Massawa — President Isaias Afwerki today held talks with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Eritrea and Ethiopia, Mr. Legwaila Joseph Legwaila, who is concluding his tour of duty.

In the meeting, the President underlined that the main issue today as in the past remains border demarcation, and as such this should be the center of focus. He further pointed out that in accordance with the Algiers Agreement, border demarcation is the sole mandate of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC).

Noting that UNMEE's responsibility in border demarcation is to cooperate, President Isaias assured Ambassador Legwaila that in the event demarcation takes place on the basis of the EEBC's final and binding decision, it would not be difficult to find answers to issues that may be raised as regards UNMEE's role.

On current talks about so-called facilitator to speed-up border demarcation, the President indicated that the Government of Eritrea has no interest to talk about individuals but border demarcation. He went to underscore that any individual's role can not contravene the Algiers Agreement, the EEBC's binging decision and its directives connected with its implementation.

Commending Ambassador Legwailla's effort in the course of his stay in Eritrea, President Isaias expressed his good wishes for his future.

Expressing his regret for no outcome in the extended five and a half year tour of duty in Eritrea that was originally set at 16 months, Ambassador Legwailla voiced concerned over the international community's failure to take any concrete action on the Eritrea-Ethiopia issue. He further expressed thanks for the support extended to him by all Eritrean government institutions in discharging his mission.

Meanwhile, President Isaias received and held talks with a PRC delegation headed by the President and Board Chairman of the Chinese Suchuwan Road and Bridge Construction Corporation, Mr. Sun Youn.

The President expressed the Eritrean government's desire to expand Eritrean-Chinese cooperation in construction works. He stated that in order for the existing cooperation with Chinese construction companies presently confined to housing construction to incorporate bridges, ports and roads, the close cooperation of Chinese companies is vital.

Stating the readiness of the Chinese companies to demonstrate the necessary cooperation, Mr. Sun Youn commended the cooperation extended by the people and Government of Eritrea.