In his visit to Italy, President Isaias Afwerki was received by the Charge d�affairs of the Eritrean Embassy, Mr. Petros Tsegay because the Ambassador to Italy, Mr. Andemichael Kahsai, had been called to Asmara and has been �frozen� for two months.

"Frozen" is a term used for officials who are demoted from their positions but continue to receive pay and, in some cases, report to their offices.

The government has not named a replacement for the ambassador.

Sources inform our reporter that the Ambassador�s demotion is not due to political differences but as a consequence of repeated complaints by the Italian government.

Mr. Andemichael Kahsai had served as a minister within the Ministry of Transportation and a director within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where he was �rarely found in his office,� according to our source.  His nightlife exploits, usually involving brawls, are notorious in Asmara.