5th National Youth Festival opened today in coincidence with commencement of 25th round National Service

On Jul 13, 2012

The opening ceremony of the 5th National Youth Festival and the official commencement of the 25th round National Service were conducted today in Sawa in the presence of President Isaias Afwerki, Ministers, PFDJ officials, Army commanders, Regional administrators, parents and a large number of participants.

Sawa, 13 July 2012 – The opening ceremony of the 5th National Youth Festival and the official commencement of the 25th round National Service were conducted today in Sawa in the presence of President Isaias Afwerki, Ministers, PFDJ officials, Army commanders, Regional administrators, parents and a large number of participants.

Speaking on the occasion, President Isaias congratulated parents, trainers, trainees and the participants inside the country and those living abroad, and indicated that such occasions are times when we ascertain that the trust of martyrs is honored in deeds besides renewing our pledge. He further pointed out that the citizenry are confident that members of the 25th round National Service would safeguard the nation’s dignity and unravel the vanity of anti-Eritrea quarters.

Col. Debesai Gide on his part congratulated members of the 25th round National Service that they stepped to their graduation day after courageously facing social, military and academic challenges over the past year. There is no doubt that they would keep track of their elders, he added.

Members of the 25th round National Service staged military parades and other performances. Moreover, military units, trainers and trainees who demonstrated outstanding military performance received awards from President Isaias, Gen. Sibhat Ephrem, Defense Minister, and Mr. Al-Amin Mohammed Seid, Secretary of the PFDJ.

Pointing out that the past 21 years marked an era of development, perseverance and resolve against external conspiracies, Mr. Sultan Seid, Chairman of the National Union of Eritrean Youths and Students, expressed congratulations to the Eritrean people upon demonstrating steadfastness in pursuing independent political path and clear vision.

Different artistic works by artists inside the country and abroad highlighted the role of Eritrean youths over the past 21 years, while cultural troupes and individual artists from South Africa, the Republic of Sudan, Rwanda and Uganda added color to the event.

Members of the 25th round National Service also took oath.