ERINA Updated

(Eritrean News Agency)
Friday, July 31, 1998

1. The National Confederation of Eritrean Workers (NCEW) called for support in its rehabilitation and training efforts in helping Eritrean workers and professionals deported from Ethiopia. In an appeal sent to the International Labor Organization, International Confederation of Free Trade Unions, International Trade Secretariats and national centers in Europe, America, Africa and the Middle East, the NCEW asked for the condemnation of the Ethiopian government's gross violations of human rights of Eritreans in Ethiopia. The confederation also called for cessation of mass deportations, detentions and appropriation of properties belonging to Eritreans.

2. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Haile Woldensae, held talks yesterday with Namibian President Sam Njoma in Windhoek on the Eritrean-Ethiopian border conflict. Minister Woldensae also handed over a message from President Isaias Afwerki concerning the situation at hand. The minister briefed President Njoma on the background and development of the border conflict between the two countries and reiterated Eritrea's stand that the problem can only be solved through legal and peaceful means. President Njoma, on his part, expressed his concern by asking the two sides to cease-fire and to solve the dispute through legal and peaceful talks. Earlier this week, Minister Woldensae had held talks with the Ghanaian and Senegalese leaders and the South African Minister of Foreign Affairs on the same issue.

3. A resigned Ethiopian MP disclosed that his country is arming rival factions in Somalia, reported the BBC. Ahmed Abdelkerim, who fled Ethiopia and sought refuge in Britain, said that because of his membership in the foreign affairs standing committee he had knowledge about the details of Ethiopian involvement. Abdelkerim said that there is an international arms embargo imposed on Somalia and that Ethiopia has been given a mandate by IGAD and the OAU to help resolve the war in Somalia. "But, on the contrary, it [Ethiopia] is fueling the war," Abdelkerim said. He added that this breach of trust has been going on for a year.

Veronica Rentmeesters, Information Officer
Embassy of Eritrea to the US
1708 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington DC 20009, USA TEL: 202 588 7587 FAX: 202 319 1304
E-M: veronica@embassyeritrea.org

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