---

---

Shabait.com (Asmara)

Eritrea: The Problems of the Horn of Africa Basically Emanate From External Ethiopian Regime - President Isaias

12 May 2008

---

opinion

Asmara — President Isaias Afwerki underscored that the problems of the Horn of Africa basically emanate from the interference of external forces and the ambitions of succeeding Ethiopian regimes witnessed since the end of the Second World War.

The President made the remarks in an interview he gave to the leading Egyptian newspaper, Al-Ahram. In detailed replies he gave regarding the objective situation in Eritrea, the region and international issues, President Isaias pointed out that external interference has complicated the problems and successive Ethiopian regimes, instead of trying to resolve internal problems, pursued destructive policy relying on foreign forces, thus exposing the region to danger and further aggravating the problems. And as such, this is the outcome of the erroneous international policy which is creating problems in the Horn region through Ethiopia, he added.

Indicating that the Untied States in the 20th century has been relying on Ethiopia, in view of the latter's geographic location and imperialist outlook, as part of its desire to control the Horn of Africa region, President Isaias underscored that such a strategy is not only erroneous but also dangerous.

As regards the issues of Somalia and Darfur, the President indicated that the situation has assumed a wrong picture due to regional and international interferences, thereby resulting in the immense suffering of the people affected. He further stressed that if at all there exists genuine desire to achieve basic solutions to the issues, it should be left to the concerned people themselves to resolve. In this regard, President Isaias noted that neighboring countries could collaborate in creating conducive grounds to this end. "Any interference apart from this is indeed dangerous," he emphasized.

In reply to a question concerning relations between Eritrea and the United States, President Isaias declared: "We have neither the interest nor the desire to work against the US; it is the United States which is creating a problem against itself." He went on to explain that 71% of the American people oppose the domestic and foreign policy of the US Administration. In this connection, the President elaborated, "how is it possible that we would get satisfied and support such policies which even the American people themselves oppose and reject?"

In view of the fact that the policies the US Administration pursues in the region are destructive, which are not only causing problem and turmoil but also due to which the Eritrean people have been suffering for tens of years, the President underlined that as far as Eritrea is concerned, these policies have no acceptance whatsoever. President Isaias further emphasized that Washington's attempts to promote its interests in the region at the expense of the people of the region is not acceptable.

Read comments. Write your own.

---