Barentu — The Gash-Barka Regional Assembly held its 8th regular and assessment meeting on January 29 in Barentu town.

Speaking at the opening session, the Administrator of the region, Mr. Kahsai Gebrehiwet, after outlining the financial report for 2007, pointed out that the Government is doing its level best to improve the living standard of the people. He also called on members of the Assembly to work diligently towards uprooting traditional practices, promoting active political participation and sound ecology, among others.

The Chairman of the Regional Assembly, Mr. Osman Mohamed Ali, said on his part that in view of the fact that the style of living of the majority of the inhabitants of the region depends on farming and herding, Assembly members would make concerted endeavors to this end. Noting that the Assembly has been undertaking a massive campaign to combat backward practices, he called on the Ministry of Justice to adopt a law prohibiting underage marriage and negative traditional practices.

The departments of infrastructure, economic development, social service, administration and finance, as well as ministry branch offices and associations presented respective reports on work accomplishments in which the Assembly conducted discussion.

Congratulating the Eritrean people for the virtual demarcation of the border realized through the Eritrean government's patience and maturity, the Regional Assembly reaffirmed readiness to live up to expectation in safeguarding the nation's sovereignty. It also adopted a number recommendations and resolutions.