Editorial: Shabait

May 23, 2007

The 24th of May is the date of triumph on which we closed the chapter of struggle for independence by securing national independence and sovereignty and embarked on a new chapter of the struggle for peace and development. Hence, the dates and moments that have enabled us to experience freedom should always occupy a treasured place in our hearts and memories in addition to being points of reference in our decision-making and work endeavors.

The 24th of May is a date on which peace and justice had been restored, and the process of economic emancipation initiated. On this glorious date, we had been able to stand on our own feet and achieve material and spiritual freedom. However, the path we had traversed to reach this date had hardly been smooth and trouble-free.

For Eritrean freedom to be a reality, tens of thousands had been imprisoned, 1 out of 30 martyred and 1 out of 200 disabled. Each and every family (disregarding the very few who could not be troubled) has had more than its share of suffering, disintegration and martyrdom for the sake of freedom. It is because we had paid such a high price for it that our independence struggle culminated in a lasting and proud history.

These days, the Eritrean people are celebrating the 16th Independence Day anniversary with a vivacity that befits this cherished day. Moreover, in the midst of the merry festivities, the Eritrean people have not forgotten to once again reaffirm and strengthen their pledge to work hard and build an economically developed nation. And as some of our artists have asserted, the realization of this vision is indeed inevitable.

Source: Shabait