Eritrea: Land of
Can-Do People!

ERI-NEWS

National Service: A toolfor Economic
Development, National
Cohesion and the
Defence of Sovereignty

Bi-Weekly Newsletter
Permanent Mission of the State of Eritrea to AU
and UNECA
Press Section
Statement by H.E. Mr. Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs of
the State of Eritrea, during the General Debate of the 71st Sessionof the United Nations General Assembly
26 September 2016, New YorkVol 3. Issue 55
29 September 2016
Inside this issue:

Mr President,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,This year the people of Eritrea havebeen celebrating the silver jubilee of
their country’s independence since1991. During the difficult years of thewar for independence, very few people
believed that Eritreans and their leadership were capable of this historicachievement as the odds were overwhelmingly stacked against them.
Unlike in other liberation struggles, it
was both superpowers, the UnitedStates and the Soviet Union, and not
one or the other, who sought to crush
by armed force their aspirations for self
-determination. But the Eritrean people
and their liberation movement, theEritrean People’s Liberation Front, thepredecessor of today’s People’s Frontfor Democracy and Justice, believed in
the justness of their cause and in theirown determination and capability to
win the war fair and square, to prevailin an unequal battle.
The post-independence struggle for nation-building too has been complex anddifficult. We have been compelled tocommit precious human and economic
resources to defend ourselves against
wars of aggression and subversion.

Eritrean Delegation’s Statement at
3
the XVII NonAligned Movement
SummitWe have suffered the occupation of
our sovereign territory in violation ofinternational law and a binding international arbitration. We have been subjected to incessant hostility, sanctions,
economic, financial and diplomaticpressures as well as armed attacks andpsychological warfare. Our people, inparticular our youth, were targeted,through policies that actively encouraged their migration, leading to muchsuffering and loss of life in the handsof human traffickers, policies whose
inevitable outcome was then presented
as evidence against Eritrea. No less anauthority than President Obama statedpublicly that he had “renewed sanctions on some of the worst abusers,
including Eritrea.” And he added, “We
are partnering with groups that help
women and children escape from thegrip of their abusers.” The objective
was “regime change” as a prelude tobringing Eritrea to its knees.
(Contd. on page 2)

Vol 3. Issue 55, 29 September 2016

Eritrean Delegation’s Statement at
the UN High Level
Meeting on Large 5
Movement of
Migrants andRefugees
6
Diplomatic News in7
Brief

Contact Addresses:
Tel: +251-116620052
Fax:+251-116620011
Email:eritreanaumission@
gmail.com
P.o.Box: 5527
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Eritrean Mission to
AU& ECA@EritreaAU

Page 2Eri-News

Statement by H.E. Mr. Osman Saleh, at the 71st Session of the UNGA
(Contd. from page 1)
In the face of this concerted onslaught, few gave
Eritrea a fighting chance. We were routinely writtenoff, our imminent collapse predicted with regularity.
But once again, resilient Eritrea and Eritreans at home
and abroad were able to forge, through their patriotism, cohesion, sheer determination and sacrifices, thecapability to resist the onslaught on their nation and toprotect their hard-won freedom. And after a difficult
decade-and-half, Eritrea is now on the up. Most of theMillennium Development Goals have been achieved.
The economy is rebounding. Infrastructure is being
built. Favourable conditions are being created to provide youth with ample opportunities for quality education, vocational skills, decent living conditions andactive political participation. The country’s regional
and international engagement is growing. The counter-productive policy of isolating Eritrea is slowly but
surely failing.
Mr. President,
The pressures, coercion and hostility that Eritrea has
faced are by no means exceptional or distinctive. In
our region, the Horn of Africa, they are only one element of a misguided policy pursued over a quarter ofa century that has fuelled violence, conflict, instability, fragmentation as well as extremism and terrorism.
Throughout the world, many nations who cherish dignity and independent decision making, uphold thesovereign equality of nations, seek to chart politicaland economic paths suited to their conditions andbenefit more from their human and natural resources
have faced the wrath of those who wish to cling totheir domination and privileges as well as all mannerof coercion and subversion, including sanctions,blockades, and armed interventions. More generally,
unsustainable policies of greed and pillage and thereckless resort to unilateral pressure and force to secure unilateral advantage instead of seeking common
ground and mutual interests is pushing the world on
an extremely dangerous path. The very survival of theplanet and humanity are in grave danger due to unsustainable systems of production and consumption andthe attendant large-scale wastage.

In this context, Eritrea wishes to point out that thepending decision by the United States to adopt
legislation that nullifies national sovereign immunity
constitutes a violation of international law and adangerous precedent with grave implications.
Mr. President,
Even as the challenges and dangers we face are grave
and stark, our world is still full of possibilities andopportunities. The global balance of power andwealth is changing, with new sources of growth,
dynamism and innovation, not only in the celebrated
emerging economies, but also in many other countries. In both industrialized and developing nations,ordinary people are making their voices heard andtheir actions felt, by mobilizing, organizing and fighting against the domination of the few and for a moreequal and just world. Calls for the respect of international law and norms and for the overhaul and revitalization of the United Nations and global financial
institutions with a view of making them more representative and democratic are more widespread andinsistent and often backed by concrete initiatives andconcerted actions.
In our region, the Horn of Africa, the past two
decades have generally been a period of missed opportunities, of zero-sum games, of repeated conflicts
and setbacks. Even today, the situation remains
fraught with risk and danger. Yet recent developments
indicate the possibility of an opening for a new beginning, for re-launching the vision of the 1990s of apeaceful, progressive, economically dynamic andcooperative Horn of Africa.
Mr. President,
Eritrea often speaks of the hostilities and injustices it
has suffered, of the difficulties it has faced, of thevaliant struggles of its people. This is an experience itshares with many other peoples and nations; and it
does inform its views and policies. Yet, Eritrea does
not dwell on the past, but prefers to look to the future.
(Contd. on page 6)

Vol 3. Issue 55, 29 September 2016

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Statement by H.E. Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Eritrea
At the XVII Non-Aligned Movement Summit
17-18 September 2016, Island of Margarita, The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Since its inception our Movement has been at theforefront of the struggle for a global order based onpeace, independence, respect for international law,justice, equity and sustainable development. It is vitalthat we continue to defend the sacrosanct principles ofsovereign equality of nations, respect for territorial
integrity, political independence and peaceful coexistence as well as respect for the dignity and rights ofcitizens. These time-tested principles are more relevant today than ever and should not be compromised.
Your Excellency, Mr. Nicolás Maduro Moros, President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Heads of State and Government,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me extend my heartfelt appreciation to the people
and government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for the generous hospitality extended to mydelegation since our arrival. I also wish to congratulate the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for its election to chair the Non-Aligned Movement.
Let me also express my delegation’s appreciation to
the Islamic Republic of Iran, the outgoing chair of theCoordinating Bureau, for its able leadership in steer- For years our Movement has asserted that humanrights can only be promoted through “ensuring uniing the work of our Movement for the last four years.
versality, objectivity and non-selectivity in the conMr. Chair,sideration of human rights issues, and the elimination
Excellencies,of double standards and politicisation.” The promoMany countries of our Movement are facing daunting tion and protection of human rights should be based
challenges of recurrent conflicts, food insecurity, on the principles of cooperation and dialogue in order
youth unemployment, human trafficking, transna- to strengthen the capacity of States to comply withtional organised crimes, manipulation of illegal mi- their human rights obligations. The Universal Perigration, spread of violent extremism and terrorism. odic Review is the main intergovernmental mechaOur efforts to harness effective multilateral response nism to address the issue of human rights. However,is being hampered by unilateralism, military adven- we continue to witness that international human rights
turism, flagrant violation of the UN Charter and mis- mechanisms, including Human Rights Council, areguided policies of certain powers. This has led to loss being utilised as tools of political coercion by certainof millions of lives, destruction of nations, and spread (Contd. on page 4)of extremism and terrorism.
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Statement by H.E. Osman Saleh,
At the XVII Non-Aligned Movement Summit (Contd. from page 3)
powers with an aim to wreak havoc, polarise societies
and nations, perpetuate political instability andchange regimes. Unfortunately, some members of thisMovement have become wittingly or unwittingly accomplice to these destructive policies.

il. This unjustified action by Members of the NonAligned Movement contravenes NAM’s longstanding
position and disparages the spirit of solidarity that wehave been preaching for decades. We have to practicewhat we preach.

We must strength our solidarity, enhance our cooperation and pursue our common goal to counter policies
that intend to break us apart and pick us one after theother. We need to ensure the independence and integrity of international human rights instruments and institutions.

We reiterate our request to Members of the NAM, inspirit of solidarity, to call for an immediate lifting of
the sanctions against Eritrea as well as reject and condemn all forms of hostilities and interferences that are
being carried against the people of Eritrea, including
country specific human rights mandates.

Mr. Chair,
Excellencies,

Mr. Chair,
Excellencies,

For over half a century the people of Eritrea has suffered from this unjust global order. We were denied
our inalienable right to self-determination. For three
decades, we were savagely bombed from the air andthe ground, with the aim of crushing our struggle forindependence. The same power that denied us ourright for self-determination seven decades ago have
imposed unjust and illegal sanctions on a bases of unfounded allegations and are maintaining this sanction
even when the allegations have proven non-existentfor years. The same powers continue to shield aggression against our nation and illegal occupation of oursovereign territory in violation of international law.
They are also encouraging irregular migration in order to deprive Eritrea of its productive citizens, exposing the Eritrean youth to abuse and death (in the
Sahara, Sinai and the Mediterranean) in the hands ofhuman traffickers and smugglers. The people ofEritrea continues to be targeted by the United States
Administration.

Despite the relentless harassment and hostilities, Eritrea is building a solid basis for inclusive and sustainable development with social justice as its centre. It
has made strides in improving educational and healthservices, agricultural productivity, and infrastructure.
Eritrea is also making its contribution to regional
peace, stability and security in the Red Sea and theHorn of Africa.

To add insult to injury some members of the Movement are Trojan-Horse for this unjustified hostilities
by the US on our nation. Three members of ourMovement continue to spearhead country specificresolution against Eritrea at the Human Rights Counc-

Eritrea sees its own efforts for peace, justice, development, environmental protection as part of the struggle
for a better, fair, just, peaceful and equitable global
order. Eritrea reiterates its readiness to closely workwith the sisterly member countries of the NAM torealise these objectives.
Mr. Chair,
Excellencies,
Let me, in conclusion, reaffirm Eritrea’s solidarity
with the people and Government of the Bolivarian
Republic of Venezuela as they face illegal politicaland economic aggression. Eritrea also reaffirms its
solidarity with people and governments of Cuba, Sudan and others who are suffering from unilateral sanctions and economic sabotages.
I thank you!

Vol 3. Issue 55, 29 September 2016

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Statement by Mr. Yemane Ghebreab,Special Political Advisor to the President of the State of Eritrea,
During the High Level Meeting on Large Movement of Migrants and Refugees,
New York, 19 September 2016
Mr. Chairman,
Excellencies,
Eritrea has played an active role in the preparations
for this “Summit for Refugees and Migrants” because
we believe it is an issue of vital importance for all
peoples and nations of the world.

In Eritrea’s view, our goals must be:1. To agree on the need and importance of, andprovide meaningful avenues for, legal, safe and regular migration. It really is incongruous that in an
increasingly globalized world, where much is done toadvance the movement of goods and finance, humanmobility is stridently opposed and essentially blocked.
This needs to change as much of the current crisis andsuffering could be significantly reduced by means ofsafe and orderly migration.

support and solidarity to address the daunting challenges of ensuring peace and sustainable development. Meaningful global efforts are required to makeour world more equal, fair and just. The propensity toseek unilateral economic, financial and trade advantages at the expense of developing countries, theresort to the violation of international law andnational independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty in the pursuit of power politics, the impositionof unjustified pressures and sanctions must be firmly
resisted. On the issue of refugees care must be taken
to refrain from exploiting their plight and suffering
against select countries in the pursuit of politicalgoals and away from humanitarian considerations.

2. To protect and promote the rights and dignity of all
migrants and to provide them with opportunities foreducation, skills training and jobs, without which theycannot lead a life of dignity.
Mr. Chairman,
3. To address the main perennial drivers of migration,
including forced migration, which are growing global
inequality, poverty and lack of development, violationof fundamental freedoms, as well as wars andconflict; and to take cognizance of other significant
drivers such as demographic and climate change.
Eritrea believes that every nation has primary responsibility to provide a safe, secure and dignified life
for its citizens in their country and to enable them topursue opportunities in other countries. However,nations, and in particular developing nations, need

Given the fate of previous summits and solemn declarations, including on migration, it is understandable
that many are skeptical about the outcome and impactof this gathering. It is, therefore, imperative that at thenational and global arenas, at the level of governments, national institutions as well as regional andinternational organizations, we all shoulder our
responsibilities to end the suffering associated with
migration, to protect and promote the rights of
migrants and to welcome human mobility as an integral and desirable feature of our globalized world.

Vol 3. Issue 55, 29 September 2016

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Eritrean Foreign Minister held talks with Netherlands Counterpart
In the meeting, Mr. Osman underlined that Eritrea
believes and is working to develop constructive diplomatic engagement and mutual cooperation. He further
called on the European Union to play due role in thetask of seeing to it that Ethiopia withdraws without
pre-condition from sovereign Eritrean territories thatit has occupied, as well as the lifting of the illegal andunjust sanctions against Eritrea and stopping the fabricated anti-Eritrea allegation in the name of “humanrights”.
Eritrea’s Foreign Minister, Mr. Osman Saleh, heldtalks on August 23 in The Hague, with his Netherlands counterpart, Mr. Bert Koenders, regarding theenhancement of bilateral diplomatic relations andother topics of mutual concern.

Mr. Bert Koenders said that he fully understands Eritrea’s complaints and expressed his country’s readiness to strengthen relations with Eritrea. The twosides also agreed to cooperate in combating humantrafficking.

Minister Osman met with Japanese Foreign Minister
Eritrea’s Foreign Minister, Mr. Osman Saleh, on 26
August, met and held talks in Nairobi, with his Japanese counterpart, Mr. Fumio Kishida, on fosteringbilateral relations between the two countries.
The two officials discussed regional and international
issues of mutual concern. The Ministers also
discussed cooperation in the sectors of education,
sport, trade and investment as well as other domains
and exchange of experiences as well as developing
mechanism to evaluate the envisaged sectors ofcooperation thereby ensure progress in an enhancedmanner.

Statement by H.E. Mr. Osman Saleh, at the 71st Session of the UNGA
(contd. from page 2)
It is keen to build on its encouraging achievements totransform its economy and society, to achieve theSustainable Development Goals mainly by relying on
the energy, skills and initiative of its people and the
judicious use of its natural resources. It is also determined to work actively and constructively, and in collaboration with its neighbours, for peace, stability

and prosperity in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea
regions. It seeks to foster relations of solidarity andmutual support with all nations, peoples and organizations that fight for a world free from the scourges of
war and poverty and the respect for human dignity.
Finally, Eritrea is resolved to engage with all nations
in modesty and self-confidence.
Thank You, Mr. President

Vol 3. Issue 55, 29 September 2016

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Eri-News

Senior Eritrean Government Delegation Conducteda Working Visit to Germany
A senior Eritrean Government delegation led by
Mr. Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs ofEritrea, visited Germany in the second week of September and held talks with German officials. The Eritrean delegation included Mr. Yemane Gebreab, Headof Political Affairs of PFDJ, and Mr. Gergis Teklemicael, Minister of National Development.
The delegation held talks with the Federal Minister of
Economic Cooperation and Development on mutualand bilateral relations and cooperation.
The deliberation with the members of Parliament ofGermany focused on development of mutual relations
and economic cooperation.
The members of Parliament who attended the meetingand those who visited Eritrea indicated that based on
the discussion and from their first-hand observation
during their visit to Eritrea, that the reality in the
country was quite different from what is portrayed by
the media.

The visit of the high-level Eritrean delegation
concluded with a Cooperation Protocol signed by Mr.
Osman Saleh, Eritrean Minister of Foreign Affairs
and by Mr. Gunter Nooke, Head of African Affairs at
the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation andDevelopment.

The meeting was in continuation of the discussions
The Eritrean delegation also held a meeting with held in Asmara, on 14 December 2015, during a visit
German officials in which they gave briefings regard- by a delegation led by Mr. Gerd Muller, German Feding the internal and regional situations.
eral Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Eritrea took part at theEuropean Association for International Education (EAIE) ConferenceProf. Tadesse Mehari, Executive Director of theCommission of Higher Education in Eritrea, participated at the 28th Annual European Association forInternational Education (EAIE) Conference that took
place from 13-16 September in Liverpool, the UK.
At the Conference in which 5200 experts from 80
countries attended, Prof. Tadesse gave a presentation
on Migration and the Root Causes and on the prospects of Cooperation in Education.

Vol 3. Issue 55, 29 September 2016