webmaster
© Copyright DEHAI-Eritrea OnLine, 1993-2011
All rights reserved
From: YPFDJ Media & Info (media@youngpfdj.com)
Date: Thu Jan 27 2011 - 17:36:00 EST
High-Level Eritrean Delegation Hand-Delivers Letter from President Isaias
Afwerki, on Behalf of Government and People of Eritrea, Congratulating the
People of Southern Sudan on a Historic Referendum on Self Determination.
A high-level Eritrean delegation headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Mr. Osman Saleh, visited Juba, Southern Sudan, earlier this week. The
delegation included the Political Adviser to the President of the State of
Eritrea, Mr. Yemane Gebreab, and was joined by the Eritrean Consul General
in Juba, Amb. Alem Negash.
During the official two-day visit, the delegation met with the President of
the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS), General Salva Kiir Mayardit, and
other high-level GoSS Ministers including the SPLM Secretary General and
Minister for Peace and CPA Implementation, Mr. Pagan Amum, and the Minister
of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Deng Alor.
During the meeting with President Kiir, Minister Osman Saleh hand-delivered
an official letter from the President of the State of Eritrea, Mr. Isaias
Afwerki.
In the letter, President Isaias congratulated the Government and the people
of Southern Sudan, on behalf of the Government and people of Eritrea, on a
momentous and extraordinarily successful and credible Referendum on Self
Determination held, as planned, on January 9, 2011.
President Isaias expressed his deepest appreciation for the solid role
played by the SPLM and GoSS in leading the people of Southern Sudan to that
auspicious day, ensuring that they register a historical victory and realize
their ultimate goal of Self Determination.
President Isaias, underscored the deep bond that exists between Eritrea and
Southern Sudan acknowledging the heavy sacrifices paid by both peoples for
the right to Self Determination. In connection with this, President Isaias
highlighted Eritrea's commitment to the Government and people of Southern
Sudan, going as far back as 1994, during a PANAF meeting in Kampala, when
Eritrea was the only partner that advocated for the inalienable right of the
people of Southern Sudan to determine their own future and destiny through
Self Determination. President Isaias also noted Eritrea's leading role in
drafting the Declaration of Principles (DoP) in 1994 which formed the basis
for later peace negotiations.
President Isaias emphasized Eritrea's readiness to recognize the result of
the Referendum, as soon as it is officially declared, as the choice of the
people of Southern Sudan.
President Isaias further emphasized Eritrea's pledge to strengthen the
relationship between both peoples and Governments and in this regard
President Isaias informed President Kiir that the current Consulate General
will be upgraded and a full embassy will be established in the case of, and
soon after, declaration of independence. President Isaias also added that
the Government of Eritrea has already identified a potential Ambassador for
the new office.
Lastly, President Isaias reiterated his message of congratulations and
reaffirmed Eritrea's unyielding commitment to peace and justice throughout
the Horn of Africa.
----[This List to be used for Eritrea Related News Only]----