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Hollows charity helped sheep deal
5 Nov 2003
The Fred Hollows Foundation was instrumental in sealing the deal that saw Eritrea take the boatload of unwanted sheep aboard the MV Cormo Express. On October 8, at the height of the crisis, a foundation function brought together Alexander Downer, Foreign Affairs Minister, and the Eritrean ambassador to Australia, Asmeron Ma'ashio.
While the two men did not hold formal talks, it's understood the fate of the sheep was discussed. The Hollows Foundation's strong relationship with Eritrea proved vital in helping Australia secure a deal, as the charity has had ties with that country since the mid-1980s. The foundation's CEO said Eritrea was keen to do what it could to accommodate Australia.
Australia and Eritrea reached a formal agreement in October 16 and the sheep arrived in Eritrea on October 24, with supplies of feed and a $1 million "sweetener".
The Australian, 5/11/03, page 4.
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