Vol 22. No. 60 Saturday, 26 September, 2015 Pages 8, Price 2.00 NFA

Eritrean Minister of Foreign Af-fairs Mr. Osman Saleh met with the United Nations Secretary General H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, on 21 Sep-tember 2015 in New York.

In this meeting both parties held extensive discussions on interna-tional and regional peace and se-curity, migration and human traf-ficking and other relevant issues of mutual concern.

Minister Osman elaborated Eri-

The Ministry of Information re-ceived assistance worth fifty thou-sand US dollars from the People’s Republic of China. The Minister of Information, Mr. Yemane Ge-bremeskel, and the PRC Ambas-sador to Eritrea, Mr. Qiu Xuejun, signed the documents of consign-ment yesterday, September 25th.

Ambassador Qiu noted that the modest assistance represented an-

The refurbished Senafe hospital was inaugurated on September 20th in the presence of Mr. Alamin Mo-hamed Seid, PFDJ Secretary, other government and PFDJ officials as well as members of the diplomatic community in the country.

The repair and renovation infra-structural work of the hospital was done at a cost of 80 million Nakfa through the joint collaboration of the Eritrean government, the European Union and the UNDP.

The modern hospital has several in-patient rooms, a diagnostics build-ing, a maternity ward, an out-patient department (OPD), emergency ser-

Eid al-Adha was celebrated across the nation in a colorful man-ner on September the 24th.

The observances at Bahti Mesk-erem Square were attended by tens of thousands of the faithful, Gov-ernment and PFDJ officials and members of the diplomatic com-munity. The Eritrean Mufti, Sheikh Al-Amin Osman Al-Amin, presid-ed over the prayers and religious

Eritrean citizens in Germany conducted the 9th Sports Festival.

The event, organized in connec-tion with the 54th anniversary of the beginning of the armed struggle for

trea’s perspective on the issue of regional and international peace and security and reiterated the commitment of the Eritrean gov-ernment to work with the UN and other concerned countries in ad-dressing the threat of global terror-ism and extremism.

Minister Osman emphasized the importance and relevance of lifting the unjust sanctions against Eritrea and Ethiopia’s withdrawal from Er-itrean sovereign territories, includ-

ing the town of Badme. This would contribute to the enhancement of regional peace and security.

Recognizing the progress that is being registered through the part-nership between Eritrea and the United Nations, Minister Osman expressed to the Secretary General Eritrea’s commitment to further consolidate and expand this con-structive partnership.

On his part, the UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, ap-plauded Eritrea’s constructive en-gagement and role in the region.

He also stated that he is encour-aged and satisfied by the level of cooperation and partnership be-tween the UN and Eritrea. He as-sured Minister Osman of his per-sonal and the UN’s commitment to further strengthen the partnership.

EritrEa and thE Un to Expand coopEration

other gesture that will consolidate existing warm ties of cooperation between China and Eritrea.

The Minister, for this part, thanked the Chinese Embassy for their efforts and expressed the hope that the symbolic as-sistance will serve as a precursor for broader technical cooperation between media outlets of the two countries.

chinEsE Embassy donatEs it EqUipmEnt

sEnafE hospital rEsUmEs sErvicEsvices (ER), laboratory blocks, and a pharmacy amongst other facilities.

The Minister of Health, Mrs. Am-ina Nurhussain, affirmed that the hospital is poised to provide much improved services as it possesses the requisite modern equipment. The hospital was deliberately vandalized and destroyed during the border conflict by Ethiopian troops.

The Administrator of Debub Re-gion Mr. Efrem GebreKristos stated that the hospital will cater for health services to the residents of Senafe as well as other patients from the other towns and villages in the environs of the city.

sermons carried out at the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Al-Amin, wished the entire Eri-trean people in general and follow-ers of the Islamic faith in particular a happy Eid. He also called on the faithful to extend a helping hand to martyrs families and the needy, in addition to displaying mutual affection and spirit of harmony. Sheikh Al-Amin further wished for

continued prevalence of peace and prosperity in the nation.

In related activities, the Ministry of Information and the Administra-tion of the Southern Region jointly organized cultural programme in Debarwa to commemorate Eid-Al-Adha that was broadcast live by Eri-Tv. Performances by Harena cultural troupe added colour to the event.

Eid al-adha cElEbratEd nationwidE

EritrEan nationals in GErmany hold 9th sports fEstival

liberation on September 1st – was held Kaiserslautern city. Sports teams from other European coun-tries also took part in the festival.

The aim of the Festival was to

nurture competence in sport among the Eritrean communities in Ger-many. The Soccer Team from Kai-serslautern city emerged winner in the competitions.

Qohaito

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Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 26 September, 2015 2

International Tourism Day will be celebrated on the 27th of Sep-tember under the theme “Millions of Tourists: Millions of Oppor-tunities.” The theme indicates that as more tourists visit a given country, a variety of opportunities arises for the people of the host country.

Tourism is a labor intensive in-dustry, incorporating small busi-nesses and individuals to large corporations. Since tourism in-volves direct cash spending by visitors, it can have a quick, di-rect impact on the local popula-tion and economy, helping to im-prove development and standards of living.

The smokeless industry offers a variety of tangible benefits. These include economic benefits, since the industry provides direct job opportunities (e.g. restaurants, tour guides, and hotels) and indi-rect employment (e.g. food pro-duction, transport services, and entertainment venues).

The direct expenditure tourists make also generates income for the local community, thus poten-tially alleviating poverty. Tourists travel the globe, often prepared both financially and mentally to visit areas of interest. During their period of travel, tourists of-ten spend a substantial amount of money that can positively impact communities and states.

Additionally, tourism may also

bring about a real sense of pride and identity to the host commu-nity. Through tourism, the com-munity can display its way of life, culture, traditions, and history. In this regard, tourism has a signifi-cant role to play in encouraging local communities to preserve traditions and cultures to attract more tourism.

Tourists need to have full in-formation about the country they are expected to visit, and it is very important that they know about the history, culture and places of interest they are supposed to come and enjoy.

There are different types of tourism, including cultural tour-ism in which people come to ex-perience the history, folklore, and culture of a people; ecotourism, where people travel to enjoy the landscape and the natural beauty of a country; religious tourism, involving visiting a place of spiri-tual significance; and business tourism, which sees people travel to complete business transactions or attend business meetings. Each type of tourism involves people who are eager to travel to host countries with different inten-tions.

The historical heritage, festi-vals, religious shrines and reli-gious festivities, big agro-indus-tries, and natural seaside beaches are among the places of interest tourists often like to visit and ex-perience.

In order to attract the different types of tourists, host communi-ties should ensure that tourists are well informed. First and fore-most, they should be confident that they will find the things they need during their stay. This could be accomplished through adver-tisements appearing on different media outlets. Moreover, key in-frastructure developments, such as airports, roads, communication and transport services, are very important features that tourists generally expect.

In order to achieve the high standard experience that visitors expect, and also to contribute to the growth of the industry, it is necessary to consider several things. One should understand visitors’ needs and expectations. As well, hospitality, respect, and honesty are often high on the list of what tourists admire.

The availability of resources and daily needs (e.g. clean water, comfortable hotels, and restau-rants) are also important, and they provide tourists with satisfaction while also possibly motivating them to return or encouraging others to visit. Raising levels of professionalism and improving visitor satisfaction should be key objectives of host countries and communities.

In terms of Eritrea, the country is endowed with many types of tourist attractions. Inter alia, these

include the historical and cultural sites of Kohaito and Metera, the rich archeological site at Adulis, the ancient monasteries of Debre-bizen, Tsaeda Emba, Debresina, Ham, and Aba-Metae, and the ancient Sahaba Mosque (thought to be the first mosque in Africa). Furthermore, the stunning land-scape of the eastern escarpment and the area of Igla Demhina rep-resent breathtaking tourist attrac-tions.

Since the introduction of Chris-tianity and Islam to Eritrea, the country has witnessed the con-struction of many monasteries and mosques. These represent both places of worship and sources of rich heritage. When the monaster-ies and shrines celebrate various religious days, thousands of peo-ple from all walks of life come to pay homage. With proper pro-motion, the religious festivities could even attract foreign tourists and contribute to the development of the country’s tourism industry (e.g. through income creation for many individuals or surrounding communities).

The ancient monasteries and mosques also have their own his-tory to tell. If we consider the Sa-haba mosque, history tells us that the first followers on the Arabian Peninsula were persecuted, and as a result they sought refuge on the other side of the Red Sea (present day Eritrea). Upon their arrival, they were accorded with a warm

welcome.

During their stay, they built a place of worship – Sahaba, a mosque which became the first of its kind in Africa. The mosque was built in 1400 A.D., and it rep-resents a significant tourist attrac-tion. The latter can also be said about other monasteries that were built by monks coming from the Middle East to spread Christian-ity in the region.

Beyond religious attractions, art deco buildings in the country’s urban areas are also tourist attrac-tions. Architecture in Massawa, built during the country’s pe-riod under the Ottoman Empire, and Italian colonial-era art deco buildings in Asmara and Keren are historic sites of ingenuity, rich culture, and diversity.

The country’s Red Sea coast-line, over 1000 kilometers long and hosting awe-inspiring natural beaches, is one of the wonders in Eritrea. One can enjoy a sun bath, or dive and swim in clear, clean waters. The Red Sea is also very rich in variety of fish and colorful, unblemished coral reefs and very attractive for adventure tourists.

Most importantly, the peace and tranquility prevailing in Eri-trea, and the warm hospitality of the people are the important fea-tures that may draw tourists to the country. Tourists like to visit their place of interest unhindered, with no time limitations, and with the knowledge that their stay will be enjoyable, fun, memorable, and peaceful. For that, Eritrea is just the right place.

In order for the theme of this year’s International Tourism Day (i.e. “One Million of Tourists: One million of Opportunities”) to materialize, every citizen is expected to contribute his or her share. That includes keeping the environment clean, ensuring the maintenance and safety of his-torical sites and ancient places of worship, and being willing to share the special features of home with others.

Eritrean Tourism Services

Association

Opportunities from the Smokeless Industry

Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 26 September, 2015 3

introduction Dr. Fikrejesus Amahazion

In previous articles, I have dis-cussed the external obsession with “pinning down Eritrea.” How or why does a country like Eritrea – low-income, developing, African – merit so much (misguided) atten-tion, particularly from the media? There are straightforward princi-ples and dynamics at work; simply, the main problem is that Eritrea remains independent of external designs for the African continent, refuses to prostrate itself before foreign, manipulative agendas, and because the country firmly and un-conditionally believes that the pri-mary beneficiaries of its resources must be Eritreans – not exploitative multinational corporations (a la Chomsky’s radical nationalism). Eritrea does not represent a military threat, but an ideological one based on self-reliance, radical national-ism, true independence, and the no-tion that Africans can do.

Accordingly, the approach towards Eritrea isn’t outright physical de-struction (although that is always an option), but rather isolation, demoralization, and delegitima-tion. The goal is to absolutely and wholly destroy any semblance of credibility for any political or ideo-logical alternative. As described by the internationally renowned scholar, activist, and public intel-lectual, Noam Chomsky, “when a mafia don makes his neighborhood rounds and collects his payments, he also makes it a point to show everyone that payment is the only option.”

Part of the psychological and ide-ological strategy is based on the understanding that, “the human being has his most critical point in his mind. Once his mind has been reached, the political animal has been defeated, without necessarily receiving bullets.” That is partly why the corporate media often churns out sensationalism, cursory analyses, and mindless drivel, rath-er than offering context, truth, or rational analysis. Quite apt here is Orwell’s seemingly timeless Nine-teen Eighty-Four, which describes “doublethink” – the act of holding two opposite, individually exclu-sive ideas or opinions and believ-ing in both simultaneously and ab-solutely. If you’re not careful, war becomes peace, freedom becomes slavery, and ignorance becomes

strength. Likewise, during his visit to the Oxford Union in the 1960s, the Black revolutionary leader Mal-colm X exposed how, “the powers that be use the press to give the devil an angelic image and give the image of the devil to the one who’s really angelic…[or] they’ll take a person who is a victim of the crime and make it appear he’s the criminal, and they’ll take the crimi-nal and make it appear that he’s the victim of the crime.”

Although the narrative on Eritrea is often misguided, cursory, or lacking in context, challenges to the main-stream perspective of the country can be found. Today, we are privi-leged to have an insightful contri-bution by Hafsa Kara-Mustapha, an accomplished and highly respected international journalist and political analyst. Kara-Mustapha is a regular contributor and commentator on a variety of media outlets (written, radio, and television), including RT, PressTV, and former British MP George Galloway’s popular international political talk show, Sputnik. Below, Kara-Mustapha touches on Eritrea’s struggle for in-dependent development, the global media, and a range of other geopo-litical topics.

Eritrea and the interna-tional Media – An Out-

sider’s PerspectiveBy: Hafsa Kara-Mustapha

The media may be our only source of information on conflicts hap-pening far away but it’s by far the most unreliable. When discussing Eritrea, tragically sandwiched be-tween two formidable African na-tions, much is said about its “dic-tatorial regime.” But what exactly constitutes a dictatorial regime in the opinion of a mainstream me-dia that absolves the crimes of the wealthier nations while exaggerat-ing those of its victims?

Over the years we’ve seen impe-rialist powers wage unnecessary wars across the wider Middle East and unleash untold misery on local populations, only to be told that this murderous campaign of bombing, starvation and displacement was for the people’s own benefit. Afri-can nations were and continue to be goaded into fratricidal conflicts that fuel the criminal arms or diamond industries that profit from the death of the African man and woman,

while never bestowing them with any benefit. And so, yet again, we are told that the young nation of Eritrea is governed in a brutal man-ner and that any dissenting voices are neutralized. So what to make of a country that is barely mentioned in a complicit Western media only to be portrayed negatively?

In early September, the Malcolm X Movement (London, England) organized a political and cultural event showcasing the country. At-tendants were treated to beautiful poetry, delicious coffee and breads and the most enthralling talks from Eritrea’s inspiring intellectual elite. Former Ethiopian diplomat and anti-imperialist activist, Mohamed Hassan, delivered an impassioned defense of Eritrea and its impor-tance on the African and wider in-ternational stage. One of the few multi-ethnic and multi-religious states in the continent, harmonious co-existence is the bed rock of its identity.

When imperialist nations wanted to expel its Muslims inhabitants to Muslim-majority Sudan and ensure the remainder would be annexed into Christian-majority Ethiopia, Eritreans refused, arguing that the two religions could not and should not be separated. Contrasting the more feudal societies of Ethiopia still dominated by class system that hinders progress, Eritrea has a constitution that guarantees equal rights for all its citizens regardless of ethnicity of religion. As such, despite the turmoil and constant at-tacks by its neighbor Ethiopia, na-tional unity in the face of constant aggression has remained.

Yet, reading the mainstream media would suggest otherwise. Western nations have decided to support with funds and weaponry Ethio-pia in this unnecessary war, going as far as devoting over $400m in 1990 to its war effort while disguis-ing this sum as aid to the starving millions. This staggering sum was used to support constant attacks on Eritrea and ensure the region never fully recovers. While the class sys-tem in Ethiopia is deeply unfair, Addis Ababa is sold to western au-diences as a rapidly growing mod-ern city with matching levels of growth. Eritrea however continues to be described as the North Korea of the continent, undeserving of support, friendship or even trade agreements.

As a result, the smaller Horn of Af-rica nation continues to suffer from crippling sanctions. This in turn, ac-cording to Hassan, is forcing thou-sands into forced migration. This Machiavellian plan is constantly played out whenever Western im-perialist nations decide to “punish” a non-compliant state and label it dictatorial or authoritarian.

The nation is placed under em-bargo. This in turn forces the econ-omy to slow down which gradu-ally leads to a crisis followed by an inevitable brain drain. Scores of young Eritreans are consequently driven to seek employment and in-come elsewhere, which is no longer available in their home countries. It is of course a sure and tested meth-od which not only re-enforces the image of “failing states” but places them in the international psyche as countries in constant need of “west-

ern benevolence.”

Despite all that, Asmara continues to stand tall. Thanks to its natu-ral resources and bountiful coast line, the country is weathering the storm. It’s a difficult battle but its intellectual and patriotic activists both in and outside the nation are working to extract their homeland from the vicious cycle of war and poverty. Should they succeed, Eri-treans might prove to be a worry-ing example for the imperialists keen to view the continent through the prism of dictatorship, war, mis-ery and Western meddling to bring problems - it generated - to an end.

The corrupt and increasingly dis-credited mainstream media is wait-ing for Eritrea to fail; fortunately, Eritreans are standing up to it and showing the world that it won’t.

Eritrea and the International Media – An Outsider’s Perspective

soil and watEr consErvation campaiGns

The residents of Eden administrative area, Elabered sub-zone, are conducting soil and water conservation as well as tree planting popular campaign.

Mr. Atoshum Negasi, the administrator of the area, expressed appre-ciation for the initiative the residents are taking and announced that the land on the downstream of the dam will be distributed to farmers for cultivation.

traininG on hEalth

25 women from all administrative villages in Hamelmalo sub-zone have received training on prevention and control of communicable dis-eases such as HIV/AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Sister Mihret Hagos, the trainer, said that the awareness of women on causes of communicable diseases has increased and the number of women visiting health institutions is increasing.

Mr. Yakob Idris, administrator of the sub-zone, stressed that teaching women is teaching the society and that investment made for women is an investment for society as a whole.

assistancE for martyrs’ familiEs

An Eritrean national residing abroad has donated financial assistance to martyrs families in Adi-Quala.

Ms. Tirhas Solomon, head of the Ministry of Labor and Social Wel-fare branch in the area, stated that the 320,000 Nakfa donated by the benefactor has been distributed to forty three martyrs’ families.

School uniforms and school materials were also distributed to forty five needy students.

nEws briEf

Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 26 September, 2015 4

Meron Abraha

Burning torches and bonfires and Two days ago we celebrated the religious holiday Eid Al-Adha and in two days another religious celebration will come knocking: Meskel or the Finding of the True Cross.

Celebrated towards the end of the month of September, Meskel is a commemoration involving bon-fires and a story evoking interest-ing and myth-like origins.

Almost everyone in Eritrea is well aware of the colorful cer-emony that revolves around the celebration of Meskel. A huge bonfire, or the Damera, wrapped with white cloth and decorated with daisies is set ready to be set ablaze. Before it burns, elabo-rately dressed priests chant hymns blessing it.

The direction in which the bon-fire falls after burning is tradition-ally taken as a sign of what to ex-pect in the year to come. Eritreans have good prospects if it falls towards east; because if it does it is a good omen, predicting pros-perity and good harvests after the rainy season.

The lighting of a bonfire traces its origins to byzantine times when Queen Eleni of the fourth century, mother of Emperor Constantine, reportedly found the remains of the True Cross where Jesus Christ was crucified.

I found a somewhat detailed

version of the story when I was leafing through old files at home. It was researched and written by a journalist friend of mine (and a great mentor at that) over a decade and a half ago.

Now my friend had gone in per-son to the Patriarchate of the Eri-trean Orthodox Church and met with Merigeta Yitbarek Berhe, their PR officer, who gave him some rather interesting elucida-tions of the whole bonfire and True Cross affair.

The cross of Christ had been lost (or hidden from profane eyes) for over 300 years following the Crucifixion and that Christians from all over the world had been looking for it as a precious relic.

One day, Queen Eleni, wife to a devoted pagan, agreed with her son Constantine to start the search for the True Cross. Her son, also a pagan, had apparently gained a miraculous victory over a rival king after seeing the sign of the cross and the words “in hoc si-gno vinces” (Latin for in this sign you will win) written in the sky. He consequently began showing respect for Christians and even made Christianity the official reli-gion of his Roman Empire.

So the queen makes her expedi-tion to Jerusalem. Upon arrival at Golgotha (the site of the crucifix-ion) she looks around in vain until she sees a man (reportedly called Kiriakos) walking by, whom she pleads with to help her in her holy quest. He shows her three mounds

and tells her that the cross was buried in one of them.

The queen then orders for wood to be collected and made into a huge bonfire (probably the pre-cursor of the present day Dam-eras). She then has frankincense sprinkled on it. The bonfire was lit and the smoke from the spices rises high up to the sky only to turn around and fall back to the ground, exactly to the mound where the Cross had been buried.

So the queen starts to dig and finds the true cross. Everybody around her gets amazed and excit-ed that they light torches and start singing and dancing (again prob-ably the precursor of our Hoye Hoyes today).

How a wooden cross remained intact after being buried in the

ground for hundreds of years de-fies science or logic as we know it, but then miracles do happen. Or so had Merigeta Yitbarek asserted.

The ever curious and inquisi-tive that my friend was, he also asked Merigeta why we celebrat-ed the holiday in September, when Queen Eleni in fact found the cross in March.

“Despite finding the true cross in March, the church the queen built in its honor in Jerusalem was inaugurated in September. We henceforth celebrate the holiday on that month,” the Merigeta had said and proceeded to substantiate his assertion with a passage from the Sinksar, the massive book that narrates the biographies of the saints.

Supposedly, the book holds in-structions by the Church fathers to celebrate the holiday in September as the month of March falls in the period of Lent, the most important fasting season for Christians.

Merigeta Yitbarek also ex-plained the significance of the direction of the Damera’s falling saying that it was a good omen if it fell eastwards because that’s the direction from which Christ will come on Judgment Day.

My journalist friend had made a noteworthy remark in his writing. He said that during the few years before independence, people were giving different interpretations about the direction towards which the burning pyre fell.

Accordingly, if it fell north-

wards (towards the direction of Sahel) then independence was nearby. And then in 1990, the bon-fire just collapsed. And in less than a year, so did the Dergue regime. That was perhaps a testimony that when people believe wholeheart-edly in something, they create a force that could change the nature of things through their collective wishes.

Since the Patriarch blesses the bonfire before lighting it, the char-coal from the remains of the fire is collected and used by the faith-ful to smear their foreheads with the shape of a cross, obviously believed to have sanctified prop-erties.

For Eritreans Meskel, both the holiday and the word itself have a deep significance. Wearing an iron or wooden cross on a chain or a string around ones’ neck; tattoo-ing the forehead with the image of a cross; kissing the crucifix of priests whom one comes across; bowing down at a distant cross of a church; crossing oneself at the sight of a holy place; all these are considered pious deeds by Eri-trean Christians.

Marking the end of the big rains and heralding the bright and hope-ful season as well as bounty har-vests, Meskel holiday remains to date one of the greatest religious holidays in the country.

It’s only customary to say “N Ameta kemzi ewan” during holi-days. That roughly means “May we get to see this [celebration] this time next year. And to that one can only say: Amen!

Of Crosses and Bonfires

5Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 26 September, 2015

Sophia Tesfamariam

Eritreans in the United States get to witness another historical milestone in Eritrea’s history as the Eritrean National Cycling Team participates in the UCI World Championship being held in Richmond, VA.

Whilst there have been Eritreans participating with non-Eritrean clubs in competitions held in the U.S. this is the first time that an Eritrean National Team of any kind has participated in an event being held in the United States. The Eritrean National Team at the UCI World Road Championship

Eritrea’s riders taking part in the championship include elite rider, Mekseb Debesay, and other four, riders, Merhawi Kudus, Metkel Eyob, Yonas Tekeste and Amanuel Gebregziabiher, who are in the under 23-age group.

As one of the 10 African states participating in the competition, with Mekseb Debessay the holder of the African Champion title amongst them, their fan base has expanded beyond the Eritreans, who will undoubtedly outnumber any fan bases at the Richmond competitions.

Eritreans came from far and near, driving from as far away as Tampa, Florida and flying in from the west coast of the United States. Having identified key position on the routes where they could capture a glimpse of the Eritrean riders, the flag draped “Eritrean Corner” has garnered the attention of both the commentators and the public, but more importantly, the Eritrean riders, who are always just an earshot away.

Curious spectators enquire about the nation and its cycling history,

as cycling is considered to be a predominantly western sport, and all have been eager to hear the Eritrean cycling story and surprised by its long history.

The historical significance of their presence in the Richmond 2015 event is not lost on the hundreds of Eritreans present in Richmond. Thousands of pictures are being posted daily on the various social media sites, and in addition to the cherished memories of each encounter with the riders, they have greatly increased coverage of the Eritrean experience at UCI 2015. The riders are equally excited and have generously accommodated their fans who have come from near and far.

Eritrean riders and fans Making history at UCI 2015 in the US

While the other teams participating in the UCI 2015 spent their rest days sequestered in their hotel rooms, the small but tight knit

Eritrean Community considering itself the rider”s primary hosts, welcomed them to their homes and have organized several dinners in their honor.

Eritrean Communities across the United States have also organized fundraising events in support of the

nascent Eritrean Cycling Federation to ensure the development of such world class cyclists for the future. Understanding the unique and historical opportunities presented in Richmond 2015, both the young

and the old collected autographs and other memorabilia from the riders, to hold on to, and share with friends and family.

The Eritrean riders and their fans will be the story at Richmond, 2015. As the leading Africans in all of the races, the riders have captured the attention and interest of both the sport commentators and spectators.

The fans have added to the color and sound of the event as they ululated and waved the Eritrean flag throughout the tour. The riders are collecting points to add to their already impressive world rankings, and the City of Richmond and its inhabitants are reaping the benefits of their presence, as they have been a thrill to watch and have added to the cycling fervor in the city.

The Eritrean cycling jersey is now recognized from afar and cycling is has become synonymous with Eritrea, as evidenced by the number of people who came to meet and greet the Eritrean riders and get their autographs.

The multiple wins in African and European cycling circuits has elevated the stature of Eritrea’s cyclists and cycling, no doubt their participation in UCI World Championships in Richmond, ,VA will make them household names with cycling aficionados for years to come.

6Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 26 September, 2015

Boart Longyear (ASX: BLY) is a 125-year-old global mineral exploration company that provides mineral exploration services and drilling products for the global mining industry and also has a substantial drilling presence for water exploration, environmental sampling, energy, and oil sands exploration.

We are expanding in Eritrea and are looking for an experienced and highly motivated:

Drilling Services Training Instructors (4)Job Summary:The Drilling Services Training Instructor is responsible to implement training programs

and initiatives for the safety, development, and productivity of employees, with primary focus for field staff.

Position Responsibilities:Assess training requirements for drillers, driller assistants, and other field staff +

including field supervision. Consult with employees and local management about training needs.

Develop and implement training curricula that prepares new and current employees +for safe and successful completion of work tasks.

Identify program improvements, material, vendor and delivery effectiveness.+Ensure the accuracy and integrity of training records, including identification and +

development of process/systems improvements.Perform on-site observations frequently to assess training effectiveness.+Follow up on all recommendations from inspections and audits.+

Position Qualifications:

A several years’ experience as a Driller with working knowledge and experience on +a LY44 Drill rig and documented drilling qualifications /certifications.

Possess high standards of responsible and ethical behaviour+Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to read, write and +

understand the English languageExperience in supervising, coaching and harnessing teamwork amongst drilling +

crewsAbility to project manage and possess an aptitude for problem solving and providing +

solutionsA valid driver’s license (Desirable)+Computer skill such as MS Office and ability to provide written and data entry +

based reportsDemonstrated Driller competencies for other driller positions.+Knowledgeable in EHS disciplines, sciences and regulations+Excellent communication skills, written and verbal. Builds trusted relationships +

across organization.Effective time and priority management.+Computer literate (MS Office).+

DRILLING FIELD SUPERVISORS (4)Job Summary:Supervise and lead a single to multiple drill operations, on single or multiple drill sites, to

drive safe production while meeting client objectives. This will involve creating a respectful, cohesive group that meets production schedules in a manner that complies with all safety policies and other business requirements.

Position Responsibilities:

Exemplify a firm commitment to safety through the adherence to and implementation +of EH&S policies and procedures

Oversee drill site setup, organization, and housekeeping to the highest standards+

Implement best practices to maximize safe productivity to meet Boart Longyear’s +contract expectations and Client objectives

Creating a work environment that is respectful, open, appreciative, and values each +person

Mentor, train, and retain crew members as part of Boart Longyear’s commitment +to employee development

Create a work environment where employees can progress through their training +plan and pursue a career in the drilling industry.

Provide coaching, feedback, and mentoring to field staff on both behaviors (values) +and work performance

Responsible for the safe, efficient, and productive operation of single or multiple +rig operations

Ensure all equipment is well-maintained for maximum uptime+

Responsible for running multiple rig operations. Co-ordinate and allocate work as +required to meet drilling plans. Safe drilling productivity is the key KPI

Being the communication link between the day to day operations and the client+

Ensure the accurate and timely completion of all reporting and administrative +requirements, such as safety reports, daily drill reports, site inductions, change over meetings, etc.

Demonstrated initiative and drive to implement best practice to achieve business +outcomes

Liaison between field and zone regarding inventory planning and control. Maintain +appropriate inventories of materials and parts required to complete projects

Position Qualifications:

Several years of experience as a drilling field employee+

Documented Drilling Qualifications/Certifications. Understanding of multiple drilling +processes and principles

Proven supervisory experience building respectful, cohesive teams. Proven track record +of low employee attrition

Excellent written and verbal communication skills+

Effective coaching +

Ability to project manage+

Aptitude for problem solving+

Success in developing positive stakeholder relationships+

Demonstrated history of working in highly remote areas +

Current Driver’s License+

Computer skill such as MS Office+

Mode of ApplicationIf you feel you are the ideal candidate for any of these positions, please send your English

resume with contact details, certificates, and cover letter including two referees to:Email Address:lemlem.hailemariam@boartlongyear.comor elizabeth.asfaha@

boartlongyear.comPostal Address:P.O.Box 7721, Asmara, Eritrea Physical Address:Boart Longyear Eritrea Ltd. Alfa Romeo, Deb.Mbr. 01 St. 171-5, No 4

Asmara, Eritrea.The application deadline is 14 days from the date of publication. Please provide evidence

of completion or exemption from National Service and release letter from your current/last employer

For Eritrean applicants, please send a copy of your application to:Aliense Employment Unit,P.O.Box 7940Asmara, EritreaPlease note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Name of Country: EritreaName of Project: Global FundGrant No: ERI-M-MOH Dated: September 21,2015

IFB Title: - nt of sprayers and sprayer spare part kits

IFB Number: GF/R9 MA/NFM – ICB

/01/2015

The 1. Ministry of Health of the State of Eritrea has rec eived a grant from the Global Fund towards the cost of HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and TB Project. It is intended that part of the proceeds of this grant will be applied to eligible payments under the contract for procurement: SPRAYERS AND SPRAYER SPARE PART KITS.

The 2. Project Management Unit of

the Ministry of Health now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the supply of SPRAYERS AND SPRAYER SPARE PART KITS.

Bidding will be conducted through 3. the International Competitive Bidding (ICB) procedures specified in the Global fund Guidelines:

Interested bidders may obtain 4. further information from PMU, Ministry of Health and inspect the Bidding Documents at the Procurement Office, PMU, Ministry of Health, Denden Street No.82, Asmara, Eritrea; Tel: 291-1-122978, Fax: 291-1-124357 from 08:00 to 12:00 hours.

A complete set of Bidding 5. Documents in English language may be purchased by interested bidders on the submission of a written Application ( if agents, presentation of authorization and renewed license) to the address and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee USD fifty (50.00) or equivalent. The method of payment will be cash or Bank transfer to the credit of our account No. 120-122-0169 with Bank of Eritrea through our corresponding bank address which will be given up on your request by email or fax. The document will be sent by DHL/Express mail.

Bids must be delivered to6.

PHARMECOR – ERITREA DENDEN STREET No. 84 ASMARA – ERITREA Tel. No. 291-1-

127700/115144 Fax. No. 291-1-126455

on or before 15:00 Hours on November 3,2015 All bids must be accompanied by a bid security to be not less than two (2) percent of the bid amount in a freely convertible currency which should be submitted sealed within the bid offer envelop.

Late bids will be rejected. Bids 7. will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at 15:00 hrs. on November 3,2015

Vacancy Announcements

Invitation for Bids (IFB)

ADS

7Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 26 September, 2015

FrEE ADMiSSiONDATE- SEP--28, 2015TiME-19;00PMVENuE- ciNEMA rOME

ADS

Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 26 September, 2015 8

Metkel SewraLloyd Lipsett is the President of

the LKL international consulting, co-author of the Nevsun and ENAMcO commissioned Human rights impact Assessment. Here is an excerpt of an interview conducted with him.

What is your background? I am a Canadian lawyer from

Montreal and I have been practicing international human rights law for most of my career.

In the last 7 or 8 years, I have developed a specialization in human rights impact assessments, which are new tools to help foreign investors, businesses or development projects avoid having negative impacts on people.

I have worked on numerous human rights impact assessments of mining projects in Canada and around the world. Sometimes I work with companies, sometimes

I work with communities and sometimes I work with multilateral organizations like the United Nations or the World Bank, so I try to understand the different perspectives about the human rights concerns related to mining and natural resource extraction. For example, in addition to my assessment of the Bisha Mine, I am currently working with an Inuit community about a new mine in Canada’s most northern territory, Nunavut.

How many times have you visited Eritrea?

This is the fifth time that I have visited Eritrea over the last two years. I have spent the majority of my time at the Bisha Mine, but I have also spent a fair bit of time in Asmara and have visited the port of Massawa on one occasion. I plan to return to Eritrea in the coming months for some follow-up work on the latest HRIA report and hope to see some of the other areas where mines are being developed.

Tell us a bit about your field research in preparation for the HriA?

The field research is a key component of the HRIA process. This involves interviews with affected stakeholders. In other words, I spend a lot of time interviewing workers at

Bisha and the people and leaders in the community.

This is the primary information that I have to understand the issues that I need to prioritize in my reports. I undertake individual interviews in private and try to create a setting in which workers or community members feel comfortable to tell me about their perceptions and concerns.

I also have conducted focus group interviews with male and female workers at Bisha to get information about trends related to worker satisfaction and turnover.

I also meet with BMSC managers and the different government departments that monitor the Bisha Mine so I can understand the regulations and policies that have been put in place that are relevant to human rights.

This includes things like the environmental and social management plans, human resources policies, security policy and health and safety policies and procedures.

In my last visits, I have been meeting with the government’s Impact Review Committee to learn more about their role in monitoring the Bisha Mine.

In particular, I am in interested in learning about how they are going to apply what they have learned at Bisha at the next mines that are being developed.

Another important component of the field research has been some auditing activities with the Eritrean companies that have contracts with Bisha.

The purpose of this is to ensure that these companies are following the law and regulations that prohibit national service workers in the mining sector. We have also started to have dialogue about other issues related to the rights of their workers.

How accessible was BMSc? GOE? Etc…?

I have been fortunate to get unfettered access to all the people and locations that I need to do my work. So, I had no difficulty in requesting meetings with senior government officials just as much as I am able to speak to any worker or community member that I choose when I’m down at site.

The fact that BMSC and ENAMCO are supporting the HRIA process is important, both in terms of facilitating access and also in ensuring that the recommendations from the reports are being implemented at site.

HriA reports are usually one-time reports, what pushed for a follow-up?

Yes, that’s correct that the vast majority of HRIAs are one-time reports. However, this has evolved into an ongoing process whereby I’ve recently produced a follow-up audit report and the intention is to do further field work and monitoring in the coming year.

After the first report was published in April 2014, a number of stakeholders in Canada and Europe requested that there be some monitoring of how BMSC is doing on implementing the recommendations from the first HRIA report.

This led to the follow-up assessment activities over the last year and the recent HRIA audit report.

This is a positive development because it has allowed me to investigate some emerging issues that workers and community members raised, and it also it supports ongoing due diligence at the mine.

In my discussions with other HRIA practitioners, this issue of follow-up is an important subject. So the process for monitoring and follow-up audits that has been initiated at Bisha is a very good precedent for how other HRIAs can be developed in other places.

What would you say is the most striking contrast between what is reported in the media and your on-the-ground experience in Eritrea?

The reality at the Bisha Mine was much different than I anticipated when I first came to Eritrea after reading all the reports. I was pleasantly surprised to find a modern mine that has been developed

according to international standards.

I also have appreciated the level of interest in the human rights impact

“I was Pleasantly Surprised to find a Modern Mine that has Been developed According to International Standards”

assessment process and the openness to discuss issues, challenges and opportunities for ongoing improvement.

General Eritrean culture and History

DOWNSmall Eritrean city; also 1.

the site of a fish-processing factory (2 letters).

Former “Supreme Leader” 2. who prayed for Eritrea’s successful liberation during Friday prayers (8 letters).

Pass the time by sipping 3. on this popular Eritrean beverage (4 letters).

Queen of ancient Egypt 4. who sent ships to the “Land Of Punt” in 1500 B.C.E (10 letters).

Eritrean name, generally for 5. males (4 letters).

Eritrea’s social scientists 6. can be found here (8 letters).

Calendar followed by the 7. Eritrean Orthodox Church (6 letters).

Italian inspired treat that 8. “hits the spot” on a warm, sunny day (6 letters).

Muslim leader in Abyssinia 9. who fought against the Abyssinian king (5 letters).

ACROSS4. Farmer’s output; the term can

also be used as a playful insult (5 let-ters).

6. Respectful title for males; translates as “Mr.” (3 letters).

10. Late, famous author and poet who “finally came home” (7 let-ters).

11. The first official opponent for Eritrea’s Men’s National Football Team (8 letters).

12. Thought to be the earliest inhabitants of Eritrea (7 letters).

13. Asmara city bus that takes you to the airport (3 letters).

14. A large segment of Eri-trea’s population observes this impor-tant religious day; also a national

holiday (3 letters). 15. Revolutionary, rubber

footwear (5 letters). 16. Eritrean ethnic group (4

letters). 17. Eritrean name (Tigrinya),

traditionally for females, that trans-lates as “mercy” (6 letters).

18. Someone who has studied at the Chinese Confucius Institute, located at the University of

Asmara, may greet you with “Ni ___” (3 letters).

By: Dr. Fikrejesus Amahazion and Naod Haile

*Answers will appear in the next issue of EriTrEA PrOFiLE.

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