Eritrea's Afworki terms talks with Mubarak as successful

Eritrean President Isaias Afworki termed his talks with president Hosni Mubarak as "successful and created stronger grounds for bilateral economic and trade cooperation."

In an exclusive interview with al-Ahram newspaper, Afworki said that Eritrea is importing many Egyptian basic commodities, particularly construction materials for development projects, calling for more cooperation to the interest of both peoples.

Afworki said he did not ask Egypt to mediate in the dispute with Sudan because it is "a matter that need no mediation," noting if there is any problem, it will be solved via direct dialogue with Khartoum.

He denied presence of any Eritrean military build-up on the Sudanese borders or any Eritrean military intervention in Sudan.

He played down some parties' expectations on the outbreak of war between the two countries, adding his country will not get involved in reactions to accusations levelled by some Sudanese.

NDA spokesman Hatem Assir Ali said Afworki's talks fall within a role played by Eritrea to reach a comprehensive political solution for the Sudanese crisis.

On tension marring relations with Yemen, Afworki said "the International Court of Justice (ICJ) settled the dispute between the two countries over the Red Sea island of Hanish and maritine borders and we are committed to its rulings."

He said some fishermen's entry into the Yemeni territorial waters took place without the (Eritrean) government's knowledge does not deserve such tension.

The Eritrean President criticized as "failure" of Yemen, Ethiopia and Sudan, calling on Sanaa to quit this alliance.

He dismissed that Eritrea has given the United States a military base in Massawe port to use in striking Iraq.

He also said reports on the growth of Israeli presence in Eritrea, describing them as "malicious rumours."

Afworki took part in the 31st anniversary celebrations of pope Shenouda III's investiture as head of the Coptic Orthodox Church.