Vol 22. No. 83 Saturday, 19 December, 2015 Pages 8, Price2.00 NFA

The Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, paid a one-day working visit to Eritrea yesterday, December 18th.

Sheikh Tamim Al-Thani was accorded a warm welcome by President Isaias Afwerki on arrival at the Asmara International Airport.

The two leaders subsequently held talks at the State Palace. In the meeting, the two leaders reviewed the ties of friendship and cooperation that exist between the two countries and discussed various matters that will further promote the mutual interests of both countries and peoples.

Eritrea’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Girma Asmerom, conducted a seminar on Sunday December 13th to Eritreans residing in Washington D.C and its environs.

Ambassador Girma asserted that innate attributes of resilience and industriousness of the Eritrean people were transforming, as

The National Union of Eritrean Women (NUEW) held the regular meeting of its executive committee in Asmara from 15-16th December this week. The meeting deliberated on and reviewed the activities and accomplishments of the Union in the political, economic and social fields in the past year.

Ms. Tekha Tesfamichael, President of the NUEW, commended the effective sensitization campaigns undertaken

by all branches of the Union inside the country as well as abroad. Reports submitted by various branches of the Union dwelt on and highlighted tangible achievements made in terms of training and the extension of credit facilities to women engaged in small scale businesses. NUEW’s strengthened efforts to foster greater ties with counterparts abroad and more expanded networking was also positively assessed.

Daniel Teklehaimanot was elected Best African Cyclist of the Year 2015 by a jury made up of African and European sports leaders, coaches, managers, journalists and specialists, chaired by Bernard Hinault, the five-time winner of the Tour de France.

The 27 years old, Team Dimension Data rider (formerly known as Team MTN-Qhubeka) is the Best climber of the Critérium du Dauphiné and bearer of the polka dot jersey in the Tour de

Emir of Qatar Visits EritrEaSheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-

Thani affirmed that the State of Qatar will expand, both in scope and quality, its current investments in Eritrea as well as embark on new ventures.

President Isaias and Sheikh Tamim Al-Thani also exchanged views on the overall political developments and trends unfolding in the wider Horn of Africa and Middle Eastern region.

The Emir of the State of Qatar was seen off at Asmara Airport on his departure by President Isaias Afwerki, Foreign Minister Osman Saleh, and Mr. Yemane Gherbeab, Head of PFDJ Political Affairs.

DaniEl tEklEhaimanot VotED african cyclist of thE yEar

before, formidable challenges into opportunities. In this sense, economic policies hinged on fostering partnership while avoiding structural dependence were yielding tangible results, the Ambassador underlined.

Ambassador Girma referred to the UN’s unwarranted silence in the face of Ethiopia’s illegal occupation of sovereign Eritrean

Public sEminar in Washington

NUEW holds ExEcUtivE committEE mEEtiNg

France. He beat his South African teammate Louis Meintjes, who was 10th in the Vuelta and the Tunisian Rafaa Chtioui (Skydive Dubai), winner of the Tropical Amissa Bongo in Gabon.

The Best African Cyclist of the year trophy was created first in 2012 to reward riders for their results on the continent and in the rest of world and to make African cycling more popular.

Natnael Berhane was the inaugural recipient of the award back in 2012.

Other winners of the award include Mekseb Debesay of Eritrea (2014) and South Africa’s Louis Meintjes (2013).

territories and expressed dismay at the imposition of sanctions that defied legality and that were really aimed at hampering the country’s developmental drive.

Mr. Berhane Gebrehiwot, Charge d’Affairs at the Eritrean Embassy, briefed the participants on various economic and political developments and programs underway back home.

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Azmera BerhaneSara Alem

Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 19 December, 2015 2

This quote, which was told by John Dewey, was the center mes-sage during the recent evaluation meeting of the digital libraries established across Eritrean col-leges. The message was clear: we shall make a paradigm change on the way we give education to our college students, which eventually translates on improving the over-all education, hence development, of the nation. This use of technol-ogy is the best way to mitigate the shortages of books, libraries, and educators in our schools and col-leges. It is also the best way to integrate world class digital educa-tional materials that are available at various open online sources into our education.

It is to be remembered that col-leges around Eritrea has established a digital library system to enable them the acquisition, storage, and distribution of digital materials. They have been working together

and providing regular evaluations in order to assess the work accom-plished and to outline a work plan for the near future. As a result of these engagements many colleges have shown progress, newer insti-tutions have joined the effort, and those lagging behind have urged themselves to move forward.

Such a gathering for assessment has recently taken place at the end of the last month at the Eritrean Testing Center, in the heart of As-mara. The meeting was conducted by the Commission of Higher Edu-cation, RORA Eritrean Digital Li-brary, and by deans and technical teams of each college in Eritrea. Colleges presented the current status of their digital library infra-structure, the progress they have made, challenges they have faced, and they discussed the way forward to advance the delivery of educa-tion through technology. Cost of hardware, shortages of trained hu-

man resources and integrating re-sources with the current available courses in the curriculum are some of the challenges that have been mentioned. Access to digital mate-rial has been increasing and several access sources have been identified for colleges, in addition for them to collaborate with RORA Eritrean Digital Library, which has a huge resource of materials.

Several useful presentations were made during this event: one being on ways to set up a simple wireless network that enables efficient dis-tribution of digital materials. This presentation focused on cost effec-tive hardware and software that can be used to set up the required network.

This specific presentation in-ferred from a recent experience of setting up an off-line intranet net-work service at the Eritrean Fes-tival at Expo Asmara, which gave kids access to educational and entertainment materials on mobile devices.Another presentation was also given at the evaluation meet-ing on the resources RORA has and services it provides to colleges and other institutions. The current status of digital learning around the world, and the experiences in other developed countries was also discussed in order to give a global context to this specific endeavor.

The evaluation meeting con-cluded by establishing a committee of four members that is expected to assess, review, and provide com-prehensive recommendations on the digital library platforms of each college.

It is also to be remembered that Eritreans in the diaspora have been fundraising to send e-reader tablets

for this effort, which has been gain-ing momentum in North America and Europe. In the past few years the Eritrean Relief Association-UK (ERA-UK), the Young PFDJ Pal-talk group, and theEriReaderUSA have provided numerous tablets to be used by students in Eritrea. ERA-UK has been delivering sig-nificant amount of tablets for the past three consecutive years and is in a process to deliver more. Sub-sequently, in a bid to give a gift of 1,000 tablets to Eritrean students for the upcoming 25th Anniver-sary of the Eritrean Independence, Eritreancommunity in USA is con-ducting fundraiser efforts on the social media and already raised substantial amount of money dur-ing the annual YPFDJ Confer-ence in Las Vegas (an amount that would get around 250 tablets) and at an event in Seattle.

Access to tablets is the essential tool to assure that all students have access to these digital libraries and to provide supplemental ma-

“if We teach today as We taught Yesterday, We Rob our children of tomorrow”

By Rediet Kifle

terials to their regular classroom education. The usefulness of tab-lets in Sub-Saharan Africa and the changes it bring to the provision of education has been widely docu-mented.It is to be understood that, in the African context, tablets are not for purpose of indulgence but are cost effective tools that allow Africans to leap forward into this age of information and information sharing.

Eritrea, through its grassroots ef-forts, is pursuing the improvement of education through the digital platform, and these tablets would be handy in distributing these mas-sive education materials to the masses of the people. Eritreans all over the world are urged to give due emphasis to the procurement of these tools for those that can’t afford it, in a bid to pull the later on the same level of educational opportunities. This is a cause for social justice.

Digital Library Page of the College of Marine Science and Technology, Massawa

Fundraising Event at YPFDJ Conference in Las Vegas

Assessment Meeting in Asmara

Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 19 December, 2015 3

Dr. Fikrejesus Amahazion

Fikri. What’s fikri? It is love. Fikri is the little, sweet, child who whenever I come back to visit the neighborhood, excitedly runs towards me with pigtails bouncing and arms flailing, before elatedly jumping into my arms. Then, as I lift her up to give her a hug, she smiles widely and quietly whispers, “Ye’fkireka-eye!” (I love you).

Hiwenet. What is hiwenet? It is brother ship. It is how everyone has a great fondness and appreciation for roasted peanuts or qulo (roasted seeds) during a long, bumpy, winding bus trip. Fikri is hurrying off the bus during a brief rest-stop in a small town to purchase a handful of roasted peanuts or qulo from the makeshift stands set-up by the locals. Hiwenet is first passing the peanuts and/or qulo around for everyone else to have a share before you take some.

Bahli. What’s bahli? It’s culture. Bahli is lining-up at the sink before kursi (breakfast), mesah (lunch), and dehrar (dinner). Bahli is grabbing the jug of water and helping others (elders, your brothers or colleagues, wash their hands before you.

This Bahli is a deep graciousness expressed when you let others wash their hands or take sits before you do. When they smile and politely

say, “Yekineyelay” (thank you) and “Hasabka yi’semerealka” (may your desires come true), which makes you feel blessed and happy.

Bahli is not simple greetings during goings and comings to/from family, friends, and colleagues, But rather, But is an extended, gracious, and warm exchange of handshakes, shoulder bumps, bear hugs, and kisses on the cheeks.

Kbret. What’s kbret? Kbret is respect. It is when, as a teacher, you have just completed a long class and wished the students “bruk mealti” (blessed day). However, the students remain firmly seated and do not rise to depart because they are waiting for you to do so first – as a sign of respect.

Kbret is how before and after every class, students volunteer to wipe the chalkboard or ask to carry your books and bags.

Kbret is wonderfully illustrated on the crowded city bus during a hot day. Every seat is occupied, while people are tightly crowded, standing shoulder-to-shoulder within the aisles. A young man, who has the benefit of a seat, rises and offers it to a young woman. Smiling, she thanks him and sits down. At the next stop, only several minutes later, an older man gets aboard.

The young woman stands up and again smiling, she requests that he sit. As he settles down, he thanks her. The bus snakes and winds its way throughout the city, and a few minutes later, an even older woman ambles aboard. As if on cue, the seated man arises and insists she sit. Expressing her gratitude, she sits down – but only for the duration of two stops.

Why? On to the bus jumps a young child. Closely following him is his young mother, who has his young sibling, who is fast asleep, strapped to her back with a mah-zel (large blanket like cloth), and her hands full of bags. Up gets the elderly woman. Refusing to take no for an answer, she insists that the young mother and her children take the seat.

D’liet. What’s d’liet? It is passion. It is walking past the library late at night, seeing it teeming with students reading books, enthusiastically jotting notes, and exchanging ideas. Not necessarily because they are obligated to – but because of an inner burning passion for growth, improvement, and learning.

D’liet is readily apparent during an extra, optional seminar held late in the evening. Although the students have had a full day of

classes and though the evening is windy and cold, the seminar room is packed, with no seat left unattended – because of the students’ inner burning passion for growth, improvement, and learning.

Haben. What is haben? Haben is a noble pride, best reflected by a recent encounter, never to be forgotten. It’s late in the afternoon on a warm, sunny Saturday in Asmara. Waiting for the bus “kotcera shomonte” (number 8) just up the road from Cinema Roma, my young cousins and I happily recount our enjoyable day spent walking through the park, visiting the central library, taking pictures with Pushkin’s monument, and eating gelato (ice cream) while sitting on the steps at Mai Jah Jah.

The bus arrives, not a minute too soon, with engine purring and closely trailed by a storm of dust. The driver honks the horn, gesticulating his hands towards the kids running around on the edge of the sidewalk curb. Relieved, a mob of Asmarinos, eager to get home after a long day of shopping in the crowded shouk (market), visiting friends, and running errands, quickly ascend the bus steps, enter the doors, and handover their 1 Nakfa notes. I bid my cousins “bruk mishete” (good evening) as they cheerfully wave from the window, and then I turn to head

home towards Tiravolo.

Ahead of me, less than a block away, I noticed a figure, fully dressed in white, and slowly crossing the busy roundabout. Nearly completely hunched over, she grasps two large bags in her hands, with another large one on her back, and she glances from side-to-side as she inches across the busy street.

I quickly jog towards her, and asked her to let me take the bags, “Adey, habni” (mother, please give them to me). Grabbing the bags, I instantly was taken aback at how heavy they were.

I steal a glance inside. Dinesh (potatoes), bani (bread), shukor (sugar), qemem (spices), kukunay (a live rooster), and ahmlte (vegetables). I shook my head, quietly wondering how is it that this woman, appearing to be so much older than my own grandmother, being such a tiny figure, has managed to move, let alone, carry these big bags.

As I take the bags, our hands brush; hers are rough – no doubt weathered from years of hard work. I sneak a look at her face; it’s wrinkled. Then I move alongside her, allowing her to take hold of my arm, which she grasps tightly, and I motion for the cars to slow down as we slowly cross.

I make sure to slow my pace and revise my gait, so as to keep in step with her. We are barely moving. As we finally reach the sidewalk, I ask her where she’s headed, offering to accompany her; however, she responds that she’s almost home.

Then, I noticed her feet. She is not wearing any shoes. Her feet are dark, calloused, and rough. I look back at her, making eye contact, and I suggest that we go to the ketema (city center). I’d like to buy her some shoes. Even some simple plastic sandals. She smiles, and politely responds, “Zi’wedey...ane lemant aykonkun” (My son, I am not a beggar). She retakes her bags, thanking me again, and heads off.

Fikri. What’s fikri? Fikri is love. What’s love? Love is Eritrea. What’s Eritrea? Eritrea is home...

“Ye’fkireka-eye” (i love you): A story about home

A mob of Asmarinos, eager to get home after a long day of shopping in the crowded Harenet Avenue

Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 19 December, 2015 4

On December 17 of this year, an Eritrean national presented an article on “Confer with Discover-ing Eritrea’s National Treasures” within the lines of selected African Countries. In this cultural platform which was convened in Tuscin Art Residence in Italy on the morning hours of last Thursday. Excerpt version of the original article ‘Af-rica New Hope’ follows:

Eritrea’s role in emancipating cultural profiles of the country has been eminent and constructive by avoiding the controversies over such issues in defining ‘Africa’s’ art. As it is widely known, Zimba-bwe’s Capital City—Harare—was once and many times honored for its reputed name as arts and com-munications center for Southern Africa. And as general perception we could comprehend that the prevalence of peace and security is remarkably essential for blossom-ing public art.

With regard to Eritrea, despite all the challenges it has been fac-ing, local and international artists are highly encouraged to share their world of art. The existence of foreign cultural and education-al centers like that of Alliance de Francoise, the Chinese Confucius Institute, the respective Italian and Indian community schools, among others, mirror the country’s com-mitment in pursuing constructive

cultural exchanges.

Meanwhile, as we have been also referred to Abbe’ Alexis Kag-ame, a Rwandan scholar who has written about traditional poetry and other rituals, we also elaborate that the importance of keeping such cultural treasures is enormously crucial. And believed on this re-spectable stance, Eritrea arranges a yearly national festival; and in this national gathering, the elders have an opportune ground to recite tra-ditional ‘Massè’ and ‘Melqès’ ritu-als. Indeed, to expose these cultur-al treasures, as Abbe’s works have been translated into French and ac-claimed an international recogni-tion, Eritrea’s art family have also the responsibility of doing such a noble endeavors.

Similar to this, we can look to the Sao-Tome and Principe’s efforts in sharing the rich Luso-African artistic tradition. The country is particularly renowned for its poets who are said to be the first in the continent to expose Africa’s expe-riences and pride through different art works. And we appreciate for the role of Tose de Almeida and Fransco Teneiro for their diligent efforts to that end.

When we look in the case of Eri-trea, our country’s educational poli-cies that encourage education in the mother tongue have immense con-

tribution for the development cul-tural activities and art. That policy gives for the Eritreans to develop and exercise they thoughts be it in a way of art or otherwise and that gives no room for cultural domina-tion from other foreign languages. Thus, the application of education in mother tongues is highly com-mended and has wide support by the Eritrean people. It our believe that other African countries take similar initiatives and contribute to the development of culture and art in the continent.

The experience of the Democrat-ic Republic of Congo is to reckon with for organizing of Congo’s cultural heirlooms. It’s Capital City—Kinshasa—has been called the dance-music Capital of Africa. And in this line, the country’s most popular dance style is the Sousk-ous or ‘Congo Rumba.’ Of course, the success of the country’s artists in making this heritage as part of the international cultural ingredi-ents is in-fact a triumphing experi-ence. Likewise, Eritrea’s nine eth-nic groups’ folktales and cultural treasures have their own aesthetic elements which can reward Eritrea correspondingly appreciative rec-ognitions if the necessary efforts exerted.

To equip the country’s artists with critical modern theoretical and practical education also, in addition to the efforts that have been under-way in SMAP—a private college, the concerned government bodies have intended to expand these edu-cational opportunities in collabora-tion with the Cultural Affairs of the PFDJ, Office of Culture and Art of the Ministry of Education, Com-mission of Sport and Culture and other concerned institutions.

The Government of the State of Eritrea as we mentioned earlier has formulated the policy of education which is committed in ensuring the country’s children to study in their respective mother tongue at elementary school levels. That also could immensely help the devel-opment of all the nine ethnic lan-guages.

Moreover many Eritreans living in different places of the country are bi-lingual and other speech more than three local languages. That helps citizens wherever they go understand each other. They

could communicate in different languages. While appreciating Tanzania’s enormous success in its program for promoting the use of Kiswahili (Swahili) as a language throughout the society, our individ-ual comment elaborates that soci-eties’ dynamic social interaction is what has to define languages rather than designating constitutionally ‘this is the national language.’ And we support positive efforts that give an equal treatment for pro-moting national treasures of art and culture of any country.

In another direction, it is better to unfold other correlations between Eritrea and other African countries assets. Eritrea’s customary laws clearly depict harsh measurements against any kind of discriminatory policies. Thus, the worst words which are excommunicated in these customary laws are ‘misuse’ and ‘abuse.’ Our experience in set-ting an ‘equally’ shared platform for all ethnic groups resembles as Zambia’s major role in the fight against others’ supremacy in parts of Southern Africa. Hence, if you read the 30 years revolutionary struggle of Eritrea, you will have such lessons about the ‘Sewra’s’ intolerance for any acts of segrega-tion. Of course, under any time and any situation, no matter of political and other pretexts, the culture and art of leaving together is highly re-spected.

Our society comprehensively understands about ravaging dam-ages of any acts of discrimination, no matter to the incessant attempts by consecutive colonials, cultural treasures of the country surpassed such negative intents. And we ex-pect artists to further bequeath the ancient and colorful cultures of their forefathers and remain united

and tolerant in the face of this mod-ern world. Mauritius experience has also similar remark concerning this issue. Thus, as ensuring the art of securing the national stability is not a work to be done within one morning, encouraging positive cul-tural heritages should be encour-aged.

Society’s living styles are also part of the cultural heritages. Un-folding old maxims and stories of Eritrea’s society which clearly deny to the practice of servility and remain part and parcel the com-munity’s way of living; beggary is an embarrassing norm. Moreover, as clearly expressed in cultural contents of the highlanders, even those destitute members of the society are highly encouraged to be self-reliant with the support of their community. Thus, while cel-ebrating Central African Republic success in ensuring food security in 2000—even though today it has been history—we are also remark-ing Eritreans justified stance of such culture which catalyzes the role of individuals’ productivity and responsibility.

At last, we have been convened here in this auditorium as part of closing up African countries cul-tural treasures transparently. This is an appreciative initiative. Beyond that, it is time to declare cultural re-demption for those heritages which are on the edges of extinction. From Asmara to Abuja, from Cairo to Maputo, as a matter of fact in all Africa, we have the responsibilities of ushering cultural emancipation, and, making our art tracks purpose-ful as to reflect our diversities is, indeed, a noble mission.

celebrating Eritrea’s Artful cultural legacies

Yosief Abraham Z

Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 19 December, 2015 5

Sophia Tesfamariam

It is December already and an-other year is coming to an end. December marks important mile-stones in Eritrea’s history. It was on 2 December 1950 that Eritrea was federated with Ethiopia, a US ally, against the wishes of the Eritrean people.

It was in December 2000 that the Algiers Agreements between Eritrea and Ethiopia were signed, bringing an end to the bloody “border con-flict” that cost the lives of thousands of Eritreans and Ethiopians. 23 De-cember 2009 is remembered by all Eritreans, as it was on this day that the UN Security Council imposed the illegal, unjust and unfair sanc-tions against the State of Eritrea. For Eritreans in the Diaspora, December is a reminder of the double standards and hypocrisy of the “international community” and the “international system”. It is a reminder of the pain and suffering caused when the UN Security Council dithers…

Just a couple of days ago, Saman-tha Powers, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, in her remarks at a briefing by the Chair of the UN Security Council’s Iran Sanctions Committee, on the Joint Compre-hensive Plan of Action (JCPOS) said:

“…Five months have passed since the P-5+1 countries, the EU, and Iran concluded the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the JCPOA. I, like others, am pleased to note that the JCPOA participants are making progress in fulfill-ing their commitments under the deal. This Council cannot allow Iran to feel that it can violate our resolutions with impunity…Some Council members may not like those resolutions, but they are our resolutions…implementing Coun-cil resolutions is the sine qua non of a credible, enforceable nuclear deal and to suggest otherwise is to miss the point of the JCPOA-and the point of the UN Security Coun-cil…Instead of an effective, timely response the Security Council has dithered…The Security Council it-self – we here, we 15 – must take responsibility to respond to viola-tions of our resolutions…”

Reading these remarks, oneis left wondering if Security Council

responds to violations of its resolu-tions at all times, or if the Security Council has the luxury of cherry picking resolutions for enforce-ment. The record shows that when it came to Ethiopia…usually at the behest of the United States, the Se-curity Council dithers…

Ethiopia is one of the few coun-tries that repeatedly violates UN Security Council resolutions and has never suffered any consequence for doing so. Successive Ethiopian regimes have enjoyed diplomatic, political and military shield and support while flouting international law and violating Security Council resolutions in order to advance the interests of the Big Powers-and the peoples of the region have paid dearly for the excesses and bellig-erence of Ethiopia’s leaders. The silence of the Security Council, the body mandated to protect interna-tional peace and security, have re-sulted in dangerous and disastrous consequences for the peoples in the Horn region. Suffice it to mention a few examples…

On 2 December 1950 the UN General Assembly at the behest of the United States adopted Resolu-tion 390 A (V) federating Eritrea with Ethiopia. But Ethiopia’s lead-ers were not content with the ar-rangements and in violation of the UN Resolution, annexed Eritrea in 1961, and declared it Ethiopia’s 14th province. This triggered the bitter 30 year armed struggle for Eritrea’s in-dependence in which thousands lost their lives and thousands more were maimed, injured and displaced from their homes and villages. Peace, stability and security of the Horn of Africa was threatened by Ethiopia’s belligerence, but the Security Coun-cil did nothing to restore it. For 30 years as the war raged on in Eritrea, the Security Council dithered…

After a bloody two year conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia in 1998-2000, the Algiers Agreements were signed in December 2000 in Algeria. The UN Security Council “strongly welcoming and support-ing” the Peace Agreement between Eritrea and Ethiopia stated the fol-lowing in its Presidential State-ment:

“….The Security Council re-affirms the commitment of all Member States to the sovereignty,

independence and territorial in-tegrity of Eritrea and Ethiopia, and further reaffirms its continued commitment to a peaceful defini-tive settlement of the conflict…The Security Council notes with satis-faction that the Algiers Agreement includes mechanisms for the de-limitation and demarcation of the common border and for address-ing claims and compensation…”

The Algiers Agreement mandat-ed the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC) to delimit and demarcate the border “based on per-tinent colonial treaties (1900, 1902, and 1908) and applicable interna-tional law” The Commission was not given power to make decisions “ex aequo et bono“ and that its de-limitation and demarcation decision will be “final and binding”.

After a thorough review of all the evidence presented to them by the parties to the conflict, the distin-guished Commissioners delivered the unanimous Final and Binding decision on 13 April 2002. Kofi Annan, the then Secretary-General of the United Nations and Amara Essy, the then Secretary General of the Organization of African Unity (AU) touted the EEBC Decision as being:

“…a successful conclusion of the peace process on the basis of a legal settlement of the conflict…”

On 13 April 2002, the UN Securi-ty Council in its Press Release said:

“…Members of the Security Council express their satisfaction that a final legal settlement of the border issues between Ethiopia and Eritrea has been completed in accordance with the Comprehen-sive Peace Agreement signed by the parties in Algiers in December 2000… Members of the Security Council welcome the decision by the Boundary Commission, an-nounced in The Hague on 13 April 2002, which is Final and Bind-ing…”

The African Union (AU), Eu-ropean Union (EU), United Na-tions (UN), and the United States (US), through their respective Press Statements and Releases officially endorsed and confirmed that the Border Commission’s decision was final and binding, and the UN Secu-

rity Council adapted and endorsed it as such.

But when Ethiopia presented numerous obstacles to the EEBC’s work and attempted to amend, re-visit and reverse the EEBC’s final and binding decision, the UN Secu-rity Council issued over two dozen resolutions calling on Ethiopia to abide by its treaty obligations, but instead of taking punitive actions as called for in the Algiers Agree-ments, the Security Council once again dithered and chose instead to appease the regime in Ethiopia. This has emboldened it to flout interna-tional law and the EEBC’s delimi-tation and demarcation decisions of 13 April 2002 and November 2007 respectively. Today, 13 years later, the regime continues to militarily occupy sovereign Eritrean territo-ries, including Badme.

On 23 December 2009, the US Ethiopia engineered sanctions res-olution 1907 against the state of Eritrea was adopted by the Secu-rity Council, based on unsubstanti-ated allegations. The “evidences” against Eritrea were manufactured by Ethiopia and its handlers. The UN Monitoring Group has yet to provide any evidence to support its allegations against the State of Eri-trea. Yet today, 6 years later, instead of annulling the illegal, unfair and unjust sanctions against Eritrea…once again, in order to appease Ethiopia, at the behest of the United States, the Security Council dith-ers…

But Ethiopia’s violations were not just against Eritrea…let us take a look how the Security Council re-acted to Ethiopia’s invasion and oc-cupation of Somalia in 2006.

On 6 December 2006, the UN Security Council adopted Resolu-tion 1725 on the Somalia issue and reiterated:

“…its commitment to a compre-hensive and lasting settlement of the situation in Somalia though the Transitional Federal Charter, and stressing the importance of broad based and representative institutions and of an inclusive po-litical process, as envisaged in the Transitional Federal Charter...all members, in particular those in the region, to refrain from any action in contravention of the arms em-

bargo and related measures, and should take all actions necessary to prevent such contravention…”

The Security Council in Reso-lution 1725 specifically stated that countries bordering Somalia “would not deploy troops to Soma-lia”. But just weeks later, on 25th December 2006,when Ethiopia de-cided to launch its aggressive war of invasion, the UN Security Coun-cil remained conspicuously silent. Ethiopia’s invasion and occupation created the largest humanitarian di-saster in Somalia’s history. Instead of taking punitive actions against Ethiopia, the United States instead provided the regime diplomatic, political and military shield and support, and the Security Council dithered…

Finally, paraphrasing Ambassa-dor Samantha powers…

It has been 13 years since the Eri-trea Ethiopia Border Commission delivered its final and binding de-cision and 5 years since the virtual demarcation of the Eritrea Ethiopia border, so why is the Council al-lowing Ethiopia to feel that it can violate resolutions with impunity…Some Council members may not like those resolutions, but they are its own resolutions…implementing Council resolutions is the sine qua non of a credible, enforceable peace Agreement and to suggest other-wise is to miss the point of the inter-nationally endorsed Algiers Agree-ments and the EEBC”s final and binding delimitation and demarca-tion decisions-and the point of the UN Security Council…Instead of an effective, timely response the Secu-rity Council continues to dither…

It is NOT, as has been repeatedly stated by some quarters, up to the two parties, to enforce the EEBC’s decisions…the Security Council itself – all the 15 – must take re-sponsibility to respond to Ethiopia’s violations of itsown resolutions, the EEBC’s decisions, UN Charter and international law…It is high time that the Security Council shoulder its moral and legal obligations and end Ethiopia’s 15 year occupation and restore Eritrea’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The rule of law must prevail over

the law of the jungle!

When the UN security council dithers

6Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 19 December, 2015

officE of thE Who rEPrEsEntatiVE for Eritrea

P.o.Box 5561 Asmara UNisANtE AsmARAEritrea – telegr-

tEl. 291 1 151613, FAx 151322

Vacancy announcEmEntThe World Health Organization (WHO) wishes to recruit a suitably qualified

candidate, dynamic and highly motivated GS Staff to fill the vacant Post of Senior Driver in the Office of WHO Representative for Eritrea as detailed hereunder:

title of Post: senior Driver

Duration: 2 Years (Fixed Term Contract)

Salary Grade Level: GS 3 (UN salary scale of Eritrea)

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Operations Officer and the general supervision of the WHO Representative.

Drives the head of the Office (WR) and other high ranking Officials;1.

Meets official personnel at the airport and facilitates immigration and customs 2. formalities;

Collects and delivers mail, pouch and other official documents whenever 3. required;

Responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of the vehicle, checks oil, water, 4. battery, brakes, tires and ensures that vehicle is kept clean and is in good running condition at all the times;

Maintains log book for official travel, daily mileage, gas consumption, oil 5. changes etc;

Ensures that the steps required by the rules and regulations are taken in 6. case of involvement in accident;

Performs other duties whenever required based on clearance from WR.7.

QUAliFicAtioN REQUiREd

Education: At least Junior Secondary School education and a valid driver’s license of the country.

Experience:

At least four years driving experience as a driver and a safe driving record

language:

Good knowledge of English and a local language and working knowledge of French would be an added advantage.

Candidate must provide evidence of discharge/release from National Service.

All Application will be submitted within 15 days after the advertisement date.

officE of thE Who rEPrEsEntatiVE for Eritrea

P.o.Box 5561 Asmara UNisANtE AsmARAEritrea – telegr-

tEl. 291 1 151613, FAx 151322

Vacancy announcEmEntThe World Health Organization (WHO) wishes to recruit a suitably qualified

candidate, dynamic and highly motivated GS Staff to fill the vacant Post of Finance Clerk in the Office of WHO Representative for Eritrea as detailed hereunder:

title of Post: finance clerk

Duration: 2 Years (Fixed Term Contract) Salary Grade Level: GS 5 (UN salary scale of Eritrea)

Under the general supervision of the Administrative Officer and the direct supervision of the Finance Assistant, the incumbent will perform the specialized tasks in the accounting Finance functions as follows :

Maintains financial records for project or other office accounts 1. for which responsibility is assigned. Codes and records receipts and payments, assures accuracy of computation and completeness of documents and maintains continuing stats of allotments against obligations;

Prepares recurring reports on assigned accounts, noting 2. problems resulting form excess cost or less expected receipts. Prepare special reports to clarify problems or as required for other reasons;

Calculates and compiles cost estimates and projected budget requirements 3. and assist in preparation of budget statement for area of assignment ;

Prepares obligation documents as issue sticker numbers; 4.

Prepares financial provision for servicing workshops, meeting and seminars; 5.

Prepare routine correspondence and maintains personal and telephone 6. contacts with other to discuss matters concerning accounts and related assignments;

Maintains contracts with local banks to 7. clarify questions pertaining to office bank accounts ;

Briefs and assists newly arrived international staff, experts 8. and consultants on basic financial procedures and requirements with respect to payment, entitlements banking and currency provisions and other requirements relating to accounts and finance;

Performs other related duties as required.9.

QUALIFICATION REQUIRED

Education:Completion of secondary school education or equivalent technical or commercial

education, training in Accounting procedures and practices. Additional relevant commercial training is desirable.

Knowledge and skills:Knowledge of general accounting procedures and practices; ability to operate the

calculator and other machines used to maintain account; ability to use commonly used word processing packages.

Experience:Five years experience in accounting clerical work.

Language:Good knowledge of English and a local language and a working knowledge of

French would be an added advantage.Candidate must provide evidence of discharge/release from National Service.All Application will be submitted within 15 days after the advertisement.

ADS

7Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 19 December, 2015

officE of thE Who rEPrEsEntatiVE for Eritrea

P.o.Box 5561 Asmara UNisANtE AsmARAEritrea – telegr-

tEl. 291 1 151613, FAx 151322

Vacancy announcEmEntThe World Health Organization (WHO) wishes to recruit a suitably qualified

candidate, dynamic and highly motivated GS Staff to fill the vacant Post of Logistic Assistant in the Office of WHO Representative for Eritrea as detailed hereunder:

title of Post: logistic Assistant Duration: 2 Years (Fixed Term Contract) Salary Grade Level: GS 6 (UN salary scale of Eritrea)

Under the Supervision of the Administrative Officer, the incumbent will perform the specialized tasks in logistics as follows;

1. Assists Staff members and their dependants by processing requests for visa , identity cards, driving license, accreditation and other necessary personal related documents in accordance with the requirements of the United Nations and the country of the duty station;

2. Assist international staff with important, purchasing and registration of their private vehicles and personal effects;

3. Arrange travel visit and briefing on travel issues to staff members, expects and consults and organize the travel of national participants to seminars organized by WHO

4. Makes hotel reservation for new international staff members, WHO visitors, consultants on duty travel and participants of WHO supported training workshops and seminars;

5. Makes arrangements for shipment and receipt of office and project supplies and equipment as well as personal effects for internationally recruited staff members;

6. Receives, dispatches and clears from custom the different packages of the office, project and those belonging to WHO staff members;

7. Maintains and updates inventory of office and project equipment and supplies;

8. Prepares all LPO’s using the new software system for nay local purchase;

9. Prepares relevant documents for submission to property survey and contract Review committee in AFRO on the sale or donation to the National Authorities of used equipment and materials;

10. Prepares letters on transfer of equipment and material ordered for the ministry of Health;

11. Performs any other duties as directed.

QUAliFicAtioN REQUiREd

Education:Completion of secondary education or equivalent. supplemented by technical or

University course in a field related to logistics management.

Knowledge and skills:• Knowledge of rules and procedures to various components of the

program area;• Knowledge of technical data and good administrative skills for

handling logistics;• Knowledge of the office’s operations.Experience:At least five (5) years of office experience in administration. Experience in the

import and export business will be an asset.

language: Excellent knowledge of English and working knowledge of French

Candidate must provide evidence of discharge/release from National Service.

All Application will be submitted within fifteen days after the advertisement date.

RE-TENDER

Procurement – Notice

PROJECT: Support to the Agricultural Sector/ Food Security in Eritrea

Contract Title: Supply and Installation of Drip Irrigation Schemes Powered by Photovoltaic in Eritrea

Publication Reference: EuropeAid/135572/IH/SUP/ER

The Government of the State of Eritrea represented by the Ministry of National Development, as the National Authorising Officer, intends to award a supply contract for supply, delivery, installation, and commissioning of 16 drip irrigation schemes powered by photovoltaic in two regions of Eritrea, namely Debub and Maekel with financial assistance from the 10th EDF. The tender dossier is available from

Mr. Alemseghed AsghedomDirector of Planning and Statistics Division Ministry of Agriculture, Sawa Street P.O.Box- 1048Asmara, EritreaTel.: +291-1-181042; Fax: +291-1-181759; Email: moaedf10@gmail.com

and will also be published on the EuropeAid website:

https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/europeaid/online-services/index.cfm?do=publi.welcome.

The deadline for submission of tenders is April 14th, 2016; at 17:00 hrs Local time. Possible additional information or clarifications/questions shall be published on the EuropeAid website:

https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/europeaid/online-services/index.cfm?do=publi.welcome and Local News Paper “Eritrean Profile and Haddas Eritrea”.

The State of Eritrea THE STATE OF ERITREA EUROPEANMINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT FUND

ADS

Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 19 December, 2015 8

To begin with, what is your academic background?

Jemila: I went to Finland elementary and junior School, then, I completed my secondary education at Limeat School before going to Sawa and achieved my 12th grade.

I completed my 12th grade with success and was able to enter the Eritrean Institute of Technology (EIT) of Mainefhi, then advanced to the medical school of Orota.

Askalu:I went to a protestant school from 1st up to 3rd grade and 4th and 5th at Shieb Seleba followed by Nasnet junior school and Denden secondary school. And then, I went to sawa for my 12th grade and I succeeded in matric result which allowed me

to enter EIT before going to the Medical School of Orotta.

Every one that goes through Sawa is more likely to have a unique particularized feel. How is yours?

Jemila: For me, Sawa was the shaping place of my ambition and aim. Before going to Sawa, I was rather a spoiled child, meaning that all I had to do to get what I wanted was simply to ‘ask’.

However after my journey in Sawa, I turned out to be a whole lot different person. I learned how to live, how to understand others, and how to independently decide for myself. It was honestly the place where I paved the foundation of my

actual being.

The best thing though was the worth of meeting people from all around the country while gaining an understanding of our ample versatility and the richness of it:

for the Eritrean youth that goes through Sawa ‘cooperation is power’ … it was simply beautiful!

Askalu: Definitely a cornerstone to my life. I am well-informed on how to share ideas, experience, and knowledge and accordingly spiritual cooperation, only because Sawa was a significant step of life.

The sum of every single day of the way stimulates within an individual a strong, very strong

Education for the wellbeing of the society

Established in 2004, the Orotta School of Medicine and Dentistry has so far graduated a total of 229 Medical Doctors. With its latest graduation assessment on the 12th of December in which a total of 25 Medical Doctors, who have been pursuing their studies in medicine

and dentistry for eight years; the Orotta School of Medicine upholds, similarly to other Eritrean institutions of higher education, a thriving task in producing adept future professionals.

Students, particularly on this case; assert that the commencement of their graduation shoulders great responsibility on them as new health professionals and as they strive to serve the public with dedication.

Today’s Q&A hosts two female Doctors: Dr. Jemila and Dr. Askalu, whom graduated from the Orotta School of Medicine recently on previous batches. Here follows what they have to say.

sense of identity, self-esteem and an extremely healthy bond amongst the youth by overcoming cultural, religious, and ethnical and gender differences! Our friendship could be an example, we met in Sawa and here we are today, still passionate and motivated to ‘do’ and do more!

Same goes to our friends from Sawa.

At Orotta School of medicine

Jemila: We are really lucky. Being able to learn this profession because we have a country in which such opportunities exist is very providential.

Askalu: Education not only is the foundation of individual development but also a stride forward for a society, as such equal rights and privileges for education is not an usual sight, especially not in the third world countries so I do dare to define my educational conduit at Orotta Medical School as the best thing

that ever happened to me..

After successful achievements in your studies, how does your future plan look like?

Askalu: I want us, (my fellow colleagues) to become exceedingly accomplished and competent doctors. And be able to give back to our society.

As for my friend Jemila and I, … we are planning on deepening our education on internal diseases and specialize in the field.

Jemila: Our didactic journey does not stop here. We do wish and are currently working on reaching our professional peak.

We thank you!

Compiled by: Semere G/medhin

Dr. Jemila Ibrahim and Dr. Askalu Ghebrehiwet

Jemila and Askalu’s graduation day