Artist Debebe Eshetu in Minnesota January , 5 2008 (Kinijit Minnesota)
San Jose town hall meeting with Dr. Berhanu Nega January 5 (Kinijit San Jose )
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Friday, January 4, 2008
H.R. 2003 passed with unanimous vote
Ethiopian TV Network
Finest day for Ethiopia in US Congress, say activists
Ethiomedia | September 26, 2007
Ethiopian opposition figure Brook Kebede (left) of the CUDP-Kinijit speaks with U.S. Congressman Chris Smith as Engineer Gizachew Shiferaw looks on (Photo: Tamagne Beyene; Sept 26, 2007)
The visiting CUDP officials and accompanying hosts are pictured above with The Honorable Donald Payne, member of the US Congress and an architect in the promotion of HR 2003, a legislation that would ascertain the respect of human rights and the rule of law in Ethiopia (File Photo: Kinijit-DC).
WASHINGTON DC - Ethiopian human rights activists said they saw their "finest day" in the United States Congress on Wednesday when all 50 members on a U.S. Congress Committee approved HR 2003, and placed it in the forefront of the global human rights agenda among US lawmakers.
During the debate which witnesses described as "intensely for the promotion of human rights and the rule of law" in Ethiopia, members of the U.S. Congress hammered groups that have been hired by the Meles Zenawi regime to forestall the progress of HR 2003.
Members of the US Congress used terms like "thugs in power," and "ruthless dictors" when describing the gross human rights violations by the Zenawi regime, and endorsed HR 2003, according to witnesses.
"It's our finest moment. It was a smash," said a jubilant Al Mariam, a professor of political science at University of California and an activist campaigning for the passage into law of the “Ethiopia Democracy and accountability Act of 2007.”
Al Mariam said "Donald Payne delivered big for Ethiopia." Congressman Donald Payne (NJ-D), is chairman of the subcommittee on Africa and the main architect of HR 2003..
After a debate that lasted an hour and a half, the bill was now sent to the floor of the House of Representatives as one of the most important human rights agenda. During the debate, HR 2003 packed one more provision of securing strong property rights as well.
Senior leaders of the Ethiopian opposition party CUDP-Kinijit who are on a working visit to the US also attended the debate.
Engineer Gizachew Shiferaw, Dr. Hailu Araya, and Mr. Brook Kebede on the occasion expressed their joy over the support Congress gave for the passage of the Bill. The delegates were joined by a number of members of the US Congress, including Donald Payne.
The presence and support the Kinijit leaders showed for the passage of HR 2003 discards a baseless rumor being promoted by proponents of the TPLF regime and other critics that the Kinijit delegates are opposed to the bill.
The opposition leaders told Addis Dimz Radio that the contents of HR 2003 are very similar with what are known as the eight points of CUDP-Kinijit, and the talk that we oppose HR 2003 is self-defeating and self-contradicting.
Also atttending the debate were Dr. Abeba Fekade of the International Ethiopian Women's Organization (IEWO), human rights activist Tamagne Beyene of the up-and-coming Ethiopian Television Network (ETN) of Washington, DC as well as Addis Dimz Radio host Abebe Belew who said members of the US Congress had a deeper understanding of the nature of the Meles Zenawi regime whose deeds they described as "ruthless" and "brutal."
Now HR 2003 is sent to the House Floor, which means, according to Al Mariam, the action observes the 'suspension of rules,' because it has won full bipartisan support and should receive swift congressional action.
According to Coalition for HR 2003, which comprises human rights activists Meron Ahadu, Newai Mengistu and Prof. Al Mariam, the bill requires the ruling Meles Zenawi regime to
Release of ALL political prisoners and restore the democratic rights of the people.
Institute democratic reforms with accountability.
Provide protections for human rights advocates and civic society organization and ensure the existence of adequate monitoring and reporting processes.
Set up an independent judicial system with proper monitoring processes to protect judges from political interference.
Bring to justice all human rights abusers, including the killers of 193 innocent men, women and children and those who wounded 763 others in the post-2005 election period, and thousands of others.
Improve election procedures and ensure fraud free elections.
Remove press censorship and restrictive press laws and establish a program to strengthen private media in Ethiopia.
The bill also
Offers training programs for democratic participation.
Limits the use of U.S. security assistance to peacekeeping and counter- terrorism and NOT against the civilian population.
Fosters economic development.
Provides assistance to strengthen local, regional, and national parliaments and governments, political parties, and civil society groups.
Strengthens training for political parties in the areas of organization building and campaign management.
Provides training for civil society groups in election monitoring.
Promotes dispute resolution by means of dialogue, negotiations and compromise, and
Professionalizes the National Election Board to help it address certain issues, e.g. issues delimitation of constituencies, voter and candidate registration, political party registration, voting irregularities and challenges.
Finest day for Ethiopia in US Congress, say activists
Ethiomedia | September 26, 2007
Ethiopian opposition figure Brook Kebede (left) of the CUDP-Kinijit speaks with U.S. Congressman Chris Smith as Engineer Gizachew Shiferaw looks on (Photo: Tamagne Beyene; Sept 26, 2007)
The visiting CUDP officials and accompanying hosts are pictured above with The Honorable Donald Payne, member of the US Congress and an architect in the promotion of HR 2003, a legislation that would ascertain the respect of human rights and the rule of law in Ethiopia (File Photo: Kinijit-DC).
WASHINGTON DC - Ethiopian human rights activists said they saw their "finest day" in the United States Congress on Wednesday when all 50 members on a U.S. Congress Committee approved HR 2003, and placed it in the forefront of the global human rights agenda among US lawmakers.
During the debate which witnesses described as "intensely for the promotion of human rights and the rule of law" in Ethiopia, members of the U.S. Congress hammered groups that have been hired by the Meles Zenawi regime to forestall the progress of HR 2003.
Members of the US Congress used terms like "thugs in power," and "ruthless dictors" when describing the gross human rights violations by the Zenawi regime, and endorsed HR 2003, according to witnesses.
"It's our finest moment. It was a smash," said a jubilant Al Mariam, a professor of political science at University of California and an activist campaigning for the passage into law of the “Ethiopia Democracy and accountability Act of 2007.”
Al Mariam said "Donald Payne delivered big for Ethiopia." Congressman Donald Payne (NJ-D), is chairman of the subcommittee on Africa and the main architect of HR 2003..
After a debate that lasted an hour and a half, the bill was now sent to the floor of the House of Representatives as one of the most important human rights agenda. During the debate, HR 2003 packed one more provision of securing strong property rights as well.
Senior leaders of the Ethiopian opposition party CUDP-Kinijit who are on a working visit to the US also attended the debate.
Engineer Gizachew Shiferaw, Dr. Hailu Araya, and Mr. Brook Kebede on the occasion expressed their joy over the support Congress gave for the passage of the Bill. The delegates were joined by a number of members of the US Congress, including Donald Payne.
The presence and support the Kinijit leaders showed for the passage of HR 2003 discards a baseless rumor being promoted by proponents of the TPLF regime and other critics that the Kinijit delegates are opposed to the bill.
The opposition leaders told Addis Dimz Radio that the contents of HR 2003 are very similar with what are known as the eight points of CUDP-Kinijit, and the talk that we oppose HR 2003 is self-defeating and self-contradicting.
Also atttending the debate were Dr. Abeba Fekade of the International Ethiopian Women's Organization (IEWO), human rights activist Tamagne Beyene of the up-and-coming Ethiopian Television Network (ETN) of Washington, DC as well as Addis Dimz Radio host Abebe Belew who said members of the US Congress had a deeper understanding of the nature of the Meles Zenawi regime whose deeds they described as "ruthless" and "brutal."
Now HR 2003 is sent to the House Floor, which means, according to Al Mariam, the action observes the 'suspension of rules,' because it has won full bipartisan support and should receive swift congressional action.
According to Coalition for HR 2003, which comprises human rights activists Meron Ahadu, Newai Mengistu and Prof. Al Mariam, the bill requires the ruling Meles Zenawi regime to
Release of ALL political prisoners and restore the democratic rights of the people.
Institute democratic reforms with accountability.
Provide protections for human rights advocates and civic society organization and ensure the existence of adequate monitoring and reporting processes.
Set up an independent judicial system with proper monitoring processes to protect judges from political interference.
Bring to justice all human rights abusers, including the killers of 193 innocent men, women and children and those who wounded 763 others in the post-2005 election period, and thousands of others.
Improve election procedures and ensure fraud free elections.
Remove press censorship and restrictive press laws and establish a program to strengthen private media in Ethiopia.
The bill also
Offers training programs for democratic participation.
Limits the use of U.S. security assistance to peacekeeping and counter- terrorism and NOT against the civilian population.
Fosters economic development.
Provides assistance to strengthen local, regional, and national parliaments and governments, political parties, and civil society groups.
Strengthens training for political parties in the areas of organization building and campaign management.
Provides training for civil society groups in election monitoring.
Promotes dispute resolution by means of dialogue, negotiations and compromise, and
Professionalizes the National Election Board to help it address certain issues, e.g. issues delimitation of constituencies, voter and candidate registration, political party registration, voting irregularities and challenges.
The Meeting Place In Washington
, DC Is PackedThey turned up en-mass to listen to Kinijit’s visionaries who made their first public appearance since they were released from Ethiopian prison after being incarcerated for championing democracy and wining the 2005 election.
Speeches By Dr. Berhanu Nega, Wzt. Birtukan Mideksa and Artist.
Tamagne BeyeneDr. Berhanu Nega[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]
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Kinijit DC Metro board and the Crystal Gate Marriot Hotel management were so overwhelmed with thousands of enthusiastic Ethiopians they were forced to open the next ballroom which was already set for a big Monday breakfast.Five of six Kinijit delegation members addressed the crowd expressing gratitude for the Diaspora lobbying, vigil and rally efforts that resulted in the political prisoners being released. Kinijit leaders stated that the incessant voice of the diaspora, which they followed on the radio kept their spirits alive and made their sacrifices worthwhile.Dr Berhanu Nega delivered the keynote address which lasted for one hour and fifteen minutes. Even though Dr Berhanu encouraged the audience to take nap in case they found his presentation boring, the audience, on the contrary, was so mesmerized by the depth of his message and the confident tone it was presented that it stayed wide awake and energized. The speech , which was interrupted by tens of applauses, explored Ethiopia’s political climate candidly and outlined Kinijit’s bright prospects. Kinijit’s delegation will visit several US cities hosted by Kinijit Support Chapters. Photo By Tewodros Mekebeb.
Tearful joy greets CUD leaders
*Full coverage of Kinijit delegation (DW Radio)
*Kinijit Forum (Amharic Audio)
*Photos London
*Photos US
*Washington, D.C. reception report (video by ETN)
WASHINGTON DC & LONDON - Thousands of Ethiopians danced to the tune of their traditional songs as part of an emotional welcoming ceremony for opposition leaders who were released recently after nearly two years of imprisonment that followed a highly controversial national election in 2005.
The five-person delegation included Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) vice chair Bertukan Mideksa, Addis Ababa mayor-elect Dr. Berhanu Nega (who joined the delegation in DC after having arrived here earlier), CUD Executives Dr. Hailu Araya, Engineer Gizachew Shiferaw and Mr. Brook Kebede.
Some observers said nearly 5,000 Ethiopians converged on Dulles Airport which echoed with the drum beats and ululation of Ethiopian songs mainly reserved for national or patriotic holidays.
Meanwhile in London, a similar tumultuous welcome was accorded to the Kinijit delegation headed by the young and charismatic Kinijit leader Muluneh Eyoel. Also prominent among the London-bound delegation is Dr. Yacob Haile-Mariam, a former UN advisor and a university professor in the United States.
The visits to the U.S and Europe, where a large Ethiopian community resides virtually in each country making up the what's known as the European Union, breaks a two-year non-stop campaign by the Ethiopian Diaspora for the release of the leaders who were jailed following their landslide victory at the May 2005 elections which prompted the current regime in power to declare a state of emergency, which, though not official, but continues to this very day as Ethiopians have virtually lost their rights without the government telling them that they have no rights whatsoever.
Though plagued by intra-party conflict in the Diaspora, CUD remains very popular among Ethiopians and the lingering problems are hoped to be resolved once a democratic structure is put in place in each CUD-support community.
The CUD delegates who arrived in Washington DC on Saturday are scheduled to tour major cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta and others. The Europe-bound CUD delegation is also on schedule to do likewise. A third delegation has travelled to South Africa, which is also another home to a considerable size of Ethiopian community.
*Kinijit Forum (Amharic Audio)
*Photos London
*Photos US
*Washington, D.C. reception report (video by ETN)
WASHINGTON DC & LONDON - Thousands of Ethiopians danced to the tune of their traditional songs as part of an emotional welcoming ceremony for opposition leaders who were released recently after nearly two years of imprisonment that followed a highly controversial national election in 2005.
The five-person delegation included Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) vice chair Bertukan Mideksa, Addis Ababa mayor-elect Dr. Berhanu Nega (who joined the delegation in DC after having arrived here earlier), CUD Executives Dr. Hailu Araya, Engineer Gizachew Shiferaw and Mr. Brook Kebede.
Some observers said nearly 5,000 Ethiopians converged on Dulles Airport which echoed with the drum beats and ululation of Ethiopian songs mainly reserved for national or patriotic holidays.
Meanwhile in London, a similar tumultuous welcome was accorded to the Kinijit delegation headed by the young and charismatic Kinijit leader Muluneh Eyoel. Also prominent among the London-bound delegation is Dr. Yacob Haile-Mariam, a former UN advisor and a university professor in the United States.
The visits to the U.S and Europe, where a large Ethiopian community resides virtually in each country making up the what's known as the European Union, breaks a two-year non-stop campaign by the Ethiopian Diaspora for the release of the leaders who were jailed following their landslide victory at the May 2005 elections which prompted the current regime in power to declare a state of emergency, which, though not official, but continues to this very day as Ethiopians have virtually lost their rights without the government telling them that they have no rights whatsoever.
Though plagued by intra-party conflict in the Diaspora, CUD remains very popular among Ethiopians and the lingering problems are hoped to be resolved once a democratic structure is put in place in each CUD-support community.
The CUD delegates who arrived in Washington DC on Saturday are scheduled to tour major cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta and others. The Europe-bound CUD delegation is also on schedule to do likewise. A third delegation has travelled to South Africa, which is also another home to a considerable size of Ethiopian community.
TPLF Amsterdam meeting disastrous
TPLF Amsterdam meeting disastrous: Only 4 loyalists show up
(1 July 2007) Amsterdam -- Ethiopians in The Netherlands have taught a lesson to the TPLF embassy mission in Amsterdam on Sunday. Amb. Berhane accompanied by two diplomats who came all the way from Brussels couldn't tolerate the opposite views and left out in the middle of the meeting. He is finally brought back to the hall by the participants to listen to the crimes of TPLF from the crowd. [Watch video, secret tapping]
(1 July 2007) Amsterdam -- Ethiopians in The Netherlands have taught a lesson to the TPLF embassy mission in Amsterdam on Sunday. Amb. Berhane accompanied by two diplomats who came all the way from Brussels couldn't tolerate the opposite views and left out in the middle of the meeting. He is finally brought back to the hall by the participants to listen to the crimes of TPLF from the crowd. [Watch video, secret tapping]
Another shameful day for Weyane Ambassador in The Hague, The Netherlands
Ethioguardian News
Video Here
A meeting organised by Weyane embassy cancelled after angry Ethiopians demanded their right to express their view.
Ethioguardian (10-07-2007, The Hague): A meeting that was organised by Ethiopian embassy and some EPRDF supporters in the Netherlands was cancelled yesterday due to protest from the participants. The organisers of the meeting invited some hand picked EPRDF supporters and others to symbolise the support of the Ethiopians in the Diaspora. The meeting was cancelled after the chair persons, deputy Ambassador Brook Kebede and EPRDF’s top diplomat first secretary Zenebe Kebede, tried to silence some Ethiopians who explained the actual picture of Ethiopia and Ethiopians presently. The chair person of the meeting, deputy Ambassador Brook Kebede, cancelled the meeting against the will of Ethiopians, who were expressing their view and forwarding their ideas. The participants also asked the chairperson to answer questions regarding human rights and the condition of political prisoners, which he resisted to accept and cancelled the meeting at that point. Video coming soon!
The first speaker Ato Zenebe Kebede, EPRDF’s first secretary, talked about the current state of the country, Ethio-Eritrean conflict and Ethio-Somalia problem, in the usual way of the woyane propaganda. He was interrupted many times by concerned Ethiopians as he continued to forward conflicting information, which was in contrary to what actually exists inside the country and knowledge of the audience.
The second speaker, deputy Ambassador Brook Kebede, explained the fake economic development in Ethiopia and tried to relate the alarming inflation, increased price of commodities to unrelated factors, in which he tried to cover the existing situation in Ethiopia. The deputy ambassador faced a lot of criticism form the public while he insisted to fool his own invited guests by undermining knowledge and information about their country. One participant expressed his sadness by saying “you are an economist who forgot the science of economics when you start to serve EPRDF”. As the resistance continued, the ambassador called the Hotel security to expel the Ethiopians who were expressing their ideas in a democratic and civilised manner. At this point, the participants were reminded about the Agazi force, which is silencing the peace loving Ethiopians because of their peaceful attempt to request their natural democratic right. The ambassador used EPRDF’s usual technique of employing force to remove the Ethiopians who do not agree with their view. Among the attendants one Ethiopian stated “it is ridicules and shame, in this single incident to observe how EPRDF’s functionaries are intolerants for different ideas, and also manifest their determination to silence opposition through all means even here in the civilised world.” After a short discussion, the hotel security left without taking any action because he understood it was only a conflict of ideas, and that Ethiopians were expressing their ideas in a peaceful way.
Especially when one of the participants started to ask and comment on EPRDF’s external and internal policy, the deputy ambassador and the first secretary were unhappy to listen to his ideas and comments. At one point the EPRDF diplomat tried to take the microphone from the speakers hand by force.
At the end the deputy ambassador closed the meeting as Ethiopians continued to forward their view on EPRDF repression, the current situation in Ethiopia, the human and economical crisis in Ethiopia, specifically, the ambassador cancelled the meeting when the human rights situation in Ethiopia and political prisoners were mentioned.
This was a very amazing drama, which indicates the manner and the level of intolerance how high EPRDF officials and diplomats react to different views, let alone inside the country, but here in Europe. Observers at the event have taken this as a symbolic reflection of Ethiopia under the current illegitimate regime and treatment of real opposition inside the country. Additionally, some of the EPRDF supporters commented that the meeting was almost dominated by opposition reflection, which was against its intended goal of praising EPRDF’s policy.
One participant commented that “they invited us for discussion and to listen to their presentation, although it is fallacious and inconsistent to what is going on inside the country”. After that, people start to give their view, but the government officials lost their patience when they start to listen a contrary to their view”. The same participant also added that, “this chance of discussion should be given to the people back in Ethiopia, not for the Ethiopians in Diaspora.”
In a related development, according to sources closed to the embassy in Brussels, the same meeting was scheduled to be chaired by ambassador Berhane Geberekristos. But due to fear of anticipated protest and severe critics from Ethiopians residing in the Netherlands, he declined to face the audience.
Last week, the Ethiopian ambassador failed to show up on European commission hearing on the human right and economical crisis in Ethiopia, for which he gave a vague reason for his absence. A week later, the same ambassador came to the Netherlands, to lecture about development and progress in Ethiopia. This was a very painful action for Ethiopians who were present on the European commission hearing.
In recent periods, every meeting organised by the EPRDF regime embassies and consulates were disrupted by protest against the government. In the last two years alone, a dozen of government officials were embarrassed and cancelled a lot of meetings. All the above reactions are indicators of persistent protest of Ethiopian Diaspora.
Video Here
A meeting organised by Weyane embassy cancelled after angry Ethiopians demanded their right to express their view.
Ethioguardian (10-07-2007, The Hague): A meeting that was organised by Ethiopian embassy and some EPRDF supporters in the Netherlands was cancelled yesterday due to protest from the participants. The organisers of the meeting invited some hand picked EPRDF supporters and others to symbolise the support of the Ethiopians in the Diaspora. The meeting was cancelled after the chair persons, deputy Ambassador Brook Kebede and EPRDF’s top diplomat first secretary Zenebe Kebede, tried to silence some Ethiopians who explained the actual picture of Ethiopia and Ethiopians presently. The chair person of the meeting, deputy Ambassador Brook Kebede, cancelled the meeting against the will of Ethiopians, who were expressing their view and forwarding their ideas. The participants also asked the chairperson to answer questions regarding human rights and the condition of political prisoners, which he resisted to accept and cancelled the meeting at that point. Video coming soon!
The first speaker Ato Zenebe Kebede, EPRDF’s first secretary, talked about the current state of the country, Ethio-Eritrean conflict and Ethio-Somalia problem, in the usual way of the woyane propaganda. He was interrupted many times by concerned Ethiopians as he continued to forward conflicting information, which was in contrary to what actually exists inside the country and knowledge of the audience.
The second speaker, deputy Ambassador Brook Kebede, explained the fake economic development in Ethiopia and tried to relate the alarming inflation, increased price of commodities to unrelated factors, in which he tried to cover the existing situation in Ethiopia. The deputy ambassador faced a lot of criticism form the public while he insisted to fool his own invited guests by undermining knowledge and information about their country. One participant expressed his sadness by saying “you are an economist who forgot the science of economics when you start to serve EPRDF”. As the resistance continued, the ambassador called the Hotel security to expel the Ethiopians who were expressing their ideas in a democratic and civilised manner. At this point, the participants were reminded about the Agazi force, which is silencing the peace loving Ethiopians because of their peaceful attempt to request their natural democratic right. The ambassador used EPRDF’s usual technique of employing force to remove the Ethiopians who do not agree with their view. Among the attendants one Ethiopian stated “it is ridicules and shame, in this single incident to observe how EPRDF’s functionaries are intolerants for different ideas, and also manifest their determination to silence opposition through all means even here in the civilised world.” After a short discussion, the hotel security left without taking any action because he understood it was only a conflict of ideas, and that Ethiopians were expressing their ideas in a peaceful way.
Especially when one of the participants started to ask and comment on EPRDF’s external and internal policy, the deputy ambassador and the first secretary were unhappy to listen to his ideas and comments. At one point the EPRDF diplomat tried to take the microphone from the speakers hand by force.
At the end the deputy ambassador closed the meeting as Ethiopians continued to forward their view on EPRDF repression, the current situation in Ethiopia, the human and economical crisis in Ethiopia, specifically, the ambassador cancelled the meeting when the human rights situation in Ethiopia and political prisoners were mentioned.
This was a very amazing drama, which indicates the manner and the level of intolerance how high EPRDF officials and diplomats react to different views, let alone inside the country, but here in Europe. Observers at the event have taken this as a symbolic reflection of Ethiopia under the current illegitimate regime and treatment of real opposition inside the country. Additionally, some of the EPRDF supporters commented that the meeting was almost dominated by opposition reflection, which was against its intended goal of praising EPRDF’s policy.
One participant commented that “they invited us for discussion and to listen to their presentation, although it is fallacious and inconsistent to what is going on inside the country”. After that, people start to give their view, but the government officials lost their patience when they start to listen a contrary to their view”. The same participant also added that, “this chance of discussion should be given to the people back in Ethiopia, not for the Ethiopians in Diaspora.”
In a related development, according to sources closed to the embassy in Brussels, the same meeting was scheduled to be chaired by ambassador Berhane Geberekristos. But due to fear of anticipated protest and severe critics from Ethiopians residing in the Netherlands, he declined to face the audience.
Last week, the Ethiopian ambassador failed to show up on European commission hearing on the human right and economical crisis in Ethiopia, for which he gave a vague reason for his absence. A week later, the same ambassador came to the Netherlands, to lecture about development and progress in Ethiopia. This was a very painful action for Ethiopians who were present on the European commission hearing.
In recent periods, every meeting organised by the EPRDF regime embassies and consulates were disrupted by protest against the government. In the last two years alone, a dozen of government officials were embarrassed and cancelled a lot of meetings. All the above reactions are indicators of persistent protest of Ethiopian Diaspora.
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