Eritrean News Agency (ERINA)(Tel: ++291-1-117627, Fax: 127385)
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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