Permanent Mission of the State of Eritrea
to the African Union and
UN Economic
Commission for Africa
Ambassador Girma
Asmerom’s
(Permanent
Representative of Eritrea to
the African Union and UNECA) reflections on the so-called “attempted coup d’etat”
in Eritrea
Starting 21 January
2013 there has been a concerted and coordinated disinformation campaign by the
media about the situation in Eritrea
and the so-called “attempted military coup d’etat”.
There has never been an
“attempted military coup” and there will never be a coup d’etat in Eritrea. It is
the wishful thinking of some quarters. I say this with impunity. You might say
why not? It is a legitimate question.
- The social fabric and the military structure of Eritrea do not allow for such disastrous and stupid action to take place.
- It is a society built on trust and an unflinching commitment to the unity of the people and the economic development of the country which emanates from the vision which is casted in the heart and mind of every Eritrean that our Martyrs, whose pictures are hanging on the walls of every house, have entrusted on us.
- As a national service participant as well as a member of the reserve and regular army, almost every able-bodied person in Eritrea is armed. As a result who is going to fight whom? And who is going to mobilize whom? Therefore, unless somebody is stupid or crazy he/she will not attempt a military coup that is destined to fail from its inception.
- The country is so peaceful that:
·
with
the exception of the Air
Port, no Government
Office or Institution, be it the President’s or Ministers’ Offices, Hotels, or
Banks etc…use metal detectors or electronic screening machines.
·
Ministers
or Military Commanders, including the President’s wife and children are simple
citizens and live simple lives. You find them and see them in any public places
without bodyguards.
As is the case all over
the world an armed crazy, stupid and terrorist individual or group can take
stupid actions such as kidnapping of individuals or taking hostages by
raiding government and
private institutions and offices. Such isolated incidents which frequently
occur in the West are considered terrorist acts. I don’t understand why in Africa they are considered coup d’etats. It is the
highest form of double standard and hypocrisy.
The spin-doctors who
have deliberately targeted the Eritrean People and Government, nine months ago
said that the President is dead. Today they are saying there is an “attempted
military coup”. I am sure that tomorrow they will come up with another
fabricated news.
Rest assured that the
President is healthy; and Eritrea
is a peaceful country and its people and army are fully concentrating on their
economic development agenda and protection of their sovereignty.
26/01/13
Press
Section
Permanent
Mission of Eritrea to AU and UNECA
