19/05/09 (B499) L’Erythrée qui vient de recevoir une aide substantielle de l’UE, se conduit vraiment fort mal … Mérite-t-elle cette manne européenne ? (2 articles en Français et en Anglais)

________________________ 2 – TV5 Monde

Erythrée : En 2009, près de 3000 chrétiens sont enfermés dans les prisons érythréennes

27 chrétiens risquent la torture

Ils étaient auparavant emprisonnés dans un poste de police à Asmara, 27 chrétiens viennent d’être transférés à Mitire, un camp de concentration militaire où ils risquent de subir des tortures en raison de leur foi en Jésus-Christ. Parmi eux se trouvent Oqbamichel (pasteur) de l’église de Kale-Hiwot, Habtom Twelde (pasteur), Jorjo (pasteur) et Berhane Araia de l’église du Plein Evangile, Tesfagaber et Hanibal de l’Eglise du Dieu vivant, Michel Aymote, de l’église philadelphia.

Depuis 2002, les seules dénominations chrétiennes reconnues par le gouvernement sont l’église orthodoxe, catholique et luthérienne. Les autres n’ont pas le droit de culte. Actuellement, plus de 2800 chrétiens sont emprisonnés, soit pour avoir enfreint cette interdiction, soit pour avoir osé afficher leur foi.

Les églises officielles ne sont pas épargnées par la répression exercée par le gouvernement érythréen. Ainsi, Abuna Antonios, patriarche de l’Eglise orthodoxe, est assigné à résidence depuis quatre ans. Il est diabétique et sa santé s’est considérablement dégradée ces derniers jours.

En 2009, près de 3000 chrétiens sont enfermés dans les prisons érythréennes et subissent des tortures et des privations.

________________________ 1 – All Africa (En Anglais)

Le Président Isaias dénoncent une conspirations organisée, contre son pays et son régime, par les ONG. // Conspiracies And Hostilities Weaved in the Name of Regional, International And Non-Governmental Organizations Are Instruments of Neo-Colonialism – President Isaias

President Isaias Afwerki said that conspiracies and hostilities weaved in the name of regional, international and non-governmental organizations, at one time under the pretext of free press or humanity and still at other times in the name of charity are some of the instruments of neo-colonialism masterminded by intelligence agencies. He made the remarks in an interview with the Sudanese News Agency (SUNA).

The President noted that irrespective of the slogans such organizations chant or the flag they wave, there is no doubt that they are the champions of colonialism. Indicating that neo-colonialism is not a new phenomenon, he explained that right after the time Africa was formally declared free from colonialism, the African countries were in actual fact exposed to disguised colonialism. At a time when US domination seeking to place our planet under hegemony has become quite evident as neo-colonialism is on the rise, the world population including that of the United States is increasingly voicing the need for change, President Isaias elaborated.

The President went on to underscore that the United Nations, including the Security Council has become an unjust and inequitable tool of a few countries, and that if at all the two institutions are to fulfill their mission, they have to be restructured and just voting system ensured, and above all it should represent all states in an equal status. Stressing that the UN must respect the dignity and sovereignty, as well as territorial integrity of member states, he pointed out that it is encouraging to witness that the number of countries voicing this demand is on the rise. As for the African Union, it is but "talking about a vacuum," President Isaias added.

Replying to a question about talks on the part of some quarters alleging that a relation between Eritrea and Sudan is not reliable, the President declared: "such utterances are but aired out by a sick mind." He further emphasized that irrespective of the stance of governments and the legal guidelines of institutions, Eritrean-Sudanese relations are strategic, historical and people-based. Moreover, President Isaias asserted that trade, social and cultural ties between the two countries would keep on gaining momentum. The necessary mechanisms are also being put in place and studies undertaken to make the relations attain the highest level, he added.

Indicating that the existing problem between Sudan and Chad is the outcome of the negative correlation of the crisis in Darfur, the President explained that the problem has been aggravated due to external interference, which in turn has negatively affected the Darfur issue.

Commenting on the role of France in the issue, President Isaias said that to the Eritrean government’s understanding, France advocates normal relations between Sudan and Chad.