EMBASSY INFORMATION Statements about resumption of imminent war between Eritrea and Ethiopia are the invention of the TPLF and its collaborators designed to divert the prevailing internal crisis in Ethiopia : President Isaias
By Staff
Nov 20, 2005, 18:59 Asmara , 20 November 2005 -
President Isaias Afwerki underlined that statements about the resumption of imminent war between Eritrea and Ethiopian are the invention of the TPLF and its collaborators designed to divert the prevailing internal crisis in Ethiopia . 
The President made the salient remarks in a televised interview last night with the national media focusing on Eritrea 's development strategy and its short and long-term achievements, as well as regional and international issues. He elaborated that in a bid to escape from the current internal crisis it is facing, the TPLF regime is resorting to war as an alternative.
In this respect, President Isaias stated, efforts made under the cover of the United Nations including the Security Council to save the regime are not new scenarios. Noting that the Security Council is duty bound to implement the Boundary Commission's ruling and as such it has no other authority, the President underscored that the failure of the Council over the past three and half years to live up to its responsibility has no legal, political or moral justification at all. He went on to emphasize that talks on the part of the Security Council alleging that "since war is inevitable, tough resolution should be adopted on the two countries, and that since Eritrea has banned UNMEE helicopter flight, even more tough resolution should be directed against it" represent nothing else but pure "waste of time." President Isaias further underlined that in the event such a situation remains unchanged, the Security Council bears full responsibility for any ensuing consequences.
Stating that Eritrea had demonstrated sufficient patience over the past three and half years with all the attendant sacrifices and disadvantages, the President, nonetheless, pointed out that this patience cannot continue for an indefinite time. "In view of the fact that sovereign Eritrean territory is still under foreign occupation, its right of self- defence is legally and morally ensured under the UN Charter," he underlined. 
On the baseless allegation that Eritrea is behind the current popular uprising organized by the CUD party, President Isaias noted that Eritrea's cooperation with the Ethiopian people before independence was conducted without any bias, and that even during the transition period after 1991, Eritrea not only made the necessary contribution to ensure a secure Ethiopia but also live in peace with it both for mutual benefit and regional stability. He further stated that even at this time the people and Government of Eritrea hold the principled stance advocating that there should exist a secure Ethiopia in which all its people live in conditions of equality and harmony.
Regarding the improvement recently witnessed in relations between Eritrea and Sudan , President Isaias indicated that the initiatives Eritrea had taken were exploratory and had borne fruitful outcome. Noting that Sudanese internal problems had created obvious difficulties not only to Eritrea but also to the region and the world at large, he pointed out that Eritrea had made due contribution and positive role within IGAD to achieve a solution to the South Sudan issue. Moreover, President Isaias explained that Eritrea as a neighbor will continue its efforts to promote a comprehensive and lasting peace in the Sudan , as well as ensure the success of the peace agreement already reached. He added that all the Sudanese parties have been informed of this Eritrean pledge.
On Eritrean-American relations, President Isaias stated that since it is imperative that there should exist regional organizations for cooperation in Africa and that countries should create a situation conducive to mutual cooperation among them. In this connection, the President indicated that the United States or other countries are expected to make due contribution. "It is not only a mistake but also dangerous to resort to giving orders through proxy," he stressed.
Pointing out that the problem in US policy towards Africa emanates from the strategy of creating obedience through proxy, President Isaias called on the United States, in view of its influence in the world, to work for resolving problems in a constructive manner, as well as promoting reliable and sustained partnership.
As regards the objective situation in the Homeland, the President underlined that Eritrea has been implementing programs aimed at reinforcing national security and economic emancipation over the past seven years despite the TPLF regime's war of aggression, and that the year 2005 in particular has witnessed a giant leap towards ensuring food security, as well as the construction of various infrastructure in the industrial, trade, tourism, fisheries and other sectors when compared to that of the previous years.
Noting the satisfactory outcome registered at present in identifying problems shaped by the uneven distribution of rainfall and implementing programs to tackle it, President Isaias underscored that efforts to achieve food security in 2006 will focus on promoting irrigation farming being currently undertaken through the construction of reservoirs, water catchments and diversion schemes. He explained that machinery made available in 2005 will be used much more efficiently in 2006.
With regards to infrastructure, President Isaias said that the roads constructed in 2005 are quite significant in number, length and kind as compared to similar endeavors undertaken in 2003 and 2004. Pointing out that the nation registered major progress this year regarding airports, bays, electricity, water supply and telephone lines, including mobile phones, he noted that preparations are underway aimed at further pushing forward these hallmarks of development at an accelerated pace. 
In the fisheries infrastructure, the President said that the facilities put in place in Gelalo , Ti'o and Edi, in addition to the ones that had already gone operational in Massawa and Assab along with other bays are strengthening available resources. He added that the type and number of boats have also taken on a positive direction this year.
On the issue of aid, President Isaias said that the relationship with aid partners must be seen as temporary, taking into account the fact that permanent aid partnership is only an indication of persistent and impenetrable problems, hunger and disaster. The President noted that aid should be limited to a certain timeframe.
Speaking on the emergence of organizations operating under the guise of relief aid and by employing the name of major faith denominations but are, on the contrary, engaged in evil plots, acts of terrorism and espionage, he pointed out that the policy enacted in 1994 to monitor such escapades has been enriched following 10 years of experience and put into effect recently.
Outlining the factors that contributed to increase in the price of consumer goods, President Isaias made reference to the rising fuel price in the world market and the effects of war in a nation's human capacity. He further stated that extravagance on the part of individuals and the merchants' voracity could also be cited as supplementary factors. The President went on to say that there is a need for undertaken deep research in this regard as well as extensive public campaigns.
President Isaias further underlined that institutions, particularly the Ministry of Trade and Industry have been stepping up efforts to find solutions to these setbacks and that the problems have in a way been eased.
Pretoria , November 16, 2004 |
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