Without exaggeration this was the biggest gathering of Eritreans for a festival in this area. As every festival has a moment of its Owen. This one happened at a crucial time when Eritreans were expecting the closure of the conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea, through the arbitrated border settlement before the end of this year.

By twist of fate, the astonishing announcement of the closure of Eritrean Consulate office in Oakland, California; by US State department in the same week of the three day festival, enrage Eritreans and in a way motivated them to turn out in mass, to show a Unanimous resentment to this abrupt decision by the US State department. In which they manifested by signing a petition, addressing the issue to US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Thus turning the event into a historic Eritrean festival.

On August 17,2007 - The Assistance secretary of State for African Affairs Jendayi E. Frazer said in her briefing to the media that “it is not in any way to signal that, the US government has problem with Eritreans here in the US; They can continue to get services from their Embassy in Washington, D.C.”

If that is the case why is it the Consulate in Oakland targeted? That is the biggest Eritreans diplomatic office since it is covering Services for Eritreans residing in Eight States.

The Eritrean Consulate in Oakland is more convenient than Washington D.C. to those who are residing in the vicinity. It provides the essential consular services to maintain communication and humanitarian assistance that are vital to our immediate and extended families which we left behind. Most importantly it has also served as a conduit between the people and government of both countries; in the area of vital interest such as: education, economic, health and technology. For this reason, intentionally or otherwise her action contradicts her justification.

She also mentioned during her briefing about "Eritrean Americans contributing 2% of their income to the GoE and must influence the government." That is right. Self reliance is our slogan that carried Eritrea through the armed struggle and beyond. We don't won't to drain the American tax payer's money, and pension fund, like Ethiopia and other countries.... It is solely for humanitarian assistance and development including assisting the war displaced Families, the martyrs family and famine etc… As far as influencing the government - there is nothing much one can do unless the EEBC ruling is implemented and peace is achieved.

Jendayi continued by saying "the United States did not wish to sever diplomatic ties, We are not trying to move toward a fundamental break in our relationship."

Then don't. Why all this hoopla? Jendayi, the Somali case is more complicated than that: You know well that Eritreans have long standing historical tie to Somali people. It is understandable that they are trying to help Somalia to survive the humanitarian disaster they are experiencing. But what complicates it more is Ethiopia's arrogantly invading Somalia and uses it as a hook to get to Eritrea. That is what should be addressed. In reality both Countries have a greater influence on Somalia. This influence should be directed in a positive direction to reestablish Somalia.

Jendayi, why don't you dwell on the positive side of these two brotherly Countries… which is the remedy to this conflict and the Regions stability. [The Algiers agreement]. The former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright laid down the ground work for peace and prosperity in the region by encouraging Eritrea and Ethiopia to arbitrate their state of affairs and commit to peace, by signing the Algiers agreement. When this realize all these problems would vanish.

You should use this as a working mechanism to bring both countries to a peace table, rather than infuriating this volatility region by transforming the conflict of Eritrea and Ethiopia into a conflict between Eritrea and The United States of America. Jendayi, as African American You have a moral obligation to use your power and influence at hand to promote peace and development in Africa not Intimidation and violence.

This region has suffered enough misery from war: as a result millions of those who have survived death are being displaced within their respected countries and millions others have sought refuge in the neighboring countries. Threatening War and provocation is not the solution for Africa . The United States should rely on reality than simplicity.

Awet N'Hafash!

---