BBC News Online: World: Africa

Eritreans celebrate peace

Asmara is enjoying the new sense of peace

Eritreans on Monday woke up to the news that they had won the key disputed village of Badme, where the war started.

"Peace is priceless, peace first of all," said Debrazion Yosief, an Eritrean restaurateur. "We suffered a lot for defending ourselves, and so we are satisfied with the decision"

For young people, the war has other implications.

Rebirth

Virtually every young Eritrean is on national service. Demobilisation has yet to take place but many hope that now people can return to civilian life and start to plan their future.

"I am happy," says young painter Ermias Ekube. "Now at least, you can plan the rest of your life. Many youngsters have a hope to lead their own lives, so it's nice."

"It's like a rebirth for Eritrea," added Ermias.

Over the four years of war, almost all the country's attention and focus was on the war.

But Eritrea and Ethiopia are among the poorest nations in the world, and now it is hoped that attention will be turned to domestic concerns.

For travel agent Solomon Abraha, the announcement was a very special occasion.

"At last the war is over and it's time to move on," he said.

"I am very happy that finally the border between Eritrea and Ethiopia has been decided upon.

"I hope that now the leadership of both countries will start to put this thing behind us, as soon of possible and we can all concentrate on taking care of our real problems which are poverty hunger and disease."