Eritrean visit lowers tensions with Yemen

An Eritrean delegation has concluded its visit to Yemen, during which it delivered a communique from Eritrean President Asias Afworki to Yemeni president Ali Abdallah Saleh.

Signs have emerged that the crisis between Sanaa and Asmara are easing due to the visit.

Informed sources in the Yemeni capital said they believe the coming period will view mutual visits to bridge the differences between the two sides.

Eritrea occupied in December 1995 the Yemeni island of Hanish. This disputed island issue between the two countries is currently pending before an international court. Some who are informed about the arguments presented by Eritrea at the international court has described the Eritrean arguments as "weak".

The sources said that the Eritrean motivation to search for a solution and to develop bilateral relations is in light of the "weak" arguments presented before the court, implying that the court decision will be in Yemen's favor.

The Eritrean envoy has delivered a written message to the Eritrean president from the Yemeni president Ali Abdallah Saleh.