Give the devil his due, the PFDJ as an institution has done a heavy lifting to the fundamental solutions to our long-term problems. As constitutions go, it has ratified a good one ; nevertheless, some in the opposition want to rewrite a new constitution from scratch because they have qualms with some of its articles. Some state that they were not represented. But that is a procedural and not significant material. Their reservations and oppositions filtered down to their essentials boil down to the fact that they object to certain rules. It seems to me this is unwise. Why should we reinvent the wheel of drafting a constitution when we already have a ready made workable one, and I might add, written by some of our best scholars, legal experts and other knowledgeable people?
In addition, it has been heavily debated and enriched by the wisdom of the Eritrean people. We should not throw out the baby with the bath water. We should be gracious enough to acknowledge success and achievements of our compatriots. In short, we should use the constitution as a springboard to reach another plateau.
Thanks Assenna, for inviting those bright DRs.Their bright wisdom, will led us from the dark shadow of HGDEF and our blinded brother and sister.THANKS AGAIN
SHake, thanks Assenna for inviting those “bright” DRs, it should be for wasting their time & breath.
An old illiterate woman buys a Bible; and for that, one written in Geez. Her grandchildren reprimand her for buying a book she can not read, or even having it read to her by them (neither she nor her grandchildren understand Geez.) But her grandchildren happen to commit the same fallacy the lovers of the quam/constitution do : they believe that if a book is bought, it is meant to be read. But grandma begs to differ, she has bought the Bible for two reasons : one, to put it besides her bed as ‘fewsi hateftef’ for her nightmares; and, two, to stop her grandchildren stealing from her, hoping that if she puts her money in the Holy Bible they wouldn’t dare touch it. That is, she bought the Bible to drive away demons and thieves from her bedside – and this happens to be as legitimate reason as any.
So has it been with the drafting of the Eritrean constitution, which was drafted with one and only one thing in mind : how do we make Shaebia look good ( yemHirelina’do Shaebiana) pig? Call it the special lipstick from so called Eritrean elite, ELF opportunists and those “bright” DRs. The drafting of the 1997 Eritrean constitution was simply meant to accomplish such a task : to enable Shaebia/Higdef to appear democratic without being so. In our Tigrigna saying simply, “nezi kitTiHina do kindizi tiriHitsa”.
The only way a population could be made to “participate” in the making of a constitution is for that participation to take a normal route that all democracies go through. The minimal preconditions for drafting a constitution are allowing parties and media to operate in the land. Any kind of dialog that the masses undertake has to be done through their representative in the form of parties, and through the free media that provide such a dialog the necessary transparency for the public to see and involve. It is only then it can be claimed that the masses are empowered through dialog; they would have a stake in the constitution they come to “own”, and hence be potential enforcers.
If this is the right procedure, how is it possible to trust a regime (and some ELF opportunists and the “bright” DRs) that didn’t allow the most minimal requirement – that of the free press, free parties in the years before and during the drafting to implement a constitution that supposedly allows free press, among others? Peace and happiness to all.
G/hans Teklay.
“Give the devil his due, the PFDJ as an institution has done a heavy lifting to the fundamental solutions to our long-term problems. As constitutions go, it has ratified a good one ; nevertheless, some in the opposition want to rewrite a new constitution from scratch because they have qualms with some of its articles. Some state that they were not represented. But that is a procedural and not significant material. Their reservations and oppositions filtered down to their essentials boil down to the fact that they object to certain rules. It seems to me this is unwise.”
Zufana A
You said “some state that they were not represented”. Which according to you is “a procedural and not significant material”, but for many Eritreans representation has to do with legality. The people are sovereign and their will expressed through representatives is the basis of any legality.
If representation is not a “significant material” let’s see what happens when Iseyas drafts a new constitution without consulting representatives of the people and claims it’s the only legal one.
A constitutional process should not exclude anyone, because all those purposely left aside will not recognize it. The 1977 constitution was tailored for EPLF and Iseyas. It was ratified by people hand picked by Iseyas. It was not much different from EPLF political program.
That said, if that document can unite Eritreans, I support it. It could serve as a tool to unite people around it, for a transitional period, till we get chance to revise/amend it and make it acceptable to all, away from EPLF and Iseyas behind the scene manipulations.
All those who care about Eritrea and the long interest of it’s people, should work for unity and try their best to be inclusive.
my so called short comment:
Ghebrehans T. on February 14, 2015 at 12:55 am said: You simply nailed it for the most part. Seeing such view at times is refreshing. From what I see, everyone is failing to promote “Eritrean Leaders” and rather regurgitating a “frozen food” over and over again. You want Eritrea to be free – Get the people who are working with governmental institutions and NGOs who have gotten trust to be leading the fight. Let us not just go to these people when disaster is unfolding.
I repeat – we ought to excel those who are fighting for Eritrea in several world platform and not just people who are sitting in their warm kitchen/living room (including myself) and all they do is repeat what-is-not-new with all do respect.
If a new constitution is coming up, as the President has indicated about 2 months ago – there is nothing that anyone could and will do about it. I think it has 3 or 4 months to go for it to show up by the way. We could jump and ….and swear at whatever you may add to it for we are remote and free to express our feelings at the end of the day we have no power to change it the way it is now. I believe the President has all of us taking the same road, the same frozen food, the same ….. as he and his elusive team are working on the next talking points. Get off the bad dream Eritrea and move on to reality my people. Else, we are no better than what the current government is. Stay the course and close in and tighten the rope in all that we do to chase these people out.
Ghebrehans T. well said once again. my plan was for 2 sentences and ended up a bit longer.
Mike,
“I repeat – we ought to excel those who are fighting for Eritrea in several world platform and not just people who are sitting in their warm kitchen/living room (including myself) and all they do is repeat what-is-not-new with all do respect.”
Look my friend, are you saying that constitution should not be discussed? Do you believe anything that has been an issue for a long time should be left alone even when it has not been resolved? And as you say let’s excel in several world platforms but cannot we do that while we talk about the ratified constitution which by the way has been ratified since 1997 and which could also unite all justice seeking Eritreans who want to see a country with a rule of law? Why you want the constitution forgotten is a mystery to me. You also seem frustrated because you cannot dictate Asena on what programs to run. Mewalti Gebrehans T koynka terifka Mike geles rekibuka lo. Mhret yewrdelka
Marta Afwerki – I rather bring you to reality than feed your thirst to open a new can of warm. I respect your views and I do not intend to tell assenna what they do and don’t as well.
To get to your point – the draft has been chewed to its last nutrients. It is now resting in some shelf – both in everyone’s mind and physical shelf in some place in Eritrea. I for one thing – do not believe it was done rightly and fairly. That is my view at this point. I am not going to validate it just because. If you insist in going at it Marta – more power to you. Frustration/ed – not really. That word is for someone who has done it all and failed to get it through. I am just venting like everyone else and not quite frustrated. The draft is there for what it is. Leave that in place and it will have its moment. Pull it when you have to pull it to disapprove the current rule in Eritrea.
Hint: there is more stuff to focus than just beat what is already beaten up to death. As to the nick name with Gebre….all I said was his or her comment is – not a bad idea. Diversity brings excellence.
Another point: Since late last year to these days – drafted constitution has been a leading topic….what is then the outcome? What is the Remedy that you came up with? At least that nut head leader in Asmara has suggested “a new one right”? However, we are all riding his lead and barking and not thinking right. that is just my thought…. lastly, life throws at you all kind of kitchen sink stuff, if we keep fighting with it we lose the beauty of life; if we focus and steer clear and focus ahead we come out winners for the most part. Let us move to what we could do rather than why we were mislead. There is time for it tomorrow”.
I really really want to “not to comment” on anything but it is irresistible….better get it …..
Peace.
The constitution is not implemented. That is the reason it is being “chewed”. Implementing it is the point not its been the leading topic. In fact, in my opinion it is not even discussed enough. By the way, constitution is a national issue. Being as emotional or as subjective about it as you are is useless. With all the facts Dr Bereket and these three panelists came up with you can surely afford to be objective. Mike you say, “What is the Remedy that you came up with? At least that nut head leader in Asmara has suggested “a new one right”?” Do I have to remind you that you Mike as an Eritrean have the responsibility just as anyone else to come up with a remedy? But since you seem to be pleased with his (the dictator’s) remedy i am sure you won’t bother. I was shocked by your new “infatuation” with the unionist Ghebrehans then you surprise me with your admiration for the lunatic dictator. Where are you Mike? You are way to fast for me. I know moving between Ghebrahans and isayas is not shifting sides. After all ghebrehans is isayas when he was a young dictator. He is little isayas. They are both unionists only their uniforms differ.
Subject:Voice of Assenna: Panel Discussion on the Eritrean Constitution, Thurs, Feb 12 , 2015 (Part 3 & Final)
Commentary: 14 Feb 2015
1. Introduction
There is such a thing as “priority” in human activities. A plan [example: Highway construction] is executed in steps according to the dependency of the elements essential to reach the final goal.
2. The Eritrean Problem.
This must be to be defined,first and foremost; followed by the ultimate objective; and finally a meticulous plan [steps by step of actions] according to their priorities.
3. The FIRST priority of action
Definitely, drafting of Constitution is NOT the first priority — at this point in time Instead, it is about changing the government of the day since it has demonstrated beyond a shadow of doubt that it is an absolute dictatorial regime, hence detrimental to the well-being of the entire nation.
4. Progressive actions
Based on the above PLAN, subsequent course of actions can then be handled as defined by the overall plan i.e. to have a peaceful transition with an interim administration etc I hasten to recognize that the Reader may sneer at this “peaceful” scenario. I fully understand and it is a reasonable scepticism. But, as an individual, it is my personal honest and firm belief that Eritrea cannot afford, once again, to dwell on “violent” change. Insisting on dwelling in constant “violence” is tantamount to issuing the final “death certificate” on Eritrea. There must be a peaceful change in Eritrea.
5. Role of Eritrean Intellectuals
If Eritrea is to be saved from its own destructive tendency, its Daughters and Sons – highly educated intellectuals of PhD Level [estimated to be about 300] and recognized by Ivy League Institutions of the Western World — are morally obliged to come together[and they can afford it] and develop DRAFT sane survival PLAN for Eritrea to be ‘approved’ by the people (There is a peaceful communication way of doing that). This is an OPEN and urgent priority. Now, comes the crucial question: Are Eritrean Scholars:
a) capable of coming up with such a PLAN? and if so, b) are they capable of getting together and work in harmony?
If this is not possible we might as well ‘forget’ about that arbitrarily forged land and named “Eritrea” to rest in peace and let external forces take their shares of ጉዚ as proposed over seventy years ago. What a Destiny!
Psychoanalysts should have a field day with an example of a glaring phenomenon of a society going over the cliff in a bright day light with their eyes wide open. Adio!
Zufana A February 13, 2015
Give the devil his due, the PFDJ as an institution has done a heavy lifting to the fundamental solutions to our long-term problems. As constitutions go, it has ratified a good one ; nevertheless, some in the opposition want to rewrite a new constitution from scratch because they have qualms with some of its articles. Some state that they were not represented. But that is a procedural and not significant material. Their reservations and oppositions filtered down to their essentials boil down to the fact that they object to certain rules. It seems to me this is unwise. Why should we reinvent the wheel of drafting a constitution when we already have a ready made workable one, and I might add, written by some of our best scholars, legal experts and other knowledgeable people?
In addition, it has been heavily debated and enriched by the wisdom of the Eritrean people. We should not throw out the baby with the bath water. We should be gracious enough to acknowledge success and achievements of our compatriots. In short, we should use the constitution as a springboard to reach another plateau.
SHake February 13, 2015
Thanks Assenna, for inviting those bright DRs.Their bright wisdom, will led us from the dark shadow of HGDEF and our blinded brother and sister.THANKS AGAIN
Ghebrehans T. February 14, 2015
SHake, thanks Assenna for inviting those “bright” DRs, it should be for wasting their time & breath.
An old illiterate woman buys a Bible; and for that, one written in Geez. Her grandchildren reprimand her for buying a book she can not read, or even having it read to her by them (neither she nor her grandchildren understand Geez.) But her grandchildren happen to commit the same fallacy the lovers of the quam/constitution do : they believe that if a book is bought, it is meant to be read. But grandma begs to differ, she has bought the Bible for two reasons : one, to put it besides her bed as ‘fewsi hateftef’ for her nightmares; and, two, to stop her grandchildren stealing from her, hoping that if she puts her money in the Holy Bible they wouldn’t dare touch it. That is, she bought the Bible to drive away demons and thieves from her bedside – and this happens to be as legitimate reason as any.
So has it been with the drafting of the Eritrean constitution, which was drafted with one and only one thing in mind : how do we make Shaebia look good ( yemHirelina’do Shaebiana) pig? Call it the special lipstick from so called Eritrean elite, ELF opportunists and those “bright” DRs. The drafting of the 1997 Eritrean constitution was simply meant to accomplish such a task : to enable Shaebia/Higdef to appear democratic without being so. In our Tigrigna saying simply, “nezi kitTiHina do kindizi tiriHitsa”.
The only way a population could be made to “participate” in the making of a constitution is for that participation to take a normal route that all democracies go through. The minimal preconditions for drafting a constitution are allowing parties and media to operate in the land. Any kind of dialog that the masses undertake has to be done through their representative in the form of parties, and through the free media that provide such a dialog the necessary transparency for the public to see and involve. It is only then it can be claimed that the masses are empowered through dialog; they would have a stake in the constitution they come to “own”, and hence be potential enforcers.
If this is the right procedure, how is it possible to trust a regime (and some ELF opportunists and the “bright” DRs) that didn’t allow the most minimal requirement – that of the free press, free parties in the years before and during the drafting to implement a constitution that supposedly allows free press, among others? Peace and happiness to all.
G/hans Teklay.
WediHagher February 14, 2015
“Give the devil his due, the PFDJ as an institution has done a heavy lifting to the fundamental solutions to our long-term problems. As constitutions go, it has ratified a good one ; nevertheless, some in the opposition want to rewrite a new constitution from scratch because they have qualms with some of its articles. Some state that they were not represented. But that is a procedural and not significant material. Their reservations and oppositions filtered down to their essentials boil down to the fact that they object to certain rules. It seems to me this is unwise.”
Zufana A
You said “some state that they were not represented”. Which according to you is “a procedural and not significant material”, but for many Eritreans representation has to do with legality. The people are sovereign and their will expressed through representatives is the basis of any legality.
If representation is not a “significant material” let’s see what happens when Iseyas drafts a new constitution without consulting representatives of the people and claims it’s the only legal one.
A constitutional process should not exclude anyone, because all those purposely left aside will not recognize it. The 1977 constitution was tailored for EPLF and Iseyas. It was ratified by people hand picked by Iseyas. It was not much different from EPLF political program.
That said, if that document can unite Eritreans, I support it. It could serve as a tool to unite people around it, for a transitional period, till we get chance to revise/amend it and make it acceptable to all, away from EPLF and Iseyas behind the scene manipulations.
All those who care about Eritrea and the long interest of it’s people, should work for unity and try their best to be inclusive.
Mesinas February 14, 2015
እወ። ነዚ ስርዓት’ዚ ሓቀኛ መንነቱ ብምግላጽ፡ ካብ ህዝቢ ብምንጻል ኢና ክንስዕሮ ንኽእል! ነዚ ከኣ ንየዋሃትን ተደናገርትን ብምንቃሕን እቲ እንኮ ጸላኢ ህዝብን ሃገርን ኤርትራ፡ ኢሳያስን ጉጅለኡን ሙዃኖም ንምእማኑ ኣበርቲዕና ክንሰርሕ ኣለና። ሓቂ ከኣ ግዜ ደኣ ይወስድ’ምበር ምግንዛባ ዘይተርፍ’ዩ! ስለዚ ቅድሚ ዓረር ናብቶም ተገዲዶም ኣብ በረኻታት ሃገርና ዝነብሩ ዘለዉ ኣሕዋትናን ኣሓትናን ምድርባይና፡ ኣቐዲምና መሳርዕ ምልኪ ከነዝልቕ ኣበርቲዕና ንስራሕ!
Mike February 14, 2015
my so called short comment:
Ghebrehans T. on February 14, 2015 at 12:55 am said: You simply nailed it for the most part. Seeing such view at times is refreshing. From what I see, everyone is failing to promote “Eritrean Leaders” and rather regurgitating a “frozen food” over and over again. You want Eritrea to be free – Get the people who are working with governmental institutions and NGOs who have gotten trust to be leading the fight. Let us not just go to these people when disaster is unfolding.
I repeat – we ought to excel those who are fighting for Eritrea in several world platform and not just people who are sitting in their warm kitchen/living room (including myself) and all they do is repeat what-is-not-new with all do respect.
If a new constitution is coming up, as the President has indicated about 2 months ago – there is nothing that anyone could and will do about it. I think it has 3 or 4 months to go for it to show up by the way. We could jump and ….and swear at whatever you may add to it for we are remote and free to express our feelings at the end of the day we have no power to change it the way it is now. I believe the President has all of us taking the same road, the same frozen food, the same ….. as he and his elusive team are working on the next talking points. Get off the bad dream Eritrea and move on to reality my people. Else, we are no better than what the current government is. Stay the course and close in and tighten the rope in all that we do to chase these people out.
Ghebrehans T. well said once again. my plan was for 2 sentences and ended up a bit longer.
Marta Afwerki February 14, 2015
Mike,
“I repeat – we ought to excel those who are fighting for Eritrea in several world platform and not just people who are sitting in their warm kitchen/living room (including myself) and all they do is repeat what-is-not-new with all do respect.”
Look my friend, are you saying that constitution should not be discussed? Do you believe anything that has been an issue for a long time should be left alone even when it has not been resolved? And as you say let’s excel in several world platforms but cannot we do that while we talk about the ratified constitution which by the way has been ratified since 1997 and which could also unite all justice seeking Eritreans who want to see a country with a rule of law? Why you want the constitution forgotten is a mystery to me. You also seem frustrated because you cannot dictate Asena on what programs to run. Mewalti Gebrehans T koynka terifka Mike geles rekibuka lo. Mhret yewrdelka
bekit February 14, 2015
kab guyiy mal kisad mhaz iyu! kiwam ksad yu. kwam nhaz ahwat! eti zxedeke zeytetegbere kiwam alena nsu yu kiwamna.
Mike February 14, 2015
Marta Afwerki – I rather bring you to reality than feed your thirst to open a new can of warm. I respect your views and I do not intend to tell assenna what they do and don’t as well.
To get to your point – the draft has been chewed to its last nutrients. It is now resting in some shelf – both in everyone’s mind and physical shelf in some place in Eritrea. I for one thing – do not believe it was done rightly and fairly. That is my view at this point. I am not going to validate it just because. If you insist in going at it Marta – more power to you. Frustration/ed – not really. That word is for someone who has done it all and failed to get it through. I am just venting like everyone else and not quite frustrated. The draft is there for what it is. Leave that in place and it will have its moment. Pull it when you have to pull it to disapprove the current rule in Eritrea.
Hint: there is more stuff to focus than just beat what is already beaten up to death. As to the nick name with Gebre….all I said was his or her comment is – not a bad idea. Diversity brings excellence.
Another point: Since late last year to these days – drafted constitution has been a leading topic….what is then the outcome? What is the Remedy that you came up with? At least that nut head leader in Asmara has suggested “a new one right”? However, we are all riding his lead and barking and not thinking right. that is just my thought…. lastly, life throws at you all kind of kitchen sink stuff, if we keep fighting with it we lose the beauty of life; if we focus and steer clear and focus ahead we come out winners for the most part. Let us move to what we could do rather than why we were mislead. There is time for it tomorrow”.
I really really want to “not to comment” on anything but it is irresistible….better get it …..
Peace.
Marta Afwerki February 14, 2015
The constitution is not implemented. That is the reason it is being “chewed”. Implementing it is the point not its been the leading topic. In fact, in my opinion it is not even discussed enough. By the way, constitution is a national issue. Being as emotional or as subjective about it as you are is useless. With all the facts Dr Bereket and these three panelists came up with you can surely afford to be objective. Mike you say, “What is the Remedy that you came up with? At least that nut head leader in Asmara has suggested “a new one right”?” Do I have to remind you that you Mike as an Eritrean have the responsibility just as anyone else to come up with a remedy? But since you seem to be pleased with his (the dictator’s) remedy i am sure you won’t bother. I was shocked by your new “infatuation” with the unionist Ghebrehans then you surprise me with your admiration for the lunatic dictator. Where are you Mike? You are way to fast for me. I know moving between Ghebrahans and isayas is not shifting sides. After all ghebrehans is isayas when he was a young dictator. He is little isayas. They are both unionists only their uniforms differ.
rezen February 14, 2015
Subject:Voice of Assenna: Panel Discussion on the Eritrean Constitution, Thurs, Feb 12 , 2015 (Part 3 & Final)
Commentary: 14 Feb 2015
1. Introduction
There is such a thing as “priority” in human activities. A plan [example: Highway construction] is executed in steps according to the dependency of the elements essential to reach the final goal.
2. The Eritrean Problem.
This must be to be defined,first and foremost; followed by the ultimate objective; and finally a meticulous plan [steps by step of actions] according to their priorities.
3. The FIRST priority of action
Definitely, drafting of Constitution is NOT the first priority — at this point in time Instead, it is about changing the government of the day since it has demonstrated beyond a shadow of doubt that it is an absolute dictatorial regime, hence detrimental to the well-being of the entire nation.
4. Progressive actions
Based on the above PLAN, subsequent course of actions can then be handled as defined by the overall plan i.e. to have a peaceful transition with an interim administration etc I hasten to recognize that the Reader may sneer at this “peaceful” scenario. I fully understand and it is a reasonable scepticism. But, as an individual, it is my personal honest and firm belief that Eritrea cannot afford, once again, to dwell on “violent” change. Insisting on dwelling in constant “violence” is tantamount to issuing the final “death certificate” on Eritrea. There must be a peaceful change in Eritrea.
5. Role of Eritrean Intellectuals
If Eritrea is to be saved from its own destructive tendency, its Daughters and Sons – highly educated intellectuals of PhD Level [estimated to be about 300] and recognized by Ivy League Institutions of the Western World — are morally obliged to come together[and they can afford it] and develop DRAFT sane survival PLAN for Eritrea to be ‘approved’ by the people (There is a peaceful communication way of doing that). This is an OPEN and urgent priority. Now, comes the crucial question: Are Eritrean Scholars:
a) capable of coming up with such a PLAN? and if so, b) are they capable of getting together and work in harmony?
If this is not possible we might as well ‘forget’ about that arbitrarily forged land and named “Eritrea” to rest in peace and let external forces take their shares of ጉዚ as proposed over seventy years ago. What a Destiny!
Psychoanalysts should have a field day with an example of a glaring phenomenon of a society going over the cliff in a bright day light with their eyes wide open. Adio!