Shabait, Massawa, 12 February 2011 – The official commemoration of the 21st anniversary of Operation Fenkil was today conducted in the port city of Massawa in patriotic spirit. The commemoration took place in the presence of President Isaias Afwerki, Ministers, Army commanders, senior government and PFDJ officials, invited guests as well as thousands of nationals.

In a speech he delivered on the occasion, President Isaias congratulated the Eritrean people and friends in connection with Operation Fenkil anniversary. He underlined that the annual commemoration of the great event in a colorful manner represents a special moment in which the nation takes due consolation and strength.

The President further explained that the port city not only paved the way for total liberation but would also become the hub of investment for national development, as well as regional and international trade and investment.

President Isaias went on to underscore that Fenkil occupies a special place in the history of Eritrean patriotism, and that the nation stands on higher ground for coping with future challenges as it has already acquired valuable experience and capacity. In this connection, he stressed the need for remaining vigilant and reinforce resolve for still more gratifying accomplishments.

(See full text of the President’s speech for details)

Also speaking on the occasion, the Administrator of the Northern Red Sea region, Ms. Tsegereda Woldegergish, noted that this year’s commemoration is special as it is being held on the 20th anniversary of Independence and the charting of future action programs. She further indicated that the tasks undertaken to promote social justice have borne fruitful outcome.

Likewise, in a speech he delivered on behalf of the regional holidays coordinating committee, the PFDJ Secretary in the region, Mr. Hamid Haji, stated that Operation Fenkil constitutes a historic even that amply demonstrated the heroism and steadfastness of the Eritrean people under the dynamic leadership of the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF).

Various artistic and cultural shows were staged at the official commemorative event that transmitted live through ERI-TV and Dimtsi Hafash. Moreover, the signing performance presented by the renowned Sudanese artist, Hamed Areyah, added color to the event.

Massawa, 8 February 2010 - The residents of the port city of Massawa said that the commemorative events being organized in connection with the 20th anniversary of Operation Fenkil would provide added impetus to the Eritrean people’s cherished values of dedication, steadfastness and hard work.

Stating that the Eritrean people have managed to enjoy peace and stability as a result of their steadfastness and sacrifices, the residents explained that Massawa has already been transformed into a modern and prosperous city thanks to the Government’s substantial investment in expanding equitable social services and putting in place reliable infrastructure facilities on the basis of the principle of self-reliance.

They went on to explain that the all-round achievements already registered in the modernization of the city over the past 20 years fully attest to the pledge made to honor the trust of martyrs. In this connection, they pointed out that this year’s commemorative event reminds us all to renew our commitment to build a developed and strong nation through redoubling all-round endeavors.

The city residents further voiced determination to make utmost preparations to colorfully commemorate the 20th anniversary of Operation Fenkil, as the event holds ever deep impression in the minds of the Eritrean people in general and Massawa residents in particular. Source: (Shabait)