Eritrean airlines started flying to South Africa
South Africa has welcomed the introduction of regular flights from Eritrea, saying this would further strengthen relations between the two countries.
Eritrean Airlines will now fly directly to Cape Town International Airport and Johannesburg's OR Tambo International FOUR times a week. The first flight landed in South Africa on Monday.
South African company SENET has established an office in Eritrea's capital, Asmara, and is involved with the Eritrean government in developing the country's mining infrastructure, focusing on gold and copper.Hence the relationship of the two countries is growing
The fact the economy is showing fast growth, with gross domestic product having increased by an estimated 17% in 2011,many countries are showing interest in infrastructural,mining and transport investment in Eritrea.
It is also helpfull Eritrea is one of the few African countries that are on track towards meeting the UN Millennium Development Goals for child mortality and water conservation.
Eritrean Airlines will now fly directly to Cape Town International Airport and Johannesburg's OR Tambo International FOUR times a week. The first flight landed in South Africa on Monday.
South African company SENET has established an office in Eritrea's capital, Asmara, and is involved with the Eritrean government in developing the country's mining infrastructure, focusing on gold and copper.Hence the relationship of the two countries is growing
The fact the economy is showing fast growth, with gross domestic product having increased by an estimated 17% in 2011,many countries are showing interest in infrastructural,mining and transport investment in Eritrea.
It is also helpfull Eritrea is one of the few African countries that are on track towards meeting the UN Millennium Development Goals for child mortality and water conservation.
Bisha miner Nevsun reports huge profit,
BISHA miner Nevsun Resources Ltd. has reported it's financial operating profit for 2011 was $548 million. In 2011 the Company recorded $548 million in revenues for the year on sales of 369,900 ounces of gold for an average realized price $1,620 per ounce. With 379,000 ounces produced, gold production averaged approximately 1,000 ounces per day with an average cash cost per ounce sold of $295. Since the Bisha Mine commenced operations in 2011, there are no comparative operating results for 2010.The Company had after-tax income of $250 million for the year (2010 - loss $17 million), which translated to $0.74 earnings per share (2010 - $(0.07)). The Company increased its cash and cash equivalents by $297 million to $347 million (2010 - $50 million). Cash from operating activities for the year was $366 million (2010 - used $6 million).
IMF forecasts 7.5 percent economic growth for Eritrea in 2012
Eritrea's economy is projected to grow by a respectable 7.5 percent in 2012, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Driven largely by an increase in major infrastructure development, solid agriculture output and mineral exports, forecasts taken from World Economic Outlook (WEO) released by the IMF on April 17, 2012, reveal Eritrea will register the fastest-growing economy in East Africa this year.
Despite high fuel prices and some macroeconomic imbalances hindering the economy, the Washington-based body said Eritrea's consumer prices will decline from 13.2 percent in 2011 to 12.3 percent this year.
After coming off of a red-hot 17 percent economic growth last year, the Red Sea state aims for 7 to 10 percent annual GDP growth levels between the years of 2012-2015. With the Zara and Koka gold mines both set for production in late 2013, Eritrea's economy will likely expand by double-digit figures next year.
Driven largely by an increase in major infrastructure development, solid agriculture output and mineral exports, forecasts taken from World Economic Outlook (WEO) released by the IMF on April 17, 2012, reveal Eritrea will register the fastest-growing economy in East Africa this year.
Despite high fuel prices and some macroeconomic imbalances hindering the economy, the Washington-based body said Eritrea's consumer prices will decline from 13.2 percent in 2011 to 12.3 percent this year.
After coming off of a red-hot 17 percent economic growth last year, the Red Sea state aims for 7 to 10 percent annual GDP growth levels between the years of 2012-2015. With the Zara and Koka gold mines both set for production in late 2013, Eritrea's economy will likely expand by double-digit figures next year.
Lebanon joined Eritrea to condemn the "jamming of Eri-TV"
The government of Lebanon has condemned Ethiopian government,for its desperate attempt to jam the increasingly popular Eritrean Television from being viewed in Ethiopia and the region.The practice of trying to jam Eri-TV has knocked a number of other satellite TV operators out from the service of Arabsat and Nilesat networks.
Lebanon, the latest victim country, is now openly warning for the illegal practice that came after several of its TV channels went out of the Arabsat network.
The country’s telecommunications Minister, Mr. Nicolas Sehnaoui, has thrown his accusations at the increasingly totalitarian government of Ethiopia after results from the preliminary investigations into the jamming of Arabsat satellite transmission confirms Ethiopia as the source of the jamming signal.
Lebanon, the latest victim country, is now openly warning for the illegal practice that came after several of its TV channels went out of the Arabsat network.
The country’s telecommunications Minister, Mr. Nicolas Sehnaoui, has thrown his accusations at the increasingly totalitarian government of Ethiopia after results from the preliminary investigations into the jamming of Arabsat satellite transmission confirms Ethiopia as the source of the jamming signal.
Lonely planet:Asmara one of the top ten attractions in the world.
The world's largest travel guide book 'Lonely Planet' has named the Eritrean capital, Asmara, as one of the top 10 tourism attraction cities in the world for the second consecutive year.
According to a detailed research the website undertook in 2011,German city of Berlin is listed as the first, followed by the Peruvian city of Ayacucho, Lebanon city of Beirut, the cities of Asmara, Glasgow of Scotland, Len of Nicaragua, and Rotterdam of the Netherlands, Volgograd of the Russian Federation, Yellowknife of Canada and Belgrade of Serbia respectively.
In connection with Asmara City, the magazine called Asmara "Africa's most beautiful city", besides ranking first in the African continent and fourth at the global level for its beauty,peace and stability.
Lonely Planet which is owned by the BBC also referred to Asmara as being unique for its innovative art deco architecture, which was built in the days of Mussolini's unsuccessful campaign to create a second Roman Empire.
According to a detailed research the website undertook in 2011,German city of Berlin is listed as the first, followed by the Peruvian city of Ayacucho, Lebanon city of Beirut, the cities of Asmara, Glasgow of Scotland, Len of Nicaragua, and Rotterdam of the Netherlands, Volgograd of the Russian Federation, Yellowknife of Canada and Belgrade of Serbia respectively.
In connection with Asmara City, the magazine called Asmara "Africa's most beautiful city", besides ranking first in the African continent and fourth at the global level for its beauty,peace and stability.
Lonely Planet which is owned by the BBC also referred to Asmara as being unique for its innovative art deco architecture, which was built in the days of Mussolini's unsuccessful campaign to create a second Roman Empire.
LiuGong deliveries machineries ordered by Eritrea.
China's heavy-industries manufacturer LiuGong delivered latest orders of 130 machines valued at $ 70 million as part of a bid for contracts offered by the Eritrean government.The order include 30 excavators, 50 graders and 50 rollers. The machines will be used by the state of Eritrea to work in mining, port construction and infrastructure projects to meet state construction needs. Totally Eritrea purchased around 1,000 machines, including construction machines, trucks and agricultural equipment.
The company invited Mr.Tseggai Tesfazion, Ambassador for the State of Eritrea to visit LiuGong headquarters to learn about LiuGong’s full product lines, tour manufacturing plants, and inspect machine quality. The visit was led by reception hosted by LiuGong’s Chairman Wang Xiaohua.
The company invited Mr.Tseggai Tesfazion, Ambassador for the State of Eritrea to visit LiuGong headquarters to learn about LiuGong’s full product lines, tour manufacturing plants, and inspect machine quality. The visit was led by reception hosted by LiuGong’s Chairman Wang Xiaohua.
Eritrea:Nothing to do with Somalia,said annalists.
Many political analysts exposed the so-called Eritrean involvement in Somalia is a proxy war waged by Ethiopia and engineered by the US. They added ''Eritrea has very little to do with Somali politics,but is more about the relationship between Eritrea and USA.''
Emmanuel Kisiangani, senior researcher with the South Africa-based Institute for Security Studies, calls Eritrea’s involvement in Somalia as ”fierce campaign” by Ethiopia
. ”Eritrea has had differences with USA'' said Kisiangani.And now the US is using Ethiopia as regional ally and any nation that discomforts the Washington regime would be polarized systemically mainly using the tried-and-worked ''blame-game'' for other countries' misfortune in this case Somalia.
Kisiangani also noted that in 2006, Ethiopian forces entered Somalia to back the Western-backed Transitional Federal Government fighting a group called the Islamic Courts Union.
Emmanuel Kisiangani, senior researcher with the South Africa-based Institute for Security Studies, calls Eritrea’s involvement in Somalia as ”fierce campaign” by Ethiopia
. ”Eritrea has had differences with USA'' said Kisiangani.And now the US is using Ethiopia as regional ally and any nation that discomforts the Washington regime would be polarized systemically mainly using the tried-and-worked ''blame-game'' for other countries' misfortune in this case Somalia.
Kisiangani also noted that in 2006, Ethiopian forces entered Somalia to back the Western-backed Transitional Federal Government fighting a group called the Islamic Courts Union.
Eritreans in Canada condemn anti-Eritrea press campaign.
Eritrean community in Winnipeg,Canada demonstrated outside the offices of the ''Free Press'',to show their frustration with the on-going false stories being written about Eritrea,portraying it as a rogue state having terrorist links.
Lambros Kyriakakos, president of the Eritrean Community in Winnipeg Inc, said he wants to see an apology in the Free Press.
"We want to see action," Kyriakakos said. "Our children are being called terrorists... this causes damage..The actions of two or three people can't stigmatize the whole community." he added.
Among the protesters, some adults and children waved signs reading "We are victims of terrorists" and "Don't victimize the victim." Some of them waved large Eritrean flags.
Lambros Kyriakakos, president of the Eritrean Community in Winnipeg Inc, said he wants to see an apology in the Free Press.
"We want to see action," Kyriakakos said. "Our children are being called terrorists... this causes damage..The actions of two or three people can't stigmatize the whole community." he added.
Among the protesters, some adults and children waved signs reading "We are victims of terrorists" and "Don't victimize the victim." Some of them waved large Eritrean flags.
Accusing Eritrea 'wrong' said a kenyan diplomat
Kenya which was one of the main nations to accuse Eritrea for helping rebels in somlia at the UN summit last month has a wrong strategy in the region said analysts.Now the country is also heading for a major setback as it faced diplomatic rows with Sudan.There is a growing feeling that Kenya needs to rethink its foreign policy.The Kenyan government’s reaction to strong protests by Sudan following a court ruling ordering the arrest of President Omar al-Bashir if he sets foot in Kenya, has revealed major flaws in its foreign policy.
Eritrean government hinted that Kenya is being influenced by the propaganda of Ethiopea.The diplomatic row with Eritrea and Sudan goes to show that Kenya needs a consistent foreign policy regarding its interests in the region.
“This is the time to formulate a new foreign policy based on the new Constitution and international treaties we have signed. We need more detailed and consistent foreign policy because previously our foreign policy has been reactionary,” A Kenyan diplomat said.
President Bashir gave Kenya two weeks to resolve the situation in his favour or face punitive measures, which will include cutting trade and diplomatic ties and banning planes leaving or bound for Kenya from over-flying Sudanese airspace. Other measures include throwing out about 1,500 Kenyans working in Sudan.
Eritrean government hinted that Kenya is being influenced by the propaganda of Ethiopea.The diplomatic row with Eritrea and Sudan goes to show that Kenya needs a consistent foreign policy regarding its interests in the region.
“This is the time to formulate a new foreign policy based on the new Constitution and international treaties we have signed. We need more detailed and consistent foreign policy because previously our foreign policy has been reactionary,” A Kenyan diplomat said.
President Bashir gave Kenya two weeks to resolve the situation in his favour or face punitive measures, which will include cutting trade and diplomatic ties and banning planes leaving or bound for Kenya from over-flying Sudanese airspace. Other measures include throwing out about 1,500 Kenyans working in Sudan.
Eritrea set to avoid sanctions
The idea of hitting Eritrea with new economic sanctions that could cripple our economy may not be materialized,according political annalists.
The shameless UN security committee is mulling more punitive measures against Eritrean new-found economic stability.The mining sector and remittances sent from abroad key sources of foreign exchange are both said to be targeted.Eritrea is wrongly accused of arming and bankrolling al Qaeda-linked Islamic militants fighting to topple Somalia's Western-backed government.
David Shinn, a former U.S. ambassador to Ethiopia disclosed China and Russia among others are likely to oppose any kind of resolution.
Both China and Russia typically oppose sanctions on African nations, a position that makes especially China a strategic ally to many peace-seeking African countries,unlike the hypocrite U.S.
The shameless UN security committee is mulling more punitive measures against Eritrean new-found economic stability.The mining sector and remittances sent from abroad key sources of foreign exchange are both said to be targeted.Eritrea is wrongly accused of arming and bankrolling al Qaeda-linked Islamic militants fighting to topple Somalia's Western-backed government.
David Shinn, a former U.S. ambassador to Ethiopia disclosed China and Russia among others are likely to oppose any kind of resolution.
Both China and Russia typically oppose sanctions on African nations, a position that makes especially China a strategic ally to many peace-seeking African countries,unlike the hypocrite U.S.
Human rights watch tells Egypt to stop deporting Eritreans.
Egypt should stop forcing detained Eritreans to sign repatriation forms and should allow the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to interview all detained Eritreans to identify refugees among them, Human Rights Watch said. According to UNHCR, it has already registered 40 Eritreans as refugees in Sudan. The renewed deportations signal a return to Egypt’s mass deportations of Eritreans in 2008 and 2009, Human Rights Watch said.
“Detaining Eritreans and then beating them to force them to sign ‘voluntary’ return papers can’t mask the fact that Egypt is about to commit refoulement, the forced return of refugees to likely persecution,” said Gerry Simpson, senior refugee researcher and advocate at Human Rights Watch. “Instead of ripping up refugee law, ignoring UNHCR, and beating migrants and refugees, Egypt should protect them.”
Human Rights Watch spoke with multiple credible s sources with regular recent access to about 160 Eritrean men and women detained for the past month in al-Shalal prison in Egypt’s southern city of Aswan.
“Detaining Eritreans and then beating them to force them to sign ‘voluntary’ return papers can’t mask the fact that Egypt is about to commit refoulement, the forced return of refugees to likely persecution,” said Gerry Simpson, senior refugee researcher and advocate at Human Rights Watch. “Instead of ripping up refugee law, ignoring UNHCR, and beating migrants and refugees, Egypt should protect them.”
Human Rights Watch spoke with multiple credible s sources with regular recent access to about 160 Eritrean men and women detained for the past month in al-Shalal prison in Egypt’s southern city of Aswan.
Eritrea wants the UN to investigate kenya's allegations
The government of Eritrea has complained to the UN Security Council about Kenyan allegations that it sent weapons to Islamist rebels in Somalia, calling for an independent investigation to judge the dispute.
Foreign Minister Osman Saleh said in a letter to the Council that Eritrea was confident an investigation would find Nairobi's "defamatory" accusations to be baseless, and urged the United Nations to take action against Kenya in the dispute.
Kenya has accused Eritrea of flying in weapons for al-Shabaab, an insurgent group liked to al-Qaeda which has been fighting the Western-backed Somali government since 2007, and which is now also battling Kenyan forces.
"If, as Eritrea confidently believes, the investigation determines that there is no basis whatsoever to the very serious and harmful accusations by the government of Kenya, Eritrea calls on the Security Council to take action that would redress the injustice suffered by the people and government of Eritrea," Saleh wrote in the letter, seen by Reuters.
"Defamation of a member state of the United Nations should not be indulged in with impunity and must not be tolerated, given its negative implications for regional peace and security," he said in the letter, dated November 16.
Foreign Minister Osman Saleh said in a letter to the Council that Eritrea was confident an investigation would find Nairobi's "defamatory" accusations to be baseless, and urged the United Nations to take action against Kenya in the dispute.
Kenya has accused Eritrea of flying in weapons for al-Shabaab, an insurgent group liked to al-Qaeda which has been fighting the Western-backed Somali government since 2007, and which is now also battling Kenyan forces.
"If, as Eritrea confidently believes, the investigation determines that there is no basis whatsoever to the very serious and harmful accusations by the government of Kenya, Eritrea calls on the Security Council to take action that would redress the injustice suffered by the people and government of Eritrea," Saleh wrote in the letter, seen by Reuters.
"Defamation of a member state of the United Nations should not be indulged in with impunity and must not be tolerated, given its negative implications for regional peace and security," he said in the letter, dated November 16.
National football team on its way home.
The National football team have nocked out of 2014 World Cup qualification after its 3-1 defeat to Rwanda in Kigali on Tuesday.
All 18 players on the squad boarded the team bus bound for Kigali airport Wednesday morning and all 18 were on the flight home.Tuesday’s match was Eritrea’s first away match since 2009.
The Eritrean National Cycling Federation also pulled out of Sunday’s Tour of Rwanda. Eritrea was crowned continental champions last week, and its leading cyclist, Daniel Teklehaimanot, won the Tour of Rwanda in 2010. No reason was given for the withdrawal.
All 18 players on the squad boarded the team bus bound for Kigali airport Wednesday morning and all 18 were on the flight home.Tuesday’s match was Eritrea’s first away match since 2009.
The Eritrean National Cycling Federation also pulled out of Sunday’s Tour of Rwanda. Eritrea was crowned continental champions last week, and its leading cyclist, Daniel Teklehaimanot, won the Tour of Rwanda in 2010. No reason was given for the withdrawal.
President Isaias refutes claims Eritrea is a 'pariah state'
President Isaias Afewerki has rejected claims that Eritrea is a 'pariah' state.A common notion among today's unethical western media,who often attach the word which is synonymous with outcast to the nation of Eritrea.
He said many people view his country through a “wrong prism,” which he said often emanates from preconceived ideas about the people of Eritrea and its hard-fought and well-deserved freedom.
It’s an image in the minds of those who say it,” said the president. “So you have to go and ask them whether this image is correct or not. Where they got this image from and why they got this image.”
He said many people view his country through a “wrong prism,” which he said often emanates from preconceived ideas about the people of Eritrea and its hard-fought and well-deserved freedom.
It’s an image in the minds of those who say it,” said the president. “So you have to go and ask them whether this image is correct or not. Where they got this image from and why they got this image.”
Potash- The next target for Eritrean mining industry.
Minerals developer South Boulder Mines plans to open the world’s first openpit potash mine in Eritrea in 2016, CEO Lorry Hughes said that a definitive feasibility study had commenced on the Colluli potash project, in Southern Red sea zone,which would cost between $500-million and $750-million to deliver.
“We are targeting an initial production rate of between one- and two-million tons of potash,” Hughes said.
“On current project progress, our operating costs should emerge among the lowest 10% of global potash producers,” he added.
“Colluli is the world’s shallowest potash deposit, and is accessible as low as 16 m below the surface,” Hughes said.
“The imminent scoping study results will demonstrate to South Boulder Colluli’s financial and technical parameters; and if we can move that to eventual commissioning, will deliver a mine in a prime infrastructure location to sell into the largest growth markets for potash in the world – Asia.
“We are targeting an initial production rate of between one- and two-million tons of potash,” Hughes said.
“On current project progress, our operating costs should emerge among the lowest 10% of global potash producers,” he added.
“Colluli is the world’s shallowest potash deposit, and is accessible as low as 16 m below the surface,” Hughes said.
“The imminent scoping study results will demonstrate to South Boulder Colluli’s financial and technical parameters; and if we can move that to eventual commissioning, will deliver a mine in a prime infrastructure location to sell into the largest growth markets for potash in the world – Asia.
Australian premier league club signed two Eritrean footballers
Australia's football federation allowed Gold Coast United to sign two Eritrean internationals outside their foreign quota after the players were granted refugee status by the federal government.
Sami Gebrehiwet, 21, and Ambes Sium, 24, have spent this season playing in the semi-pro South Australian Super League for Western Strikers, but recently spent a two-week trial with Gold Coast where they impressed coach Miron Bleiberg.
''They're like all African players, they're natural footballers, and they definitely have potential,'' Bleiberg said. ''Put it this way, they've played for their country, so they're no mugs. The only question is how quick they can adapt to the physicality of the A-League.''
Sami Gebrehiwet, 21, and Ambes Sium, 24, have spent this season playing in the semi-pro South Australian Super League for Western Strikers, but recently spent a two-week trial with Gold Coast where they impressed coach Miron Bleiberg.
''They're like all African players, they're natural footballers, and they definitely have potential,'' Bleiberg said. ''Put it this way, they've played for their country, so they're no mugs. The only question is how quick they can adapt to the physicality of the A-League.''
Two Israeli pilots caught smuggling arms freed.
Two Israeli pilots who get caught trying to transport illegal weapons to Eritrea are released,Reporters say they had transported weapons and munitions to Eritrea for a German ship owned by Ofer Shipping Group to 'defend' it against Somali pirates.
The pilots were arrested after an unannounced inspection by Eritrean security forces. Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs was worried that the pilots had no authorization, and could have been jailed for years.Israeli minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Lieberman ordered a strong diplomatic effort to obtain their release. Following the pilots release, they returned to Israel last week.
The Israeli authorities are investigating whether the pilots acted legally and if legal action should be taken against them.
The pilots were arrested after an unannounced inspection by Eritrean security forces. Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs was worried that the pilots had no authorization, and could have been jailed for years.Israeli minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Lieberman ordered a strong diplomatic effort to obtain their release. Following the pilots release, they returned to Israel last week.
Nevsun reports booming profit from the Bisha project.
ENAMCO,the Eritrean state-owned miner and Nevsun Resources,its Canadian partner have announced that the Bisha mining project is continuing to have strong operating performance since declaring commercial production in February this year.
From January to April the mine produced over 105,000 ounces of gold worth around $147 USD which includes two start-up months of early stage ramp up. Recoveries continue to exceed those planned. Without any hedges in place, the Company enjoys full exposure to metals prices and is selling at spot prices.
ENAMCO has also agreed last month to pay 252 Million USD for further 30 percent share of the project.
From January to April the mine produced over 105,000 ounces of gold worth around $147 USD which includes two start-up months of early stage ramp up. Recoveries continue to exceed those planned. Without any hedges in place, the Company enjoys full exposure to metals prices and is selling at spot prices.
ENAMCO has also agreed last month to pay 252 Million USD for further 30 percent share of the project.
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