Eritrean News Agency (ERINA)

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ERINA Update

Tuesday, January 26, 1999 1. President Isaias Afwerki met with Kenyan President Daniel Arap Moi during a brief visit the Kenyan Head of State made to Asmara on Sunday. The heads of state reviewed the Ethiopian-Eritrean border conflict. President Isaias briefed President Moi on current developments regarding the ongoing work of the OAU High Level Delegation and said Eritrea was still very much engaged in the peace process. President Moi met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi at a recent regional summit in Arusha and said he hoped both countries would work to avoid an escalation of hostilities.

2. President Isaias left yesterday for Brussels, Belgium, on an official visit. During his visit, President Isaias will meet Belgian Prime Minister Jean Luke Dahne, European Union President Jacques Santer, and European Union Parliament members. The president was seen off by the Eritrean Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Haile Woldetensae.

3. One hundred eighty one Eritreans and Ethiopians of Eritrean descent rounded up from various parts of southern Ethiopia arrived in Assab on Sunday after being deported through the Burie front line. The deportees had been detained for up to one month before being thrown out. This batch of deportees was made up largely of women, elderly people and young children. The deportees spoke of relatives and friends who were being detained in isolated prison camps in Wolega and Jijiga.

4. Head of Political Affairs at the People's Front for Democracy and Justice Mr. Yemane Ghebreab is leading a team from Eritrea on an official visit to Italy. The team is meeting with high ranking Italian Parliament members including Parliament Chairman Mr. Violante, President of the Foreign Affairs Commission Mr. Achile Ochetto, Head of Inter Parliamentary Affairs Mrs. Pazza Tasca, and Under Secretary for African Affairs Mr. Rino Serri. Mr. Yemane is accompanied by Chairperson of the National Union of Eritrean Women Mrs. Lul Ghebreab and Member of Parliament Mr. Germano Nati.

The Eritrean delegation explained Eritrea's standpoint on the current border conflict and reiterated its desire for a peaceful resolution. Mr. Yemane also briefed the Italian Parliament on the continued policy of deportation and detention being carried out by the Ethiopian government. He called upon the Italian government to condemn the violation of human rights and to apply pressure on Ethiopia. The Italian officials said they recognized Eritrea's desire for peace and added that they strongly oppose the resumption of hostilities. They encouraged both parties to resolve the conflict peacefully and said they would work to safeguard human rights. Delegates also discussed bilateral relations.

5. Two meetings for Eritreans residing in Italy were held over the weekend. The meetings, which were held in Rome and Milan, were conducted by the Eritrean Minister for Local Government Mr. Mahmud Sherifo, as well as the Eritrean delegation visiting the Italian Parliament. Eritreans were briefed on current issues regarding the border dispute and on economic development in Eritrea. The officials noted the contributions and support of Eritreans in defense of their country, and encouraged them to pursue their commitment. Eritreans attending the meetings pledged to continue their support for Eritrea's peaceful stance.

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