that if at all a genuine solution is
to be attained to the Darfur and Somali issues, and thereby peace and
stability prevail in the region, a comprehensive political solution that
ensures respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the two
countries is a prerequisite. He also expressed conviction that an end could
be put to the dangerous scenario of piracy provided a conducive ground is
created that would enable both the Sudanese or Somalis to resolve their
issues themselves.
Africa being marginalized in world economy built on its resources, President
Isaias underscores
By Staff
May 20, 2009, 13:31
Asmara, 20 May 2009 - In an interview he gave to the Kenyan newspaper, The
Standard, President Isaias Afwerki underscored that as all African raw
materials and resources along with value added are ruthlessly exploited by
external forces of monopoly, the continent is indeed being marginalized in
the world economy which is built on its own resources.
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The President noted that the minds, knowledge and expertise of Africans are
being sucked due to human trafficking, thus resulting in zero sum to
Africans. Hence, it is quite depressing to see Africa with all its resources
and its one billion population being marginalized in the world economy and
the majority of its people leading a life below the poverty line, he
elaborated.
Stating that the vision of the African founding fathers has been eroded
following decolonization, President Isaias pointed out that the OAU which
came into being to advance the lofty vision has become a hopeless mechanism
instead of striving to fulfill the aspirations of the people of the
continent.
In this regard, he cited two factors that are responsible for such a state
of affairs, namely neo-colonialism and self-centered African leaders who
advance their own vested interests at the expense of fellow citizens. The
President noted that the majority of the leaders betray the cherished
principles of their respective countries and become servants and champions
of colonialism. He further indicated that the money and resources of their
countries valued at billions which they have deposited in their personal
accounts in the banks of western countries amply demonstrate the corrupt and
despicable behavior of the African leaders.
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Moreover, President Isaias explained that the parities wishing to see Africa
exposed to adversity and at the same time provide the facilities for
depositing the sum of money amounting to 6 to 7 billion belonging to the
self-centered leaders on the one hand, and try to maintain a foothold in
Africa under the guise of humanitarian mission on the other. He pointed out
that if at all justice and the rule of law are to prevail, first and
foremost every African leader should make public his/her personal bank
account and that there should exist accountability which equally applies to
those parties depositing the personal financial assets of the leaders. In
this respect, the President emphasized that corruption is one of the main
manifestations of treason on the part of African leaders against their own
people, and hence economic development should primarily be measured in terms
of incorruptibility and sense of justice of both the people and the
leadership.
As regards non-governmental organizations (NGOs), he elucidated that the
objective of the organizations operating in Africa is to secure political
interference and exploiting, as well as monopolizing resources through
substituting governments. To this end, they resort to acts of interference
in the internal affairs of countries and governments, besides making
attempts to enforce their preconditions and agendas, President Isaias
highlighted.
He further explained that in the majority of the African countries, NGOs
could be referred to as "governments within governments," and as such these
organizations have become one of the main institutional and organizational
problems in Africa.
Noting that the incidence of brain drain to the industrial nations is one of
the deliberate conspiracies weaved to impede the economic development of the
African continent, the President pointed out that so-called 'development
strategies for Africa' which are driven and influenced by external forces
have in reality pushed back the continent's progress. Besides, he indicated
that the growing corruption in Africa is the outcome of corrupt leaders and
the malicious activities of European investors. Had the wasted financial
assets and material properties been channeled to the African economy, the
continent would have now been classified as one of the most advanced regions
of our planet, President Isaias asserted.
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