Vol. 16 No. 30
50 NFA
WORLD BLOOD DONATION DAY MARKED
Promoting the number of
volunteer blood donors is vital to
ensure safe and adequate blood
supply. This was disclosed on June
14th, World Blood Donation Day.
Director of National Blood
transfusion Center, Dr. Yfdeamlak
Tesfamariam in his speech, said
that the number of volunteer donors
has risen by 80% in the country
and expressed his appreciation the
donors’ commitment.
Director of Health Service
MINISTRY OF LABOR AND HUMAN
WELFARE EXTEND MONETARY ASSISTANCE
Inline with the outlined plan
to support and assist families of
fallen heroes, The branch office of
the ministry of labor and human
welfare Anseba region extends
over 43 million Nakfa for martyrs
trust fund on a yearly bases said
branch head of the ministry of
labor and human welfare Anseba
region, Mr.Girmay Bekuretsion.
Noting that the martyrs trust fund
is made by contributions from the
government and dedicated citizens
from Diaspora ,Mr.Girmay stated
that over 198 million Nakfa and
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION: EFFORTS
REGISTER ENCOURAGING OUTCOME TO
ENSURE EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The efforts being carried out to
ensure development of education
are registering encouraging
outcome, according to Mr.
Ghirmai Ghebrehiwet branch
head of the ministry of education
central region.
Accordingly, the number of
students and schools in elementary
up to secondary level education
has increased to some extent and
that encouraging achievement
has been registered in educational
development as well. Mr.
Ghirmai further said that female
participation in schools has
showed noticeable progress and
called for the need to maintain
Wednesday, 17th of June, 2009
Department in the Ministry of Health
Mr. Berhane Ghebretisae on his part
asserted that Government of Eritrea
is vigorously working to ensure the
provision of adequate blood supply
in all health institutions.
In the occasion different
programs were staged that reflect
the significance of the day.
According to World Health
Organization report, 25% of
expecting mothers die during
delivery due to bleeding.
over 13 million Nakfa has been
collected from the government and
diligent citizens from Diaspora
respectively in the past five years.
He indicated that the branch
office is exerting relentless efforts
to swiftly distribute the money to
families of fallen heroes.
Furthermore, The branch office
of the Ministry of Labor and Human
Welfare in the Anseba region that
its enhancing its support 30 street
children by establishing group
caretakers in Keren, Hagaz and
Elabered .
efforts in a bid to increase the
number in the future.
Noting the significance of
teachers’ role in nurturing qualified
education and students, he said
that plans have been outlined to
offer a 6 month special course for
basic education teachers in a bid
to upgrade their potentials.
There are 128 basic educational,
103 elementary, 42 junior and 19
secondary schools and a total
number of over 133,000 students
in the central region alone.
Likewise, the branch office has
constructed 4 elementary, 7 junior
and 6 secondary schools in various
remote areas of the region.
Pages 8, Price 1.
IGAD: Wayward Means To Sully Eritrea
In a move full of irony, and, by misappropriating the names of the African Union and IGAD, countries hostile
to Eritrea, on issues that have nothing to do with Somalia, are trying to use the Somali fig-leaf to persuade the
UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Eritrea. They have strategized to demand maximum sanctions in
the hope that they can exact at least some measures from the Security Council.
An African country demanding sanctions on another African nation by falsely using the name of the African
Union is indeed a dastardly and unprecedented move. As it happens, the countries that are pushing for sanctions
have been forced to drop their claim to be pursuing it on behalf of the AU, as no legitimate organ of the Union
has mandated them to do so. In reality, they could not have mustered the hubris to approach the UNSC, if they
did not believe that they could gain the indulgence of some permanent members of the Security Council.
Eritrea’s position on the maneuverings underway in New York is the following:-
Eritrea confidently reaffirms that it is not sending arms and/or ammunition to any party in Somalia. It
categorically rejects the baseless charges directed against it. In fact, the Special Representative of the Secretary
General on Somalia, Mr. Ahmedou Ould Abdella, has admitted that despite “much talk” there was no proof of
the charges against Eritrea.
There is irrefutable proof that Ethiopia, in open violation of the UN arms embargo, is training and arming
the Islamist armed group, the Ahli Asunna and Jami’a, various clan militias and an assortment of warlords,
including Barrehilale. This is in addition to its continued military intervention inside sovereign Somali territory,
which continues to complicate the search for a durable settlement.
Accusations of violating the UN arms embargo have also been leveled against a number of other countries.
In this respect, if the UNSC is going to impose any sanctions, it must do so, on the basis of unassailable proof,
against those countries which perpetrated illegal military invasion of Somalia in the past years and who provided
arms to Somalis in violation of the embargo. Eritrea has not done so. Ethiopia is in flagrant violation on these
counts and must be sanctioned.
In regard to Eritrea’s political position on Somalia, Eritrea has been criticized for not falling in line with
the “international consensus”. But, Eritrea has a right to hold an independent position, even a dissenting one.
Moreover, over the past two years and half, the Eritrean position on Somalia has proven to be more realistic and
correct, as compared to the conventional wisdom. Eritrea was correct in its assessment that the Abdullahi Yusuf
and Nur Adde “governments”, despite the “international legitimacy” conferred on them, could not bring peace.
It is Eritrea’s considered assessment that the same is true for the present, externally installed “government”,
which remains holed up in a few districts of the capital, despite massive military and financial support.
Eritrea strongly believes that if the objective is the establishment of a broadly representative government paving
the way for a durable settlement, then we need to refrain from trying to impose our candidates, irrespective of
the qualities that we see in them. This has been tried at least 15 times in the past 15 years and has failed every
single time. What is required, and what Eritrea advocates, is a Somali-owned inclusive process that would also
ensure the participation and address the issues of Somaliland and Puntland.
Eritrea has absolutely no interest in the instability of Somalia. We do not, and have never considered, Somalia
a threat. The Eritrean objective is to see a peaceful, stable and united Somalia.
It is Ethiopia that has for over more than six decades sought to destabilize Somalia, fought three wars against
it, continued to intervene to thwart the emergence of a united government with popular legitimacy. It is farcical
that the country that harbours ill-will towards Somalia and its people, seeks to use Somalis to fight its war against
Eritrea. It is regrettable that Ethiopia, which should have been sanctioned, under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter,
for continuing to occupy sovereign Eritrean territory, in contemptuous rejection of a binding international
arbitration, has the temerity to pour scorn on the Security Council, by demanding sanctions on Eritrea.
It would be a travesty of justice, if members of the Security Council, condemn a country that has not violated
the embargo and reward the one that should be brought to the dock, for its violation of both the arms embargo
and of its obligations under international law. It would be a violation of UN principles if the Security Council
responds to the issue of the embargo selectively.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Asmara
15 June 2009
MEMBERS OF RODDAB CONSTRUCTION COMPANY CONTRIBUTES
OVER 570 THOUSAND NAKFA FOR FAMILIES OF FALLEN HEROES
Members of Roddab institutions, as well as contribution in support of martyrs
Construction Company contributed entrepreneurs to make due families.
over 570 thousand Nakfa for
families of fallen heroes.
During the handing ceremony,
Mr. Mihreteab Fisehaye, director
general of the department social
welfare in the Ministry of Labor
and Human Welfare commended
members of the Company for
the noble gesture and underlined
that others should follow on their
footsteps.
The chairmen of mutual
assistance in the company,
Mr.Teklit Berhe, called on the
general public Government
Eritrea Profile, Wednesday 17th of June, 2009
President Isaias Afwerki’s Interview
With VOA
President Isaias Afwerki conducted interviews with
different world media outlets concerning regional
and global issues in connection with the 18th Inde-
pendence Anniversary. Excerpts of the interview con-
ducted with VOA on May 22 follows:-
Your Excellency, thank you
for giving us the opportunity
to broadcast the views of the
President of Eritrea in face to face
interview. Before asking you about
your policies in this region, how do
you describe Eritrea at present?
It is many things. You need to see
the bigger picture and see Eritrea
within that mosaic. But I think
Eritrea is one of the most relatively
clam and stable and steadily
developing nation.
Mr. President, during the last
half terms of your presidency,
observers remarked about
increasing isolation of Eritrea
from the western world. Is that
your choice to take that position?
What is your response?
Isolation is a state of mind to my
understanding and it only expresses
the state of mind of those who think
Eritrea is isolated, it is a perception.
I don’t generalize and say the west
but those who represent the west are
the once who are dissiminating this
wrong perception. They are those
individuals who think and brag
Eritrea is isolated from the west.
What do you mean by the west? It
is people who think that they are the
west; they would like to represent
something called west and like to
talk in the name of it. However,
those people don’t even represent a
minority of a minority in the west.
They could only be a handful of
individuals who try to believe in
their own lies and fabrications. This
perception can only express the
state of their mind. Someone wants
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Eritrea to be isolated; that is in the
state of mind of that particular party
that would like to give a projection
of an image of isolation. It is true
that anyone can say, we don’t
agree with Eritrea’s policies on this
and that. But Eritrea has its own
independent choice, policies; there
could be a clash of ideas but to talk
about isolation is not right. The
west is Europe, US and Canada;
and Europe incorporates Sweden,
Norway, Italy, Portugal, Spain,
Germany, France, etc. They are
very diverse with varied opinions.
Hence, there is nothing called the
west. Even in the United States,
talking about the West is irrelevant
but again to come to the point of
isolation, it is unfortunate but I
call it, it is sickness because it is
in the mind of those who want to
isolate Eritrea and fail to isolate it.
All this disinformation, campaign
about Eritrea comes from one
small group that has this perception
or obsession of trying to isolate
Eritrea. It is like gambling; every
time they fail to achieve their goals
and they would like to continue to
inculcate into the minds of many
that Eritrea is isolated. Eritrea has
never been isolated and never will
be isolated. I would rather question
the validity of those who ask these
questions in the name of the West.
The number of interviews you
have been giving to media outlets
during the celebrations of Eritrean
independence and the warm
greeting you send to the newly
elected President of the United
States, Barack Obama, suggest
that Eritrea is also prepared to
engage with other nations such
as the United States. Is your
government working on a new
image for Eritrea, a new era for
Eritrea in the world?
It is not a new image. It would
be self defeating to talk about a
new image. We are not going to
a cosmetic shop and try to come
up with a new image and impress
every one. That is not part of our
political culture and we don’t
believe in that. The American
people brought to power this new
administration in Washington
because they opted for a change for
they were fed up with the previous
administration and its policies
that have brought the havoc in the
United States and to its citizens. It
has done damage to the lives of so
many in the United States primarily
and to people all over the world and
that change definitely means a lot.
People would like to see a change
because of the influence of the
United States has in the politics of
the world. The damage done to our
region, not to Eritrea in particular,
we can say we are not damaged at
all relatively speaking with what we
see happening in the neighborhood,
was tremendous. No one can deny
that fact. The issue here is, hence,
could this new administration mend
and change the past by coming up
with a very constructive role in the
region? It is not a panacea for the
problems in the region but it could
help. Each and every country in the
region will have to engage with the
new administration in a constructive
mode. Only one country engaged
with the administration will not
mean a lot. Naturally speaking
this new administration which has
come with the slogan of change
could change. The United States
is changing at least theoretically
speaking and because Obama raised
the flag of change, it may change
the image of the United States in
the region and world wide. It is not
only Eritrea but the whole world
would like to see a new image of the
United States. Hopefully, Obama’s
administration will deliver.
US Assistant Secretary of State
for African Affairs Johnnie
Carson on his interview with
the VOA said your support
for insurgents in Somalia is
a disturbing development. He
also said supporting Somali’s
insurgents can be an obstacle
to more improved relationships
with Eritrea. Do you have a plan
to avoid the risk of losing the
opportunity of engagement with
the new Obama’s administration
who promised to correct previous
mistakes committed by the Bush
administration.
I don’t know this guy in the first
place and I don’t take his statements
seriously because he seems to
either deliberately want to distort
facts or have his own agenda about
the whole issue or he is unaware
about the realities in Somalia and
the Horn in general. Trying to use
this as a way of putting an obstacle
in an engagement that could be
constructive and fruitful doesn’t
make sense at all. What does he
mean when he says improved
relationships? Does he represent
the new administration and its
policies of change? I don’t think
he deserve to be considered as
representative of the policies of
this new administration. And I
don’t want to prematurely judge
because if he intends to spoil the
atmosphere, I don’t think I can give
him free service to damage things
before he even start. If he really had
said what you tell me, it is irrelevant
because it is lies and a fabrication
and distortion of facts. I don’t think
he would be in a position or any one
like him could be in a position to
substantiate on what they mean or
they say. I think we should be very
careful at this particular moment
and not get enticed or dragged into
a trap like this one which could
only serve this engagement which
could only create more and more
of complications. He may not do
any harm to Eritrea but definitely if
that is the attitude, it will do a lot of
harm to US interest in Somalia and
the region at large.
The latest fight in Mogadishu
started only few days after
opposition Islamist leader Sheik
Hassen Dahir Awayes returned to
Mogadishu after being based in
Eritrea for some time. What role
do you think he has played on this
latest fighting and could this be
one of the reasons that Eritrea is
being accused of playing a role in
the fighting?
Well, I think he is one individual
and even the so called President
now was here with his family and
he left. It is a mistake to assume
that these individuals are having a
role. While he was here, traveling
2
abroad and he was meeting with
many individuals and officials and
for us this makes no difference. The
truth of the matter is the fighting
didn’t start when he traveled from
here to Mogadishu. The fighting has
been there all along even before the
coming of this new government. You
can imagine what happened when
the Ethiopian government occupied
Mogadishu and try to install a
government, the government of
Abdullahi Yusuf. Since that time
2006, 2007 and 2008, what we
have seen was continuous fighting
and turmoil in Somalia. Why is it
that people assume or individuals in
Washington think that it started only
when this guy went to Mogadishu?
It is not true in the first place. The
perception is meant to serve an
assumption which is wrong in
the first place and I don’t think it
is relevant to even go and make
assumptions rather than focus on the
real issues and try to find a solution
for the problem in Somalia. What
service could it do to talk about
something that started yesterday
or the day before and try to focus
on that issue. It is a diversion from
the main focus required to address
the main issues. I think it can only
explain the state of mind and the
attitude of individuals who either
don’t understand or don’t even
know the situation on the ground
or are deliberately trying to distort
facts and influence policy makers
to adopt the wrong policies and
presume the same track the previous
administrations in Washington
presumed. This can only lead to
more of flaws in the US foreign
policy. For that matter I wouldn’t
like to engage in trivial issues like
the recent statement about Hassen
Awyes becoming a problem to
prevailing situation in Somalia.
These people were together they
were one and the same. They may
have their own difference and that
is their own concern. It is not for
any one to blame any one group
Continued On Page 3
Eritrea Profile, Wednesday 17th of June, 2009 3

President Isaias Afwerki’s . . .

Continued From Page 2
over the other. It is irrelevant and
I think Washington should be very
careful about this.
to them but the consequences will
not be good for the government of
the TPLF in Addis. It doesn’t help
even their allies in Somalia. This
regime in Addis doesn’t even know
any thing about Somalia; they talk
some kind of arrangement and the
arrangements would be categorized
as either federation, confederation
or what have you. Why don’t we
just start to appreciate living as good
neighbors? Gradually we will try to

Investment In The Does your government conduct

flights to Somalia?
about Hawiya, Darod, this and that;
they are new comers to the scene.
create an environment where we
will have a safe neighborhood and
we can jointly make contributions to
Line Of Development create that safe neighborhood. The
degree of economic cooperation,
trade, investment, security and
The creation of economically, socially, scientifically and other political issues that need
technologically developed country is among the six basic objectives collective endeavors and the degree
and national visions enshrined within the Eritrean national Charter. As of cultural and social interaction
President Isaias Afewerki has repeatedly outlined in the recent interviews which could take place with out
he conducted, the concise line of the policies being employed by the any one intervening. Why is this
government attempt to secure social justice and distribution of equal becoming an obsession to many?
rights. And surely enough, a society which enjoys equal distribution of Why don’t we in the first place
resources and rights, is more than capable of achieving development. mend the issue at hand and then
consider other available options?
In order to grasp this vision, it is imperative that productivity is We shouldn’t be destructed from
increased, also there’s a need for improving productivity as well as our main goal of recouping what
quality of the labor force. Hence, the Government of Eritrea, in line with we have lost the last ten years. We
its policy of self reliance, has been exerting strenuous efforts to instill have to correct and find a remedial
work discipline in the youth, and eventually the process has produced process for the damage done during
thousands of heroes of development. Also, the presence of national the last ten years by the TPLF
organizations that play a huge role in catalyzing development has created government. If that is mended
massive developmental groups throughout the nation. The youth that and I can tell you it could move
work in the national organizations and members of the Defense Forces to The United States are in a better They are trying to create a distorted faster than any one can imagine
increase their production capacity, were armed with different machineries position to know what flies in the image of the reality there so that with out external intervention,
and technologies that come in handy in the nation building process. skies of Somalia and what comes they get the favor of some one from with out any one coming to harm
in and out of Somalia. It is absurd out side. Previous administrations this relationship. It is very sad for
The introduction of costly modern technology and machineries with the because even geographically in in Washington for their own end any one to see that this neighborly
addition of producing heroes of development capable of operating those terms of visibility doesn’t make and agenda have tried to use and relationship be spoiled for this or
machines will eventually ensure an economic emancipation. The Eritrean sense to assume we conduct flights entertain this. I hope this time the that reason. I hope this would be
Government, understanding that investing today will lay grounds for the to Somalia. We don’t engage in same mistakes will not be repeated. the last thing we see; we have seen
future development of tomorrow is allocating all available resources for such exercises. It is not worth For the good of Somalia and the two systems and now this regime
developmental endeavors. And this stands witness to the fact that the even engaging in to. If people are region I hope no further incursions of the TPLF with all their problems
government of Eritrea is bearing responsibility to build developed society. implying there is an air link between will take place. So I don’t want to and I hope this time it will be the
one of the air ports in Somalia and believe that troops of the TPLF last in the history of Ethiopia and
As it could be explained with evidence, in a world, in which instances Eritrea; we would like to tell them cross to Somalia. I don’t think Eritrea.
of exploitation and domination of resources are common; it is possible that they are wrong. That is what we it serves any purpose but more
to ensure economic emancipation through improving scientific have been discussing and talking importantly I don’t want to see that Let me ask you on some domestic
and technological capacity and freeing oneself from exploitation about circumstantial evidence. Tell scenario. issues Mr. President, you have
and exerting every effort to become partner in the global economy. us what exactly happened if you been President for 18 years will
have evidences that every body has Mr. President, under what you call for free and fair election?
Hence, at the time where the world is transforming into a village to know. circumstances could you see Who in your party do you think is
through the advancement of science and technology the effort to Eritrea and Ethiopia forming a capable of assuming command in
possess modern technology and capacity for economic development Mr. President, do you have confederation and how do you your party?
is not only for the sake of pride but mainly also a precondition for information about Ethiopian see the future of the two nations It is again some thing in people’s
having a libertarian and reliable position within the international troops re-entering Somalia? in terms of economic and political minds; those people who don’t live
community. In this regard, Eritrea has become a proprietor of No. The tactical information integration? with the reality of this country. I
heavy machineries, found in only few countries, and professional is some thing else but I think the For me it has been a life time earlier tried to address this issue;
heroes of development capable of operating those machineries. TPLF government must have engagement and the people of we believe there are two versions
learned a lot during 2007 and this country and the people in of what people call democracy.
BARAKO COTTON FACTORY EXERTS 2008. I made a statement early by
the end of 2006 that in spite of our
Ethiopia have paid the sacrifices
for that. They want to live like
And we are for genuine democracy
in this country. We are not for a
RELENTLESS EFFORTS differences in a number of issues
that would be a risky adventure
good neighbors, forget history
and the damage done by previous
democracy that polarizes society on
tribal, religious, clan or other very
Barako cotton factory exerts produce cotton intended for
going into a quagmire. At the time systems and gradually create an narrow basis. It has to be instituted
relentless efforts to satisfy the export. He added that the factory
we were told that this is a mission environment for economic, social in an environment conducive for
demand for cotton by boosting its is extending various trainings
for about a fortnight maybe four and cultural integration. That could sustainable democracy. It is not one
production said the Manager of to upgrade the potential of its
or six weeks. But it took more have taken place had it not for the of exercise; it takes a lot of time. For
the Factory Mr. Russom Negash. members.
than two years. Ethiopian troops interruption that came as a result many who talk about democracy
Noting that the production the It’s to be noted that the Barako
were living in foxholes, they were of this fabricated border conflict it is like polarizing society under
factory is limited to domestic cotton Factory was transferred
not even able to move around and between Eritrea and Ethiopia. the cover of free elections and
production, Mr.Russom indicated individual ownership in 1998 and
their human, political and military That has postponed and probably pluralism. So we believe we are
that the factory has plans to has up to 900 employees.
loses were tremendous. It was an ill destroyed every opportunity. on the right track. The stability as
advised adventure. But I hope they However, I am can’t say we have a prerequisite, the transformation
have learned a lesson that any time lost hope and there is nothing that require for sustainable
they want to go there they need to to happen in that direction. We democracy is ideal in Eritrea. I
re- think and re-think again and can live as good neighbors and think Eritrea could be an example
again. More over, it wouldn’t serve develop a process of long term joint to many including Ethiopia which
any political purpose; it is not to the benefit. I have heard a number of has institutionalized ethnicity.
interests of the people in Ethiopia politicians from Ethiopia proposing Institutionalizing ethnicity is a very
and it will not contribute to peace all sorts of political arrangements. dangerous course. It doesn’t lead to
and stability in the region. Who I don’t think it is appropriate to democracy, majority representation
ever is encouraging these people to spoil a political process by putting and stability and growth could
go for these adventures must have in conditionalities and making it any time be disrupted. It breads
an agenda. If they are willing to some thing to be rejected because
serve agendas from out side, it is up it means politically getting into Continued On Page 4
Eritrea Profile, Wednesday 17th of June, 2009 4
Continued From Page 3

corruption; it is so many
ugly things and societies will
have to be free from these.
Somalia, Sudan, Yemen,
Kenya, are examples in the
neighborhood. Do we need
to repeat all those mistakes
again and polarize society and
call polarization of society
and chaos democracy? Is it
fair to say insulting the other
neighbor or even some one
who is a citizen of your own
country? Is it appropriate for
any one individual or groups
of individuals or groups of
political organizations to
fight each other and use what
people call freedom of press
or freedom of expression to
insight more of tribal hatred,
religious hatred amongst
society. Is that freedom
of expression? That is the
“freedom of expression”
we see in our neighbors.
You can have a number of
newspapers issued every day,
one saying one thing and the
other saying some thing else
but the ultimate result is
polarization of society. This
is a very ill approach towards
President Isaias Afwerki’s . . .
democracy and freedom of
expression and people need
to be very careful. In our
case, we would say we are the
best example of democracy
and freedom of expression.
Our democracy is meant
to create an environment
of full representation or
a representation of the
majority of the people of this
country in every aspect of
their life; economic, social,
cultural, political aspects
of their life and it doesn’t
happen over night. We create
harmony amongst diverse
groups of society: religious,
regions, ethnic, linguistic,
the whole politics and the
freedom of expression in this
country is to bring harmony
and respect to one another
and develop the culture of
tolerance. That is the real
freedom of expression. If
freedom of expression is
insulting people, inciting
hatred, polarizing society;
that doesn’t represent in any
way freedom of expression.
So I would advice people to
take this good example so
that they live in peace with
their own people. Other wise
we can’t go and repeat the
same mistakes happening
in our neighbors. The
neighbors will have to learn
the lessons. Comparing to
our neighbors what we see
happening in this country is
the best example. If you want
to take a different course you
will learn it the hard way
but you are allowed to try.
For those who would try to
educate us from outside on
adopting this or that policy
so that we get polarized,
divided, weakened, we can’t
do that for them. This is no
place for free services to
divide, weaken and polarize
societies.
It sounds to me like the
prerequisites are already
done. There is a viable
ground now for conducting
elections.
It is not only elections
it is a process. Election is
one way; it is a procedural
kind of situation. But again as
I indicated earlier democracy
is a process. Democracy in
means for establishing have to be put in place. It it self is not an end; it is a
democracy. For elections to gets refined with time. We long term commitment of
take place you will have to need to have sustainable generations to guarantee the
consider on what levels you processes that will guarantee full participation of every
will have elections; the level the enhancement of the citizen equally and freely;
of representation and the democratic environment that and that takes many forms.
administrative structure that will have to be put in place. Election is a means of
ultimately allows people to In this regard we believe expression and one election
be represented. And not only that we have done a lot of can’t be a perfect one. It takes
representation in chairs within good job. We know where time for people to identify
parliament, assemblies, but we come from; we have and associate with the
have a genuine interactions seen times of hatred and culture that will have to be
with their daily life. That polarization. We don’t want
is the system that will to go back and look into that Continued On Page 5
Standard advertisement for local open tender procedures (C 3)
Procurement of Association of Chartered
Certified Accountants Study Materials
EuropeAid/128-235/M/SUP/ER (FED)
The National Authorizing Officer intends to award a supply contract for the Procurement
of Association of Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) Study Materials in Asmara
with financial assistance from the 9th EDF, Support to the Office of the Auditor General
programme of the European Communities. The tender dossier is available from:
The Office of the Auditor General
P.O.Box 918
Dembe Sembel, Block ‘A’ , 2nd floor, Asmara, Eritrea,
Tele: +291-1-152203, Fax: +291-1-150252
and will also be published on the EuropeAid website: https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/
europeaid/online-services/index.cfm?do=publi.welcome. The deadline for submission of
tenders is 20 July 2009, at 10:00 Asmara time (GMT+3). Possible additional information
or clarifications/questions shall be published on the EuropeAid website: https://webgate.
ec.europa.eu/europeaid/online-services/index.cfm?do=publi.welcome and Local newspaper
“Haddas Eritrea” and “Eritrean profile”.

Interested national tenderers shall submit a copy of their renewed license for the year 2009
together with their offer.

BISHA MINING SHARE COMPANY

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Bisha Mining Share Company is inviting applicants for a ‘A Mini-bus and Truck trailer
Driver’ position.
Key Responsibilities
• Driving between Bisha site and Asmara Office on a daily basis.
• Driving between Bisha Site or Asmara Office to/from Massawa when ever requested BISHA MINING SHARE COMPANY
• Maintain truck log according to Company regulation and keep file information VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
• Keep record of materials and products (heavy truck) passengers (mini-bus) transported COST ENGINEER (Quantity Surveyor)
• Keep the vehicles clean, and keep service schedule. Bisha Mining Share Company is inviting applicants for the position of
• Secure cargo for transport , good handling of cargo or passengers(mini-bus) COST ENGINEER (Quantity Surveyor)
• Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to The holder of this position is responsible for maintaining tight control of Project Budget,
customers, the public, government, and other external sources. The communication could Financing and schedule during construction of Bisha Mining.
be in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. Duties and Responsibilities
Key Qualifications • Work closely with EPCM and Sub Contractors to ensure accurate reporting and claims
• A 5th grade driving license and Junior high school or above academic education • Measure EPCM contractor man-hours claims against earned value and accuracy.
• 10 years or more driving experience of mini-bus and heavy truck • Check orders against tenders and budget including variation orders
• A fair knowledge of reading the semi-computerized gadgets inside a truck • Verify payment certificates against quantities order and budgets
• A basic ability of mechanics Knowledge of machines and tools, including their • Maintain relationship of cost against schedule
designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. • Prepare monthly reports
• Good static strength, ability to quick respond, good far and near vision, good oral Qualifications and Experience
comprehension, and ability to bend stretches, twist, or reach with body, arms, and/or • Certified with Cost Engineering
legs. • An experience of more than 10 years in mining construction budget.
• Good knowledge of English to communicate with the passengers who are • Worked in controlling and advising EPCM contractors.
Of different Nationalities, knowledge of other languages will be advantageous • Long experience in management
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• Salary As per Company salary scale
*Currently employed Applicants must hold a release paper from employer.
• Additional requirement: 1. Provide evidence of completion or exemption Please mail your applications to;
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Present release paper from current/last employer P.O.BOX 4276 Asmara, Eritrea
• Address: Please mail your applications to;
Bisha Mining Share Company, P. O. Box 4276 Asmara, Eritrea Deadline for application: 15 days from the day of publication in the Newspaper
Deadline for application: 7 days from the day of publication in the Newspaper Note to all applicants Please send a copy of your application to;
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the post office) P.O.BOX 5252, Asmara, Eritrea
Eritrea Profile, Wednesday 17th of June, 2009
By Rishan Beyene
To clearly understand the political
culture and the way of thinking of
a certain nation, one would have to
look back at their historical journey.
For instance, the manner in which
the US came to exist as a nation
itself, i.e. through the gradual
extermination of the Red Indians
(hence genocide), seems to have
sealed US’s fate as a nation. Indeed,
an objective look at the genesis and
the subsequent history of the US
highlights the disturbing feature
of US political culture - ensuring
domination through the violation of
international law and human rights
of ‘targeted’ peoples (nations). A
feature which has long become
institutionalised and continues
to be a distinguishing feature of
US political culture thanks to
successive US Administration’s
blind dedication to ensuring its
continuity. A disturbing political
culture which is also the root cause
of global chaos and instability. In
light of this, ironic as it may sound,
the Bush Administration was a real
eye-opener as it has enabled people
around the world to see the ‘true’
image of the US.
The Bush Administration’s
aggressive military adventures on
false premises (hence a violation
of international law) and the
war crimes and crimes against
humanity they had committed is
reminiscent of the heinous and
inhuman atrocities peoples around
the world had suffered in the hands
of previous US Administrations.
For instance, over the years,
successive US Administrations
have been ‘terrorising’ target
nations around the world using
‘democracy’, ‘human rights’ and
‘freedom’ as convenient pretexts
to intervene in ‘target’ nations so
as to create favourable conditions
for perpetual chaos, which they
then exploit to divide-and-rule
and to ‘hijack’ the destiny of those
nations. Historical evidence (past
and present) from the experiences
of countries in Latin America, Asia,
Middle East and Africa attests to
this fact.
For instance, in their bid to
control the strategic and resource-
rich Horn of Africa, successive
US Administrations have resorted
to preventing flourishing nations
from emerging in the region by
deliberately undermining regional
peace and stability through, for
e.g., sowing seeds of discord and
instability within and between the
Horn nations. Indeed, the current
grim realities in the Horn are a direct
result of the Bush Administration’s
(and, by extension, the western)
aggressive strategy to control
the Horn of Africa though their
The Intolerant And Destructive Us
Political Culture: The Root Cause Of
Global Chaos And Instability
regional servant regime in Ethiopia.
To that end, the ‘Bushites’ have
been creating (and maintaining)
‘illegal realities’ on the ground;
‘realities’ which could potentially
endanger the national security,
sovereignty and/or stability of a
‘target’ nation, hence necessitating
the Government to take certain
measures for prolonged period of
time, which the ‘Bushites’ then
exploit for their own purposes.
Indeed, by maintaining ‘illegal
realities’ on the ground indefinitely
(e.g. the illegal occupation of
Eritrean sovereign territories by the
Woyane forces), their motive is to
force the Eritrean Government to
take ‘extraordinary’ measures for
prolonged period of time, which
they then use as a convenient pretext
to involving hijacked organisations
like the HRW to shed crocodile
tears. Very sadly, however, suchlike
‘drama’ is taking place at a cost of
millions of lives; lives successive
US Administrations had considered
NOT worthy enough to warrant a
radical change of policy.
On the positive side, however,
the US history also shows that
when a genuinely moral person
is in power, both the US and
humanity in general are served.
The humble man, who became
the US President nearly a century-
and-a-half ago when the US was
at a critical time in its history, is
a case in point. Indeed, President
Abraham Lincoln is possibly
one of the world’s best statesmen
in terms of his contribution to
human dignity. As anti-slavery,
President Lincoln’s wise choice
to be true to his conscience and
his courage to act on his beliefs
were critical to the eventual
abolition of slavery in the US.
To the corrupt establishment and
individuals (both past and present)
which were and are accustomed to
advancing their narrow interests
through the violation of human
rights of ‘targeted’ peoples,
President Lincoln could possibly
be portrayed as ‘unpatriotic’
and ‘inexperienced’, hence
their least favourite statesman.
Nevertheless, the fact remains
that President Lincoln’s act of
courage was, is and will be what
any moral American would want
their nation to be associated with,
which constitute, fortunately, the
majority as evidenced by the 2009
US Presidential Election result.
Indeed, at yet another critical time
in its history; at a time when 21st
century US with its destructive
political culture, troubled economy
and severely damaged credibility
worldwide, appeared to be at a
brink of socio-economic revolution
than any time in its history, the
American people unanimously
elected their first African American
President who had promised them
to change course on some key
issues.
So, would, for e.g., President
Obama consider the unnecessary
sufferings and loss of millions of
lives in the Horn of Africa worthy
enough for concern to genuinely
engage with regional nations to
bring about peace and stability in
the region? If yes, that would mean
dealing head on with the root cause
of chaos and instability rather than
with mere ‘symptoms’ as has been
the case. With regard to Somalia,
for instance, the illegal occupation
would have to come to an end
President Isaias Afwerki’s . . .
Continued Form Page 4
cultivated. We have seen elections
in Palestine, Kenya, Zimbabwe,
Ethiopia, and we are going to see
many more elections. What does
elections mean to democracy if it
is rigging, cheating, buying votes
done with in an environment that
allows for violation of basic rights
of freedom and equality for citizens
of one country. I think we need to
have live examples and learn from
the experience of others and from
our own experience. We need to be
politically determined to continue
along this process. There is no other
alternative. We need democracy,
harmony and stability more than
any body else and we have to work
towards that with commitment; and
it is a matter of life time engagement
for generations to come. How do
you do it? It is not the prescription
that comes from outside with
intention. The intension is to divide
and weaken societies because they
have their own agendas and interest
in introducing these things. I can go
for examples every where and we
need to learn from those examples.
That is why I am not actually
prescribing I am suggesting that
people learn from our experience
and if they have better ideas we can
exchange and share experiences.
Even some people from
government supporters say that it
is ironic that President Isaias while
he knows he can get majority vote,
at least 90% vote, doesn’t want for
an election.
Elections is not for me; that is
the misperception. I don’t want to
go for elections to prove that I have
the majority support in this country.
That is not the way you deal with
democracy. That is very myopic and
very selfish and it is un-democratic
to think that I can get the majority
support and majority vote and go
first and foremost, including the
so-called ‘peace-keepers’ who
are there merely to maintain the
‘illegal reality’ on the ground
(i.e. the so-called government in
Mogadishu) that was imposed
upon the Somali people. Next,
conducive environment ought
to be created for the Somalis to
decide their destiny themselves
without external intervention.
Last but not least, the perpetrators
of such heinous war crimes and
crimes against humanity ought to
be brought to justice to account
for their diabolic actions. By
extension, the illegal occupation of
Eritrean territories by the Woyane
forces must also come to an end
for elections simply because of that.
My commitment to democracy is
sustainable democracy with all its
dimensions that will have to serve
for generations here; that is not
only my job but also every body
else’s. It is not like Kibaki coming
and proving that he can be a
president by getting the majority of
the elections. I am not specifically
taking that an example, but it is
either ignorance or a deliberate
distortion of facts. You have asked
these questions earlier about people
thinking that I am concerned about
what they say when they freely
express themselves. That is not
the question. There is a problem
in some individuals who try to
create misunderstanding and
would like to disrupt the political
process in Eritrea. “Remove the
president and then that will create
a very conducive environment
for dividing and weakening this
government”; that is a dream. It is
a dream of one or two. I know it is
not a problem when they talk about
democracy but someone comes and
try to associate democracy with
the president; when would this guy
go? It is an assumption and again a
perception. There is an assumption
that may lead to a chaos in this
country, and that chaos is what they
dream of. This country is not the
kind of place where they can expect
some thing to happen because
of one personality being there or
not. And for elections; they say
if you can persuade the president
to accept elections assuming that
he can be elected with a majority
vote, and that may lead to some
kind of confusion. This is sickness.
I would say these people will have
to learn from the experience of this
country and the awareness and the
civilized thinking of the people in
this country. Don’t ever imagine or
think or have the perception that
you can challenge this political
5
so that the peoples of Eritrea and
Ethiopia who have deliberately
been held hostage by keeping
the ‘illegal reality’ indefinitely,
could normalise their relations
and work together for regional
peace, stability and development.
In general, the intolerant and
destructive US policy of forcing
the hopeful State of Eritrea into
submission by using ‘convenient
pretexts’ ought to be reversed.
Instead, a cordial relationship
based on mutual respect for mutual
benefits needs to be nurtured, for
that alone is the way forward in the
21st century.
Wetru Awet N’Hafash!
reality. This is something that can’t
be challenged because we have
learned a lot, probably the hard
way. This is not a place for anyone
from outside to come and polarize
and weaken society under various
names. It is very sad that we see
the situation in the neighborhood;
Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen
what have you.
We would like to see full
participation of the society;
equality and freedom guaranteed
for this people and that is the only
prerequisite for stability. Unless
equality and freedom of citizens
is guaranteed, no country can be
stable and peaceful. And that is
why we see all this turmoil every
where. We would like to see good
things happen to the neighborhood.
However, we don’t want to
brag about our special isolated
experience and we don’t want
people to be mislead by extensions
of ideas coming from outside to
create more of chaos. It is been
repeated by many; they would like
to quote Condoleezza Rise for what
they call creative chaos, meaning
“creative chaos is an idea sold and
it was associated with democracy.
Creative chaos could be helpful” and
this is a misleading and ill intended.
To see society polarized and suffer
from polarization and to consider
that creative and constructive and
something good coming out of
that must be a very bad state of
mind. I think the people of this
neighborhood will have to do their
homework without the influence of
individuals in Washington.
You reminded me to my second
question; do you see any one in
your party or the government who
can replace you and capable of
doing it?
This is a country of so many
talented and qualified people. I
happen to be here by chance.
Eritrea Profile, Wednesday 17th of June, 2009 6

Statement By H.E. Mr. Estifanos Afeworki Haile, MARTYRS’ TRUST FUND SIGNIFICANT
The Ambassador Of The State Of Eritrea To The IN IMPROVING LIVELIHOODS
Republic Of Japan In The Seoul High Level Meeting Families of martyrs residing Corporation of Eritrea in Assab,
in the Southern Red Sea region Mr. Mohammed Osman said on his
On Piracy Off The Coast Of Somalia Hosted By The said that the martyr’s trust fund part that the government has been
extended to them is playing a extending monetary assistances
Republic Of Korea With Contribution Of Japan In pivotal role in improving their to families of fallen heroes in
Cooperation With IMO On 9-10 June 2009 livelihoods. various sub zones and remote
Mr. Tesfamariam Berhe from areas of the country. He said that a
Honorable Delegates, branch ministry of labor and total of around 10 million and 706
Ladies and Gentlemen, human welfare Southern Red Sea thousand Nakfa has been extended
It is a great honor and pleasure for me to attend this high level region indicated that the trust fund in the region until now.
meeting addressing piracy off the coast of Somalia hosted by the has been consistently disbursed Beneficiary of the trust fund,
Republic of Korea with the Contribution of Japan in Cooperation to families of fallen heroes since Mrs. Esha Mohamed Osman
with IMO. Please accept my sincere gratitude for the warm 2004. commended the government for
welcome extended to me by the Government of the Republic of Head of the National Insurance the assistance thus far extended.
Korea and the organizers of this meeting.
Allow me take this opportunity to share with you my government’s
perspective of piracy off the coast of Somalia through this brief
ERITREAN-SWEDISH FORUM FOR
intervention: DEVELOPMENT AND COOPERATION
DONATE TO ERITREAN
First: Somalia turned from a relative peace to a chaotic situation
after the country was invaded by Ethiopia in 2006. There were
adverse legal, moral, political, historical, humanitarian and economic consequences of this invasion and its
implication to the stability and prosperity of the region is still great. I am confident that you all agree with me
ELECTRICITY CORPORATION
The Eritrean-Swedish Forum Woldemichael, said that such
that this invasion contravenes international law and created precedence to disorder in our region. The results of
for Development and Corporation donations by Eritrean nationals
this invasion were directly and clearly manifested in the sea off Somalia coast which turned in 2007 and 2008
donated various types of electrical residing abroad attest to their
into a hot spot of piracy as well as an epicenter of illegal fishing, trade, trafficking of drugs, weapons, people...
equipment to The Eritrean devotion to the Homeland.
etc in no time. It involved many interest group and actors both from the hinterlands of Asia, Africa and other
Electricity Corporation. He further commended the
places.
Reports indicated that the Forum nationals for their vital contribution
Second: The need to cooperate within the framework of the United Nations and other international organizations
donated electrical and agricultural to the people and the nation. The
like International Maritime Organization (IMO) to promote economic, safe, efficient and sustainable international
equipments worth about 7 million Eritrean-Swedish Forum for
shipping and bring law and order in the Gulf of Aden cannot be questioned. It needs no further explanation since
and 36 thousand Nakfa since Development and Corporation
Eritrea has been and is an active member of this organization.
2002. The managing director of is an association established by
Third: As you know, Eritrea is located in between the latitudes 12 degree 45’N and 18 degree 03’N, and the
the Corporation, Mr. Abraham Eritreans living in that country.
longitudes, 37 degree 35’E and 43 degree 07’E. It possesses a mainland coastline of more than 1350 km along

COMMUNITY MAGISTRATES
the south-western coast of the Red Sea. The Eritrean coastline stretches from its northern border with Sudan at
Ras Kesar to its southern border with Djibouti at Ras Dumera. In addition, the Red Sea of Eritrea contains more

PLAYING VITAL ROLE IN SETTLING

than 350 islands that form a shoreline of more than 1,950 km. The area of the Eritrean landmass is estimated
about 124,000 square km and its territorial waters cover an area of about 55,000 square km. The continental shelf

CASES THROUGH RECONCILIATION

(down to a depth of about 200m) extends from the coast to a maximum distance of 120 km east of Massawa,
narrowing to about 20 km in the north and south of the country towards Bab-el-Mendeb. Therefore, Eritrea has
a responsibility as well as obligation to ensure the safety and security of this maritime route because it is vital to
Reports say that the community minimize the regular handling of
its own peace, security and prosperity as well as safe conduct of international shipping. Eritrea further expresses
magistrates set up in different court cases.
once again in this important meeting its open-ended readiness to work and engage constructively with all coastal
parts of the country are playing Some 280 cases out of the more
states in the neighborhood to the safe conduct of maritime trade in the Red Sea and beyond.
vital role in promoting settlement than 290 civil and criminal cases
Fourth: Eritrea is aware of the proactive military steps being taken by many countries in the Gulf of Aden
of cases through reconciliation. that were submitted to the Debarwa
and the Indian Ocean to mope up pirates starting 2008. Eritrea is also aware that security of this important sea
In this connection, the court were settled through
lane is judged as critical and of concern for industrialized countries imports of crude oil and maritime traffic of
head of Debarwa Court, Mr. reconciliation, thus attesting to
more than 20,200 vessels per year.
Ghebrehiwet Fassil, said that the the positive contribution of the
Fifth: The GoE calls and pleads to all stake holders gathered today in this important meeting to explore ways
services provided by community community magistrates, according
and means of making a change and to join minds, hands and bodies together to make genuine bilateral and
magistrates have helped to to reports.
multilateral efforts to maintain and build stability and ensure prosperity in the region by looking into the root

MINISTRY OF LABOR AND HUMAN WELFARE

cause of the problem created by the invasion of Ethiopia to Somalia in 2006 which triggered this active business
of piracy and contributed to illegal trade, trafficking of drugs, human, arms etc including and not excluding a
mass displacement of the population from their livelihood off/on/from/to the coast of Somalia.
Last but not least, I would like to assure honorable delegates in this meeting that Eritrea has no interest of
STRIVES TO ASSIST NEEDY CITIZENS
supporting one group in Somalia against another because this is against its national policy of peace and security. The Ministry of labor and according to Mr. Fishaye Werede
Eritrea supports indigenous “all Somalia – one Somalia” solution. Eritrea supports all genuine efforts of peace human welfare Debarwa sub zone branch head of the Ministry in the
building in the region on similar basis. All people in the region deserve equal respect and understanding. I repeat is exerting unremitting endeavors sub zone.
all people and not selected few individuals. to assist needy citizens, including Accordingly, over 300 orphans
I thank you all for your understanding and look forward to your cooperation. orphans, martyr’s families and have thus far been rehabilitated
disabled nationals among others, while 50 others received monetary
assistances and are perusing
INDEPENDENCE DAY CARNIVALS GAINING MOMENTUM FROM YEAR TO YEAR, their education. Noting that 12
orphans who desperately need
SAYS HEAD OF NATIONAL HOLIDAYS COORDINATING COMMITTEE more assistance are being well
taken care of by family groups,
The head of the National economic and cultural messages Mr. Feshaye went on to say that
Holidays Coordinating but also reinforces the nation’s no credit scheme program has
Committee, Mr.Gideon Fisehaye, values and identity. He further been extended to 113 war disabled
said that the carnivals staged stated that the annual carnival is nationals.
annually in connections with a manifestation of the investment Furthermore, 15.3 million Nakfa
Independence Day celebrations ventures and creativity in the has been disbursed to martyrs
are gaining momentum from year country. families in Debarwa sub zone
to year. Reports indicated that out of while Eritreans residing abroad
He made the remarks during the institutions which took part in have also extended over 350,000
the awarding ceremony for the Central region carnival show Nakfa to 53 families of fallen
the administrative zones and Segen Construction Company heroes for the same cause in the
institutions in the Central region was awarded first prize, while year 2008 alone.
which presented excellent works Debwin Construction Company Beneficiary of the assistance,
at this year’s carnival show. Mr. and Eri-Tel Corporation were Mr. Yaqob Kidane loaded the
Gideon noted that the carnival awarded second and third prize respective ministry for the
not only conveys political, respectively. assistance extended to him.
Eritrea Profile, Wednesday 17th of June, 2009
By: Tedros Abraham
Artists come up with ideas they
produce in any kind of work of art
from their day-to-day experiences
recreated with their imagination
and association of those experiences
with those of others. They could,
of course, create something that
we can term as real creativity. The
association of the creativity with
the experiences could lend the
artistic product some elements of
autobiography. To this a British
psychologist by the name Havelock
Ellis said, “Every artist writes his
own autobiography.”
An Eritrean vocalist Teame
Woldemichael has had various
works in his albums that are
autobiographical. Teame said that
he purposely sang some of the
songs with the factual elements
in his marriage. Not only this but
many other art products (whether
they are songs, books, poems or
other forms) do not take time to
spread and get some kind of appeal
by their audience.
Though the experiences and
events might not be accurately the
same, some audience might feel as
if the work was produced based on
their experience. For that reason,
it appears that many people have
a general interest in biographical
and/or autobiographical works.
The work cocktailed with factual
events and experiences of the artist
producing it spreads its appeal
to wider public instilling similar
sentiments as the artist.
A number of Teame’s
songs raise social issues
that many don’t talk
about. Specially
being a male singer
voicing what men
wouldn’t say a
word about it makes
the songs memorable
and likeable. It is often
heard that various
songs by male
singers pointing
at the faults of
women lovers.
Of course,
many of them
also praise
their beauty
and how
they can’t
live without
them.
This artists
songs appear
to be as tailor
cut for some
relationships that had their specific
hurdles. “Seb Tefiatni” (I Lost a
Person), in his third album, is about
a man whose wife had left him.
Some parts of the lyric go: “How
can you say bear it when I can’t/
She slipped from my hands/I pray
to God/ To get her back and repeat
love for me.” “Welelay”, also in the
same album, has a saddening slow
melody with a lyric that makes clear
that the man’s stand is to keep his
family, and he implores his wife to
change her decision. The lyric also
asks what the future of their child
would be.
These two songs are in the same
album. We can understand how
strong their messages can be when
one listens to the whole album.
Teame stated that there are certainly
many people who have had similar
experiences and would associate the
songs to those experiences easily
and might feel it was san for them.
Teame is thankful to artist Aklilu
Tesfazion for coming up with the
lyrics and melodies of the songs
after he told him the topic. The
vocalist remembers how he felt
after the songs: reconciliation of
his inner feelings and a sense of
relief after having accomplished
a duty. That is like purging one’s
harboured inner feelings by talking
about them.
Other two songs which touch
some social issues are “Namlak
Nhabo” (Let’s Leave It to God) and
“Aytmkeruni” (Don’t Advise Me).
The first being about a couple who
weren’t able to give birth to a child,
the latter is about a man who
is obsessed of his partner
and heard some rumours
about her but defies it.
In “Namlak Nhabo”,
the man consoles his
wife not to worry about
not having a child.
Many drums are often
bitten about men who
divorce their wives for
not giving birth to a child.
However, nothing is said
about marriages that have
survived for a long period
of time even if childless.
This song gives due
to a commitment
of couples who
stack together
resisting a
s o c i e t y ’s
pressure
on them.
The man
in the song
accepts his
7
An Artist With Songs
From Heart
wife no matter what; it is an idea
which is usually presented the other
way round.
Similarly, “Aytmkeruni” has
a certain element that makes it
unusual. Men are never heard
proclaiming their weakness openly.
It is not very common for a man
to admit that his heart stops to
beat when he meets his lover. The
essence of the song is that a man
acknowledges his inability to take
advices given to him as he can’t
resist the powers of his partner.
Teame as a vocalist first sang
on stage in 1987 in Sudan. He had
the interest in music ever since his
childhood. He remembers that he
sang various revolutionary songs
by Fihira, Wedi Tikul and others
in those days. In 1990, he joined
Yohana Band when he moved to
USA. The band was organized
by the Eritrean activists there. He
worked with the band as a vocalist
until 1993 when the group was
disbanded.
He admits that he had been
imitating various songs by national
singers staging shows in clubs such
as Dahlak Restaurant. In 1995, he home during the national holiday other national singers. In a number
came up with his first album titled celebrations. On those occasions of times he is able to imitate various
“Ghenet”; then followed his second he makes tours with various bands particular singers who have deep
album “Werki Menberey” (Golden to Sawa, Wia and other parts of the voices like him. In his last album,
Thrown) in 1999. The song “Werki country. In 2001, he toured Gash- there is song where in many mistake
Menberey” written by Isaias Barka with Sibrit Eritrean National him with Kahsay Berhe who wrote
Tsegai and melodies by Habtu Cultural Troupe for over a month. the song for him. Teame said that he
Teklemariam brought Teame to a He has also participated in most of is very greatful to Aklilu Tesfazion
wider audience of the country. It the Youth Festivals organized in who has been by his side all alone.
was a timely song that proclaimed Sawa. Aklilu is one of the song writers
the people’s readiness to defend Teame’s deep voice has been who has contributed a lot to the
Eritrea’s sovereignty. trained by repeated imitations of music development in our country.
Just Say “I Can”
Teame said that it was at this
time that he was able to return to
Eritrea after he once left it. He had
a promise to come back to Eritrea
It doesn’t matter whether
once he got his residence permit
You’re an archaeologist or garbage man
where he lived as a refugee. With
You can do anything
the cooperation of the PFDJ office
Just say “I can”
in USA, he came here and took
part in the opening ceremony of
It doesn’t matter whether
the 1999 Festival Eritrea. Then he
You’re Lord Arthur Cunningham or Dan
toured with Keih Meret Band in
You can manage anything
Assab front staging shows to the
Just say “I can”
members of the Eritrean Defence
Forces. The tour was a turning point
It doesn’t matter if you’re poor
of his career in music. That was the
You don’t need to be rich
first time he sang on stage for a big
Money can’t get you anywhere
number of audience.
Except maybe in a ditch
The year 2001 was when Teame
made a name with his third album
You can climb Mt. Everest
“Seb Tefiatni”. This includes the
You can swim the Pacific
two touching songs stated above.
Just know it in your heart
Then his last album “Aytmkeruni”
‘Cause everyone’s terrific
followed in 2004. This was also
widely accepted by his audience
Don’t let anyone
inside and outside of the country.
Try to bring you down
In 2006, a DVD of his songs was
The truth is no one can
released. Teame stated that since he
Not even Superman
believed in quality work of art, he
had spent substantial resources and
Just believe in yourself and have hope and trust
time towards that end. In relation
That you can achieve anything and not fall
to that, he indicated that many
I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again
young Eritreans living abroad have
Come on, let’s say it together “We can!”
liked the work as the songs are
accompanied by video.
By: Delina Yohannes (Age 10)
Starting from 1999 onwards he
Rainbow International School
almost continuously tried to come
Eritrea Profile, Wednesday 17th of June, 2009
Hostages’ Bodies ‘Found In Yemen’
At least three foreign hostages
seized in Yemen have been found
dead, officials say.
They are thought to be from a
group of nine foreigners, three of
them children, who were kidnapped
last week in a mountainous northern
area.
The group comprised seven
Germans, a British national and a
South Korean.
There are conflicting reports
from Yemen on exactly how many
bodies have been found. One
Europe’s Mars
Mission Scaled Back
Teams right across Europe are
involved in the ExoMars project
The European Space Agency
says its flagship Mars mission will
lose a major instrument package to
contain costs.
The Exomars venture will
launch a rover to the Red Planet in
2016, to search for signs of past or
present life.
It was hoped a static science
payload called Humboldt could
also be put on the surface to study
the weather and, for example, listen
for “Marsquakes”.
But agency officials announced
at the Paris air show that financial
constraints now made this
Seven Killed During
Iran Protest
Supporters of Mir Hossein Mousavi
defied a ban on protest rallies
Iranian state radio says seven
people were killed during Monday’s
protests in Tehran over the re-
election of President Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad.
The reports said the deaths came
after “thugs” attacked a military
post.
The country’s powerful Guardian
Council has described the results
of Friday’s disputed poll as
“provisional”.
Opposition candidate Mir
Hossein Mousavi wants them
annulled, alleging widespread
fraud. More street protests against
the results are planned.
Monday’s rally involved
hundreds of thousands of people
and was one of the largest since the
Iranian revolution 30 years ago.
The radio report said the attack
unconfirmed report says all nine
hostages have been killed.
Another report - also unconfirmed
- quoted officials saying two
children had been found alive.
No-one has claimed responsibility
for the kidnapping, which Yemen
blamed on a local Shia rebel
group.
More than 200 foreign nationals
have been kidnapped in Yemen in
the last 15 years, often for ransom.
But most have been released
unharmed.
impossible.
Esa director-general Jean-Jacques
Dordain said de-scoping ExoMars
would also give extra margin to
engineers who were concerned
that the rover’s design was pushing
the limit of the maximum possible
mass for the mission.
Mr Dordain said the loss of
Humboldt was inevitable given the
promise he had made to European
governments in November last
year to keep the cost of the project
as close as possible to 850m euros.
He told the BBC he had given
the Esa ExoMars development
team three objectives: “To stay
within the calendar; to try and
stay within the money we have
collected in November; and to
keep the technology which I wish
to demonstrate on Mars, which is
landing, because we have never
landed on Mars; moving on the
surface; and drilling, because
nobody has done that.”
occurred at the end of the “illegal”
rally as people were heading home
“peacefully”.
“Several thugs wanted to attack a
military post and vandalise public
property in the vicinity of Azadi
Square,” the radio said referring to
the site of the protest.
Meanwhile, the country’s
supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali
Khamenei, has ordered an inquiry
into the allegations of vote-
rigging.
Mr Mousavi and two other
moderate candidates contesting
the election results are due to
meet members of the Guardian
Council - a powerful clerical group
dominated by conservatives.
On Monday a spokesman for
the council said that the results
had not yet been finalised, and that
they would only be final once the
council has endorsed them.
The handling of the protests
by the authorities has drawn
international criticism.
EU foreign ministers expressed
“serious concern” and called for
an inquiry into the conduct of the
election.
Shepherds found the bodies of
three hostages on Monday morning
in the mountainous northern
Saada province near the town of
el-Nashour, according to local
officials.
“The fate of the other six
abducted people is still unknown,”
a statement said.
However, a security official in
the capital Sanaa said the other six
had also been found dead.
To add to the confusion, another
local official said seven bodies had
been found but that two children
had been found alive, AFP news
agency reported.
Yemen’s Interior Ministry
earlier said the foreigners had been
kidnapped while on a picnic on
Friday in the area.
Authorities said the group
included a German doctor, his wife
and three children, and also a male
British engineer and a female South
Korean teacher.
The kidnapped adults all worked
at a hospital in Saada, the state
news agency said.
British and German government
officials said on Monday they were
investigating reports of the deaths.
Fresh Torture Claims Against CIA
Accused al-Qaeda mastermind
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed has said
he was tortured into lying while
in CIA custody, newly-released
documents show.
The Guantanamo Bay detainee
said that US interrogators had
forced him to “make up stories”,
although he admitted to being
behind nearly 30 terror plots.
The latest transcripts were
released by the CIA as part of a
lawsuit by the American Civil
Liberties Union (ACLU).
Meanwhile, Italy has agreed
to take three Guantanamo Bay
detainees.
US President Barack Obama
announced the agreement after talks
at the White House with Italian
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
The ACLU said that the newly
released government transcripts
“provide further evidence of brutal
‘New Government’ For Tamil Tigers
Many Tamils around the world still
show support for the Tigers
Sri Lankan rebel group the
Tamil Tigers say they are forming
a “provisional transnational
government” to pursue self-rule for diaspora confused and humiliated.
the Tamil minority.
In a statement released from
an unknown location, a Tigers’ Pathmanathan, one of the few
Compiled by: A. Mesfun
Congo’s Bemba To
Stand ICC Trial
Congoleseex-Vice-PresidentJean-
Pierre Bemba will face five counts
of war crimes, the International
Criminal Court has ruled.
The charges relate to the actions
of his troops in the neighbouring
Central African Republic in 2002
and 2003.
Mr Bemba has denied all charges,
saying the militia was not under his
command once they had crossed the
border.
He led a rebel movement during
DR Congo’s long civil war but
became vice-president under a
peace deal.
Mr Bemba is the most high-profile
of four Congolese warlords facing
trial at the ICC.
A pre-trial panel of judges “found
President Obama has banned the
use of the controversial interrogation
techniques
torture” by the CIA.
Most of the new material centres
on claims of abuse by Guantanamo
inmates while being held in CIA
custody.
Detainee Abu Zubaydah said
that “after months of suffering and
torture, physically and mentally,
they did not care about my
injuries”.
“Doctors told me that I nearly
died four times,” he said.
Another detainee, Abd al-Rahim
spokesman said the new
body would advance what
he said was the next phase
of the struggle.
The move comes almost a
month after the government
declared it had finally
defeated the Tamil Tigers, or
LTTE.
Rebels had fought
for decades for a Tamil
homeland in the island’s
north.
At the end of the conflict, most of
the group’s leaders were dead and
many of its supporters in the Tamil
The announcement came
in a statement by Selvarasa
8
Jean-Pierre Bemba’s troops are
accused of rape, murder and pillaging
that there is sufficient evidence to
establish substantial grounds to
believe that Jean-Pierre Bemba
Gombo is criminally responsible”
for murders, rapes and pillaging,
said a statement from the ICC.
He is to face trial on three counts
of war crimes and two of crimes
against humanity.
Hussein Mohammed al-Nashiri,
complained that interrogators
used to “drown me in water”,
in an apparent reference to the
interrogation technique known as
waterboarding.
The ACLU - which is seeking
uncensored transcripts of the
US government’s terror detainee
programmes - said the latest
documents were “still heavily
blacked out” by the CIA.
It said in previously released
documents the CIA had removed
virtually all references to the abuse
of prisoners in custody.
“There is no legitimate basis
for the [US President] Obama
administration’s continued refusal
to disclose allegations of detainee
abuse, and we will return to court
to seek the full release of these
documents,” ACLU attorney Ben
Wizner said.
senior Tigers still alive and the
movement’s head of international
relations.
He announced plans to set
up what he called a provisional
transnational government of Tamil
Eelam, or the Tamil homeland.
Mr Pathmanathan said it was a
necessary move to advance “the
struggle”, saying people wanted
such a homeland and self-rule.
He said a committee was being
formed to help the process,
headed by an exiled Tamil lawyer,
Rudrakumar Viswanathan.
Late last month, Mr Pathmanathan
acknowledged that the Tamil
Tigers’ main leader, Prabhakaran,
was dead and he said the LTTE had
given up violence.