The government of Japan has donated about 50m nakfa [about 5m dollars] to the Eritrean Relief and Refugees Commission [ERRC] to help war-displaced and drought-afflicted Eritreans.

The aid agreement was signed today at the ERRC offices in Asmara by Commissioner Hiwot Zemikael and the deputy director of the Japanese international cooperation, Mr Shozo Uemura.

Mr Uemura said during the occasion that the aid was a follow up to the existing cooperation agreement, and pledged that the government and people of Japan would strive to help the Eritrean government and people in all domain. He said studies were under way to provide similar assistance...

Source: Voice of the Broad Masses of Eritrea, Asmara, in Tigrinya 1700 gmt 26 Jul 02

/ý BBC Monitoring