From: Biniam Tekle (biniamt@dehai.org)
Date: Thu Oct 22 2009 - 09:55:05 EDT
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http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm091021/text/91021w0012.htm
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*21 Oct 2009 : Column 1494W*
Eritrea
*Mr. Moore:* To ask the Secretary of State for International Development
what the Government’s policy is on the provisions of the development
agreement reached between the European Commission and Eritrea in September
2009; and if he will make a statement. [293770]
*Mr. Thomas:* The UK Government welcome the new European Commission Country
Strategy for Eritrea that it signed with the Government of Eritrea in
September 2009. This will provide €122 million between 2009 and 2013 to help
the Eritrean people improve governance and reduce poverty and food
insecurity. Over half of the population live below the national poverty
line.
The development co-operation is part of the broader partnership between the
European Union and Eritrea based on the Cotonou Agreement of June 2000. As
part of Article 8 of this agreement, there will be political dialogue
between the parties on political and human rights issues.
Eritrea: International Broadcasting
*Mr. Moore:* To ask the Secretary of State for International Development
pursuant to the answer of 14 September 2009,* Official** Report,* column
496, on Eritrea: international broadcasting, what requests for funding to
support Radio Erena his Department has received in the last three years; and
if he will make a statement. [293766]
*Mr. Thomas:* The Department for International Development (DFID) has not
received any requests for funding to support Radio Erena in the last three
years.
Eritrea: Overseas Aid
*Mr. Moore:* To ask the Secretary of State for International Development
what assessment he has made of the freedom of access for non-government
organisations and aid agencies to assist people in Eritrea; and if he will
make a statement. [293769]
*Mr. Thomas:* Freedom for non-government organisations and aid agencies to
operate within Eritrea is limited due to constraints put in place by the
Government of Eritrea. The Government of Eritrea does not consider these
organisations to have a significant role to play in either the development
of the country or in addressing relief needs. After agreeing a limited
travel itinerary with the
*21 Oct 2009 : Column 1495W*
Eritrean authorities, Department for International Development (DFID)
officials were able to visit partner agencies in Eritrea in August of this
year.
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