Eritrea asked to embrace peace prior to joining IGAD

Kenya on Monday asked Eritrea to support regional peace initiatives before it rejoins Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
While receiving a special message from Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki that was delivered by the Eritrean Ambassador to Kenya Beyene Russom, President Mwai Kibaki said Kenya was willing to work with all pro-peace neighbouring states in the region.

Eritrea has sought Kenya's support in an effort to rejoin IGAD.
"In his response, President Kibaki welcomed Eritrea's decision to rejoin IGAD subject to the Government of Eritrea's support for regional peace initiatives," said a PPS statement to the newsroom.
During the meeting, Kibaki and Ambassador Russom discussed the issue of visas for Eritrean nationals visiting Kenya.
After the lapse of the agreement for the abolition of visas between the two states, Kenya reinstated a referral visa regime with respect to Eritrean nationals.
However, Kibaki assured the envoy that the issue of visas for Eritreans was being addressed by the relevant government agencies.
In the message, President Afewerki said his country viewed Kenya as bastion of peace in the region.
The Eritrean President, therefore, requested for Kenya's intervention to have Eritrea rejoin IGAD.
In his response, President Kibaki welcomed Eritrea's decision to rejoin IGAD subject to the Government of Eritrea's support for regional peace initiatives.
During the meeting, the President and the envoy also discussed the issue of visas for Eritrean nationals visiting Kenya.
After the lapse of the agreement for the abolition of visas between Kenya and the State of Eritrea, Kenya reinstated a referral visa regime with respect to Eritrean nationals.
In this regard, President Kibaki assured the envoy that the issue of visas for Eritreans was being addressed by the relevant Government agencies.
Present during the meeting were Foreign Affairs Assistant Minister Richard Onyonka, acting Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Mr. Francis Kimemia, Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Mr. Thuita Mwangi and acting Internal Security Permanent Secretary Mr. Mutea Iringo among others.