Hi,
‘utf-8’ codec can’t decode byte 0xe1 in position 430: invalid continuation byte
here you have the link to a post with an answer to this problem: Better location information for "utf-8 can't decode codec..." error - #3 by jairideout
Also...
You say you are trying to import Paired End MERGED sequences, so those R1 and R2 are merged into 1 file, so you should try to use a manifest and the tools for Sinlge End sequences, see; when your sequences are paired end, you get 2 files, commonly named fileR1 and file R2 that contains your Forward and your Reverse sequences and that tool lets you import both parts when they are not merged, so you can merge them later.