http://whatsinblue.org/2011/12/eritrea-resolution-and-possible-address-by-the-eritrean-president.php
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posted on *THU 1 DEC 2011 4:58 PM*Eritrea Resolution and Possible Address
by the Eritrean President
Following consultations among Council members yesterday (Wednesday, 30
November), first among experts and then at permanent representative level,
it appears that Gabon circulated a revised draft resolution on Eritrea last
night. Gabon had called for a vote yesterday after having put a draft
resolution in blue on Tuesday evening. However, it met opposition from
several Council members who had amendments to the text.
Additionally, it seems most members were of the view that before taking any
action, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki should be allowed to address the
Council. (Afwerki had made this request in late October but it was formally
discussed by Council members only yesterday.) There seemed to be an initial
agreement yesterday that the vote would take place on Monday based on the
understanding that Afwerki would be invited to address the Council that
same day before any action is taken. A letter was immediately sent inviting
him to address the Council. However, today Eritrea responded that Monday
was not convenient because of the short notice and asked the Council to
propose another date. (It appears that other states from the region have
also been invited.)
It seems that during yesterday’s consultations China, Russia and South
Africa made a number of proposals. These include measures relating to the
use of the diaspora tax, investments in the Eritrean mining industry and
financial transactions. It appears, however, that only minor revisions were
incorporated into last night’s draft. It is therefore unclear whether it
will meet with the approval of all members.
The text that is now on the table is considerably shorter and weaker, in
terms of sanctions provisions, than the original. Besides calling for
implementation of existing sanctions, it condemns the use of the Eritrean
government’s diaspora tax to destabilise the Horn of Africa or violate
Council resolutions and calls on Eritrea to cease such practices. It also
calls for appropriate action to be taken by member states to make
individuals accountable for and prevent them from engaging in such actions.
The draft also expresses concern over the Eritrean mining sector
potentially being used as a source for financing destabilising activities
and calls on states to be vigilant in preventing such use. It also requests
the Somalia and Eritrea Sanctions Committee to draft guidelines for member
states to use on a voluntary basis. Additionally, it urges states to
develop due diligence guidelines to prevent the provision of financial
services that might contribute to further violations by Eritrea of existing
Council resolutions.
The resolution is also likely to impact the mandate of the Monitoring Group
by adding some new tasks. Possible follow-up action includes having the
Secretary-General report within 180 days on Eritrea’s compliance with the
resolution.
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Received on Fri Dec 02 2011 - 10:28:06 EST