Shabait.com (Asmara)
28 August 2008
Asmara — The Eritrean Cabinet of Ministers today conducted extensive deliberations at the Denden Hall here in the capital on a discussion paper presented by President Isaias Afwerki focusing on coping with economic challenges, as well as national security strategy vis-à-vis political and security developments in the region and its short and long-term dimensions.
The discussion paper highlights ways and action plans on effectively tackling the global economic crisis emanating from food shortage and the soaring oil price, as well as the prevailing natural challenges at the regional level.
The President pointed out that the distribution and control mechanism as regards consumption employed, taking into account the possible natural challenges and other conditions worldwide in 2008, has borne fruitful outcome. He further indicated that in comparison with the problems that surfaced in many parts of the globe, the challenges have been met in Eritrea thanks to the vigorous advance preparations made and the putting in place of national reserves. Moreover, President Isaias stressed the need for continuously streamlining the existing national economic mechanisms especially in ensuring food supply, economic and effective utilization of oil and the control of other consumption items in a manner that minimizes negative side-effects and ensure micro-economic stability.
Reminding the negative impact of deliberate speculation designed to foment psychological anxiety among the population which is worse than shortage in supply creating market instability, the President underlined the significance of pursuing efficient management methods aimed at promoting stability and confidence in the people's day-to-day living, without unduly getting disturbed with the current global scenario. In this respect, he explained that the world economic crisis and other challenges would be overcome with the least damage to the pace of the national development drive.
In connection with the impact of external situations and developments, President Isaias shed light on the political and security developments in the Horn of Africa, as well as other regional and international ones vis-à-vis the strategy that needs to be employed and the political as well as diplomatic tasks which have to be accomplished. Indicating that the current economic crises or political and security turmoil at the global level emanates from the adventurous actions of the US Administration, he explained that even the cause of the complicated issues and developments being witnessed in this region is not to be viewed in isolation from such political and security situation worldwide. The President went on to say that the genocide being perpetrated in Somalia through the US Administration and its servants is "the greatest crime in the 21st century." Even worse are the attempts being resorted to aimed at diverting world attention from this tragedy, he emphasized.
President Isaias also pointed out that the TPLF regime's invasion of Somalia and the ensuing huge destruction and humanitarian crisis have exposed the Horn region to further instability. Such developments coupled with the worsening internal crisis in Ethiopia as well as the weakening of the TPLF regime in all aspects, the mounting popular opposition in the Ogaden region and other parts of the county and the futile attempts being made to suppress it, in addition to the complication of problems in Sudan due to unwarranted external interference are pushing the Horn of Africa to an extremely dangerous situation, President Isaias underscored.
The President went on to explain that amid such a scenario, different attempts have been made to undermine the prevailing stable security situation and promising development prospects in Eritrea, as well as pose obstacle to its active role towards ensuring regional peace and stability. Furthermore, he indicated that the conspiracy weaved over the past months to foment a crisis situation through placing Djibouti in the forefront has been foiled thanks to the patient handling of the issue on the part of the Eritrean government, as well as the people of both Eritrea and Djibouti.
Recalling that IGAD's primary mission was aimed at promoting economic development and integration among member states through ensuring peace and stability in the region, President Isaias stated that on the contrary, the organization became victim of external interference in violation of its lofty objectives, thus failing to accomplish its mission. He underlined the need for restructuring the organization so as to make the necessary contribution in promoting political and security stability in the region, in addition to fostering economic and development cooperation among the member states. To this end, Eritrea is ready to make due contribution, the President asserted.
President Isaias also outlined the major accomplishments registered in expanding and strengthening Eritrea's relations with the countries of the Middle Easte and the Arabian Gulf. Besides, he noted that endeavors have been made and would continue to deepen and enhance the existing relations of cooperation with the countries of the Far East and the European Union in the political and development spheres.
Following extensive deliberations on the President's discussion paper and in-depth assessment of the prevailing situation at the national and global level, the Ministerial Cabinet Meeting charted political, diplomatic and development strategy under the umbrella of Eritrea's national security.
Also in its session in the afternoon hours, the meeting conducted deliberation on national development programs and the progress made over the past 8 months sector by sector. On the basis of this year's rainfall distribution pattern vis-à-vis the national strategy of ensuring food security, it mapped out multi-dimensional reserve programs. The meeting also discussed the task accomplished in diverse fields and their contribution to the country's Gross National Product, in addition to the ongoing mining exploration activities and rural electrification program, among others.
The Ministerial Cabinet Meeting would continue its session tomorrow.
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