Eritrean opposition groups set up new alliance

By Eritrean opposition web site Eritrea1.org

KHARTOUM, Jan 23, 2005 — The joint meeting held [in the Sudanese capital Khartoum] by Eritrean opposition political organizations between 18 and 22 January has set up an alliance (Eritrean Democratic Alliance) that will enable it to work together.

After thoroughly discussing the prevailing situation of the country and the people, the meeting underlined that the only option was to work together. It also reached a consensus on ways of facing future challenges.

The meeting also set up an alliance known as Eritrean Democratic Alliance with aim of establishing a democratic regime in Eritrea, which believes in a peaceful power transition based on multiparty, respect of human rights, justice and equality.

The alliance has drafted a charter that encompasses future political regimes and basic political rights enshrined in the constitution. It also drafted a law governing the alliance.

The meeting set up a seven-member secretariat, whose members are Hussein Khalifah, Ahmed Nasir, Ibrahim Mohamed Ali, Tewelde Gebreslasie, Abdelaziz Khiyar, Kernelios Osman and Hamid Turki.

The meeting congratulated the Sudanese people and government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement on the peace agreement [recently signed in Nairobi, Kenya]. It also thanked all member countries of the Sanaa Cooperation Grouping [Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen].

It also thanked all governments and organizations that support the efforts to ensure the prevalence of peace and democracy in our country by removing the dictatorial regime.

Material provided by the BBC Monitoring Service.