Protesting an unfair Resolution by the European Parliament is Natural
Haddas Eritra Editorial of March 12, 2002

Last Monday, 11 March 2002, a large number of Eritreans from all corners of Europe converged on Strasbourg, France. They flocked to Strasbourg to express their displeasure and disappointment over the European Union Parliament's decision to censure Eritrea. An external parliament engaging in a consultative role with a sovereign state is a normal diplomatic act, one to be appreciated and respected. A cavalier act of censure undertaken with an apparent contempt and disregard to a people's sense of honor is another thing. The European Parliament's unfortunate decision wounded Eritreans at home and abroad. Their expression of outrage over what they saw as unfair and unjust resolution is understandable. Eritreans rushed to Strasbourg by the thousands to remind the Parliament that its action was unjust, unfair, and untrue.

The European Parliament's decision against Eritrea was based on several false assumptions. One of these untrue basis of accusations was that the Eritrean People's Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ) has the exclusive role and control of the Eritrean National Assembly. Any observer who took it upon himself or herself to study Eritrean political organizations knows that the Eritrean National Assembly was established by the Eritrean people themselves. In successive elections that took place between 1994 and 1996, the Eritrean people chose their representatives. The PFDJ did play its admirable role in drawing districts to reflect the corporate features of the Eritrean citizenry. It also made itself available to play legislative role with the corporate assembly. To that extent, 60 members of the 135 National Assembly come from the PFDJ. The accusation that "all members [Eritrean Parliament] belong to the PFDJ" is, thus, utterly false and defamatory. 

Another dismaying basis of accusation by the European Parliament has to do with the postponement of the scheduled elections for December 2001. The European Parliament, in an ill-conceived imagination, declared that the elections were "shelved indefinitely on the grounds of security concerns." This is a case of utter misconception. It is also prejudicial in its hasty embrace of false assumptions. The elections of December 2001 were postponed to safeguard the integrity of their outcome, to ensure the authenticity of voter participation, and to finalize solid foundations for contemporary and future elections to come. These are technical necessities as essential in Eritrea as they truly are in Europe today. Any prudent and judicious observers should appreciate this step in view of the democratic journey Eritrea is embarking upon in its economic and socio-cultural democratization. To Eritreans, building democratic institutions is an abiding responsibility. This task was afoot since the day of the Struggle and will continue to maturity. 

Eritreans are secure, safe, and satisfied with their institutions and their political values. The insecurity that the European Parliament perceived is not in Eritrea; it is in the imagination of Eritrea's adversaries, which we think Europe is not. 

The European Parliament also erred in judgment when it made a false accusation about political dissention in Eritrea. The Parliament stated that political dissenters were detained because they demanded "democratic reform." Such an accusation runs counter to facts and evidences. It also indicates the Parliament's less than serious appraisal of Eritrean politics. Those prominent Eritrean nationals who currently find themselves in detention are there because they betrayed a trust, undermined their responsibilities, and compromised Eritrean national interests relative to the interests of adversarial countries and groups. They also entered into conspiracy to overthrow the Eritrean Government. Their intense campaign to recruit followers to this end indicates that they were embarking into a violent overthrow of the government. Eritreans have been saying enough for violence for a long time. They are determined to maintain and nurture peace just as they are determined to zealously guard their independence, dignity, and sovereignty. 

When these values are threatened, and when prejudicial, hasty, unjust, and unfair judgments are passed against Eritrea, it is understandable as well as admirable that Eritreans at home and abroad will be excited to defend their land, heritage, and democratic institutions. People of good will should join and appreciate them.