Eritreans in Toronto conducted seminar in solidarity to the hostile action taken against YPFDJ Europe 13th conference.

Eritreans in Toronto, Canada conducted seminar in solidarity to the hostile action taken against YPFDJ Europe 13th conference.

By Eritrean Media

On May 14, 2017, Canadians of Eritrean origin conducted a seminar with special guest, journalist Elias Amare from Eritrea, and the president of the local chapter of the YPFDJ, Fitsum Afewerki.

In the course of a seminar, held in the Canadian city of Toronto, they expressed resolve to further support and participate in the national development of their home country.

Mr. Elias Amare, gave an extensive update on the current affairs and situation in Eritrea. He covered the historical background of the State of Eritrea, its struggle to achieve its independence despite the overwhelming odds against it. Mr Amare added that the Eritrean people made tremendous sacrifices for their independence and that attests to the unwavering unity and commitment of the people. He further highlighted the various plots that Eritrea's enemies are resorting to intimidate Eritreans from making a positive contribution to their home land and their respective communities.

After Mr Amare's presentation, Mr. Fitsum Afewerki, the chairman of YPFDJ Toronto, gave an extensive eyewitness account of the disgraceful conduct of the Dutch during the 13th YPFDJ Europe Conference. Mr Afewerki gave a description of the unlawful and political motivated actions of Mr. Jack Mikkers, Mayor of Veldhoven, in the Netherlands and his decision to abruptly cancel the conference, under a fake pretext. The Mayor’s decision forced peaceful European youth of Eritrean origin, some of whom were minors and disabled, to seek shelter in a neighbouring country in the middle of the night.

Furthermore, Mr. Afewerki concluded by praising Eritrean Communities in the Netherlands and neighbouring countries, for opening their homes to give shelter to those conference members who had no place to go. He also praised the organizers of the conference for continuing with the conference in smaller groups, albeit in different locations around Netherlands and Belgium. This was a testament to the resilience of the Eritrean communities in Europe, it's unflinching unity and the continuous support the YPFDJ movement receives.

At the end of the 2 hour seminar, the following resolutions were issued:

On May 14, 2017, The Eritrean community in the city of Toronto and in its environs condemns the unlawful and political motivated actions of Mr. Jack Mikkers, May of Veldhoven, in Netherlands.

Mr. Mikkers decided to abruptly cancel the YPFDJ Europe which was scheduled to take place from 13-17 of April 2017. The Mayor’s disgraceful, unlawful decision forced peaceful European youth of Eritrea origin, some of whom were minor and disabled, to seek shelter in a neighbouring country in the middle of the night.

The Eritrean community in the city of Toronto and in its environs in this occasion expresses its stand.

1. Condemn the unlawful decision taken against the YPFDJ

2. Give our unequivocal support to YPFDJ and all the chapters around the world.

3. We also support and strongly stand joint unison with our visionary leaders and government of Eritrea.

4. Calls upon the Dutch government to maintain Europeans of Eritrean origin the same rights and privileges it assures to its citizens.

5. Victory and success to those who are participating in the nation building process & protecting Eritrean's sovereignty!