Eritrean President discusses Somalia and Darfur in Saudi Arabia
April 28, 2008 (ASMARA) – The Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki concluded a two-day visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where he held talks on bilateral ties and regional issues among other Somali and Darfur crisis.
Earlier, President Isaias held talks with the Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Saud Al-Faisal, regarding developments in the Horn of Africa, especially the situation in Somalia and Darfur.
Eritrea calls for the withdrawal of the Ethiopian troops from Somalia and seeks for regional support for its claim. Asmara also hosts the Somali political forces opposed to the Addis Ababa backed Transitional Federal Government of Somalia.
With Regard to the five years conflict in the western Sudan region of Darfur, Eritrea calls for a regional efforts to end Darfur crisis and expressed opposition to international “interferences” in the troubled region. It also works to mend Chad- Sudan relations.
Further the Eritrean President met with Saudi investors on Monday and called on them to take the initiative of seizing the opportunity of investing in different sectors in Eritrea in view of the fact there exist beneficial and reliable opportunities.
Eritrean political forces, since the liberation war, have good relations with the Arab countries which provide modest assistance to the Eritrean people.
Addis Ababa last week broke off diplomatic relations with Qatari government following the broadcasting of a series of reports by al-Jazeera TV on Ogaden rebels. Ethiopia accused Qatar of supporting Eritrea. It also looks with worry to Asmara links with the other Arab states.
However, Riyadh has always refrained from meddling in the current conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia, appealing the two neighbouring countries to settle their border war peacefully.
(ST)