President holds talks with delegation from EU Parliament
By MOI

Oct 28, 2008, 16:37

Massawa, 28 October 2008 – President Isaias Afwerki today held talks in the port city of Massawa with a delegation from the EU Parliament headed by Mr. Alian Hutchinson, Chairman of the EU Parliament.

In the meeting, the President stressed that development cannot be ensured without regional peace. He further called on the European Union to play due role in putting an end to Ethiopia’s occupation of sovereign Eritrean territories, as the Eritrean-Ethiopian border issue has reached legal conclusion.

As regards the Somali issue, President Isaias pointed out that in order to achieve peaceful solution to the issue, the invading Ethiopian forces should withdraw from Somalia, and that the Somali people should be given the chance to resolve their issue themselves. He further explained in detail that the so-called Eritrean-Djiboutian issue is a fabricated one with the backing of the US Administration and Ethiopia.

Stating that the interference of external forces in the Sudan is impeding the peace process, the President indicated that the role of the EU in this region has been passive, and that it is expected to play an active role.

The delegation from the EU Parliament stated on its part that it was impressed with Eritrea’s development programs and the progress made in efforts to achieve food security.

The delegation went on to say that its meeting with various Eritrean Ministers and other officials enabled it to get acquainted with the objective situation in the country, and that it would present this to the EU Parliament.

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Visiting delegate from EU Parliament commends Eritrea’s efforts to achieve food security and expand social service
By MOI
Oct 27, 2008, 12:49 

Mendefera, 27 October 2008 – Mr. Alian Hutchinson, a delegate from the EU Parliament who conducted a tour of development, agriculture and infrastructure programs in the Southern region, lauded Eritrea’s efforts to achieve food security and expand social services in remote areas.

He expressed admiration to the endeavors which Eritrea is exerting to promote the provision of health and educational services, as well as improve the people’s standard of living which he personally witnessed. Mr. Alian Hutchinson further asserted that the European Union would work in collaboration with Eritrea.

The head of agricultural development in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Hiruy Asgedom, gave briefing to the delegate on Eritrea’s priority action to reinforce soil and water conservation, environmental protection, reforestation, development of land plots below micro-dams, boost the number of domestic animals and wildlife, as well as develop rangelands and forests.

Likewise, Mr. Mussa Naib, director general of general education in the Ministry of Education, outlined the endeavors being made to provide educational opportunities in all parts of the country so as to promote active popular participation in the development drive and raise productivity. He also briefed the EU delegate on the ongoing activities to closely address public affairs and upgrade women’s standard of living standard through avoiding dependency.