Asmara, 5 September 2010 - President Isaias Afwerki in the afternoon hours today received and held talks with the special representative of the U.N Secretary General in the Somali case, Ambassador Augustini Mahiga.

In the meeting held at Denden Hall, President Isaias pointed out that the UN has a higher responsibility to find a peaceful solution for the Somali issue and expressed Eritrea's full support for the initiatives being taken by the world body. He went on to point out Eritrea's readiness to work together with the Special Representative.  

Moreover, President Isaias expressed his conviction that the Somali issue would be resolved in a politically inclusive manner and emphasized the UN's responsibility in creating conducive grounds for the Somalis to resolve their differences.

Ambassador Augustini Mahiga on his part expressed appreciation for being able to meet with President Isaias and learn about Eritrea's views on this issue.  He went on to underline his readiness to strive to bring about peaceful solution to the Somali issue by working with all the countries in the region as well as those in different parts of the world.