Independence From Ethiopia OKd by Eritreans
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ASMARA, Eritrea — Eritreans have overwhelmingly chosen independence from Ethiopia in a referendum that ratified a rebel victory in Africa’s longest secessionist struggle, the provisional government said Tuesday.
“Eritrea is a sovereign country as of today,” said Isaias Afewerki, head of the provisional government since his Eritrean People’s Liberation Front marched into the capital, Asmara, on May 24, 1991, after three decades of war.
Afewerki said independence will be formally declared next month on the second anniversary of the rebels’ victory. Eritrea is also expected to apply for membership in the United Nations on that date.
The U.S. consul to Eritrea, Joseph O’Neill, said the United States recognized independent Eritrea less than an hour after the results came through. Italy, Egypt and Sudan also extended recognition, he said.
Organizers of the three-day independence referendum, which ended Sunday, said that 99.8% of Eritrean voters answered “yes” to the sole referendum question: “Do you want independence from Ethiopia?”
“This is the proudest moment,” said voting commissioner Amare Tekle, announcing the results.
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