ON DR. CONDOLEEZA RICE'S UP COMING VISIT TO ETHIOPIA
Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Party (EPRP) -
DECEMBER 4/2007 PRESS RELEASE
Dr. Condoleezza Rice, the US secretary of State, is going to Addis Ababa on December 5 to discuss with certain African leaders the grave situation in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa regions. This is for sure a rare visit but skepticism expressed on its outcome by many observers is shared by the EPRP too.
The situation in the Great Lakes region and especially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is very much linked to the 'curse' on this fraternal African country: its wealth and riches from gold to diamond, from uranium to coltan and more. The ongoing war in Eastern Congo has cost the lives of more than 4 million people with not much protest being heard from Western capitals that have, on the other hand, expressed so much concern on what is going on in Darfur.
Ethiopia-Eritrea border deadline expires amid tension
Bogonko Bosire | Nairobi, Kenya
A deadline for Ethiopia and Eritrea to agree on the physical demarcation of their border expired on Saturday amid escalating tension between the two nations, leaving the frontier only delineated on maps.
After their 1998 to 2000 border war, which left 70 000 people dead, the two Horn of Africa countries agreed The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration should demarcate the border both on maps and on the ground.
The Forum of Ethiopians PalTalk Room:
Interview with Dr. Berhanu Alemayehu on HR2003 has been confirmed
Saturday December 1, 2007 at 12:00 noon Eastern USA Time.
Interview with Dr. Mesfin Araya on war and peace situation in the horn has been scheduled for
Sunday December 2, 2007 at 12:00 noon, Eastern USA Time.
WORLD AIDS DAY
December 1/2007 - PRESS RELEASE
Ethiopia is one of the countries in Africa badly affected by the AIDS epidemic. Close to 4 million people are afflicted by the HIV virus and thousands die yearly for lack of adequate health care.
The spread of AIDS in Ethiopia was encouraged from 1991-1995 by the dissolution of the organism set up by the previous regime to combat the spread of AIDS. The regime of the EPRDF, under Meles Zenawi, not only dissolved the national level body set up to combat AIDS but also ruined the whole health care system. Furtermore, the politics of the regime militated for the creation of the social conditions that encourage the spread of AIDS. The increasing unemployment rate, wide spread prostitution, the atmospehre of hopelessness accomapnied by the enouragement of alcoholism and, above all, the lack of information on AIDS have all made the spread of AIDS easier. The disease is still shrouded in mystery and not even acknowledged in many parts though it is ravaging hundreds of thousands all over the country.
DENIAL OF DUE PROCESS CONTINUES
November 30/2007
Once again, the court, controlled by the EPRDF regime, has postponed the judgment day on the case of anti poverty activists Daniel Bekele and Netsanet Demissie. The two were jailed along with the leaders of the CUD party who have now been relased after two years of detention.
Observers dismayed at further delay in trial of Ethiopian activists
30-11-07: Ethiopian anti-poverty activists Daniel Bekele and Netsanet Demissie will remain in prison for at least another 24 days, as Judges in Ethiopia’s High Court today delayed their verdict for the third time in two months, postponing it until 24 December.
“We are deeply dismayed by the court’s decision to delay the verdict yet again. These numerous postponements are unacceptable and infringe the rights of these innocent civil society leaders to a fair and swift trial. But we will not be deterred - we and others around the world will continue to insist on their immediate and unconditional release,” said Kumi Naidoo, Secretary General of CIVICUS and Co-Chair of GCAP
Ethiopia assures no Ogaden famine
The UN has been assured that food will be allowed into Ethiopia's Ogaden region and there will be no famine, the UN's emergency relief chief says. "I received very strong assurances from the prime minister downwards," he told the BBC after a visit to the area.
Democracy Versus Zenawi’s Power
The Case of Ethiopian Society and HR 2003
The real prospect of HR 2003 (Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007) becoming a US law is making the Ethiopian ruling party very nervous. Consistent with the nature of an oligarchic regime, it perceives democracy as a threat to its very existence. Thus, its multiple approaches, at home and abroad, to try to quash HR 2003 in the US Senate should come as no surprise to anyone.
New Ethiopian opposition alliance formed - Eritrean report
Text of report by state-owned Eritrean radio on 21 November
An alliance of [Ethiopian] opposition groups called Unity of Ethiopians for Democratic Change [UEDC] has been formed in a bid to take the Ethiopian people's struggle to victory and shorten the life of the weyane [Ethiopian] regime in power.
Verdict to be passed on Ethiopian activists for treason charges
Anti-poverty activists Daniel Bekele and Netsanet Demissie are due to hear their verdict on treason related charges on Thursday, 22 November, after numerous judicial delays. If found guilty, they could face life imprisonment or death sentences.
In a historic meeting, representatives from diverse regions of Ethiopia came together to share their concern for the dismal state of human rights in the country.
For immediate release: November 20, 2007
The Ethiopian Human Rights in the Next Millennium event, sponsored by the Anuak Justice Council on Saturday, November 17, 2007, in Washington D.C. was greeted with great enthusiasm by participants and attendees. In a historic meeting, representatives from diverse regions of Ethiopia came together to share their concern for the dismal state of human rights in the country, hoping to work together for the first time for comprehensive solutions
To Dr. Berihanu Nega
Confusion
By Fretsidiq Fekade
Where you go when you are lonely,
Where you go when you are blue,
CALL ME BY MY NAME: A debate with Debteraw, XX
Wolde Tewolde alias Obo Arada Shawl
November 17, 2007
In the beginning, EPRP’s shared goal was to exercise the right to practice to change the government of the Prime Minister of Aklilu Habtewold and his brothers through peaceful and democratic means. Peaceful and democracy were unknown to the people in power.
OPEN WOUNDS
HAMA TUMA (1995)
Human Rights for Ethiopians in the Next Millennium
The AJC started as an ethnically focused organization to protect the needs of the Anuak following the
massacre of 424 Anuak in December of 2003. Since that time, the AJC has broadened its vision to
include other Ethiopians, believing that justice will never come to the Anuak unless justice comes to
all Ethiopians.
LESSONS FROM THE MAY 2005 ETHIOPIAN ELECTIONS:
THE WAY FORWARD
By Getachew Begashaw, PhD.
I would like to start my presentation by thanking the Canadian Peacebuilding Coordinating Committee and all non-governmental organization members who spent time and effort to put together this conference, and I sincerely hope their efforts will be worthwhile in enshrining peace and democracy in Ethiopia. The conveners of this conference have asked me to participate in a panel, and to present a paper on the subject title. Subtitles include the following:
- The May 2005 elections and lessons learned: what was fair, and what was not.
- Is parliamentary democracy working in Ethiopia?
- Is effective parliamentary power-sharing possible?
- Key areas for change and assistance.
Dr. Getachew Begashaw’s paper “Is it really Lessons learned and the Way Forward?”
LA UEDF Support Committee - June 23, 2007
Why are our lessons learned from the May 2005 elections and its aftermath so different from that of Dr. Getachew Begashaw’s as presented to the Canadian Peace-building Coordinating Committee in Toronto – entitled “Lessons from the May 2005 Ethiopian Elections: The Way Forward” . Before we address the topic, we would like to say this is written in the hope of starting a healthy and constructive dialogue from which we believe refined positions and clearer directions will ensue. We hope our modest contribution will foster a democratic culture that will contribute towards building a democratic system. It is not meant to score points and engage in a “win/lose” discourse.
PUBLIC AI Index: AFR 25/027/2007
09 November 2007 UA 299/07
Prisoners of conscience ETHIOPIA
Daniel Bekele (m), policy manager of the Ethiopian office of ActionAid (international development NGO), lawyer
Netsanet Demissie (m), director of NGO Organization for Social Justice in Ethiopia
Human rights defenders Daniel Bekele and Netsanet Demissie face possible sentences of life imprisonment on 22 November. Amnesty International considers them prisoners of conscience, detained solely for their peaceful human rights activism.
URGENT ACTION ALERT
In Support of Ethiopian-Americans and Friends of Ethiopia in Oklahoma for H.R. 2003
Tuesday November 13- to Friday November 16, 2007
Immediately Call and Fax
Senator James Inhofe –(Minority Deputy Whip -Republican)
The third-highest ranking Senate Republican leader
Ask him To Lift the “Hold” he placed on H.R.2003, a human rights bill that promotes democracy and human rights in Ethiopia. Ask him to stand with the people of Ethiopia to protect the long-term national interest of the United States and not with a distant dictator that terrorizes his own people.
Network of Ethiopian Scholars- Scandinavia Chapter
November 9, 2007
Title: Chinese Success: Lessons for Ethiopia!
1. Inspiring quotes
“By breadth of reading and the ties of courtesy a gentleman will also keep from error's path.” (Confucius, the Chinese Sage)
“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest. “ Confucius
CALL ME BY MY NAME: A debate with Debteraw, XIX
Wolde Tewolde, alias Obo Arada Shawl
November 7, 2007
Up Front – Help Wanted
Qualified candidate to promote democracy within EPRP!
This is EPRP’s end game, halfway to forming a true political community. As it gets under way, notwithstanding earlier battles within itself, EPRP will have to do more for its citizens to accept not only its discussions but also its agenda. The agenda is READ, READ and READ.
Ethiopia , Eritrea may go to war 'in weeks'
Andrew Cawthorne
Nairobi , Kenya
Horn of Africa enemies Ethiopia and Eritrea may return to war over their disputed border in a matter of weeks if there is no major international push to halt them, an influential think tank warned on Monday.
A 1998 to 2000 war on the boundary killed 70 000 people and brought untold hardship to two of the world's poorest nations.
A BLESSING IN DISGUISE
Mankelklot Haile Selassie
Let me say this from the outset. It is critically important to realize that the target was not Hailu Shawel, per se. The target was, what was intended to achieve by targeting Hailu Shawel. In my opinion, we have fail to see the bigger picture.
Previously I argued against Berhanu Nega’s group coming to the United States of America before establishing the frame work for initiating the struggle, to be applied when conditions allow. But, from the extent of the exposure of the political deception and the conspiracy by the Berhanu Nega’s group that came to the open while in jail, it is safe to say that there is the hand of God in pushing this unbelievable group to come to the United States immediately after their release from jail.
Release immediately all Political Prisoners in Ethiopia including the returned refugees from the Sudan!
November 3, 2007 (SOCEPP-CAN)
On September 27, 2007, the Sudanese authorities forcibly repatriated 15 recognized refugees to Ethiopia and were handed over to the security forces at the Ethiopia-Sudan border and are being held incommunicado. Among the repatriates was the elderly - Atanaw Wasie, who has lived in exile for over 30 years.
The Afars Pastoralists of Ethiopia at the Gun Points!
Press release
November 1, 2007
The Afar people happen to inhabit in area with great strategic significance in the Horn of Africa. The Afar case has not been mentioned anywhere concerning human right violation, internal displacements and the livelihood related challenges they face due to board conflicts. Currently, the conflict with Somalia,EPRP Press Release – November 1, 2007
On the worsening situation in the Horn of Africa
More than 90,000 people have fled from war torn Mogadishu. Reliable reports indicate also that the Meles Zenawi regime is seriously preparing for war against Eritrea. In the Ogaden region of Ethiopia, a scorched earth anti guerrilla campaign is wreaking havoc, starvation and massive displacement.
Whose money is it anyway?
Professor Getachew Haile wrote a while back here, in his truthful and direct manner, “ Genzebo betefa ene neberku yemeteyekew / yemekotaw”, translated simply “If money was squandered, I would be the first one to raise hell”.
However, just in case it has escaped the attention of the unknowing, here it is again the way we most know it, and my plea that we pull together and grow, not shatter and break.
Much is rumored, said and written about the misappropriation of money raised to support Freedom and Democracy in Ethiopia within the last two years.
Problems of the Kinijit Audit
Monday October 29, 2007By Belete Demissie I am a CPA and MBA with over thirty years of business experience and I have never seen an auditor going around and accusing and exposing his own clients based on information they gave him to audit. I have never heard of a CPA reporting his own client and its members and employees to the Internal Revenue Services and other governmental organizations. And I have never heard of a CPA announcing his client’s bank account numbers on the radio. These are all gross violations of the Code of Professional Ethics of
CALL ME BY MY NAME: A Commentary, XVIII
Wolde Tewolde alias Obo Arada Shawl
November 1, 2007
As Ethiopians we had dignity. We used to embolden ourselves with pride and self-respect. But these days, no matter how dignified an Ethiopian may look, whether he is an ethnos, a nationalist or an internationalist, whether he is rich, or homeless, he/she needs to restore a sense of dignity and pride. Actually dignity and pride are the qualities that each member of our society must recognize, in himself/herself and in others. If we do not recognize our own dignity and that of others, then respect is lost.
Fretsidiq Fekade
Elohim, Redeem the youth,
Elohim, Elohim,
When will you judge
The butchers of the ages?
Elohim Elohim,
Patience of yours so eternal,
Your love is unconditional.
But, Your people are in wonder,
How long you let babies to suffer,
Stricken with misery and hunger,
In the government of corrupt leader. (Read More>>>)
Battles rock Mogadishu for second day
Reuters
Sunday, October 28, 2007; 4:54 AM
MOGADISHU (Reuters) - Fighting raged for a second day in the Somali capital on Sunday as Ethiopian troops clashed with Islamist-led rebels in the heaviest battles for weeks.
Fearful residents cowered behind closed doors as the forces of the interim government, which is backed by Ethiopia and the United Nations, sought again to crush heavily armed insurgents.
Read More>>>
Eritrea accuses Ethiopia of plotting to invade
Jack Kimball | Asmara, Eritrea
Eritrea accused arch-foe Ethiopia on Saturday of plotting to invade the Red Sea state ahead of a late-November deadline to mark their disputed border on maps.
Analysts and diplomats fear heightened tensions on the Horn of Africa rivals' frontier could erupt into a new conflict seven years after they fought a war that killed about 70 000 people.
Lift your soul high.
The journey of liberty,
The dream of unity,
blurred at the end of the day
When injustice dwindle liberty.
And Human right lost its essence
So true is our days of harsh governance,
befriended with democrats.
At the expense of allegiance,
Democracy lost its virtues
Read More>>>
Do Words Used Reflect Realities: The Case of Berhanu
Disclaimer. The dignity and humanity of Dr. Berhanu Nega should be respected by all Ethiopians. Not to do so demeans all of us. However, that does not mean that we cannot try to comprehend his role in politics surrounding the Kinijit nonviolent movement. We should do the study by citing verifiable examples including testimonials provided by person of integrity so that we can separate his political work from his Ethiopianess as a human being.
In the Case of Total Ignorance, We can Gamble but We Can’t Trust (Response to Bertukan’s Apology to Tigrayans)
By Getachew Reda
The power hunger “Splinter” group of Berhanu Nega’s Kinijit has been galloping to every State until now with an attempt to sell them selves as the viable leadership of Kinijit after distancing themselves from legitimate leader of Kinijit “Eng. Hailu Shawel”. Judge Bertukan Mediksa a bright, educated young lady seemed to commit bundle of negative decisions perhaps easily manipulated by wrong advisors around her.
Ethiopia admits Ogaden skirmishes
(BBC News)
Ethiopia has admitted there have been "skirmishes" between its troops and the rebel Ogaden National Liberation Front.
But the government once again denied ONLF claims that it had inflicted heavy losses on government forces.
The ONLF said on Sunday its forces had killed 140 soldiers in a battle near the eastern town of Wardheer.
The Ethiopian government initially denied its forces were attacked. A BBC correspondent says reports of a major confrontation in the region persist.
Ethiopians are demanding apology from Senator Inhofe
Dear Senator Inhofe:
I am writing to demand an apology for the racist, scurrilous, truculent, degrading, offensive and manifestly untruthful statements you made on the floor of the Senate on October 17, 2007.
Meles Zenawi blows hot and cold
Indian Ocean Newsletter N° 1224 20/10/2007
The Ethiopian military adventure in Somalia has hardly been the "lightning war" intended. Meles Zenawi will therefore probably hesitate before considering a similar operation in Eritrea. And yet, he will have to take an initiative on these two conflicts before the general election in 2010. Until then, the Ethiopian Prime Minister will also try to find a modus vivendi with the more moderate of his opponents. But severity remains the byword for the others, including the dissident members of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF, hard core of the governing coalition) who have been demanding, so far in vain, to be allowed to form a legal political party.
Dr. Mankelklot Haile Selassie author of “WUHIDET Incubated Kestedemena's -Attempted Coup De-tat” was @ Assimba PalTalk Room this past Saturday. Listen to audio below.
Dr. Mankelklot Haile Selassie Part I
Coalition Launches Full Scale Grassroots Advocacy in the U.S. Senate
H.R. 2003 “ Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007”
U.S. SENATE ADVOCACY PACKET
ZENAWI ENLISTS OKLAHOMA SENATOR JAMES INHOFE TO KILL HR 2003 IN THE U.S. SENATE
Using language previously seen in D.L.A. Piper lobbying materials and official Ethiopia Embassy press releases, Sen. James Inhofe of Oklahoma released a statement criticizing H.R. 2003. He described the bill as one “focus(ing) only on shortcomings while blatantly ignoring the unprecedented progress the country has made”. He said Ethiopia “continue(s) to be a close friend of the United States and a strong ally in the War on Terror in the Horn of Africa.”
The Flood Victim Afars of Ethiopia Need Urgent Humanitarian Responses!
Press Release October 16, 2007
The Afar pastoralists face a humanitarian disaster caused by flash flooding. The Afar region is a plain land adjacent to the Ethiopian highland plateau. Most rivers and streams emanated from the eastern highland and ends up into the Afar lowlands, which exposes the Afar land to flooding every rainy season. Additional factor to the flash flooding in Afar is the release of excess water from the Koka Dam.
ONE SMALL STEP FOR THE U.S. CONGRESS, ONE GIANT LEAP FOR ETHIOPIAN HUMAN RIGHTS
Alemayehu G. Mariam ---October 15, 2007
“It is a great day for America! It’s a great day for Ethiopia!” Congressman Donald Payne
A Great Day for Freedom, Democracy and Human Rights in Ethiopia!
Passage of H.R. 2003 on October 2, 2007 in the U.S. House of Representatives marked a great day for Ethiopia as did the lunar landing of Apollo 11 for humanity on July 20, 1969. When astronaut Neil Armstrong first stepped on the lunar surface, he said: "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." That was the spirit of Payne’s message when he stepped out of the Foreign Affairs Committee hearing room on September 26, 2007and said, “It is a great day for America. It is a great day for Ethiopia”. But we all know what he meant: “H.R. 2003 is one small step for the U.S. Congress, one giant leap for Ethiopians on their long walk to freedom, democracy and human rights.”
Help Finote Democracy RadioVoice of Ethiopian Unity |
LATE AWARENESS Fragnance of wisdom
closed eyes piercing dark clouds The stars twinkle, Blind, he sees them. The stomach churns from hunger no grumbling is heard. Sad, sad eyes are saying it all he feels the pain the eyes are tearless sucked dry by grief. He now knows what they felt when the mid-night knock came and the men in boots and borrowed guns brought with them the Red Terror.
Hama Tuma (1995)
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NEW CD of Poems
By Ali Hussien.....
Banned in Ethiopia !!!
To order:
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