(20 Jun 1998) English/Nat
Eritreans remembered the sacrifices of those who died in its 30-year-long war for independence from Ethiopia on Saturday - as the country again finds itself in conflict.
Many of them marked Martyrs' Day by vowing to continue their border war with their one time allies who now rule Ethiopia.
Diplomatic efforts have failed to resolve the 6-week dispute that has spread to three fronts and jeopardizes the stability of the Horn of Africa.
Saturday's remembrance services were more poignant for Eritreans because this year the anniversary coincides with the country's current conflict with its neighbour, Ethiopia.
Thousands flocked to Agordat, 166 kilometres north-west of the capital, to mark Martyrs' Day.
Even troops returned from the frontline to pay their respects.
There they remembered the more than 65-thousand Eritreans who died in the battle for independence which lasted for 30 years until 1991.
One of the worst incidents of the war against the former regime in Ethiopia was 'Black Sunday' when - in 1975 - 375 women and children were massacred in a village on this very site.
This year the mourners also lit candles at fresh graves for those recently killed in conflict.
Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki laid a wreath as part of the service.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"It's a feeling of reassurance, we're reassured - that's it."
SUPER CAPTION: Isaias Afwerki, President of Eritrea
On Friday night thousands gathered in the capital Asmara for a candlelit service.
But despite the peaceful nature of the service, the horrors of three decades of war have hardened Eritreans' resolve.
For the past seven years - ever since Eritrea won its independence from Ethiopia - the two countries have enjoyed friendly relations.
But when the long-simmering border dispute between the two countries ignited again on the 6th of May 1998, thousands of people have taken up arms - resulting in heavy civilian losses.
At a news conference, Afwerki said that neither side wanted war.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I'll tell you one thing, war is bullshit, anyone talking about war these days is bluffing. Yes we will have skirmishes here and there, fighting here and there but that will not be the solution at all."
SUPER CAPTION: Isaias Afwerki, President of Eritrea
The President then spoke of his hopes for mediation.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"In my opinion this is a very dangerous political move which will affect the political reality of the future and that is why we are saying lets diffuse this conflict early, lets find a final solution either through arbitration or demarcating the borders and lets put our alliance back in place."
SUPER CAPTION: Isaias Afwerki, President of Eritrea
However, the President's hopes for peace may a long time coming.
Although there hasn't been any significant fighting since the 11th of June, a deadlock in the peace process has fuelled fears of a resurgence of the war.
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