UN lifts decade-old sanctions on Eritrea

Bloomberg

The United Nations lifted almost decade-old sanctions on Eritrea, potentially boosting the once-isolated Red Sea nation’s economy as it rebuilds relations with long-time foe Ethiopia.
The UN Security Council’s move ends restrictions first imposed in 2009 on accusations Eritrea backed armed groups including al-Shabaab in Somalia. Eritrea has long decried the claims as baseless and politically motivated, while UN investigators said they’ve found no evidence of support for the Somali al-Qaeda affiliate over the past five years.
“The government of Eritrea welcomes this belated decision to redress injustice, almost a decade after nefarious acts were taken inculcating indefensible harm on the country,” the Information Ministry said. The Security Council voted unanimously to remove the arms embargo, travel bans, asset freezes and other targeted sanctions.
The step could help Eritrea, which a government survey says is home to 3.2 million people,unlock opportunities for
its mainly agrarian economy where few foreign companies operate and that’s isolated from the international banking system.
The office of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed congratulated Eritrea on “a significant step towards deepening the economic, social, and cultural ties the sisterly nations of Ethiopia and Eritrea enjoy.”
The UN Security Council has previously demanded that Eritrea disclose information about Djiboutian fighters missing in action after border clashes in 2008, who are presumed prisoners of war.

UAE welcomes UN decision
ABU DHABI / WAM

The United Arab Emirates has welcomed the UN Security Council’s decision to lift sanctions imposed on Eritrea.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Wednesday welcomed the news, saying the decision will promote a historic reconciliation in the Horn of Africa.
The UAE expressed its conviction that the decision represents a fundamental development that will enhance the chances for stability, development and investment opportunities in Eritrea and its surrounding areas, and will reflect positively on the region.