Ethiopian Review

Asmara, 11 May 2009 – President Isaias Afwerki underscored that comprehensive and inclusive political solution is the sole option to Sudanese issues. He made the salient remarks in an interview today with Sudanese Television.

Indicating that separate and isolated initiatives could not only ensure basic solution but are also ineffective approach, the President pointed out that external interferences and internationalization are complicating and aggravating the issues. Hence, putting an end to acts of interference which is a continuation of the strategy of domination on the part of past US Administrations is imperative so as the Sudanese issue could be resolved by the Sudanese themselves, President Isaias underlined.

As regards the Darfur issue, he said that although there exist tribal strife and marginalization in the region, such shortcomings should not be an excuse for interference by external forces and an instrument for agencies serving for their agendas. In recognition of this basic fact, it is high time for all Sudanese forces to reinforce their endeavors to do away with loopholes that undermine their security and national unity in a prudent manner and on the basis of Sudan-Sudan method, the President elaborated.

Noting that solid ground has been laid for Eritrean-Sudanese relations, he stated that the two sides are exerting unremitting efforts to make up for missed opportunities through drawing rich experience from the past 20 years. In this respect, President Isaias explained that the agreements and understandings reached in various domains attest to the endeavors being made to enhance such strategic ties, and that it is registering promising prospects.

He went on to say that the East Sudan region is a bridge between Eritrea and Sudan, and that the implementation of development programs aimed at building the region that was destroyed makes due contribution in strengthening relations between the two countries, besides serving the interest of both peoples. The President further asserted that Eritrea would play modest role for the success of the aforementioned objectives. Moreover, President Isaias noted that the Asmara Agreement that was concluded two years ago is being effectively implemented, though there are delays here and there.

Pointing out that the so-called “International Criminal Court” is but part and tool of the strategy of domination and hegemony pursued by external forces, he emphasized that as the indictment against President Omar Hassan Al-Beshir is a provocative political contempt that has no relation whatsoever with the principles of law and legality, it targets not only the peace and stability of Sudan but also the peace and stability of the entire region. As such, the countries and peoples in the region are obliged to challenge and rebuff the conspiracy through creating broad front, President Isaias underlined.

Also in an interview he gave to Al-Raeed and Al-Ahram newspapers, he explained that political choices that ensure stability and bequeathing cherished values to generations constitute Eritrea’s priorities, for the realization of which concerted action is being taken with the participation of all generations and that encouraging achievements are being scored.

Noting the impressive contribution of Eritrean nationals residing abroad in the economic wellbeing of families, the President stated that due attention is being given to the task of channeling their expertise to the national economic development drive.

He indicated that in the wake of the Second World War, the Eritrean people became the victim of the policies pursued by successive US Administrations and was compelled to pay heavy price in the process. Nevertheless, although they sought to open a new chapter saying let bygones be bygones following the attainment of independence in 1991, the situation continua as it were and was thus compelled to pay additional price, President Isaias highlighted. Under the circumstances, he pointed out that Eritrea had no choice but oppose such a strategy of domination and stand firm in safeguarding its dignity and national security.

Stating that the attempts made to place Eritrea in the list of “states sponsoring terrorism” and the closing down of the Eritrean Community’s Cultural Center in Washington amply demonstrated the failure of the policy of the previous US Administration, the President asserted that the reaction of the Eritrean people in general and those residing in the United States as regards this issue was indeed praiseworthy. In this regard, every Eritrean family in that country become a cultural center in itself and manifested strong nationalism in concrete deeds, he elaborated.

Furthermore, President Isaias said he does not believe that the present US Administration has a specific strategy towards Eritrea, and that in accordance with its formally declared policies, but on the other hand there is expectation that changes would surface in US posture. In the meantime, waiting in patience is a better option, he added.

On the issue of Ethiopia’s continued occupation of sovereign Eritrean territories, the President declared that the sole remaining question is the unconditional withdrawal of the invading forces of the TPLF regime with the backing of the previous US Administration from the occupied territories in accordance with the virtual demarcation effected by the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission.

He went on to explain that human trafficking activities are crimes against humanity which are encouraged and sponsored by the CIA and intelligence agencies of some European countries. In this connection, President Isaias stressed the need for countries and security institutions in this region to vigorously combat such a scenario.

- Shabait