Friday 5 June 2009













Eritrea’s 18th Independence Day Celebrated
The 18th Anniversary of Eritrea's Independence was
celebrated on May 24 across
the nation in a patriotic
spirit. The celebrations at the
Asmara Stadium in the
capital at the national level
took place in the presence of
Government officials,
religious leaders, diplomats,
and tens of thousands of
citizens, as well as representatives of Sudan and Libya.
In a speech on the occasion, President Isaias Afwerki
expressed appreciation to members of the Eritrean
Defense Force, Eritrean nationals inside the country and
abroad, Ministries and Administrative Zones, social
associations, various companies, as well as friends and
partners for their memorable contributions to the
achievements the country has gleaned in the past 18 years
of independence in all sectors and fronts.
(for full text of
the President's speech go to http://www.shabait.com/)

Foreign Ministry Issues Press Statements on
the irresponsible positions of IGAD and AU

In a Press Statement released on May 25, 2009 Eritrea has
strongly rejected the irresponsible and illegal statement
issued in the name of the African Union. The African
Union has issued on 23 May 2009 an outrageous statement
urging the UN Security Council to “impose sanctions
against Eritrea”. The illegal and utterly irresponsible
statement, issued in Addis Ababa in the name of the socalled
“Peace and Security Council” of the organization,
was made on the basis of groundless accusations against
Eritrea, without ascertaining the facts, and without even
consulting the current Chairman of the African Union.
It is to be recalled that a similar Press Release was issued
by the MFA on IGAD’s call to impose sanction on
Eritrea. In the Press Release issued on 22 May 2009,
Eritrea rejected IGAD’s stance as an irresponsible
resolution by an inept organization which bears primary
responsibility for the current mayhem and crisis in
Somalia. It further exposed the fact that IGAD has
degenerated into a mere instrument for advancing
Ethiopia's perilous strategies in the region and especially
its hostility against Eritrea. (Press Statements Refer:
http://www.shabait.com/)

For Further information contact the Embassy of the State of Eritrea:; 96 White Lion Street London N1 9PF
Tel 020 7713 0096: Fax 020 7713 0161; e-mail: paamba@eriembauk.com
Refer also the following websites;: www.shabait.com , www.shaebia.org