Posted on 08/06/2006 2:41:39 AM PDT by Republicain
The European Commission is considering action against Eritrea in protest at food aid being sold, and the proceeds used for government work programmes.
Eritrea may be asked to repay the $3m cost of food thought to have been sold. The EC's ambassador to Eritrea, Geert Heikens, told the BBC that attempts to discuss the matter with the authorities had failed, and that action was needed.
The row comes at a time when more than 15% of Eritreans are malnourished and the country depends on outside aid.
The Eritrean government introduced a new policy of cash-for-work in May, saying this was to prevent the population becoming dependent on outside aid.
Food aid to the value of $3m received from donors has been sold to fund this scheme, the EC says.
The policy change was made without consultation with the donors, who had clear guidelines about the terms under which their food was being provided.
Political system
Ambassador Heikens says Europe's patience has now been exhausted.
"I am sending already endless letters since May to the Ministry of Development and the Ministry of Labour and Human Welfare," he said.
"Every moment I see them I ask them - but they don't react. So we are now indeed in discussion with Brussels about what measures we can take."
A request for the repayment of $3m is one of a number of possible steps being considered.
The ambassador adds that the lack of transparency about the food aid question can be explained by the Eritrean political system, which tolerates neither a free press, nor any kind of opposition.
"I think it is inherent in the political system we have here in Eritrea," Ambassador Heikens said.
"It is not a democracy. It is far from a democracy. You can say it's a dictatorship under the presidency of President Isaias (Afewerki)."
Relations between donors and the Eritrean government have deteriorated badly.
There are strict travel restrictions controlling their movements outside the capital, Asmara.
About 100 vehicles belonging to aid agencies have been confiscated by the government, and many agencies banned.
O.K., I give up! I thought I knew or heard of every country on the planet at one time or another, but, I've never heard of this one. Did this used be called something else? Where the heck is Eritrea and how about a little bit of history? Anyone? Thanks in advance.
It was part of Ethiopia, but rebelled some years ago. I was cheering them on at the time, since we all know the reputation of Ethiopia. Now, I'm not cheering so much since its just a different set of thugs.
Google is your friend:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eritrea
Thanks! :)
The action the EU may take is to ask for a reimbursement. Nothing is said about any other possible steps if Eritrea says no. Nothing is said if the food aid is continuing during this crisis.
I applaud their efforts to resist becoming dependent on outside aid. The fact that it makes the EU unhappy is an added bonus.
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