Shabait.com (Asmara)
8 December 2007
Asmara — Mr. Louis Michel, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, said that the EU would enhance cooperation with Eritrea. He made the statement in a meeting with President Isaias Afwerki in Lisbon, Portugal, yesterday.
In the meeting, the two sides assessed the exiting economic cooperation between Eritrea and the EU and held discussion on the prevailing situation in Somalia and the Sudanese peace process.
Noting the critical humanitarian crisis in Somalia as a result of Ethiopia's interference, President Isaias reminded the European Union to contribute its moral and responsible obligation instead of keeping silent over the issue.
As regards the peace process in Sudan, the President outlined the obstacles being posed in efforts to promote lasting peace in the Sudan and asserted that Eritrea is making due contribution, on the basis of its principled stand of ensuring good-neighborliness, so as to promote durable peace in the country. In this regard, he called on the EU to enhance its contribution.
Pointing out that the demarcation of the Eritrean-Ethiopian border on paper in accordance with the final and binding of the EEBC ruling is both a legal and acceptable document, the President underscored that the Eritrea-Ethiopia border issue has been legally consummated. Hence, the President underlined that there is no reason to resort to dialogue on an issue that has been closed by the party vested with supreme legal authority i.e. the Boundary Commission.
The EU Development Commissioner said on his part that he shares similar stance with Eritrea on the issues discussed. He also indicated that he would visit the region in the near future to lay the groundwork for enhanced cooperation.
It is to be recalled that President Isaias arrived in the Portuguese capital yesterday to attend the 2nd Conference of African countries and the European Union. The Conference in which more than 70 delegates are taking part opened today.
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