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Eritrea Denies Role in Yemen Chaos
President of Eritrea, Issias Afwerki, has denied that his government is involved in destabilising Yemen.
In an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times, the president said his government was solidly behind the Yemen government headed by Ali Abdallah Saleh.
Refuting the US allegations that his government was fomenting trouble in Somalia, the president said only stable and strong government in Mogadishu can help solve the problem of piracy in international waters.
He alleged the US was out to perpetuate its hegemony in the Horn of Africa by interfering in the internal affairs of the countries of the region.
Stating his government was keen to promote foreign investment, President Afwerki said the Emirati entrepreneurs were welcome to invest in tourism, fisheries and agriculture sectors.
Eritrea is not supporting Yemeni rebels and any accusation that it is involved in destabilising Yemen is a “deliberate fabrication and distortion of facts,” orchestrated by the United States and its allies, according to Issias Afwerki, President of Eritrea.
When Afwerki makes a point he makes it quite emphatically, as was quite obvious in his exclusive interview with Khaleej Times’ Senior Reporter Afkar Abdullah in the Eritrean capital Asmara.
Challenging allegations that his country is training Yemeni rebels on its Dhalak and Assab is- lands, he denies that there are any “foreign forces” on Eritrean territory and that anyone, including the media, is more than welcome to come to Eritrea and verify the facts for themselves.
Some excerpts from the interview:
Yemen is apparently emerging as the new ‘hotspot’ in the so-called US-led global war on terror. Is Eritrea supporting Yemen opposition militia groups and thus further destabilising the security situation there, as has been widely alleged?
This is a deliberate fabrication and distortion of facts. I have also heard false allegations accusing Eritrea of storing weapons in these islands (Dhalak and Assab) to transport them secretly to Saudi Arabia.
All this is part of a propaganda campaign against Eritrea (orchestrated by the United States and its allies) to justify sanctions and find an excuse for intervention.
The Eritrea government and its people like to see stability in Yemen, and we are standing by the government of Ali Abdullah Salih. We are against any external intervention and we have al- ways believed Yemenis can solve their own problems.
Is the government and are the people prepared to face the consequences of UN Security Council imposing sanctions against Eritrea? What is the basis for its justification and why is your country being penalised for the situation in Somalia?
The resolution has no basis at all and is unjustified. It makes no political sense and it’s not based on any legality. It’s prompted by US frustration over its failed policies in the Horn of Africa.
Also, I would like to add, we do not believe that religion or the imposition of Shariah will solve any problem in Somalia. The US would only like to fabricate things but we would like to ensure stability in Somalia by helping Somalis to resolve their differences.
In fact, this sanction has been there without any formal resolution from the Security Council. We are not being allowed to buy arms or spare parts for (our) air force, or (have) access to facilities from financial institutions glob- ally. It’s a mockery, it’s also a shame for the Security Council and why should an arms embargo be imposed, if there is no such embargo against Iran.
Why did Eritrea send its troops to Somalia?
After the collapse of their government (earlier) Somalis lived in chaos, not because of the internal realities but be- cause of external intervention by the US and Ethiopia. It has compounded the crisis—either Somalia (now) becomes two or three separate sovereign states, or (it) gets united and establishes a viable government. We have to help Somalis find a suitable solution.
Why did you reject recognition of successive Somali governments?
Eritrea’s stance is clear. It can’t recognise any government imposed from outside. Somalis themselves may have their differences on whether to recognise (which) government is sovereign or legitimate.
What are the latest developments on the contentious (Eritrea-Ethiopia) border issue?
The border conflict has been instigated by the US. It does not want to see Eritreans and Ethiopians who live peacefully and work together in a bid to contribute more stability in the Horn of Africa. Also, had the recommendations of the Eritrea-Ethiopia boundaries commission (still pending because of the US) the Eritreans and Ethiopians would have been in a much better situation.
How can the piracy problem off the Somali coast be best resolved?
Without a stable political environment in Somalia, which includes a solid government with (adequate) defense and security forces, it cannot be resolved.
Just deploying navies from Japan, US, Germany, France, and anywhere else would never solve the issue.
Paying a ransom to those who are hi- jacking and kidnapping people (further) complicates the problem. The only option is to initiate a viable political solution, backed fully by the people of Somalia.
Your reaction to the International Criminal Court’s decision at The Hague to issue an arrest warrant against Sudan President Omar Al Bashir on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity?
There should be facts and evidence to prove (that these) crimes have been committed in Darfur. Without validating this basic issue you can’t jump to conclusions and accuse a president of a nation of being a criminal. Also, this baseless decision would not only affect the Sudanese but the whole region.
What do you think can be done in terms of regional development considering the current politico-economic situation?
Eritrea is a very small country with very limited resources. But the position of Sudan in the continent is very unique and its stability is important for the whole north-eastern Africa. Regional prosperity and development can’t be achieved without the cooperation and good relations (between) other countries in the region as well.
How about the self-reliance plan to ensure food security in Eritrea and how will it work?
This plan should be implemented in the whole region as the current drought has already affected millions in the region. The resources are there, but the nations in the region should join hands to overcome this challenge together and create an environment that stimulates more of development and food security.
We need to work hard to feed our- selves in the first place. There is also a need to work with neighbouring countries and to interact in trade and investment with other nations globally.
What efforts are being made by the government to attract foreign investment?
The government is currently involved in (national) reconstruction following the war with Ethiopia and striving to establish a solid infrastructure to at- tract investors from Gulf countries and other parts of the world. The United Arab Emirates has been one of the major contributors in the infrastructure sector and is also supporting our energy program. Emirati investors will be given all facilities and priority to in- vest in tourism, fishers and agriculture.
Others too would invest in Eritrea and other parts of the region once good infrastructural are available.
Do you think the impact of the global economic recession in Dubai has also affected trade between Eritrea and the UAE?
I think the world is changing. The global economic situation has affected Dubai (as well) and it has been a wake- up call for the emirate. Doing business and trade through Dubai has also been affected relatively, especially for those who have been engaged in heavy business (transactions) using Dubai as hub for interacting with others in the world. But now Dubai is in the process of restructuring its own system and re- structuring its way of doing trade and business globally.
Of course, there are other markets, other options for doing business directly rather than through Dubai. But Dubai would always remain an important hub in the region for all countries in the Horn of Africa.
According to a Human Rights Watch report, Eritrea has the largest number of journalists in its jails. What is your reaction?
This allegation is part of a propaganda and media campaign against Eritrea.
The Human Rights Watch has been used as an instrument to promote agendas of special interest. Journal- ism is not an easy job and with all the advancement of technology, media has become a huge weapon and has been used to justify misguided policies. There is no abuse of journalists in this country. But traitors who try to destroy national security wouldn’t be tolerated.
What is your comment on the UN report that says Eritrea, with its population of 5 million, has generated one of the highest numbers of migrants and refugees mainly due to the political situation prevailing within the country?
Eritreans who left the countries have their own reasons. Immigrating to other countries is a normal phenomenon prevailing in many countries.
People are always searching for a better life. (But) Eritreans overseas are participating in the development of the country indirectly or directly, and they are always welcome to come back home. Many Eritreans have immigrated overseas to ensure better living condition for their families (still residing) here. Those who immigrated to Europe and US, for instance, showed us that they are responsible nationals who still support their families and their country.
The US and the international community both consider this region to be a sort of ‘safe haven’ for those involved in terror activities?
This also is part of the US propaganda to be able to keep it military bases in the Horn of Africa. The governments of this region would never allow their countries to be used for terror activities because it would affect national security throughout the Horn of Africa.
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