In a seminar conducted in London UK on Sunday 17^th January 2010, The Eritrean Community in the United Kingdom, denounced US sanctions imposed in the name of Security Council and affirmed their readiness to defend their nation and stand alongside their people and government. The seminar was attended, by the Eritrean ambassador to the United Kingdom and Ireland Mr. Tefamicael Gerahtu, Ms. Haregu Tesfamariam Head of Public affairs at the Embassy of Eritrea in UK , community elders, religious leaders and over 1500 Eritreans.

After an introduction speech by Dr. Bereket Fessehatzion, chairperson of the Mekete committee, the Eritrean Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Ireland H.E. Tefamicael Gerahtu gave the participants of the seminar extensive briefing regarding situation in Eritrea.

He said, Eritrea has come through successive obstacles and animosities in the past 60 years and the disguised hostilities have continued by the US administrations against the Eritrean people. He carried on saying that, history is witness of the Eritrean people’s triumph to the fact that they have always prevailed against all odds and that they will steadfastly overcome the recent US engineered unjust and illegal sanctions. 

With the cultured and rule abiding people and leadership that has progressive and realistic policies, Eritrea has become exemplary that those who have agenda of domination and particularly the USA, have openly become hostile against the Eritrean people.

The baseless sanctions against Eritrea was adopted under the pretext that it extends financial and arms support to Somali extremists and non-recognition of the externally imposed transitional government in Somalia, but the Ambassador explained that, Eritrea does not interfere in the internal affairs of Somalia and that it advocates the existence of a united and sovereign Somali nation. Still, Eritrea has the right to extend political and moral support to the Somali people.

He further underlined that the resolution in the name of Security Council is designed to sabotage the dynamic development achievements registered in Eritrea through the concerted efforts of people, Government as well as members of the Eritrean Defense Force (EDF).  The ambassador also reminded the participants that, our biggest responsibility to the Eritrean martyrs is to never compromise Eritrea’s national security.

The participants on their part expressed their willingness and readiness to enhance their contribution towards the ongoing nation building process and that they will always stand alongside their people and Government and will rebuff any external conspiracies by strengthening their unity and will defend their nation whatever the cost.

They further affirmed that the development endeavors being undertaken on the basis of self-reliance and the nation’s independent political path would not be hampered by external conspiracy.

The participants concluded the seminar by passing the following resolutions.

• They denounce the unjust and illegal sanction on Eritrea and call on the Security Council to lift the sanction immediately.

• Call on worldwide demonstration against the illegal and unjust sanction.

• Call on Eritrean nationals to stand alongside their people and leadership.

•  They will continue to work towards realizing the mapped out development plans in Eritrea, regardless of any difficulties. 

Information & Communication

Erina News January 17, 2010.