The effort to expand eye treatment service in the Southern Red Sea region is registering encouraging result. Asmara, 01 August 2020- The effort to expand eye treatment service in the Southern Red Sea region is registering encouraging result. According to Nurse Gebre Hailemicael, cataract surgery expert at the Assab Hospital, the hospital is performing cataract and other minor surgeries and so far a number of patients have become beneficiaries. Nurse Gebre went on to say that the number of patients that received eye treatment has increased by 100% compared to that of previous year and cataract surgery has been conducted on 60% on them. Nurse Gebre stated that the public awareness regarding health service has reached satisfactory stage and reminded the public to avoid harmful practices that could lead to eye blindness. According to Nurse Gebre, awareness raising program has been organized in which over 11 thousand students took part and eye glasses was provided to 89 students that were found with eye problem.

The Ministry of Health announced that from this year onwards Meningitis vaccination will be included in the category of the 12 antigens. Asmara, 01 August 2020-  The Ministry of Health announced that from this year onwards Meningitis vaccination will be included in the category of the 12 antigens. Indicating that previously 12 types of vaccinations have been provided regularly to children including TB, polio, tetanus, measles, hepatitis, influenza and others, Mr. Tedros Yihdego, Head of National Vaccination Program, said that starting from July this year Meningitis vaccination will be provided regularly and that will increase the variety vaccinations to 13.Mr. Tedros noted that children at the age of 1 and six months should take the meningitis vaccination and urged parents to take their children to nearby health facilities vaccination. According to the document from the Ministry of Health, in 2019 over 2.8 million citizens aged from one to thirty years have taken meningitis vaccination across the country.

The renovation of the Afabet-Keren road by the Northern Red Sea region in cooperation with national construction companies will have significant contribution in improving the livelihoods of the residents. Asmara, 01 August 2020 - The renovation of the Afabet-Keren road by the Northern Red Sea region in cooperation with national construction companies will have significant contribution in improving the livelihoods of the residents. The comment was made by the people residing along the route linking Afabet with Keren city. Indicating that road has been damage due to various reasons including flooding and that has been creating transportation problem to the residents as well as in the unacceptable price increase of consumer goods, the residents said that the renovation of the road will have significant contribution in facilitating their daily lives. The residents also called for the resumption of the transportation buses that were previously providing transportation service.

Eid Al Adha, 1441 Hijiri year, was celebrated yesterday, 31 July. Asmara, 1 August 2020 - Eid Al Adha, 1441 Hijiri year, was celebrated yesterday, 31 July. Sheik Salem Ibrahim Almukhtar, Acting Mufti Eritrea and Secretary General of Higher Assembly of Eritrean Iftae and Islamic Affairs, had called on the faithful to follow the guidelines issued by the office regarding the celebration of the Holiday event. According to Sheik Salem’s statement due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in force on public gatherings, the prayers did not take place, as usual, at public squares, but instead took place in privacy of individual homes of the faithful.Sheik Salem also gave extensive briefing on the background and objective of the Eid Al Adha Holiday celebration. Sheik Salem finally wished Happy Eid Al Adha to the Eritrean people inside the country and abroad in general and to the faithful in particular as well as peace and prosperity to the Eritrean people.

The investment made on education in Foro sub-zone, Northern Red Sea region, is registering commendable result in the development of teaching-learning process. Massawa, 31 July 2020- The investment made on education in Foro sub-zone, Northern Red Sea region, is registering commendable result in the development of teaching-learning process. Indicating that the number of education facilities has risen from 3 to 40 and students’ school enrolment in the past five years rose by 8.5%, the head of education office in the sub-zone, Mr. Ismail Ali said that women’s school enrolment has also registered encouraging result. Mr. Ismail went on to say that new elementary schools have been built in the administrative areas of Umle, Denenlo and Omar-Kabre and one kindergarten in Irafaile. According to Mr. Ismail there are schools in 14 administrative areas in the sub-zone and praiseworthy effort is being exerted to eradicate illiteracy. Document of the Ministry of Education branch in the Northern Red Sea region indicate that out of the 426 schools in the region 80% of them are in remote areas of the region.

Extensive soil and water conservation as well as planting tree seedlings popular campaign is being conducted in Halhal sub-zone. Keren, 26 July 2020- Extensive soil and water conservation as well as planting tree seedlings popular campaign is being conducted in Halhal sub-zone. According to report from the Ministry of Agriculture branch in the sub-zone, the popular campaign includes construction of terraces and water diversion schemes as well as planting tree seedlings. Similarly, renovation of 4 km dirt road linking Halhal with Mai-Awalid is also being conducted. The administrator of the sub-zone, Mr. Girmatsion Abraha said that the popular campaign is in continuation of the various community based activities the residents are conducting and commended the strong participation of the residents. According to Mr. Girmatsion the construction of 17 km dirt road linking Halhal with Melebso, 16 km linking Melabso with Kertset, 15 km linking Kertset with Taba-Aserte and 24 km linking Wesenas with Halhal is underway with full participation of the residents of the various administrative areas.

More financial and material support is being extended to disadvantaged families in the Southern Region with a view to ease the burden they might encounter due to the ‘Stay at Home’ guideline to combat the spread of corona virus. Asmara, 26 July 2020- More financial and material support is being extended to disadvantaged families in the Southern Region with a view to ease the burden they might encounter due to the ‘Stay at Home’ guideline to combat the spread of corona virus. Accordingly, 227 thousand and 640 Nakfa contributed by affluent individuals in Adi-Kenzinab, Adi-Kuala Sub Zone, was extended to 91 disadvantaged families. Likewise, in Dubarwa sub zone, 156 thousand and 517 Nakfa contributed by residents of Tala administrative area was extended to disadvantaged families in their area, another 136 thousand 500 Nakfa was distributed to disadvantaged families in Adi-Ahfera administrative area. Moreover, 102 thousand Nakfa contributed by residents of Adi- Sherefeto, 70 thousand Nakfa by residents of Adi-Tse’nay, 30 thousand Nakfa by residents of Adi-Bezihans and 10 thousand Nakfa contributed by some individuals in Dubarwa town was extended to disadvantaged families in their areas. In related news, a number of nationals inside and outside the country have decided that the families renting their houses to live free of rental payment ranging from one month until the spread of corona virus is contained in the county.

فرجت – عن الجيروسلم بوست:  تم تعين البدوي من عرب اسرائيل السفير اسماعيل خالدي  سفير لها لدى ارتريا. وقد واجه تعينيه بعض الاعتراض من بعض القوى  السياسية في اسرائيل اعتراضا يتعلق بنشاطه في وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي حيث كان يكتب بصورة مكثفة عن عنصرية الدولة العبرية. حيث كتب في عام 2017 داعيا البدو للتمسك بموقفهم وعدم […]

The Eritrean National War-Disabled Veterans’ Association branch in Orebro, Sweden, conducted congress in the presence of members of the Central Committee. Asmara, 24 July 2020- The Eritrean National War-Disabled Veterans’ Association branch in Orebro, Sweden, conducted congress in the presence of members of the Central Committee. At the meeting various recommendations were adopted including strengthening organizational capacity, reinforcing participation in the implementation of national development programs and programs of the association as well as recruiting new members. The congress also elected new executive committee members. In related news, the branch association contributed 90 thousand Kroner in support of the Eritrean National War-Disabled Veterans’ Association and 10 thousand Kroner to augment the Martyrs Trust Fund.

According to Mr. Micael Tekie, Director General of Agriculture and Land in the Northern Red Sea region the construction of micro-dams in the sub-zones of Afabet and Ghinda, Northern Red Sea region, is in good progress. Massawa, 22 July 2020- According to Mr. Micael Tekie, Director General of Agriculture and Land in the Northern Red Sea region the construction of micro-dams in the sub-zones of Afabet and Ghinda, Northern Red Sea region, is in good progress. Indicating that the construction of the micro-dams in the administrative areas of Tseret, Mai-Habar, Ad-Shum, Dengolo-Laelai and Hutsit in Ghinda sub-zone has been finalized, Mr. Micael said that the 50% of the construction of micro-dams in Beyen, Mariet and Agrae, Nakfa sub-zone has been accomplished. The micro-dams with the capacity of holding from 30 to 200 thousand meter cube of water will have significant contribution in ensuring water supply both for the residents and livestock as well as for vegetables and fruits farming in the areas. Similarly the residents of the administrative areas are engaged in construction and renovation of terraces and water catchment schemes for the sustainability of the micro-dams. In the same vein, the Ministry of Agriculture is conducting sustainable awareness raising campaigns with a view to increase the understanding of farmers on land management as well as issues related to agricultural development. According to document from the Northern Red Sea region there is over 92 thousand hectares of arable land.

High level Eritrean military delegation headed by Gen. Filipos Woldeyohannes, Chief of Staff of the Eritrean Defense Forces, delivered message of President Isaias Afwerki to Gen. Abdul Fattah Al Burhan, President of the Sudan’s Sovereign Council  on 20 July. Asmara, 21 July 2020- High level Eritrean military delegation headed by Gen. Filipos Woldeyohannes, Chief of Staff of the Eritrean Defense Forces, delivered message of President Isaias Afwerki to Gen. Abdul Fattah Al Burhan, President of the Sudan’s Sovereign Council  on 20 July. At the meeting, Gen. Abdul Fattah Al Burhan expressed appreciation for the close and all-rounded relation that exists between Eritrea and Sudan. Gen. Abdul Fattah said that the visit of the high level delegation of the Eritrean Defense Forces attests to the strong relations between the two countries and thanked Eritrea for its support during Sudan’s challenging transition period. Gen. Flipos on his part expressed appreciation for the hospitality accorded to him and his delegation. The Eritrean military delegation today, 21 July, met and held talks with First Deputy Chairman of the Sovereign Council of Sudan, Let/ Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo on enhancement of bilateral cooperation in defense and security  issues. The high level delegation of the Eritrean Defense Forces includes Commander of the Central Command, Maj. Gen, Romodan Osman Awliya; Commander of Navy, Maj. Gen. Humed Karikare, and Head of the National Security Agency, Brig. Gen Abraha Kassa. The Eritrean Defense delegation also held extensive discussion with Maj. Gen. Mohamed-Osman Al Hussein, Chief of Staff of the Sudan Armed Forces and included the Commanders of Sudan’s Ground and Naval Forces as well as Army Intelligence. The Eritrean delegation accompanied by the Chief of Staff of the Sudan’s Armed Forces also visited economic institutions, military colleges and military training centers.

Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Dr. Abiy Ahmed and his delegation today, 19 July toured agricultural development projects in the environs of Kerkebet Dam in Gash Barka Region. Asmara, 19 July 2020 – Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Dr. Abiy Ahmed and his delegation today, 19 July toured agricultural development projects in the environs of Kerkebet Dam in Gash Barka Region. The Prime Minister and his delegation were accompanied by President Isaias Afwerki and senior Government officials during the visit. The delegation also inspected, during their stop-over at Sawa Airport, graduation-parade rehearsals of the 33rd Round of the National Service. Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed and his delegation departed home in the later afternoon hours today after a two-day fruitful working visit During the two days working visit, President Isaias and Prime Minister Abiy held extensive discussion focusing on bilateral relations and regional developments and agreed to further bolster the prevailing, all-rounded, cooperation between the two countries. They also agreed to work together to enhance regional cooperation in the Horn of Africa.

President Isaias Afwerki and Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed held extensive discussion today focusing on bilateral relations and regional developments. Asmara, 18 July 2020- President Isaias Afwerki and Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed held extensive discussion today focusing on bilateral relations and regional developments. In their extensive discussion, President Isaias Afwerki and Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed reviewed the progress achieved and obstacles encountered in the past two years in the implementation of the historic Declaration of Peace and Friendship agreement signed between the two countries in July 2018.The two sides agreed to further bolster the prevailing, all-rounded, cooperation between the two countries. They also agreed to work together to enhance regional cooperation in the Horn of Africa firmly aware that this is pivotal for nurturing robust ties anchored on mutual complementarity.Dr. Abiy Ahmed and his delegation accompanied by President Isaias Afwerki in the afternoon hours visited various agricultural projects and infrastructural developments in the Southern region. 

فرجت عن الثوابت: رئيس وزراء اثيوبيا يصل اسمرا قبل ساعة من صباح اليوم في زيارة غير معلنة مسبقا في ظل توترات تشهدها اثيوبيا داخلية وخارجية بسبب سد النهضة وغضب نظام افورقي بخصوص نتائج عملية “السلام”فماذا ستسفر عن هذه الزيارة ؟ اعلن وزير اعلام افورقي في تغريدة له عن وصول ابي احمد الى مطار اسمرا وبصحبته […]

فرجت عن نشرة الثوابت اغلبية عضوية المجلس تصوت لصالح اعادة تكليف مقررة حقوق الانسان في ارتريا لمدة عام  أخر وللأسف السودان (الثورة) يصوت ضد القرار وكذلك الصومال وقطر تمتنع ! اوردت وسائل اعلام غربية اليوم جدول تصويت حول اعادة تكليف المقررة الخاصة لحقوق الانسان في ارتريا السيدة / دانييلا كرافيتز وهي التي كان يشتكي منها […]

Ethiopia's Prime Minister, Dr. Abiy Ahmed, arrived in Asmara in mid-morning hours today for a working visit to the country. Asmara, 18 July 2020 - Ethiopia's Prime Minister, Dr. Abiy Ahmed, arrived in Asmara in mid-morning hours today for a working visit to the country. President Isaias Afwerki accorded warm welcome to the Prime Minister and his delegation on arrival at Asmara International Airport.The two leaders will discuss further consolidation of the warm bilateral ties between the two countries as well as enhancement of regional cooperation. The Prime Minister is accompanied by State Minister Ambassador Redwan Hussein and Speaker of Parliament Mr. Tagesse Chaffo.        

Ms. Amina Nurhusein, Minister of Health, accompanied by the Governor of the Northern Red Sea region, Ms. Asmeret Abraha conducted tour of inspection on 15 and 16 July to health facilities in Kelhamet and Afabet town, Afabet sub-zone. Asmara, 17 July 2020- Ms. Amina Nurhusein, Minister of Health, accompanied by the Governor of the Northern Red Sea region, Ms. Asmeret Abraha conducted tour of inspection on 15 and 16 July to health facilities in Kelhamet and Afabet town, Afabet sub-zone. In the course of her tour, Minister Amina held discussion with heads of the health facilities as well as area administrators. In the discussion Minister Amina expressed readiness of the Ministry in cooperation with the administrations to equip the health facilities with necessary equipment and manpower with a view to enable them provide improved health care service to the public. Indicating that villages regrouping is the foundation of development, Ms. Asmaret on her part called on the residents to strengthen participation in the program so that they become beneficiaries of social service provision institutions. The two officials also visited the progress of the construction of the dams at the administrative areas of Gebgeb and Mihdaf.

بقلم: علي عبد العليم كشخصيته الرصينة الهادئة تماما مضى الشيخ أبو تقوى في هدوء الى الرب الرحيم ، كالنسمة ترطِّب حياتنا ثم ما تلبث أن تغادر سريعا ، رحيل صامت هادئ إلا أنه كالهدوء الذي يسبق العاصفة ، حيث تسلل الخبر الفاجع يوم الثلاثاء 7/7/2020م كنصل سكين حاد انغرس في القلب مدميا ومفجرا الحزن الممضي […]

جوهانسبرغ: «الشرق الأوسط»- الثوابت كشفت صور جديدة بالأقمار الصناعية نشرتها وكالة «أسوشيتد برس» الأميركية اليوم (الثلاثاء) زيادة مياه الخزان الكامن وراء «سد النهضة » الإثيوبي الذي ترفض أديس أبابا التفاهم مع مصر والسودان على آلية لملئه وتتزامن الصور مع إعلان إثيوبيا ومصر والسودان أن الجولة الأحدث من المفاوضات حول المشروع المثير للجدل انتهت أمس (الاثنين) […]

حذرت عددا من منظمات حقوقية  عن ان الوضع الانساني في ارتريا بات ينذر  بوقوع كارثة انسانية وشيكة  في البلاد وذلك بسبب تمديد الحظر مما تسبب في فقدان الكثير من المواطنين مصدر رزقهم فكيف يمكن للإرتريين الذين يعتمدون على العمل اليومي أن يبقوا في المنزل بدون دخل ولا طعام؟ حيث ينتظرهم الجوع والموت إذا التزموا بهذه النصيحة النصيحة الأخرى خلال هذا الوباء العالمي هو «الاستمرار في غسل يديك بالصابون والماء لتجنب الفيروس». كيف يواجه الإرتريون الذين ليس لديهم مياه جارية ، وخاصة في أسمرة  الذين يعانون من نقص حاد في المياه  في ظل انعدام الخدمات الصحية بشكل كبير  كما لا توجد رعاية طبية فعالة للأطفال  والأمهات

Training on pests control in general and that of locust invasion was organized to over 50 staff members of the Ministry of Agriculture and members of the Defense Forces in Mai-Mine sub-zone, Southern region. Mendefera, 14 July 2020- Training on pests control in general and that of locust invasion was organized to over 50 staff members of the Ministry of Agriculture and members of the Defense Forces in Mai-Mine sub-zone, Southern region. The theoretical and practical training included characteristics and types of pests and means of controlling, application and maintenance of spray equipment as well as spraying system. Indicating that the objective of the training was to put in place precautionary measures in case of the occurrence of locust invasion, Mr. Rehas Alene, Acting Head of the Ministry of Agriculture in the sub-zone, called on the trainees to transfer the knowledge they acquired to fellow farmers. Pointing out that the training will have significant contribution in developing their knowledge; the trainees expressed readiness to apply the training they received practically on the ground. Similar training was also provided to over 2,500 farmers and members of the Defense Forces in the Central region from 2 to 14 July.

Commendable effort is being exerted to control the prevalence of malaria in Anseba region. The report was made by the Ministry of Health branch in the region. Keren, 14 July 2020- Commendable effort is being exerted to control the prevalence of malaria in Anseba region. The report was made by the Ministry of Health branch in the region. Indicating that the achievement already registered is the result of the integrated efforts on the part of the Ministry of Health, the public and stakeholders, Mr. Kiros Sereke, head of Malaria Control in the region, said that the proper usage of impregnated bed nets and sustainable environmental sanitation activities were contributing factors for the successful outcome. Mr. Kiros also said that a laboratory has been established in Eleberet with a view to conduct research on the types of malaria mosquitoes and there by to introduce proper means and mechanism of controlling the malaria prevalence. The head of Promotion and Information at the Ministry of Health branch, Mr. Tesfa’alem Misgina on his part called for reinforced participation of all concerned institutions and stakeholders for the total eradication of malaria in the region.

Owners of small businesses in the port city of Massawa and residents of 01, 02 and 03 administrative areas extended food items to disadvantaged citizens. Asmara, 13 July 2020- Owners of small businesses in the port city of Massawa and residents of 01, 02 and 03 administrative areas extended food items to disadvantaged citizens. According to report, over 62 thousand Nakfa collected from 110 small businesses as well as 52 quintals of crops was disbursed to 346 disadvantaged families. Similarly, over 26 thousand Nakfa collected from affluent citizens in Ghinda town and 10 quintals of crops was distributed to disadvantaged families. In related news a number of house owners in Ghinda sub-zone have decided that the families renting their houses to live free of charge ranging from one to three months.

Nationals in the Scandinavian countries contributed over 260 thousand Kroner to augment the National Fund to contain the spread of corona virus and Martyrs Trust Fund. Asmara, 13 July 2020- Nationals in the Scandinavian countries contributed over 260 thousand Kroner to augment the National Fund to contain the spread of corona virus and Martyrs Trust Fund. According to the Eritrean Embassy in the Scandinavian countries, ‘Eri Tsinat’ Pal Talk Forum contributed 81 thousand Kroner in the name of the late Awelker Seid, former editor and coordinator of the forum, the National Holidays Coordinating Committee in the Scandinavian countries 50 thousand and 100 Kroner in the name of the late Berhane Tilahun, former cahier of the committee,  residents of Ockelbo 6 thousand Kroner, national committee in Denmark 7 thousand Kroner and one national contributed 6 thousand Kroner. Similarly, Eritrean nationals in Sweden contributed 41 thousand Kroner, nationals in Oslo and its environs 30 thousand Kroner, nationals in Trondheim, Norway, 30 thousand Kroner, nationals in Ulsteinvik, Norway, 7 thousand and 257 Kroner. A number of nationals in the Scandinavian countries also decided that the families renting their houses in various parts of the country to live free of rental payment ranging from three months until the end of 2020. In related news, 14 owners of small businesses in Edaga area, Massawa, contributed 8 thousand and 600 Nakfa, 22 thousand and 500 Nakfa.

يقال هذا التعبير الدارج حين الغيبوبة الجماعية، فيتورط الجميع ويتحولون إلى مرشدين ومتوطئين، جهلاً أو تجاهلاً، في تسليم أحد ما إلى السلطات التي ستذهب به إلى مصيره المحتوم. وعليه يتمّ الإشارة به لتعميم الجريمة على الجميع.  ثمّ معاناً في امتهان المجتمع نجد هذا التعبير يحمل قدراً من الكوميديا السوداء حين يتداعى الأهالي في أمر لا […]

الحكاية كنز، والتأويل فعل اكتشاف الكنز”* سيعد الغانمي كاتب عراقي وانطلاقا من هذا الفهم نحفر في ارضية النص حتى نكتشف كنز النص …وهذا لا يعني ان النص من القراءات الاولى سوف يكشف سره بسهولة ،بل يحتاج النص الي قراءات متعددة حتى يكشف سره جزئيا او كليا..وكلما كان النص يحمل في داخله قراءات متعددة كان نصا […]

  التطهير العرقي هو محاولة خلق حيز جغرافي متجانس عرقيًا بإخلائه من مجموعة عرقية معينة باستخدام القوة المسلحة، أو التخويف، أو الترحيل القسري، أو الاضطهاد، أو طمس الخصوصية الثقافية واللغوية والإثنية، عبر القضاء عليها نهائيا أو تذويبها في المحيط الإثني الذي يُراد له أن يسود (طبقا لويكيبيديا)   فى هذا الشهر من يوليو لعام ١٩٩٥، قامت […]

At a virtual activity assessment meeting conducted on 5 July members of the National Union of Eritrean Women branch in Italy expressed resolve to strengthen organizational capacity and participation in the national development endeavors. Asmara, 08 July 2020- At a virtual activity assessment meeting conducted on 5 July members of the National Union of Eritrean Women branch in Italy expressed resolve to strengthen organizational capacity and participation in the national development endeavors. According to report the meeting was attended by Mr. Fesehatsion Petros, Eritrean Ambassador to Italy and representatives from the Italian cities of Milano, Brescia, Parma, Bologna, Pisa, Rome, Napoli, Bari, Teramo, Pascari, Catania, Genova and Firenze. Speaking at the occasion, Ms. Nigisti Tsegai, chairwoman of the branch union, indicated that in past six months the activities of the union was confined in supporting the task force to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and that successful activities have been conducted. Ambassador Fesehatsion Petros also gave extensive briefing on the objective situation in the homeland. Similarly, the YPFDJ organization in Rome also conducted its annual congress meeting on 4 July. At the congress activity reports were presented by various heads of the organization and new executive committee was elected.

President Isaias Afwerki returned home today, 6 July, in the afternoon hours concluding three day working visit to Egypt. Asmara, 07 July 2020- President Isaias Afwerki returned home today, 6 July, in the afternoon hours concluding three day working visit to Egypt. President Isaias Afwerki and President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt met and held extensive discussion at Al-Ittihadia Palace in Cairo focusing on bilateral relations and regional developments of interest to the two countries. The Presidential delegation included, Mr. Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Presidential Adviser Mr. Yemane Gebreab.

The National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) of   the   Ministry of Agriculture is working hard to enhance productivity of fruits and vegetables through tissue culture technology. According to Mr. Mussie Fekadu, Head of Bio-technology Research Unit, tissue culture is a modern plant biotechnology that is applied in many countries for mass production and superior planting material which is free from diseases. For this reason, tissue culture laboratory is rrequired to maintain high standard and innovative technologies. Mr. Mussie stated that NARI established a tissue culture laboratory in 2014 at its headquarters in Halhale. The principal objectives of the undertaking were to produce virus free, large scale, healthy and improved high quality plant materials. Furthermore, the tasks incorporate production of genetically uniform and disease-free plant materials; and, rapid in-vitro multiplication which would, in turn lead, to higher productivity per unit area.  Currently, the tissue culture laboratory is engaged in producing healthy plant materials of potatoes, date palms and bananas. Mr. Mussie briefed this newsletter on ongoing efforts and achievements so far of tissue culture technology in the three selected horticultural areas. The scope of work spans three standard phases, namely; laboratory activities, net-shed house production and open field multiplication.   Potato Tissue Culture In Eritrea, potato productivity was relatively low mainly due to prevalence of viral diseases. These viral diseases entail degeneration which is characterized by decrease in vigor and productivity after successive cultivation from the same lot of tubers. In this respect, production of seed tubers through tissue culture becomes an important mode of rapid multiplication of virus free seed potato. This has been pursued and the laboratory has the potential these days to produce 50-70 quintals of pre-basic (high grade) seeds annually. As it happens, more than 350 quintals   of   potato   per   hectare, far beyond the country’s average, is being harvested in open field multiplication. Date palm Tissue Culture Date palm can be propagated through seed, vegetative offshoot and tissue culture. However, vegetative offshoot accumulates several bacterial, fungal and viral diseases which result in decline of productivity. Propagation through seed   has   many   limitations such as seed dormancy, low rate of germination and progeny variation. However, propagation using tissue culture is seen as one of well-proven innovative methods. Production of disease-free fruits, uniform growth, easy handling during transportation and high survival rate of seeds are among major advantages of using tissue culture approach. According   to   Mr.   Mussie, date palm    tissue   culture    technology is much more difficult than that of potato and banana. Currently, micro-propagation of date palm has been carried out through somatic embryo-genesis and the ex-plants are found at shooting and rooting stages. Parallel to this ongoing research in the country, a total of 7,800 vitro- plants of date palm were imported from a well-known tissue culture laboratory and kept at Massawa shed net for hardening. They are now being distributed to potential areas of date palm cultivation in the Northern and Southern Red Sea Regions. The first batch of 2000 date palms have already started to flower and bear fruits. Banana Tissue Culture Tissue culture in banana is a relatively   simple   technique   that has been used for commercial propagations in several countries. In Eritrea, tissue culture technology is considered to be an appropriate option to provide sufficient quality and quantity of such materials to farmers. Tissue culture technology will augment easy access of farmers to large quantities of superior clean planting material with higher yield per unit area. Mr. Mussie underlined that even though banana tissue culture is as its stage, 600 plantlets have been produced so far from Grandnein variety. These have now been planted for trial in Halhale, Golij and Agordet research stations. Mr. Mussie further stressed that in the coming few years, this particular technology is expected to contribute significantly in higher productivity of the selected fruits and vegetables. In very broad terms, plant tissue culture is a phased technique of growing plant cells, tissues, organs, seeds or other plant parts in a sterile environment on a nutrient medium. Culture media used for in vitro cultivation of plant cells are composed of basic components of macro and micro elements, vitamins, amino acids, carbon source, gelling agents and plant growth regulators.

President Isaias Afwerki in the afternoon hours of today, 6 July, met and held talks with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt at Al-Ittihadia Palace in Cairo. The two leaders held frank and extensive discussions on bilateral relations and regional developments. Asmara, 06 July 2020- President Isaias Afwerki in the afternoon hours of today, 6 July, met and held talks with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt at Al-Ittihadia Palace in Cairo. The two leaders held frank and extensive discussions on bilateral relations and regional developments. The two sides agreed to promote comprehensive bilateral cooperation. As regards regional development, the two leaders recognized that challenges and tensions are casting their shadow over vast opportunities which remain untapped, despite their undisputed benefits for all countries. The two leaders agreed to work together to foster mutual understanding and concrete actions to protect the interests of all parties and advance common interests. The meeting was attended by Mr. Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Presidential Adviser Mr. Yemane Gebreab and Ambassador Fasil Gebreselasie on the Eritrean side and Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sameh Shukri, Intelligence Chief, Mr. Abbas Kamel and Minister of Agriculture Mr. Mohammed Marzuq.