Axum, July 28, 2007 (Axum) - Some 574 Ethiopians recently deported by the Eritrean regime arrived in Adwa town of the Tigray State on Friday via Merebleh area with the help of the Red Cross, the town administration said.
Chief of the town administration, Ar'aya Mer'ed told Ethiopian News Agency on Saturday that the citizens expelled from that country are currently sheltered in temporary camp located in the town.
The official said the compatriots were denied of their rights by the dictatorial Eritrean regime while they were residing in Eritrea.
According to the official, over 1 million Birr is required to rehabilitate the expatriates who would be receiving 1,000-3,000 Birr based on their age.
The majority of the expatriates are reported to be women.
Some 429 Ethiopians had come to their homeland in May 2007 with the assistance of the Red Cross.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Addis Ababa to host internationl confernce on heritage conservation
Addis Ababa, July 28, 2007 (Addis Ababa) - The Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritages said a four-day conference on heritage conservation would be held in Addis Ababa in Jan. 2008.
International and public relations head with the authority, Wolde Darsema told Ethiopian News Agency that the workshop is expected to attract over 200 researchers and scientists around the globe.
The conference will confer on anthropology, archeology and related geological fields as well as on the conservation of monuments and heritage sites.
Over 200 scientists from USA, Canada, and European countries are already invited to attend the conference. The participants will also visit Hadar and Guna areas, which are known to be the origin of mankind.
The authority is also preparing to carry out various activities in connection to the celebration of the new Ethiopian millennium.
The authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism plans to publish various brochures, magazines, and calendars with a view to promoting the cultural heritages of the country.
The official called upon every citizen to contribute share in promoting national heritages, prevent and transfer them to the next generation.
International and public relations head with the authority, Wolde Darsema told Ethiopian News Agency that the workshop is expected to attract over 200 researchers and scientists around the globe.
The conference will confer on anthropology, archeology and related geological fields as well as on the conservation of monuments and heritage sites.
Over 200 scientists from USA, Canada, and European countries are already invited to attend the conference. The participants will also visit Hadar and Guna areas, which are known to be the origin of mankind.
The authority is also preparing to carry out various activities in connection to the celebration of the new Ethiopian millennium.
The authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism plans to publish various brochures, magazines, and calendars with a view to promoting the cultural heritages of the country.
The official called upon every citizen to contribute share in promoting national heritages, prevent and transfer them to the next generation.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Ethiopia Pardons 38 Opposition Members
By ANITA POWELL,
AP
Posted: 2007-07-20 07:27:43
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) - Three minibuses left an Ethiopian prison carrying 38 opposition politicians and activists pardoned by the government Friday. Dozens of family members and supporters outside shouted in joy and whistled.The politicians and activists were released only minutes after Prime Minister Meles Zenawi told journalists the government had pardoned them. They had been sentenced to various prison terms, including life, for inciting violence in an attempt to overthrow the government.As their minibuses left Kalici Prison, some of the politicians made the victory sign, which is also the symbol of Ethiopia's opposition.The family members and supporters gathered outside waved Ethiopian flags and also made victory signs. They then pursued the minibuses in other vehicles.
It was not clear where the politicians and activists were being taken.Meles had said he hoped the pardon "conveys the message that people are given a second chance as long as they seek it." The prisoners had written the government asking to be pardoned.Meles said that the prisoners' right to vote and seek public office also had been restored.
A Federal High Court ruled on Monday that those sentenced to life would have those rights permanently revoked and others would be barred for five years from seeking public office.The United States had urged the government to show clemency in the case, which had been widely condemned by international human rights groups.After the sentences were announced Monday, state-owned Ethiopian Television had reported the politicians and activists had written to the president to ask for pardons. Amnesty International said the defendants reportedly signed a statement some weeks ago that was expected to lead to a pardon and reconciliation with the ruling party.
Those pardoned included the leader of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, Hailu Shawel; Berhanu Nega, who was elected mayor of Addis Ababa; former Harvard scholar Mesfin Woldemariam; and former U.N. special envoy and a former professor at Virginia's Norfolk State University, Yacob Hailemariam.International human rights groups had accused the government of trying to silence its critics, and opposition leaders have claimed the trial was politically motivated.
The Federal High Court trial began in December 2005 following postelection violence that erupted during protests over balloting six months earlier.The opposition won an unprecedented number of parliamentary seats in the 2005 vote, but not enough to topple Meles. The opposition claimed the voting was rigged, and European Union observers said they were marred by irregularities.
Initially, the opposition leaders, journalists and others were charged with treason, inciting violence and attempted genocide. Judges dropped the treason and attempted genocide charges in April and later that month freed 25 prisoners, among them eight journalists.Since April, a total of 52 people faced four other charges, but only nine chose to put up a defense. The trial for the remaining nine continues on July 25.Late last year, Ethiopia acknowledged that its security forces killed 193 civilians protesting alleged election fraud but insisted they did not use excessive force. A senior judge appointed to investigate the violence had accused the security forces of excessive force.
AP
Posted: 2007-07-20 07:27:43
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) - Three minibuses left an Ethiopian prison carrying 38 opposition politicians and activists pardoned by the government Friday. Dozens of family members and supporters outside shouted in joy and whistled.The politicians and activists were released only minutes after Prime Minister Meles Zenawi told journalists the government had pardoned them. They had been sentenced to various prison terms, including life, for inciting violence in an attempt to overthrow the government.As their minibuses left Kalici Prison, some of the politicians made the victory sign, which is also the symbol of Ethiopia's opposition.The family members and supporters gathered outside waved Ethiopian flags and also made victory signs. They then pursued the minibuses in other vehicles.
It was not clear where the politicians and activists were being taken.Meles had said he hoped the pardon "conveys the message that people are given a second chance as long as they seek it." The prisoners had written the government asking to be pardoned.Meles said that the prisoners' right to vote and seek public office also had been restored.
A Federal High Court ruled on Monday that those sentenced to life would have those rights permanently revoked and others would be barred for five years from seeking public office.The United States had urged the government to show clemency in the case, which had been widely condemned by international human rights groups.After the sentences were announced Monday, state-owned Ethiopian Television had reported the politicians and activists had written to the president to ask for pardons. Amnesty International said the defendants reportedly signed a statement some weeks ago that was expected to lead to a pardon and reconciliation with the ruling party.
Those pardoned included the leader of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, Hailu Shawel; Berhanu Nega, who was elected mayor of Addis Ababa; former Harvard scholar Mesfin Woldemariam; and former U.N. special envoy and a former professor at Virginia's Norfolk State University, Yacob Hailemariam.International human rights groups had accused the government of trying to silence its critics, and opposition leaders have claimed the trial was politically motivated.
The Federal High Court trial began in December 2005 following postelection violence that erupted during protests over balloting six months earlier.The opposition won an unprecedented number of parliamentary seats in the 2005 vote, but not enough to topple Meles. The opposition claimed the voting was rigged, and European Union observers said they were marred by irregularities.
Initially, the opposition leaders, journalists and others were charged with treason, inciting violence and attempted genocide. Judges dropped the treason and attempted genocide charges in April and later that month freed 25 prisoners, among them eight journalists.Since April, a total of 52 people faced four other charges, but only nine chose to put up a defense. The trial for the remaining nine continues on July 25.Late last year, Ethiopia acknowledged that its security forces killed 193 civilians protesting alleged election fraud but insisted they did not use excessive force. A senior judge appointed to investigate the violence had accused the security forces of excessive force.
Mesgana Dancers - Summer Tour 2007
Mesgana Dancers of Ethiopia
Celebration Tour 2007
The Mesgana Dancers of Ethiopia (www.mesgana.com) caused a nationwide sensation during their first visit to the United States last summer. Come see what everyone is talking about! (check them out on youtube!)
Tickets are now on sale for performances in Washington D.C. and Columbia, Maryland.
Columbia, Maryland
FRIDAY, AUGUST 10
7 p.m. Wilde Lake High School – Jim Rouse Theater
Click the link to purchase tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/17498
Washington, D.C.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 11
7 p.m. Lisner Auditorium – George Washington University
Click the link to purchase tickets for the show at Lisner: www.ticketmaster.com
About The Mesgana Dancers of Ethiopia:
The Mesgana Dancers of Ethiopia are 10 girls, age 7-12, who perform traditional dances and song from across Ethiopia, while wearing traditional costume. The Mesgana Dancers show is a heart-warming celebration of Ethiopian culture with music and moves to get the whole family dancing and clapping. Last year's tour was a huge hit, making The Mesgana Dancers celebrities both in the United States and Ethiopia. They performed to sold-out crowds across the country, entertaining audiences that included thousands of Ethiopian-Americans.
The Mesgana Dancers are ambassadors of hope for all children in Ethiopia. As the world’s attention turns ever more towards finding solutions to the problems in Africa, The Mesgana Dancers bring a message of hope and celebration, as well as a positive and life-affirming glimpse of Ethiopian culture. All of the Mesgana Dancers are sponsored through COEEF’s school tuition program in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The Mesgana Dancers of Ethiopia Millennium Celebration Tour is a benefit for Ethiopia Reads (www.ethiopiareads.org) and our partner, the Children of Ethiopia Educational Fund (www.coeef.org).
If you are in the D.C. metro area we are in great need of volunteers to help make this event a success – we need hosts for the girls as well as general assistance at each performance venue. Please contact Catie Dupont at catie@ethiopiareads.org or call 571-243-1411 (leave a message with your name and number) if you are willing to help. Thanks!
Spread the news about the other venues!
8/4 Evanston, IL: Vineyard Church at 2p.m.
8/6 Atlanta, GA: Ferst Center, Georgia Tech University at 7p.m.
8/10 Columbia, MD: Wilde Lake High School Jim Rouse Theater at 7p.m.
8/11 Washington, DC: George Washington University Lisner Auditorium at 7 p.m.
8/12 New York City, NYU: Skirball Theater, New York University 7p.m.
8/14 South Orange, NJ: SOPAC, South Orange Performing Arts Center at 7p.m.
8/17 Denver, CO: East High School at 7p.m.
8/18 Boulder, CO: Chautauqua Auditorium Summer Concert Series at 7p.m.
8/24 St George, UT: Cox Center, Dixie State College at 7p.m.
8/29 Murray, UT: The Park Amphitheater at 7p.m.
9/1 Salt Lake City, UT: The Capitol Theatre at 7p.m.
9/4 Park City, UT: The Egyptian Theater at 7p.m.
9/7 Palo Alto, CA: The Spangenberg Theater at 7p.m.
9/8-9/9 San Jose, CA: Ethiopian New Year Festival, San Guadalupe River Park
9/13 Ontario, CA: Chaffey High School Gardner W. Spring Auditorium at 7 p.m.
9/14 Los Angeles, CA: Location TBD
Celebration Tour 2007
The Mesgana Dancers of Ethiopia (www.mesgana.com) caused a nationwide sensation during their first visit to the United States last summer. Come see what everyone is talking about! (check them out on youtube!)
Tickets are now on sale for performances in Washington D.C. and Columbia, Maryland.
Columbia, Maryland
FRIDAY, AUGUST 10
7 p.m. Wilde Lake High School – Jim Rouse Theater
Click the link to purchase tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/17498
Washington, D.C.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 11
7 p.m. Lisner Auditorium – George Washington University
Click the link to purchase tickets for the show at Lisner: www.ticketmaster.com
About The Mesgana Dancers of Ethiopia:
The Mesgana Dancers of Ethiopia are 10 girls, age 7-12, who perform traditional dances and song from across Ethiopia, while wearing traditional costume. The Mesgana Dancers show is a heart-warming celebration of Ethiopian culture with music and moves to get the whole family dancing and clapping. Last year's tour was a huge hit, making The Mesgana Dancers celebrities both in the United States and Ethiopia. They performed to sold-out crowds across the country, entertaining audiences that included thousands of Ethiopian-Americans.
The Mesgana Dancers are ambassadors of hope for all children in Ethiopia. As the world’s attention turns ever more towards finding solutions to the problems in Africa, The Mesgana Dancers bring a message of hope and celebration, as well as a positive and life-affirming glimpse of Ethiopian culture. All of the Mesgana Dancers are sponsored through COEEF’s school tuition program in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The Mesgana Dancers of Ethiopia Millennium Celebration Tour is a benefit for Ethiopia Reads (www.ethiopiareads.org) and our partner, the Children of Ethiopia Educational Fund (www.coeef.org).
If you are in the D.C. metro area we are in great need of volunteers to help make this event a success – we need hosts for the girls as well as general assistance at each performance venue. Please contact Catie Dupont at catie@ethiopiareads.org or call 571-243-1411 (leave a message with your name and number) if you are willing to help. Thanks!
Spread the news about the other venues!
8/4 Evanston, IL: Vineyard Church at 2p.m.
8/6 Atlanta, GA: Ferst Center, Georgia Tech University at 7p.m.
8/10 Columbia, MD: Wilde Lake High School Jim Rouse Theater at 7p.m.
8/11 Washington, DC: George Washington University Lisner Auditorium at 7 p.m.
8/12 New York City, NYU: Skirball Theater, New York University 7p.m.
8/14 South Orange, NJ: SOPAC, South Orange Performing Arts Center at 7p.m.
8/17 Denver, CO: East High School at 7p.m.
8/18 Boulder, CO: Chautauqua Auditorium Summer Concert Series at 7p.m.
8/24 St George, UT: Cox Center, Dixie State College at 7p.m.
8/29 Murray, UT: The Park Amphitheater at 7p.m.
9/1 Salt Lake City, UT: The Capitol Theatre at 7p.m.
9/4 Park City, UT: The Egyptian Theater at 7p.m.
9/7 Palo Alto, CA: The Spangenberg Theater at 7p.m.
9/8-9/9 San Jose, CA: Ethiopian New Year Festival, San Guadalupe River Park
9/13 Ontario, CA: Chaffey High School Gardner W. Spring Auditorium at 7 p.m.
9/14 Los Angeles, CA: Location TBD
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