Eritrean President urges depoliticization of repatriation of refugees from Sudan

BBC Monitoring Africa

By Eritrean radio

ASMARA, Nov. 14, 2003 — President Isayas Afewerki has said the repatriations of Eritrean refugees from Sudan should be conducted in a programmed and coordinated way and completed within a limited time frame.

He made the remarks when he met and held talks this afternoon with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr Ruud Lubbers. During the meeting held at the Denden Lounge, President Isayas said a repatriation without a time frame would not be fruitful. Noting that the Eritrean government was undertaking projects to develop vital infrastructure with its limited capacity, President Isayas stressed that the repatriation of the refugees should not be politicized and delayed.

Reiterating that Eritrea was undertaking various development projects in a bid to be food self-sufficient, President Isayas said UN agencies should participate in such development projects rather than limiting their efforts to providing emergency relief assistance.

Saying that the UNHCR’s position was in agreement with that of Eritrea’s, Mr Ruud Lubbers pledged to work for the delayed repatriation of Eritrean refugees from Sudan to continue according to schedule. He added that the role of the UNHCR would not be limited to repatriating refugees, but would also include reintegrating them into the society. He also stressed the importance of demarcating the border [with Ethiopia] in facilitating the repatriation programmes.

Regarding the border dispute with Ethiopia, President Isayas told the delegation that since the boundary commission had given its verdict in accordance with the Algiers agreement, what remained was for the international community to play its role.