Eritrean president receives French parliamentary delegation

ASMARA, May 25, 2004 (Sudan Tribune) — Eritrean president Isayas Afewerki today received a French parliamentarian delegation led by Senator Louis Duvernois and discussed bilateral relations between Eritrea and France, and peace process with Ethiopia.

During the meeting, President Isayas said that the existence of France in Djibouti helps in safeguarding the stability of the region, the Eritrean radio said.

President Isayas told the delegation that France as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and also as a country which has great influence in Africa, Eritrea expects a lot from the French government to do its utmost for the conclusion of the Eritrea-Ethiopia peace process.

President Isayas said that , the international community, the guarantors of the Algiers agreement, has an obligation for the implementation of the final and binding decision made by the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC).

President Isayas said if peace is to prevail, Ethiopia has to abide by the rule of law.

Senator Lewis on his part said that his country affirms the EEBC ruling as final and binding. He said in order to further enhance the existing relations between the two countries, the French parliament wants to cooperate with its Eritrean counterpart.