Eritreans in UAE celebrate independence day

Afkar Abdullah

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com Filed on June 6, 2010

DUBAI - A large number of Eritreans from various parts of the emirates gathered in Dubai on Thursday to mark the 19th independence day of their country and pledge their support to the government to protest the UNSC resolution No. 1907 that imposed sanctions against their country.

The celebration was attended by Eritrean Consul-General Yohannes Teccemmichael, members of the diplomatic corps in Dubai, prominent personalities of the UAE and a large number of invitees.

Addressing the gathering, the consul-general said, “The dream of Eritrea’s enemies is to destroy our well-built state, but the struggle and fight by its people and government stand strong as rocks to defend the land and turn their dream to impossible illusions.”

The development process started by Eritrea’s government is rapidly proceeding in all fields, including food security, health, education and defence. “The unjust UNSC resolution No. 1907 aimed at creating obstacles to the rapid development being achieved by the government to ensure peace and stability,” he said.

A cultural performance, showcasing the colorful heritage of Eritrea by a well-known Eritrean musical band, was the highlight of the evening, which also featured poetry reading and rendering of national songs. “This is the dayEritrean freedom fighters relished the taste of independence after 30 years of war and devastation,” Teccemmichael said. He commended the Eritrean people’s unparalleled determination to get a sovereign Eritrea and thanked all those who had sacrificed to make the dream come true

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Teccemmichael said that after the independence of Eritrea in 1991, the government established its embassies and consulates in many Arab countries, particularly those who supported the resistance against Ethiopia.

The UAE was the first country to establish diplomatic relations with Eritrea with the opening of the embassy in Abu Dhabi in 1993 and the consulate in Dubai in 2001.

There are about 3,000 to 4,000 Eritreans in the UAE, 60 per cent of whom are women who work primarily as baby-sitters.

“There was a need among the members of the community to interact and practise their culture and traditions, the reason for which they have established a community association under the patronage of the consulate,” the consul-general said.

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com