High-Level Eritrean Delegation Hand-Delivers Letter from President Isaias Afwerki, on Behalf of Government and People of Eritrea, Congratulating the People of Southern Sudan on a Historic Referendum on Self Determination.

Friday, 28 January 2011 00:12

Written by ERINA

High-Level Eritrean Delegation Hand-Delivers Letter from President Isaias Afwerki, on Behalf of Government and People of Eritrea, Congratulating the People of Southern Sudan on a Historic Referendum on Self Determination.

A high-level Eritrean delegation headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Osman Saleh, visited Juba, Southern Sudan, earlier this week. The delegation included the Political Adviser to the President of the State of Eritrea, Mr. Yemane Gebreab, and was joined by the Eritrean Consul General in Juba, Amb. Alem Negash.

During the official two-day visit, the delegation met with the President of the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS), General Salva Kiir Mayardit, and other high-level GoSS Ministers including the SPLM Secretary General and Minister for Peace and CPA Implementation, Mr. Pagan Amum, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Deng Alor.

During the meeting with President Kiir, Minister Osman Saleh hand-delivered an official letter from the President of the State of Eritrea, Mr. Isaias Afwerki.

In the letter, President Isaias congratulated the Government and the people of Southern Sudan, on behalf of the Government and people of Eritrea, on a momentous and extraordinarily successful and credible Referendum on Self Determination held, as planned, on January 9, 2011.

President Isaias expressed his deepest appreciation for the solid role played by the SPLM and GoSS in leading the people of Southern Sudan to that auspicious day, ensuring that they register a historical victory and realize their ultimate goal of Self Determination.

President Isaias, underscored the deep bond that exists between Eritrea and Southern Sudan acknowledging the heavy sacrifices paid by both peoples for the right to Self Determination. In connection with this, President Isaias highlighted Eritrea’s commitment to the Government and people of Southern Sudan, going as far back as 1994, during a PANAF meeting in Kampala, when Eritrea was the only partner that advocated for the inalienable right of the people of Southern Sudan to determine their own future and destiny through Self Determination. President Isaias also noted Eritrea’s leading role in drafting the Declaration of Principles (DoP) in 1994 which formed the basis for later peace negotiations.

President Isaias emphasized Eritrea’s readiness to recognize the result of the Referendum, as soon as it is officially declared, as the choice of the people of Southern Sudan.

President Isaias further emphasized Eritrea’s pledge to strengthen the relationship between both peoples and Governments and in this regard President Isaias informed President Kiir that the current Consulate General will be upgraded and a full embassy will be established in the case of, and soon after, declaration of independence. President Isaias also added that the Government of Eritrea has already identified a potential Ambassador for the new office.

Lastly, President Isaias reiterated his message of congratulations and reaffirmed Eritrea’s unyielding commitment to peace and justice throughout the Horn of Africa.