Minister Woldai Futur promised to address the issue in the Cabinet

Dutch Minister raises the issue of Aster Fessehatsion

Habtom Yohannes

April 7, 2006

On March 23 of this year the undersigned delivered around 13.500 signed petition cards to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Development of the Netherlands on behalf of Amnesty International Dutch branch. Human Rights Ambassador at Large, Mr. Piet de Klerk received the cards and the photo-poster of Aster Fessehatsion. The signatories of the petition call on the Dutch Government to put more pressure on the Eritrean Government to release Aster Fessehatsion and the other prisoners of conscience immediately. The least the petitioners ask is that the prisoners get a defence lawyer, a visit from family members and proper medical care.

Mr. Schoemaker of AI and Habtom Yohannes, the imprisoned Mrs. Aster Fissehatsion(photo) and Mr. Piet de Klerk, Human Rights Ambassador at Large

of The Netherlands

Last week the Dutch Minister for Development, Mrs Agnes van Ardenne raised the issue of Aster with her Eritrean colleague Dr. Woldai Futur. She asked Dr. Futur about the whereabouts of the prisoners and their situation. She conveyed through him to the Eritrean authorities the discontentment of the Dutch Government and the Dutch public about the indefinite incarceration of the prisoners of conscience without any due process. Mrs. Van Ardene asked Dr. Futur to allow   - at least as a sign of good will-   the Dutch Embassy personnel in Asmara to visit Aster and the other prisoners of conscience in the country.

Dr. Futur promised to pay attention to the request of the Minister and discuss the issue with the other Ministers of the Eritrean Cabinet.

Habtom Yohannes presents around 13.500 signed petitions for the release of

Mrs. Aster Fessehatsion, one of the thousands Eritrean prisoners of conscience.

This is seen as a direct result of the Amnesty International concerted action of

last December 10. On International Human Rights day Amensty International Netherlands started a campaign to draw the attention of the Dutch public,

the Dutch Government and the Dutch Parliament to the plight of all Eritrean prisoners of conscience in general, and Aster Fessehatsion in particular.

http://www.nharnet.com/Archives/Arch_2005/Dec2005/HabtomYohannes_Dec15.htm

or

http://www.selfi-democracy.com/

index.php?read=articles/articles/1134759225Amnesty-International_e.htm

The Human Rights Ambassador at Large, Mr. Piet de Klerk reiterated in the discussion the three delegation of AI (including HY) had with him and his two other colleagues that he shares the analyses of Amnesty International about  Eritrea. It is because of the dire human rights situation in the country that the Dutch Government had decided to freeze all developmental help to Eritrea, except of course humanitarian help. "But we will try to remain on speaking terms with the Eritrean Government and the Human Rights Issue is always on the agenda."

The campaign for human rights in Eritrea will continue unabated until justice is done in Eritrea. Amensty International Netherlands is planning effective actions in collaboration with the undersigned.

I thank Amnesty International The Netherlands for their successful actions!

I thank all the volunteers, Paul Helsloot of the Africa section and Daan Shoemaker of AI 

Habtom Yohannes

Friday, April 7, 2006

Reactions are more than welcome at: habtomy@asmarino.com