The untimely death of veteran fighter of the Eritrean people's liberation struggle and Eritrea's Foreign Minister Mr. Ali Seid Abdalla on 28 August 2005 is a loss to his beloved family, to the people of Eritrea in particular and to the continent of Africa. Much will be said and written about his formidable life, from his incredible valor and courage on the battle fields, to his relentless efforts and guidance in nation building, and his tireless efforts in search of peace and development for his beloved nation of Eritrea. We will listen and read with apt attention, for it is about a man who not only witnessed Eritrea's great history, he is one of her beloved history makers. It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that I write today to add my personal remembrance of this gentleman of great honor and dedication, an unforgettable statesman, and a man who was and remains a model of extreme human bravery, sacrifice and comradeship to Eritreans young and old, far and near.  

Tegadaley Ali Seid Abdalla remained true to the just cause of the Eritrean people, never compromised his principles and never abandoned his vision as he worked tirelessly towards placing Eritrea in her rightful place in the world. He scowered all corners of the globe in search of partners for peace and development for Eritrea. He was a consummate diplomat, a great negotiator, an honest man in a deceitful realm of politics, but never gave up. He represented Eritrea admirably in halls of governments around the world and at the United Nations. He relentlessly called on the international community to shoulder its moral and legal obligations to bring peace to his beloved Eritrea. He worked to bring peace and stability in neighboring Sudan and in the troubled State of Somalia. He was admired by all for his wisdom, his energy and his incredible integrity, not to mention his warm and charismatic personality.

I am grateful to have known such an inspirational gentleman. It is very difficult to find the words that would capture the true essence of a man who has given more than a lifetimes worth to his beloved nation and people. Where do you begin to tell the story, of a humble man? How do you tell the story of a serious, focused envoy with an incredible sense of humor? I will miss his infectious smile, his gentle words of encouragement and hope, and most of all; I will miss his friendship, which he gave so freely and wholly. I feel honored and most privileged to have spent my last day in Asmara in the summer of 2004 with him and his beautiful family at the Expo grounds taking in the Festival tastes and sounds; walking and talking and catching up... I don't remember saying goodbye; I think I said "see you in September". September came and I did not make it to New York, but when we talked last, I said, "See you in Eritrea". And now...

Dear, dear Ali, I will see you in Eritrea; in your beloved children and in the beautiful faces of the Eritrean people, I will see you in your comrades and I will see you in a life time's worth of fond memories. I will remember your kindness and generosity, and most of all your friendship and confidence. I will miss you terribly; but I will, along with all your Eritrean compatriots inside Eritrea and in the Diaspora, recommit to living life in your footsteps, working to fulfill the aspirations of the Eritrean people, to representing Eritrea as you did, with great pride, integrity and dignity. May you rest in peace dear friend and may your loved ones and comrades find solace in knowing that you are a man who was much loved and admired in life, and even more so in death.

Zelealemawi zkri n'suwuatna
Wetru Awet N'Hafash