Eritrean president, US congressman discuss Sudan peace process

ASMARA, Aug 2, 2005 (Shabait.com) — Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki today received and held talks with US Congressman Donald Payne.

The US Congressman commended Eritrea’s role in the Sudanese peace process. Noting that the Sudanese peace agreement represents a step forward, Donald Payne stated that Eritrea’s role in the implementation of the agreement is significant.

President Isaias underlined that the death of John Garang, First Vice President of the Sudan and one of those who played pivotal role in the Sudanese peace process, is a big loss. He reiterated that Eritrea will continue to exert the necessary effort to promote consummation of the Sudanese peace process and attain comprehensive peace settlement.

On the Eritrea- Ethiopia border issue, the President pointed out that the US government’s failure to take any initiative to promote the implementation of the Boundary Commission’s final and binding ruling is posing an obstacle to the peace process. President Isaias further underlined that Eritrea has the legitimate right to safeguard its sovereignty and that there is no justification whatsoever for the present state of affairs to continue.

Regarding Donald’s call for a continuation of Eritrea’s significant role in the fight against terrorism, the President said that Eritrea has been fighting for long and continues to do so. However, he stressed, that in order for us to concentrate on the development of the region, the role of the United States in border demarcation is crucial.

Besides, President Isaias and Congressman Donald Payne exchanged views on bilateral and regional issues. Present on the occasion was Foreign Minister Ali Seid Abdalla.

Similarly, the Eritrean Defense Minister, General Sebhat Ephrem, held talks with Donald Payne. In the meeting, Gen. Sebhat reminded that the US, as guarantor of the Algiers Peace Agreement, is not playing due role in the implementation of the EEBC ruling on border delimitation.