On Monday, May 29, 2006, the Canadian delegation of the Eritrean Anti Tyranny Global Solidarity met in Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, with Foreign Affairs Canada. Sponsors of the petition drive, Eritrean Canadians for Democracy and Human Rights (ECDHR), held talks with Desk officer for Eritrea.  

In a meeting that lasted for about one hour and half, ECDHR discussed the objectives of the petition and the role of Canadian Government in meeting the request of petitioners. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Canada has a close and accurate understanding of the current political situation in Eritrea including the deteriorating human rights conditions.

ECDHR explained to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Canada how functionaries of the Eritrean Government and their supporters in the Eritrean Consulate in Ottawa, and its local ruling party offices in other Canadian cities continue to harass and intimidate Eritrean Canadians into silence in the wake of massive human rights violations in Eritrea. Part of this intimidation brought to the attention of Foreign Affairs Canada includes extortion to collect money (such as 2% tax, forced payments through bonds, Dollar-a-Day schemes, illegal money transfers, usurping the community infrastructure to conduct festivals that supported the 1998-2000 war effort and the increased militarization of Eritrea).

The ECDHR delegates presented the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Canada copies of the press releases issued by the Eritrean Anti- Tyranny Global Solidarity in other countries.

ECDHR requested that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Canada restrict entry visas to Eritrean officials traveling to Canada on unofficial visits whose aim is to extend the hold of tyranny to Diaspora communities.

The official assured the delegates that the petition will be handed to Canada’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Peter MacKay.