Activities by Eritrean Nationals Abroad of Development Eritrean National Organizations Their Participation
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Vol. 25 No. 81 Saturday, December 8, 2018 Pages 8, Price 2.00 NFA PRESIDENT ISAIAS HOLDS TALKS WITH VICE-FOREIGN MINISTER OF ITALY President Isaias Afwerki encouraged investment in various received and held talks with sectors by Italian business. Ms. Emanuela Claudia Del Re, Vice-Minister for Foreign Ms. Emanuela outlined the Affairs of Italy, on 5 December vast opportunities for Italian at the Denden Guest House. The investment in the Horn of Africa Vice-Minister was accompanied and expressed her expectation by representatives of various that future investments will businesses. benefit both the Horn of Africa and Italy. She went on to note At the meeting, President how her visit was reflective of Isaias noted Italy’s long history Italy’s Italy interest in the Horn of engagement in the region and of Africa. In addition, a presentation National Cardiac Center, which was given to Italian investors is located at the Orotta National who are exploring investment Referral Hospital. opportunities in Eritrea. Mr. Osman Saleh, Minister of According to Orotta’s Dr. Foreign Affairs, expressed his Habteab Mehari, the Center, expectation that the new era of established through cooperation by peace in the Horn of Africa will the Ministry of Health, the Italian create numerous investment Cooperation Association, and the opportunities. World Health Organization, is ready to offer various cardiology- On 4 December, Italy’s Vice- related services and equipped Foreign Minister also participated with modern equipment and in the ceremony opening the facilities. DISCUSSION ON IMPLEMENTATION ACTIVITIES BY ERITREAN NATIONALS ABROAD OF DEVELOPMENT Eritrean national organizations their participation. branch in Europe held its annual Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, and PROGRAMS in Germany and Kuwait have meeting from 29 November to 2 Switzerland. recently conducted various The meeting also featured an December in Frankfurt. activities. extensive discussion regarding Similarly, Eritrean nationals in Stating its significance the activities of the committee The meeting was attended by Ms. Kuwait organized a celebratory in the implementation of The National Committee in and saw the election of a new Tekea Tesfamicael, President of event in connection with the recent development drives, Mr. Haile Germany conducted a congress on executive committee. the NUEW, Mr. Yohannes Debas, lifting of sanctions. The event Asfaha, Mayor of Massawa, 24 November in Frankfurt, with the Eritrean Consul in Germany, was conducted under the theme, called for strengthening of representatives from more than 26 Likewise, the board and and executive committee members “The Unwarranted Sanctions organizational capacity. He committees across Germany and executive committee of the from Denmark, Germany, the Foiled through Our Unity and made the call during a meeting other invited guests taking part. National Union of Eritrean Women Netherlands, Italy, the United Resoluteness”. conducted with residents of Massawa on 2 December. Speaking at the meeting, which was convened under the Mr. Haile went on to outline theme “National Committees for the significance of integrated Organizing and Integrating Eritrean efforts and called on the public Citizens”, Dr. Tesfai Ablelom, the to reinforce their contribution chairman of the organization, said to development drives by that the congress meeting was taking advantage of local focused on the implementation of resources. various activities. He also revealed plans to The Charge d’Affairs at the increase the community’s role Eritrean Embassy in Germany, in preventing sea pollution Mr. Yohannes Woldu, stated and increasing energy saving that the new era of peace in the activities, particularly through Horn of Africa is the result of the the introduction of “green” steadfastness and resilience of Adhanet ovens. the Eritrean people. He called on those in attendance to strengthen Eritrea Profile, Saturday, December 8, 2018 Vol 25 . No 81 2 The People’s Game Natnael Yebio W. are not brothers and friends are for sport and a victory for the not friends. But it’s all for a good countries of the Horn. Football is a way of life in reason, of course. Your friends are Eritrea. During evenings on the the 11 players on the pitch. One or This was clearly evident during weekend, Asmara is filled with two unkind words are directed at the first edition of the Africa Cup people of all ages wearing jerseys players who are underperforming. cycling competition that was of the team they support. Arsenal, The fans, young and old alike, recently held in Eritrea. People Chelsea, Manchester United, share hopes of securing bragging from all walks of life cheered Liverpool, Barcelona (I have six), rights for the week come the end not only for the host nation but and Real Madrid. A foreigner of the game. for all the countries participating could be forgiven for assuming in the event. The Ethiopian flag that the English Premier League Football allows people to form was waved around the streets of or Spain’s La Liga had shifted and maintain friendships that Asmara in equal measure to that of Photo: Drar Fisshaye headquarters. However, this might otherwise not exist. These the Eritrean. Moments like these is just an ordinary weekend in social bonds between fans are so show that sport has great potential Asmara and Eritrea, in particular. strong that many describe them also took in an exhibition on the to peace. to effect positive social change. in familial, kinship terms, such history of football in Eritrea that Football will do the same. As the On Friday evenings, pubs as “my brotherhood” or “my was held in their honor. Sport is enjoyed by all. Its reach most popular sport in the world, around Asmara’s famous Harnet family”. “Football friends” are football is a universal language. Avenue are filled with young different to friends from other It can help bridge the divided males discussing their team’s areas of life. Something special and promote values necessary for line-ups for the upcoming is shared and exchanged amongst lasting peace. matches. It is almost as if they are them. The football team is also a the ones who will make the final “friend” for many fans. Over half Growing up, I loved football decisions. Football websites are of football fans feel that being a to the point of obsession. I am also followed closely during the fan of the team is like having a obsessed about the game the same week leading up to matches. long-term girlfriend or boyfriend. way I was when I was growing A friend of mine once told me up. Note that I say that with pride. Saturday arrives and the games with that he would never miss a You see, football plays a key role commence. Expectations are high, game to go out on a date. Without in family life in much of Eritrea. people are on the edge of their question, his football team came It links the shared experiences seats, and friendly bets – with first. of family members across dinner or drinks being put on the generations and creates a sense line – are made. The superstitious Looking at the bigger picture, of tradition and belonging. The – which most football fans tend football can provide countries President Ahmed’s visit to is unrivalled. Sport promotes strongest of these relationships to be – are going through their with a sense of hope and Eritrea comes on the back of universal values that transcend is that of father and son. Most usual routine as the players take normalcy. Sport is one of the the FIFA president’s visit to language and culture. By playing males become fans because their to the pitch. most unifying and inspiring tools father watched games with them for development and peace in the when they were children. Speak For 90 minutes, 22 men take world. Few other social activities to older fans and they will share centre stage. For once, brothers bring people together in such their memories of these formative great numbers and with so much experiences. passion and enjoyment. Passion for football frequently It was with that in the back of my leads to animated conversations mind that I had the privilege to see in front of the television or around the President of the Confederation the dinner table. The role that of African Football (CAF), Dr. football plays is very important, Published Every Published Every Ahmed Ahmed, accompanied by particularly given increasing Saturday & Wednesday a delegation of officials from the fears about the breakdown of the WednesdayPublished & SaturdayEvery Saturday & Wednesday football federations of Ethiopia, traditional family unit in Eritrea. Somalia, and Djibouti conduct a One night, a couple of years ago, I Acting Editor working visit to Eritrea this past the country earlier this year. together, we in the Horn of Africa was having dinner with my family. Acting Editor Amanuel Mesfun Tuesday. The delegation met Undeniably, this will boost the will be learning the universal As usual, we were immersed [email protected] Mesfun with the President of the Eritrean development of the game in the values of respect, tolerance, and in an animated conversation [email protected] National Football Federation, region and could also contribute fair play. It will be a victory about who was going to win the Mr. Isaias Abraham, as well as football match scheduled for that P.O.Box: 247 P.O.Box: 247 the Commissioner of Culture night. The match was the final Tel: 11-41-14 and Sports, Ambassador Zemede of the African Cup, featuring Fax: 12-77-49 Tekle. The purpose of the visit Cameroon and Senegal. Apart E-mail: was to strengthen the relationship from the football facts, I realized [email protected]@[email protected] zena.gov.er between the governing bodies of one other thing that night.