5 October 2007 - Concern is mounting about the humanitarian situation and human rights in Ethiopia’s Somali region, which threatens to affect 1.8 million people unless remedial action is taken soon, according to the UN.
“We will see a major crisis develop in the next month unless there is a resumption of livestock trade and export, commercial and humanitarian food distribution, urgent healthcare, and access by government service providers and humanitarian
partners,” stated Paul Hebert, head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Ethiopia, in a report issued on 5 October. Hebert led a mission to the Somali region between 30 August and 5 September.
Meanwhile, legislative moves in the United States to cut aid to Ethiopia are unlikely to have a dramatic impact on its internal policies, an analyst with a leading think-tank said.
"It is going to have some limited effect," Tom Cargill of Chatham House said of the Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act, which has been passed by the House of Representatives but has yet to be approved by the Senate or President George W Bush.
"It is symbolically important because it shows there is a range of views in the US about Ethiopia, but we should not read too much or too little into it."
If the bill were to become law, the US could stop military assistance to Ethiopia and impose travel restrictions on some government officials unless Addis Ababa released “political prisoners” and people detained without trial, prosecuted officials “involved in the unlawful killings of demonstrators” after elections in May 2005, and ensured the independence of the judiciary and the press.
US humanitarian assistance, food aid, support to combat HIV/AIDS and other healthcare assistance would not be affected by the legislation.
"Special" relationship
Cargill was doubtful the bill would be enacted. "The relationship between Ethiopia and America is so important," he said. "The question is - does Ethiopia need America more than America needs Ethiopia?"
Prime Minister Meles Zenawi blasted the bill: "It is an unfair decision. It is the result of a vendetta,” he told reporters in Addis Ababa on 4 October. "We have excellent relations with the USA, I hope they'll stay like that. But it is a two-way thing," he added.
Elements of the opposition in Ethiopia welcomed the legislation, however.
"The US House of Representatives has shown that executing the global war on terrorism is not incompatible with the forceful promotion of human rights and democracy," said the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), an armed group described by Ethiopian authorities as a “terrorist” organisation.
Clashes between the ONLF and government forces in the Somali region are the main cause of the humanitarian crisis there.
Food crisis
“Humanitarian conditions within the conflict areas have deteriorated substantially over the past several months,” according to OCHA.
“The nutritional status of the population will rapidly worsen within two or three months if only limited quantities of commercial food continue to be available,” the report added, noting that the price of food in Ogaden had already almost doubled.
The joint mission also called for an independent investigation into allegations of “serious violations of human rights” in the Ogaden.
Human Rights Watch (HRW), in a statement to the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, said both the government and rebels were responsible for atrocities in the remote region.
"There are no clean hands among the hostile parties in the Ogaden conflict," HRW said, adding that it had documented serious abuses of civilians, including summary executions by the ONLF. “The Ethiopian military had also systematically committed atrocities and violated the basic laws of war,” it said.
According to HRW, civilians in Ogaden were being targeted intentionally and villages burnt as part of a campaign of collective punishment, while public executions, sexual violence, arbitrary arrests and torture in military custody were rampant, forcing hundreds of thousands to leave their homes.
Security concerns
"We recognise that Ethiopia has legitimate and serious domestic and regional security concerns and that all of the warring parties share responsibility for atrocities against civilians," HRW’s Sam Zafiri said. "Nevertheless, nothing justifies the severe violations we are witnessing today in the Ogaden."
In Washington, US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Jendayi Frazer, who recently visited the Somali region, also told the committee that all sides had contributed to civilian hardship there.
"Regrettably, the actions of rebel groups, extremists, and government troops alike have all taken a damaging humanitarian toll on the local civilian population," she said. "The challenge for the [government] and international partners is to mitigate the civilian impacts of these events." (IRIN)
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Friday, October 5, 2007
Kufuor in Ethiopia
President Kufuor ends his visit to Addis Ababa today (5 October, 2003)after meeting German Chancellor Angela Mekel at the AU headquarters for a high level discussion on current happenings in Africa. He also met the Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and planted trees to celebrate with Ethiopians their "Ethiopian Millennium".
In meetings with Prof. Alpha Oumar Konare, Chairman of the AU Commission and other high ranking officials of the Commission, the President was briefed on a number of pertinent issues that the Commission is currently involved in.
Four major issues were raised including the actions so far taken after the Accra Summit towards achieving a continental government.
President Kufuor was also briefed on the audit process currently going on to strengthen the Commission and the matter of electing a new president and commissioners for the Union at the next summit in January, 2008.
The upcoming EU-AU Meeting in Lisbon, Portugal, in December, this year, also came up for discussion and the AU reiterated its position that all African countries should be invited to the meeting.
Peace and security in the Darfur region of Sudan was also discussed during which the contribution of the Libyan Leader Muamar Al Gaddafi was lauded.
Rebel groups in that region are expected to meet in Libya on October 27, for a special conference convened by the Libyan Leader for what many consider would be the breakthrough meeting for the resolution of the conflict in that region. (Accra Mail - Accra)
In meetings with Prof. Alpha Oumar Konare, Chairman of the AU Commission and other high ranking officials of the Commission, the President was briefed on a number of pertinent issues that the Commission is currently involved in.
Four major issues were raised including the actions so far taken after the Accra Summit towards achieving a continental government.
President Kufuor was also briefed on the audit process currently going on to strengthen the Commission and the matter of electing a new president and commissioners for the Union at the next summit in January, 2008.
The upcoming EU-AU Meeting in Lisbon, Portugal, in December, this year, also came up for discussion and the AU reiterated its position that all African countries should be invited to the meeting.
Peace and security in the Darfur region of Sudan was also discussed during which the contribution of the Libyan Leader Muamar Al Gaddafi was lauded.
Rebel groups in that region are expected to meet in Libya on October 27, for a special conference convened by the Libyan Leader for what many consider would be the breakthrough meeting for the resolution of the conflict in that region. (Accra Mail - Accra)
UN Warns of Humanitarian Crisis in Somali Region
Concern is mounting about the humanitarian situation and human rights in Ethiopia's Somali region, which threatens to affect 1.8 million people unless remedial action is taken soon, according to the UN.
"We will see a major crisis develop in the next month unless there is a resumption of livestock trade and export, commercial and humanitarian food distribution, urgent healthcare, and access by government service providers and humanitarian partners," stated Paul Hebert, head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Ethiopia, in a report issued on 5 October. Hebert led a mission to the Somali region between 30 August and 5 September.
Meanwhile, legislative moves in the United States to cut aid to Ethiopia are unlikely to have a dramatic impact on its internal policies, an analyst with a leading think-tank said.
"It is going to have some limited effect," Tom Cargill of Chatham House said of the Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act, which has been passed by the House of Representatives but has yet to be approved by the Senate or President George W Bush.
"It is symbolically important because it shows there is a range of views in the US about Ethiopia, but we should not read too much or too little into it."
If the bill were to become law, the US could stop military assistance to Ethiopia and impose travel restrictions on some government officials unless Addis Ababa released "political prisoners" and people detained without trial, prosecuted officials "involved in the unlawful killings of demonstrators" after elections in May 2005, and ensured the independence of the judiciary and the press.
US humanitarian assistance, food aid, support to combat HIV/AIDS and other healthcare assistance would not be affected by the legislation.
"Special" relationship
Cargill was doubtful the bill would be enacted. "The relationship between Ethiopia and America is so important," he said. "The question is - does Ethiopia need America more than America needs Ethiopia?"
Ethiopia is a key ally of the US in its efforts to combat international terrorism.
Prime Minister Meles Zenawi blasted the bill: "It is an unfair decision. It is the result of a vendetta," he told reporters in Addis Ababa on 4 October. "We have excellent relations with the USA, I hope they'll stay like that. But it is a two-way thing," he added.
Elements of the opposition in Ethiopia welcomed the legislation, however.
"The US House of Representatives has shown that executing the global war on terrorism is not incompatible with the forceful promotion of human rights and democracy," said the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), an armed group described by Ethiopian authorities as a "terrorist" organisation.
Clashes between the ONLF and government forces in the Somali region are the main cause of the humanitarian crisis there.
Food crisis
"Humanitarian conditions within the conflict areas have deteriorated substantially over the past several months," according to OCHA.
"The nutritional status of the population will rapidly worsen within two or three months if only limited quantities of commercial food continue to be available," the report added, noting that the price of food in Ogaden had already almost doubled.
The joint mission also called for an independent investigation into allegations of "serious violations of human rights" in the Ogaden.
Human Rights Watch (HRW), in a statement to the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, said both the government and rebels were responsible for atrocities in the remote region.
"There are no clean hands among the hostile parties in the Ogaden conflict," HRW said, adding that it had documented serious abuses of civilians, including summary executions by the ONLF. "The Ethiopian military had also systematically committed atrocities and violated the basic laws of war," it said.
According to HRW, civilians in Ogaden were being targeted intentionally and villages burnt as part of a campaign of collective punishment, while public executions, sexual violence, arbitrary arrests and torture in military custody were rampant, forcing hundreds of thousands to leave their homes.
Security concerns
"We recognise that Ethiopia has legitimate and serious domestic and regional security concerns and that all of the warring parties share responsibility for atrocities against civilians," HRW's Sam Zafiri said. "Nevertheless, nothing justifies the severe violations we are witnessing today in the Ogaden."
In Washington, US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Jendayi Frazer, who recently visited the Somali region, also told the committee that all sides had contributed to civilian hardship there.
"Regrettably, the actions of rebel groups, extremists, and government troops alike have all taken a damaging humanitarian toll on the local civilian population," she said. "The challenge for the [government] and international partners is to mitigate the civilian impacts of these events." (UNIRIN)
"We will see a major crisis develop in the next month unless there is a resumption of livestock trade and export, commercial and humanitarian food distribution, urgent healthcare, and access by government service providers and humanitarian partners," stated Paul Hebert, head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Ethiopia, in a report issued on 5 October. Hebert led a mission to the Somali region between 30 August and 5 September.
Meanwhile, legislative moves in the United States to cut aid to Ethiopia are unlikely to have a dramatic impact on its internal policies, an analyst with a leading think-tank said.
"It is going to have some limited effect," Tom Cargill of Chatham House said of the Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act, which has been passed by the House of Representatives but has yet to be approved by the Senate or President George W Bush.
"It is symbolically important because it shows there is a range of views in the US about Ethiopia, but we should not read too much or too little into it."
If the bill were to become law, the US could stop military assistance to Ethiopia and impose travel restrictions on some government officials unless Addis Ababa released "political prisoners" and people detained without trial, prosecuted officials "involved in the unlawful killings of demonstrators" after elections in May 2005, and ensured the independence of the judiciary and the press.
US humanitarian assistance, food aid, support to combat HIV/AIDS and other healthcare assistance would not be affected by the legislation.
"Special" relationship
Cargill was doubtful the bill would be enacted. "The relationship between Ethiopia and America is so important," he said. "The question is - does Ethiopia need America more than America needs Ethiopia?"
Ethiopia is a key ally of the US in its efforts to combat international terrorism.
Prime Minister Meles Zenawi blasted the bill: "It is an unfair decision. It is the result of a vendetta," he told reporters in Addis Ababa on 4 October. "We have excellent relations with the USA, I hope they'll stay like that. But it is a two-way thing," he added.
Elements of the opposition in Ethiopia welcomed the legislation, however.
"The US House of Representatives has shown that executing the global war on terrorism is not incompatible with the forceful promotion of human rights and democracy," said the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), an armed group described by Ethiopian authorities as a "terrorist" organisation.
Clashes between the ONLF and government forces in the Somali region are the main cause of the humanitarian crisis there.
Food crisis
"Humanitarian conditions within the conflict areas have deteriorated substantially over the past several months," according to OCHA.
"The nutritional status of the population will rapidly worsen within two or three months if only limited quantities of commercial food continue to be available," the report added, noting that the price of food in Ogaden had already almost doubled.
The joint mission also called for an independent investigation into allegations of "serious violations of human rights" in the Ogaden.
Human Rights Watch (HRW), in a statement to the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, said both the government and rebels were responsible for atrocities in the remote region.
"There are no clean hands among the hostile parties in the Ogaden conflict," HRW said, adding that it had documented serious abuses of civilians, including summary executions by the ONLF. "The Ethiopian military had also systematically committed atrocities and violated the basic laws of war," it said.
According to HRW, civilians in Ogaden were being targeted intentionally and villages burnt as part of a campaign of collective punishment, while public executions, sexual violence, arbitrary arrests and torture in military custody were rampant, forcing hundreds of thousands to leave their homes.
Security concerns
"We recognise that Ethiopia has legitimate and serious domestic and regional security concerns and that all of the warring parties share responsibility for atrocities against civilians," HRW's Sam Zafiri said. "Nevertheless, nothing justifies the severe violations we are witnessing today in the Ogaden."
In Washington, US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Jendayi Frazer, who recently visited the Somali region, also told the committee that all sides had contributed to civilian hardship there.
"Regrettably, the actions of rebel groups, extremists, and government troops alike have all taken a damaging humanitarian toll on the local civilian population," she said. "The challenge for the [government] and international partners is to mitigate the civilian impacts of these events." (UNIRIN)
Ethiopia Blasts US Lawmakers' Bill Barring Financial Aid Based on Rights Record
Ethiopian officials have condemned a bill passed in the U.S. House of Representatives that would bar some financial aid to Ethiopia unless the government in Addis Ababa improves its record on democracy and human rights.
A version of the House bill that was passed on Tuesday still must go before the Senate, and it includes a provision that allows President Bush to waive punishment if he decides to do so.
Nonetheless, the White House opposes restrictions on Ethiopia, which is a major ally in the war on terror. And the Ethiopian government says the bill is based on politics more than anything else.
A chief adviser to Ethiopia's Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, Bereket Simon, says his nation is an emerging democracy. He accused U.S. members of Congress of trying to undermine the Ethiopian government.
"It has nothing to do with democracy, it has nothing to do with human rights, this is a matter of personal vendetta and definitely that is not going to work," Bereket said. "This is a sovereign country, a country which has never bowed to any foreign aggression or foreign force. We assure these guys, these congressmen, that that is not going to blackmail Ethiopia in any form."
The Ethiopian government has been accused of widespread abuse since 2005, when it cracked down on demonstrators protesting parliamentary elections that were seen as severely flawed. Human rights groups also argue that the government is inflicting massive suffering on civilians in its eastern Ogaden region as it battles a rebel group, the Ogaden National Liberation Front.
In the meantime, Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is visiting Ethiopia, urged the government to do more to open the political system and protect the rights of the opposition.
Merkel was speaking at a news conference with Prime Minister Meles, who left her criticism unanswered, but went on to criticize the bill passed by the House of Representatives. He also said that Ethiopia would contribute 5,000 troops to the new AU/U.N.peacekeeping force in Sudan's Darfur region. (VOA)
A version of the House bill that was passed on Tuesday still must go before the Senate, and it includes a provision that allows President Bush to waive punishment if he decides to do so.
Nonetheless, the White House opposes restrictions on Ethiopia, which is a major ally in the war on terror. And the Ethiopian government says the bill is based on politics more than anything else.
A chief adviser to Ethiopia's Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, Bereket Simon, says his nation is an emerging democracy. He accused U.S. members of Congress of trying to undermine the Ethiopian government.
"It has nothing to do with democracy, it has nothing to do with human rights, this is a matter of personal vendetta and definitely that is not going to work," Bereket said. "This is a sovereign country, a country which has never bowed to any foreign aggression or foreign force. We assure these guys, these congressmen, that that is not going to blackmail Ethiopia in any form."
The Ethiopian government has been accused of widespread abuse since 2005, when it cracked down on demonstrators protesting parliamentary elections that were seen as severely flawed. Human rights groups also argue that the government is inflicting massive suffering on civilians in its eastern Ogaden region as it battles a rebel group, the Ogaden National Liberation Front.
In the meantime, Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is visiting Ethiopia, urged the government to do more to open the political system and protect the rights of the opposition.
Merkel was speaking at a news conference with Prime Minister Meles, who left her criticism unanswered, but went on to criticize the bill passed by the House of Representatives. He also said that Ethiopia would contribute 5,000 troops to the new AU/U.N.peacekeeping force in Sudan's Darfur region. (VOA)
Thursday, October 4, 2007
German chancellor offers help in Ethiopia-Eritrea dispute
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia: German Chancellor Angela Merkel offered to help Horn of Africa rivals Ethiopia and Eritrea resolve a long-running border dispute, saying as she began a tour of Africa Thursday that there was reason for hope.
Merkel said she had spoken with Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi about Ethiopia's neighbors Sudan, Somalia and Eritrea, and said she was confident the acrimonious dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea would be peacefully settled since Ethiopia has accepted the ruling of an impartial border commission.
"Now it seems that the problems are mainly in the implementation," she said. "Wherever we can be of any assistance, Germany will certainly be ready to do so."
She did not specify what form that help would take or what had changed in a deadlock that has had both countries trading accusations for years.
Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after a 30-year guerrilla war, but the border between the two was never formally demarcated. A war erupted in 1998 over the border and claimed tens of thousands of lives.
A December 2000 peace agreement provided for an independent commission to rule on the position of the disputed 621-mile (1,000-kilometer) border.
The neighbors who have repeatedly accused each other of not honoring the terms of that deal. Tensions have increased even further with the rivals backing opposing sides in Somalia, where fighting between a weak government and Islamic insurgents has seen thousands of civilians die this year.
Ethiopia also has trouble at home, but Merkel did not directly address Ethiopia's crackdown on opposition leaders or the insurgency in the Ogaden region, where Ethiopian troops are fighting ethnic Somali insurgents. She said she encouraged Ethiopia to be "open."
Aid groups and the rebels accuse Ethiopia of running a police state and targeting civilians in Ogaden.
Meles used the press conference as an opportunity to send a robust response to U.S. legislators who have proposed cutting aid unless Ethiopia improves its human rights conditions.
"I don't think it will affect the relationship between ourselves and the U.S.," Meles said. The bill "is not fair. It is a reflection of the vendetta of a congressman. And that's it. If this person was interested in human rights and democracy, he should have looked at Eritrea first."
The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously approved the bill on Tuesday but it has not yet become law.
After the short briefing with journalists, Merkel planted several trees as part of a national Ethiopian reforestation project.
On Thursday afternoon, she will address the African Union, which is headquartered in Addis Ababa. Germany is currently the head of the Group of Eight industrialized nations, from whom the AU has been seeking funding for peacekeeping efforts.
Over the weekend, 10 A.U. peacekeepers were killed in an attack on their base in the Darfur region of Sudan. The underfunded, under-equipped AU force was to be absorbed into a larger, joint AU-UN force this month, and the weekend attack has spurred calls to overcome logistical and financial hurdles and speed that deployment.
Merkel's long-planned visit, which will also take her to South Africa and Liberia, will focus on development and trade, as well as human rights, corruption and the fight against AIDS.
During the news conference, Merkel said her trip would focus on pledges from the G-8 summit in Heiligendamm, Germany in June and the foundations for an EU-AU summit.
"I think that Europe has a vested interest in trying to further foster relations with Africa and further enhance its relationship with Africa," she said. "This is why the EU-AU summit later this year is of such tremendous importance."
Fellow G-8 leader Gordon Brown of Britain has said he will not attend the summit because Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe was expected. Merkel has said that she will bring up the human rights problems in Zimbabwe with the South African government during her trip.
Mugabe has been accused of abusing human rights record and presiding over the economic collapse of his country.(AP)
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Subscribing to Zethiopia Newspaper
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HR 2003 approved by House
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2003 (Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007) on a unanimous vote at exactly 12:58 Eastern Standard Time. Donald Payne delivered an impassioned speech on the floor of the House urging members to pass the bill. He outlined the long train of human rights abuses that have taken place in Ethiopia over the past two years. He said the people of Ethiopia deserve democracy and human rights and a government of their choice.
Congressman Chris Smith, similarly delivered an impassioned speech and recounted what he believed was Meles Zenawi’s 'arrogant' lecture that he planned to imprison all of the opposition leaders. Smith joined Payne in insisting that the U.S. demand of the Ethiopian government accountability for the aid that it receives and compliance with human rights laws.
Congressman Chris Smith, similarly delivered an impassioned speech and recounted what he believed was Meles Zenawi’s 'arrogant' lecture that he planned to imprison all of the opposition leaders. Smith joined Payne in insisting that the U.S. demand of the Ethiopian government accountability for the aid that it receives and compliance with human rights laws.
Bill Summary
Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007 - States that is U.S. policy to: (1) support human rights, democracy, independence of the judiciary, freedom of the press, peacekeeping capacity building, and economic development in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; (2) collaborate with Ethiopia in the Global War on Terror; (3) seek the release of all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Ethiopia; (4) foster stability, democracy, and economic development in the region; and (5) strengthen U.S.-Ethiopian relations.
Directs the Secretary of State to take specified actions to support human rights and democratization in Ethiopia.
Prohibits until the President makes specified congressional certifications: (1) security assistance to Ethiopia, with exceptions for peacekeeping or counter-terrorism assistance; and (2) U.S. entry of any Ethiopian official involved in giving orders to use lethal force against peaceful demonstrators or accused of gross human rights violations, and government security personnel involved in specified shootings of demonstrators and prisoners.
Directs the President to provide assistance for the rehabilitation of Ethiopian torture victims.
Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. government should: (1) encourage the government of Ethiopia to enter into discussions with peaceful political groups to bring them into full participation in Ethiopia's political and economic affairs; and (2) provide necessary assistance to help achieve such goal.
Directs the President to provide Ethiopia with: (1) resource policy assistance; and (2) health care assistance.
Directs the Secretary of State to take specified actions to support human rights and democratization in Ethiopia.
Prohibits until the President makes specified congressional certifications: (1) security assistance to Ethiopia, with exceptions for peacekeeping or counter-terrorism assistance; and (2) U.S. entry of any Ethiopian official involved in giving orders to use lethal force against peaceful demonstrators or accused of gross human rights violations, and government security personnel involved in specified shootings of demonstrators and prisoners.
Directs the President to provide assistance for the rehabilitation of Ethiopian torture victims.
Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. government should: (1) encourage the government of Ethiopia to enter into discussions with peaceful political groups to bring them into full participation in Ethiopia's political and economic affairs; and (2) provide necessary assistance to help achieve such goal.
Directs the President to provide Ethiopia with: (1) resource policy assistance; and (2) health care assistance.
Ethiopia's ambassador speaks out
The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Washington, DC, released this statement by Samuel Assefa, Ethiopia's Ambassador to the United States:
The U.S. House of Representatives today approved irresponsible legislation that, if it becomes law, would create fresh obstacles to Ethiopia's bold efforts towards comprehensive democratic reforms. The legislation also would undermine regional stability in the Horn of Africa by jeopardizing vital security cooperation between the United States and Ethiopia. The action disregards Ethiopia's immense progress in creating a competitive, pluralistic system of government and a more open civil society. According to the U.S. State Department, "[t]he [2005] elections stand out as a milestone in creating a new, more competitive multiparty political system in one of Africa's largest and most important countries." Nor was the impetus towards democratic reform impeded following the post-election riots that tragically cost the lives of so many civilians and police officers. After intense discussions between the majority and opposition parties, the Ethiopian Parliament took legislative measures to address contentious issues such as revision of parliamentary rules of procedure and reform of the National Election Board. In her testimony before the House Africa and Global Health Subcommittee, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Jendayi Frazier said these "steps are unprecedented in Ethiopia and represent monumental advancement in the political environment." While many of these democratic gains seem to have gone unnoticed by Members of Congress, the very presence of two recently convicted and pardoned senior opposition leaders who testified at the Congressional hearing today bears witness to the Ethiopian Government's brave resolve to reinvigorate the democratic process. It is jarring, to say the least, that immediately in the wake of these pardons the U.S. House of Representatives approved punitive measures against Ethiopia. There is no mistaking that this action does not serve the interests of the United States or Ethiopia. By taking this step, the House sadly has allowed itself to be used by extremists in Ethiopian politics who reject peaceful and legal avenues of political participation. The House action serves only to bolster these hard-line elements by encouraging the politics of extremes. The legislation is equally destructive to regional security in the Horn of Africa. Dr. J. Peter Pham, invited by the Africa subcommittee to testify at today's Congressional hearing as an expert witness, said "The most significant national interest at stake for the United States in this complex context is to prevent al Qaeda ... from acquiring a new base and opening a new front in its war against us and allies." Mr. Payne and his allies seek nothing less than a realignment of U.S. interests in Africa. Mr. Payne made this clear in a recent press release in which he accused Ethiopia -- against all evidence and common sense -- of being "a source of instability in the region." The fact is that the entire region faces a serious threat from Eritrea -- a country that the U.S. Department of State is considering listing as a state sponsor of terrorism, and that has rejected the core institutions of legal opposition parties and a private press, officially banning both, and also outlawed worship by minority religious denominations. A recent United Nations report concluded that Eritrea has armed terrorists in Somalia with weapons including suicide belts and anti-aircraft missiles. Yet, rather than move against the country that denies all rights and religious freedom to its citizens, and foments instability, Mr. Payne is leading the Congress to condemn Ethiopia. One of Mr. Payne's key advisors, an Africa specialist for the Congressional Research Service, recently told the New York Times, "If there is one country where the fighting of extremists and terrorists was a priority when it mattered, it was Eritrea." This view is nonsense, and this legislation simply is not consistent with the responsible, reflective action of a legislature weighing U.S. interests around the world. Instead this is legislation favored by regional and domestic political activists who have chosen to use the U.S. Congress in support of a partisan Ethiopian political agenda. It is baffling that the House would allow itself to be used in this way. Ethiopia thanks the current U.S. administration for its continued support and carefully considered opposition to this legislation. It also welcomes the support of thoughtful Members of the House and Senate who understand the reality of the Horn of Africa and recognize Ethiopia's steadfast commitment to democracy in one of the most dangerous regions in the world.
Embassy of Ethiopia
The U.S. House of Representatives today approved irresponsible legislation that, if it becomes law, would create fresh obstacles to Ethiopia's bold efforts towards comprehensive democratic reforms. The legislation also would undermine regional stability in the Horn of Africa by jeopardizing vital security cooperation between the United States and Ethiopia. The action disregards Ethiopia's immense progress in creating a competitive, pluralistic system of government and a more open civil society. According to the U.S. State Department, "[t]he [2005] elections stand out as a milestone in creating a new, more competitive multiparty political system in one of Africa's largest and most important countries." Nor was the impetus towards democratic reform impeded following the post-election riots that tragically cost the lives of so many civilians and police officers. After intense discussions between the majority and opposition parties, the Ethiopian Parliament took legislative measures to address contentious issues such as revision of parliamentary rules of procedure and reform of the National Election Board. In her testimony before the House Africa and Global Health Subcommittee, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Jendayi Frazier said these "steps are unprecedented in Ethiopia and represent monumental advancement in the political environment." While many of these democratic gains seem to have gone unnoticed by Members of Congress, the very presence of two recently convicted and pardoned senior opposition leaders who testified at the Congressional hearing today bears witness to the Ethiopian Government's brave resolve to reinvigorate the democratic process. It is jarring, to say the least, that immediately in the wake of these pardons the U.S. House of Representatives approved punitive measures against Ethiopia. There is no mistaking that this action does not serve the interests of the United States or Ethiopia. By taking this step, the House sadly has allowed itself to be used by extremists in Ethiopian politics who reject peaceful and legal avenues of political participation. The House action serves only to bolster these hard-line elements by encouraging the politics of extremes. The legislation is equally destructive to regional security in the Horn of Africa. Dr. J. Peter Pham, invited by the Africa subcommittee to testify at today's Congressional hearing as an expert witness, said "The most significant national interest at stake for the United States in this complex context is to prevent al Qaeda ... from acquiring a new base and opening a new front in its war against us and allies." Mr. Payne and his allies seek nothing less than a realignment of U.S. interests in Africa. Mr. Payne made this clear in a recent press release in which he accused Ethiopia -- against all evidence and common sense -- of being "a source of instability in the region." The fact is that the entire region faces a serious threat from Eritrea -- a country that the U.S. Department of State is considering listing as a state sponsor of terrorism, and that has rejected the core institutions of legal opposition parties and a private press, officially banning both, and also outlawed worship by minority religious denominations. A recent United Nations report concluded that Eritrea has armed terrorists in Somalia with weapons including suicide belts and anti-aircraft missiles. Yet, rather than move against the country that denies all rights and religious freedom to its citizens, and foments instability, Mr. Payne is leading the Congress to condemn Ethiopia. One of Mr. Payne's key advisors, an Africa specialist for the Congressional Research Service, recently told the New York Times, "If there is one country where the fighting of extremists and terrorists was a priority when it mattered, it was Eritrea." This view is nonsense, and this legislation simply is not consistent with the responsible, reflective action of a legislature weighing U.S. interests around the world. Instead this is legislation favored by regional and domestic political activists who have chosen to use the U.S. Congress in support of a partisan Ethiopian political agenda. It is baffling that the House would allow itself to be used in this way. Ethiopia thanks the current U.S. administration for its continued support and carefully considered opposition to this legislation. It also welcomes the support of thoughtful Members of the House and Senate who understand the reality of the Horn of Africa and recognize Ethiopia's steadfast commitment to democracy in one of the most dangerous regions in the world.
Embassy of Ethiopia
Diaspora Ethiopians do last minute advocacy on HR 2003
Diaspora Ethiopians are in a last minute advocacy work to persuade US House Representatives to pass HR 2003 on Tuesday October 2. For the first time since the bill was authored, supporters of the government and others opposed to HR 2003 have also joined the fight, to sway the House to say no to the bill. HR 2003, or formally known by its full name Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act, was authored by Africa Subcommittee Chair, Congressman Donald Payne of New Jersey. Though it is sponsored by many other US officials, the bill has faced various obstacles before it finally broke thru last week when a U.S Congress Comimittee approved it. The legislative still has to endure Tuesday’s vote before it gets to the president which would be its biggest challenge due to the close relationship between the Ethiopian government and the Bush administration. Many supporters of the government said, they never expected that the bill would go this far. Particularly, its HR 5680 forerunner was quickly defeated, sending the signal that American officials are unlikely to put pressure on the Ethiopia government. Even though it is labeled as a bipartisan bill, only a couple of Republicans have supported it with more than 90% of its cosponsors being Democrats. However, since the new Congress got dominated by Democrats, it gave new life and hope for supporters of the bill. Both groups of Diaspora Ethiopians who support and oppose the bill appear to manipulate the interpretation of the bill during their advocacy work. The supporters of the bill omit some controversial terms of the bill including the Bill’s phrases that give partisan power to monitor human rights in Ethiopia, forbid Ethiopian government officials from traveling to U.S. and put full responsibility of the 2005 post election violence on the government. Meanwhile, opponents of the bill tell their followers only about the “anti-Ethiopia” interpretation of the bill claiming that the bill is trying to colonize Ethiopia by having American officials intervene in the politics of Ethiopia. These opponents say it is the duty of all “patriotic Ethiopians” to condemn the bill. No matter, the momentum is on the side of the bill’s supporters and major sponsors like Ethiopian American Civic Advocacy (EACA) who have been doing this work for many months, are rousing their hundreds of fans to send fax and telephone calls supporting the bill. Opponents of the bill who never thought the bill would even get this far are meanwhile having difficulties starting both the networking or organizing work and advocacy task all at the same time in just a few days.
Published 10/01/2007 - 12:41 p.m.a
Published 10/01/2007 - 12:41 p.m.a
Monday, October 1, 2007
Haile - 2:04:26 World Record in Berlin!
Berlin, Germany - Haile Gebrselassie finally fulfilled the first one of his two big marathon dreams: The 34-year-old Ethiopian broke the World record at the real,- Berlin-Marathon, clocking 2:04:26. It was Paul Tergat (Kenya) who had run 2:04:55 in 2003 in Berlin.
“It was something very special today, because this is the marathon world record!” said Gebrselassie after improving the World Marathon record by 29 seconds. “That is something different in comparison to the 5,000 or 10,000m, because the Marathon is the king of the distance races.” The two-time Olympic 10,000m champion has now broken 24 World records or world bests.
Gebrselassie produced the absolute highlight at Germany’s biggest and most spectacular Marathon for which 40,215 runners from 115 nations had entered. About one million spectators cheered on the Ethiopian.
“The spectators gave me more support than last year. I have to say thank you Germany! Today the weather was perfect, it was not as windy as last year,” said Gebrselassie, who will target his next big Marathon goal next year, when he will run the Olympic race in Beijing.
Not only Gebrselassie but Gete Wami also defended her title in Berlin in ideal weather conditions. The Ethiopian clocked 2:23:17 to complete yet another double win in Berlin after 2006. But the real surprise came in second place, which featured a great debut by Irina Mikitenko. She clocked 2:24:51, which is the best ever Marathon debut by a German woman. She is now the third fastest on the German all-time list behind Uta Pippig (2:21:45) and Katrin Dörre-Heinig (2:24:35).
Gebrselassie on WR pace from the gun
Led by pacemakers, Gebrselassie was on course for the World record throughout. He went through halfway in 62:29. His rivals couldn’t match that kind of pace from the very start leaving Gebrselassie in a race of his own through the streets of Berlin. Up to the 30 kilometre point two of the original five pacemakers were able to stay with him. But then both Eshetu Wondimu (Ethiopia) and Rodgers Rop (Kenya), the latter winner of this year’s Hamburg marathon in 2:07:32 and a former champion in New York and Boston, dropped out.
Tergat calls to offer congratulations, Gebrselassie apologises
Shortly after Gebrselassie crossed the finish line, race director Mark Milde’s phone rang. Tergat was on the line, and he wanted to congratulate Haile. “Paul is a good friend and I apologized to him for taking his World record,” Gebrselassie explained. His total winnings from Berlin were 130,000 Euros. “But I don’t run for money. If I did, I could race somewhere every week,” said Gebrselassie.
The Kenyan Abel Kirui was second in an outstanding personal best of 2:06:51. Third place went to his compatriot Salim Kipsang in 2:07:29. The best German finisher was Falk Cierpinski (SG Spergau) who crossed the line in 23rd place. The son of the double Olympic champion Waldemar Cierpinski ran a personal best in 2:19:06.
Wami aggressive from the start as well
In the women’s race Gete Wami, like Gebrselassie, went clear of her rivals from the start. The Ethiopian, who ran a national record of 2:21:34 a year ago in Berlin but lost it in the meantime to Berhane Adere, also had an escort of pacemakers. After reaching halfway in 70:25 she did just enough to be assured the victory. Five weeks from now Wami will be on the start line for the marathon in New York.
Wami is shooting for the jackpot in the World Marathon Majors series for 2006-07. Following her win in Berlin she has taken the lead from Latvian Jelena Prokupcuka. If she finishes ahead of the Latvian in New York, she’ll win 500,000 dollars.
“I was very confident before the race that I was in good shape. I’ll take it easy for a week and then start training for New York – I think I’ve a real chance of winning the WMM jackpot,” Wami said.
The outcome of the race for second place was more dramatic. Well behind Wami after the second half were Helena Kiprop of Kenya and the Japanese Naoko Sakamoto (both at 72:31). A further 26 seconds behind was a trio including Mikitenko. On her Marathon debut she ran an outstanding second half to move up to second. She ran the second half in 1:11:54, covering the second half faster than the first on her debut attempt at the distance. That shows she could run faster still in the Marathon, an event for which she now has an Olympic qualifying time.
“It was something very special today, because this is the marathon world record!” said Gebrselassie after improving the World Marathon record by 29 seconds. “That is something different in comparison to the 5,000 or 10,000m, because the Marathon is the king of the distance races.” The two-time Olympic 10,000m champion has now broken 24 World records or world bests.
Gebrselassie produced the absolute highlight at Germany’s biggest and most spectacular Marathon for which 40,215 runners from 115 nations had entered. About one million spectators cheered on the Ethiopian.
“The spectators gave me more support than last year. I have to say thank you Germany! Today the weather was perfect, it was not as windy as last year,” said Gebrselassie, who will target his next big Marathon goal next year, when he will run the Olympic race in Beijing.
Not only Gebrselassie but Gete Wami also defended her title in Berlin in ideal weather conditions. The Ethiopian clocked 2:23:17 to complete yet another double win in Berlin after 2006. But the real surprise came in second place, which featured a great debut by Irina Mikitenko. She clocked 2:24:51, which is the best ever Marathon debut by a German woman. She is now the third fastest on the German all-time list behind Uta Pippig (2:21:45) and Katrin Dörre-Heinig (2:24:35).
Gebrselassie on WR pace from the gun
Led by pacemakers, Gebrselassie was on course for the World record throughout. He went through halfway in 62:29. His rivals couldn’t match that kind of pace from the very start leaving Gebrselassie in a race of his own through the streets of Berlin. Up to the 30 kilometre point two of the original five pacemakers were able to stay with him. But then both Eshetu Wondimu (Ethiopia) and Rodgers Rop (Kenya), the latter winner of this year’s Hamburg marathon in 2:07:32 and a former champion in New York and Boston, dropped out.
Tergat calls to offer congratulations, Gebrselassie apologises
Shortly after Gebrselassie crossed the finish line, race director Mark Milde’s phone rang. Tergat was on the line, and he wanted to congratulate Haile. “Paul is a good friend and I apologized to him for taking his World record,” Gebrselassie explained. His total winnings from Berlin were 130,000 Euros. “But I don’t run for money. If I did, I could race somewhere every week,” said Gebrselassie.
The Kenyan Abel Kirui was second in an outstanding personal best of 2:06:51. Third place went to his compatriot Salim Kipsang in 2:07:29. The best German finisher was Falk Cierpinski (SG Spergau) who crossed the line in 23rd place. The son of the double Olympic champion Waldemar Cierpinski ran a personal best in 2:19:06.
Wami aggressive from the start as well
In the women’s race Gete Wami, like Gebrselassie, went clear of her rivals from the start. The Ethiopian, who ran a national record of 2:21:34 a year ago in Berlin but lost it in the meantime to Berhane Adere, also had an escort of pacemakers. After reaching halfway in 70:25 she did just enough to be assured the victory. Five weeks from now Wami will be on the start line for the marathon in New York.
Wami is shooting for the jackpot in the World Marathon Majors series for 2006-07. Following her win in Berlin she has taken the lead from Latvian Jelena Prokupcuka. If she finishes ahead of the Latvian in New York, she’ll win 500,000 dollars.
“I was very confident before the race that I was in good shape. I’ll take it easy for a week and then start training for New York – I think I’ve a real chance of winning the WMM jackpot,” Wami said.
The outcome of the race for second place was more dramatic. Well behind Wami after the second half were Helena Kiprop of Kenya and the Japanese Naoko Sakamoto (both at 72:31). A further 26 seconds behind was a trio including Mikitenko. On her Marathon debut she ran an outstanding second half to move up to second. She ran the second half in 1:11:54, covering the second half faster than the first on her debut attempt at the distance. That shows she could run faster still in the Marathon, an event for which she now has an Olympic qualifying time.
Ethiopian claiming to be al-Qaida member charged with making threat at Boston airport
BOSTON Monday, October 1, 2007: A 27-year-old man is facing criminal charges after he allegedly told an airline employee at Boston's Logan International Airport that he was a member of al-Qaida and planned to "blow up things."
Ermiyas Asfaw, a native of Ethiopia who lives in Washington, D.C., pleaded not guilty in East Boston District Court to a charge of making a false communication of an explosive device. Bail was set at $1,500 (€1,054).
State police say Asfaw was in the process of checking in for a flight Saturday night when he told an AirTran employee that he had explosives.
Logan spokesman Phil Orlandella says Asfaw said, "I'm with al-Qaida. I'm with them and I'm here to blow up things." Asfaw later told authorities he was only joking.
Prosecutors said Asfaw made the statements after becoming irritated when an airline employee asked him about a tag on his luggage that indicated he had been to Dubai of the United Arab Emirates.
Asfaw's attorney, Francis HcHugh, did not immediately return a call seeking comment Monday.(AP)
Ermiyas Asfaw, a native of Ethiopia who lives in Washington, D.C., pleaded not guilty in East Boston District Court to a charge of making a false communication of an explosive device. Bail was set at $1,500 (€1,054).
State police say Asfaw was in the process of checking in for a flight Saturday night when he told an AirTran employee that he had explosives.
Logan spokesman Phil Orlandella says Asfaw said, "I'm with al-Qaida. I'm with them and I'm here to blow up things." Asfaw later told authorities he was only joking.
Prosecutors said Asfaw made the statements after becoming irritated when an airline employee asked him about a tag on his luggage that indicated he had been to Dubai of the United Arab Emirates.
Asfaw's attorney, Francis HcHugh, did not immediately return a call seeking comment Monday.(AP)
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