Shabait.com (Asmara)
7 March 2008
Asmara — President Isaias Afwerki received and held talks today at the Denden Hall, here in the capital, with a delegation from the Netherlands headed by Mr. Bert Koenders, Minister for Development Cooperation.
The two sides exchanged views on current regional issues, especially the TPLF regime's occupation of sovereign Eritrean territories and the Somali issue.
In briefings he gave regarding the TPLF regime's occupation, the President underlined that the issue has reached a legal conclusion, and as such Eritrea would not put to compromise its legality, sovereignty and territorial integrity in the diplomatic or political aspects. He further pointed out that due to the failure of the international community to live up to its obligation and take punitive action against the non-complying Ethiopian regime, the sovereign Eritrean territories still remain under occupation.
Noting that the Hanish Islands issue fully attests to Eritrea's respect to the rule of law, President Isaias underscored that, at present, different ploys and acts of exaggerating matters beyond proportion are being resorted to in a bid to divert from the core issue of occupation. In this regard, the President asserted that the Government of Eritrea wishes the upholding of the legality of the issue in view of the fact that the ruling is not only final and binding but has also concluded in a virtual demarcation.
President Isaias went on to explain that the United Nations did not hold any discussion with the Eritrean government as regards the relocation of the United Nations Mission in Eritrea and Ethiopia (UNMEE). Also, indicating that, even now, the UN should discuss the future programs of UNMEE with Eritrea, the President elaborated that the people and Government of Eritrea has accorded UNMEE the necessary hospitability and cooperation.
On the Somali issue, President Isaias highlighted that as a result of Ethiopia's invasion, the situation in that country has reached its current distressing stage. In this respect, he emphasized the need for the international community, including Eritrea, to work jointly towards creating conducive grounds that would enable the Somali people to resolve their issues themselves.
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