PFDJ affiliate “National Council of Eritrean Americans” expressed its outrage after the US State Department cancelled PFDJ’s public meeting which was scheduled to be held in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, October 2, 2016, with senior PFDJ officials, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Osman Saleh and Yemane Gebreab, Head of Political Affairs of the PFDJ as guests. The council also confirmed cancellation of the forum organised by the lobby group Atlantic Council that had a plan to host one of the mentioned senior officials.

Nonetheless, its outrage is out of place and despicable reaction. First and foremost, the ‘National Council of Eritrean Americans’ should have spoken out about the gross violation of fundamental rights of the Eritrean people and suppression of their freedom by the regime it is trying to support and protect, instead of condemning the necessary action taken against the despot.  

The decision by the US State Department which is likely taken as a response to the restriction of movement imposed by the PFDJ against its diplomatic mission in Asmara is in fact a positive move that should be welcomed, as it would encourage the regime to contemplate, even for a second, how the millions of people really feel about the freedom it has denied them for so long.

Putting aside its double standard, the National Council of Eritrean Americans, should have advocated for “freedom of assembly” and respect for “fundamental rights” everywhere, whether in the US or Eritrea, if it was to be taken seriously.

Please continue to read the statement issued by “The National Council of Eritrean Americans” to condemn the US State Department’s action.

Eritrean American Community Expressed Outrage at Latest State Department Action

By The National Council of Eritrean Americans | October 3, 2016

Outrage at US State Department for Cancelling Eritrean Government Delegation Meeting in DC

The National Council of Eritrean Americans (NCEA) is dismayed to learn about the cancellation of the public meeting that was scheduled to be held in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, October 2, 2016 with members of the Eritrean government delegation.

It has also learned that the forum organized by the Atlantic Council where the Political Advisor to the President of Eritrea was invited to address was also cancelled. Various think tanks, civic organizations, and media outlets were invited to participate in the event.

These actions taken by the US State Department violate fundamental rights of Eritrean Americans as citizens of the United States, including their freedom of assembly.

It illustrates this Administration’s contempt for the Eritrean American communities across the United States, and contravenes international initiatives to foster closer relations between states and their Diaspora populations.

This latest unprovoked act by the US State Department is a continuation of the unjustifiable hostility against the people of Eritrea. This is yet another obstruction to the much needed constructive engagement between the two countries.

The NCEA will closely follow the developments and issue updates.

The National Council of Eritrean Americans
Washington, D.C.
October 2, 2016