Headline news between August 1-30, 2006
As part of our ongoing effort to highlight the current issues that are facing Ethiopian Muslims here and at home, ECMCA invited government officials and had very productive discussions. The officials invited include: The Oromia National Regional Government President, Abadula Gemeda, The Afar National Regional President, Ali Serro, the Federal Ministry of Finance and Economic Development Sufian Ahmed and the Federal Labour and Social Affair Minister Hassen Abdella as well as other members of the delegation.
BBC - Aug 10, 2006 - An Ethiopian Army general has defected to Eritrea, Ethiopian state television has announced. Eritrea has confirmed Brig Gen Kemal Geltu's arrival. Ethiopian TV accused the general of "divisive and illegal activities".
More bodies found in flood-hit Ethiopia The death toll from weekend Ethiopia floods that devastated an eastern town rose to 250 on Thursday as rescue efforts entered a fourth day, making it the worst flooding disaster to date in the impoverished Horn of Africa nation, the government and police said.
Ethiopia's Dina Fekadu was
included among the 20 women, deemed most beautiful in the world at the
2006 Miss Universe contest. But there is more to the 21-year old from
Wollega, in western Ethiopia, than beauty alone. The 3rd year law and
philosophy university student and her parents, spoke with VOA Afan Oromo
reporter Jalene Gemeda.
Summary of Dr. Berhanu Nega’s new book (Amharic) Source: EMF Detained Ethiopian opposition leader admitted to hospital
AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT: DEAD ENDS AND NEW BEGINNINGS Meles Zenawi, P.M. of Ethiopia - The political and economic renaissance of Africa is an issue that continues to preoccupy Africans' and non-Africans alike. Various methods of achieving such a renaissance have been proposed. Most of these proposals are variations of the dominant neo-liberal paradigm of development. My argument is that the neo-liberal paradigm is a dead end, is incapable of bringing about the African renaissance, and that a fundamental shift in paradigm is required to bring about the African renaissance. "The UIC now has its own problems": Abdikarin Farah, Somalia's Ambassador to Ethiopia The Reporter - Sometimes leaders want a common enemy to unite the people. Aweys declared Ethiopia as an enemy and vowed to take the Ogaden from Ethiopia. The other possible target is the Transitional Federal Government. In that case, how well prepared are you to resist his attack? I would first like to make it clear to you that we, as a Somali government, don't have a territorial dispute with Ethiopia. Second, the Somalis in Ethiopia have their own leaders whom they elected. So it is not acceptable to bring the problems into Ethiopia.
The Reporter (Amharic) report on the flooding in Dire Dawa town
Floods
Make 10,000 Ethiopians Homeless
Addis Fortune - Ethiopia's revenues from exported items surpassed the threshold of one billion dollars for the first time, thereby creating much excitement within the government circles. "There was so much calling and sharing of the news last week," said a senior minister, describing the mood among the Ethiopian officialdom.
Ethiopia, US sign grant accord amounting $57.6 mln Aug 8, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) - Ethiopia and the United States (U.S.) signed a grant agreement amounting to 57.6 million USD on Tuesday, the state-run ENA reported. Ethiopian Leasing Two Brazilian Jets for Five Years Pressured by unexpected surge in passengers, particularly those flying to and from North America, Ethiopian Airlines has been forced to scout for additional aircrafts. Its management is under negotiations with Varig, a Brazilian Airline and member of Star Alliance, to acquire two Boeing 777 airplanes through a long-term lease. Early marriage is common in many parts of the world. Defenders of the practice say marrying in particular a young girl to an older man brings prestige and social acceptance to the family. It also brings financial reward in the form of a dowry or animals that come as part of a bride’s price. The Reporter, Editorial (Amharic) Floods kill 101 in eastern Ethiopia ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - Floods have killed more than 100 people and destroyed homes in eastern Ethiopia after heavy rains caused a river to overflow, police said on Sunday. "Floods from the overflowing Dechatu river hit Dire Dawa town in the middle of Saturday night while residents were sleeping," police inspector Benyam Fikru told Reuters. 2006 Badr International Ethiopian Muslims Federation Conference Washington D.C. The 6th Badr International Ethiopian Muslims Federation Conference which was hosted by the First Hijrah Foundation in Washington D.C. has been successfully completed. The First Hijrah Community who demonstrated an excellent and welcoming attitude remained true to its name. The spacious Sheraton hotel caved in to the thousands of attendees who streamed from all over United States and Canada. Malaysia's Petronas wins Ethiopia's gas field tender ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Malaysian oil firm Petronashas won Ethiopia's ambitious Calub and Hilala gasfield development tender, it was learned on Saturday. After evaluating the proposal presented by Petronas, the Ministry of Mines and Energy selected it, said a government official, who declined to be named Ethiopia, Somalia talk politics Baidoa - Two Ethiopian ministers held talks with Somalia's interim president and prime minister on Saturday, in a bid to solve a political row threatening the unity of the 18-month transitional government.
The Independent - The image of a young Ethiopian girl ravaged by hunger and 15 minutes from death came to symbolise Live Aid's 1985 plea for money for the victims of the devastating famine. Birhan Woldu, described as a "miracle baby", survived the 1984 humanitarian crisis and was seen as a symbol of hope for Ethiopia.
Ethiopia attacking Ogaden rebels BBC - Aug 04, 2006 - Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles
Zenawi says his government has been conducting "military sweeps" against
rebels in Ethiopia's Somali region.
The Reporter, Editorial (Amharic) Even though the protest that was made on Jumu'ah, also known as Friday prayers, a congregational prayer that Muslims hold every Friday, just after noon, was ended without any causalities, the issue still remains without a solution. MIDROC-Deerba secure land for five star hotel constructions This new investment would make Al-Amoudi’s total investment in Ethiopia rise to two billion dollars. The billionaire has previously invested more than 1.7 billion dollars in various fields in the country including construction, real estate, manufacturing, mining, and services such as hotels, engineering and gas distribution. His business empire extends from the UK, USA, Scandinavia, East Europe, Greece, Middle East, Asia to Africa. SOMALIA'S interim government unravelled further today with the resignation of another four top officials who cited as their reason the prime minister's reluctance to reach out to a rival Islamist movement. Africa Center for Strategic Studies Opens Annex in Ethiopia Washington -- The Africa Center for Strategic Studies hopes to strengthen U.S. security interests and missions in Ethiopia when it opens its first annex at the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa in September. "When I was back home" said the new ambassador "what made me jealous was attending receptions in Embassies where you can get hold of senators of either parties, be it democrat or republican, regardless of the administration. And I wanted that for my country." The visit of the delegates as guest of the State Department has become a good opportunity to realize this dream. The delegates, that includes Lidetu Ayalew from UEDP-Medhin, Ayele Chameso and Mr. Temesgen from CUD together with representative of EPRDF, UEDF and OFDM, freely mingled with hundred of Ethiopians and other invited guests.Also present were Prof Issac and prof Donald Levin. Ethiopia: Over 500 Ethiopians Arrive Home From Lebanon, One Killed Over 300 Ethiopians who were caught up in the conflict in Lebanon returned home over the week end, the Ministry of Foreign Affaires said yesterday. The Ethiopian Ministry said that the 300 citizens returned home in two separate flights from Syria and arrived on Friday mid night and Sunday in Addis Ababa.
A Facelift or a Real Change of Heart? Addis Fortune: Would it be wrong to assume that this is a party, which recognized its shortcomings in the past and is trying to practice engagement politics henceforth? Bereket Simon: We believe we have done a lot of good things; we have good policies and strategies that can transform this country. We have been working to implement these policies and strategies and have achieved many successes in many areas. We also recognize that we have our own shortcomings, which we exhibited in the past. Despite our wish to engage, we were not engaging with the public at large. We were not giving sufficient space for all to be part of the process. That has created a certain sense of alienation in the urban areas, particularly among the intellectuals. The EPRDF felt that it is imperative to make sure we open sufficient space for all and ensure the engagement of every active element of our society in the process.
Dear readers, We know the medical information of the patient. IT IS VERY SAD to find out, that the patient has an advanced disease. The medicine she asked for is very toxic and unless it is administered in a very meticulous way with a special method, it could kill her.
A model of religious tolerance The Reporter (Editorial) We Ethiopians make use of various tourist attractions we are proud of, such as the historic places of Gondar, Lalibela and Axum. Different animals that are endemic to Ethiopia also promote our country in the world. We make posters and movies about them; we organize various events to display and talk about. Indeed, we deserve to be proud of these heritages and, in fact, we need to do more to promote them. Minor explosions occur in Diredawa town Diredawa, July 31, 2006 (WIC) - Three separate minor explosions were reported here today at 5:00 a.m and 10:00 a.m local time, police said. There was no human casualty, the police stated, adding that the explosions shattered windows of some offices. INTERVIEW-Somalia gov't needs own defence force-US KINSHASA, July 31 (Reuters) - The international community should help Somalia's interim government set up a defence force to keep out neighbours meddling in its growing crisis, a senior U.S. diplomat said on Monday. FEAC charges official with extortion The Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (FEAC) charged Manager of the Amhara State Inland Revenue Authority and his accomplice for allegedly receiving 750,000 Birr through extortion from a private company. Editorials:
Cairo - Egypt on Sunday voiced dismay at accusations by Somali Prime Minister Ali Mohammed Gedi that it was supplying weapons to the Islamic Courts militia who control the capital Mogadishu, a foreign ministry statement said. Members of parliament from five opposition parties are visiting US. Source: Reporter, Amharic AN Ethiopian housemaid is now back in her country, nearly two months after jumping from a second-storey balcony in an attempt to escape a recruitment agency. . . . "He slapped me and burnt my face with a lit cigarette," she said. She also claims that a Filipina staff member at the agency hit her many times, once hard enough to knock three of her teeth out. BAIDOA, Somalia - Somalia's prime minister survived a no-confidence vote Sunday, just days after a group of lawmakers resigned in disgust and said his weak administration has failed to bring peace to this chaotic African country. Chinese firm wins Ethiopia's road contract The Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA) said Saturday a Chinese firm has signed a contract for the 107 km Gashena-Woldiya road upgrading project at the cost of over 370.7 million birr (42.7 million U.S. dollars). African Taliban Readying for Regional Jihad, World Sleeps
The group is already receiving the aid of Arab and other non-Somali mujahadin--including al Qaeda linked fighters. Already a safe-haven for international terrorists and funded by Gulf and Sudanese oil money, it will not be long before news reports pick up the fact that training camps are being established and the flow of arms to the Islamists is increasing. (Member of the newly formed "Alliance for Freedom & Democracy - AFD") Source: ONLF Official website - Recognizing that our country has been colonized against our will and without our consent by Ethiopia . . . The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) declares that Ogaden issue is not a border dispute between two neighbors, Ethiopia and Somalia, as held by the former, but rather a conflict between a colonized people and their colonizer. . . . The struggle of the People of Ogaden and the aim of their movement is to obtain the right of self-determination, rather than a struggle aimed at realizing the identity of a nationality. This is because Ogaden has never been historically or politically part of Ethiopia. Somali minister shot dead at mosque BAIDOA, Somalia (Reuters) - Gunmen shot dead a Somali minister outside a mosque on Friday, triggering riots by pro-government protesters who threw rocks and burned tyres at the interim administration's provincial base of Baidoa. Ethiopia: 200 Mln Birr Int'l Hotel in the Making An Irish -Ethiopian joint venture has embarked upon a 200 million birr international 4-star brand hotel here in Addis Ababa, sources with the knowledge of the project disclosed to The Daily Monitor. . . Once completed, the hotel will bring the number of existing four-star hotels in the country to six. Accused Ethiopian torturer loses appeal Kelbessa Negewo, the former Atlanta bellhop accused of torturing political opponents during the brutal period in Ethiopia's history known as the Red Terror campaign, has lost an appeal to stay in the United States.
Ethiopians who lived in Beirut, Lebanon arrived in Addis Ababa late Monday and reunited with their families. The returnees are the first batch to arrive safely from Lebanon. More Ethiopians are expected to arrive to Ethiopia by Air and Ship in the next few days. Defending their lives: On Trial in Ethiopia Amnesty International - In June and November 2005, demonstrations that left over 80 people dead and hundreds wounded took place in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, and other towns across Ethiopia in response to alleged election fraud in the May 2005 elections.Gilgel Gibe III to generate 300 mln euros a year Salini Construttori signed an agreement with the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo) to construct a 16.8 billion birr (1.75 billion dollars) hydropower plant, to increase local power generation capacity and to export the surplus to neighbouring countries. . . . Lautixi forecast that after completion, the project would be able to generate 300 million euros a year in revenue. The dam, billed as one of the biggest in sub-Saharan Africa, is expected to be completed by 2011. Al-Ithad is source of instability to Ethiopians, citizens of Somalia: Somali state Sharia Court The terrorist group that operates under the cover of the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) is not only the source of instability and concern to Ethiopians alone but also to citizens of Somalia, according to the Somali state Supreme Sharia Court and the regional Islamic Affairs Office. The Addis Ababa City Caretaker Administration has finished preparations that would lead up to the construction of over 33,000 condominiums in the city. The Addis Ababa House Development Agency has acquired about 50 hectares of land for the job. Somali government close to collapse as Islamists take palace The Independent - Somalia's transitional government was close to collapse yesterday after 19 members resigned and its Islamist opponents took over the presidential palace in the capital, Mogadishu, reinforcing their control over more than half of the country.IOM steps up evacuation of stranded migrants Addis Ababa, July 27, 2006 - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said it is stepping up efforts to evacuate thousands of stranded migrants from developing countries including Ethiopia. Egypt: Ethio-Egypt Trade Balance Seen Up 20 Percent The volume of trade exchange between the Ethiopia and Egypt recently has registered a 20% growth during the first half of 2006 as compared to the same period in 2005, according to Embassy of The Arab Republic of Egypt in Ethiopia. 'Save us,' she screamed as another shell landed Mr Baydoun managed to bring out his wife and two daughters. But he too left people behind. In the ruins of his home, hit by the Israeli forces on Monday night, lay the bodies of his two maids: one Ethiopian, one Sri Lankan. The women were asleep when Mr Baydoun's home was attacked. "It is very sad," he said. "It was not their war."
Somalia says Eritrea sending arms to militants MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) -- Somalia's virtually powerless government said a cargo plane that landed at the capital's airport Wednesday morning was carrying weapons for Islamic militants who have seized control of much of southern Somalia.
Dozens arrested in U.S. crackdown on khat smuggling WASHINGTON - Federal prosecutors charged 62 people Wednesday with smuggling more than 25 tons of the African plant khat into the United States, where it's used as an illegal stimulant. Addis Ababa, July 26, 2006 - Ethiopia is worried as fundamentalists in Moqadishu have declared Jihad on Ethiopia and the Eritrean government has involved in the turmoil in Somalia. Public Relations Advisor to the Prime Minister with the Rank of Minister, Bereket Simon, in an interview with the English service of the Voice of America Monday, said that the fundamentalists in Somalia have declared Jihad on Ethiopia. Lebanon Evacuees Denied Duty Free Status The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has suspended, beginning July 19, 2006, granting duty free privileges to citizens returning from war torn Lebanon. An estimated 15,000 Ethiopians reside in Lebanon, but are being evacuated to Syria, following the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah militants 10 days ago. "We would like to advise those returning from Lebanon and applying for their duty free right that we have suspended receiving such applications beginning July 19, for an unlimited period," says the notice issued by the Customs and Tax Desk of the Ministry. Ethiopians in Lebanon The high profile nature of Gilgel Gibe III hydroelectric power project is not only evident from how much it will have cost when construction is completed in five years. The unusual turnout of four senior ministers of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi’s administration at the singing ceremony for the 15 billion Br contract on Wednesday, July 19, speaks volume on what the project means to this government.
Japan cancels all Ethiopia’s commercial debts The government of Japan has cancelled 100 per cent of Ethiopia’s outstanding debt amounting to 14.4 million USD. The debt cancellation was made as per the Enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative and the Fourth Paris Club Agreement. Editorials
Source: Addis Admass
NEWSWEEK - Do you still feel the Ogaden region of Ethiopia belongs to Somalia? Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys (Somalia's new Islamist leader) - Really the Ogaden is a Somali region and part of Somalia and Somali governments have entered two wars with Ethiopia over it, and I hope that one day that region will be a part of Somalia. Somali clashes after call for holy war The Sydney Morning Herald - Two helicopters carrying Ethiopian troops landed at the airport on Saturday, they said. Traditionally Christian, Ethiopia fears a hardline Muslim state on its doorstep and possible Islamist aspirations to create a "Greater Somalia" that would incorporate Ethiopia's south-eastern, ethnically Somali, Ogaden region. Analysts believe Ethiopia, the Horn's dominant power, has sent up to 5000 troops into Somalia, and is massing more on the border to deter Islamist advances. Somalia and Ethiopia on the verge of a war With Islamist militia moving their closest yet to Baidoa, and witnesses saying Ethiopian soldiers have poured over the border to defend the government, the prospect of yet another major conflict in Somalia has risen.Indian company to construct Derbaa MIDROC with 2.5 bln br The Capital - An Indian company has struck a deal with Derbaa MIDROC to construct a state-of-the-art cement factory worth 2.5 billion birr. Sources told Capital that the agreement was signed this week between Haile Assegide, CEO of Derbaa MIDROC and the CEO of the Indian company. . . . In related news, MIDROC Ethiopia has introduced a 10% salary increment for its employees as of this month.
Ethiopia vows to crush any attacks Horn of Africa power Ethiopia said on Thursday it was tracking military movements by Somalia's newly powerful Islamists and would "crush" any attack on President Abdullahi Yusuf's interim government. . . . Reuters witnesses confirmed the return on Thursday. Ethiopia is a key player in the current Somali crisis, with experts and sources on the ground saying it has several thousand troops already in Somali territory to deter Islamist advances. Another 20,000 or so are lined up just inside the Ethiopian border, experts say. 'Electricity from Ethiopia cheaper' -Kenya Nairobi - Plans to import electricity from Ethiopia were on course, the head of the public service, Francis Muthaura, has said. . . . Official estimates indicate that Ethiopia has more than 30 000mW of economically exploitable hydropower, while other estimates indicate that the total potential could be as much as l43 million mW. Official data puts Ethiopia’s exploitation of its hydro potential at a mere 2 percent. Ethiopia And Somalia Near Clash (AP) The Islamic militiamen holding most of southern Somalia deployed hundreds of fighters outside the base of the U.N.-backed interim government Wednesday and said they planned to seize it.
Taking on HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia - One Woman's Story of Treatment and Self-Empowerment Residents of the Simen Ber community in Ethiopia know they can trust Teruwork. So when a family member dies of AIDS and they are afraid to touch the body to prepare it for burial, they call Teruwork. She comes to the home during the dark of night and performs the loving task of washing and dressing the body to prepare it for burial, according to Ethiopian custom. Federal Agency Plans High Tech Hub Near CMC Addis Fortune - The Addis Abeba City Land Administration and Development Authority has granted a 200,000sqm plot for what federal government authorities hope will become Ethiopia’s high tech hub, much like Hyderabad or Bangalore in India.Engineering Professor Helps Salini Trucks Cross Abay Bridge Stranded for three weeks at the gate of the Abay Bridge for carrying construction machineries too heavy for the bridge’s load capacity, two of the four Salini trucks were allowed to cross on Wednesday, July 12. Ethiopia: Medical Concern / Prisoner of conscience: Berhanu Negga (m)
CPJ confirms treason charge filed against another journalist New York, July 17, 2006 - The Committee to Protect Journalists has confirmed that Solomon Aregawi, owner of the defunct Amharic-language newspaper Hadar, has been charged with antistate crimes in connection with his journalistic work. This raises the number of journalists jailed for their work in Ethiopia to 18 from 17, according to CPJ research. Clinton Lays Cornerstone At Foundation Innovative partnership between Christian Children's Fund of Canada (CCFC) and Clinton's HIV/AIDS Initiative in collaboration with the Ethiopian North American Health Professional Associations (ENAHPA) pledged to help the Clinton Foundation to construct the pediatric HIV care clinic in Ethiopia. . . . Dr.Haregwa Getu, vice president of the Ethiopian North American Health Professional Associations (ENAHPA) said the clinic would be the first of its kind in the country to give the said treatment in a well organized manner.
Clinton launches Aids programme in Ethiopia
The Clinton Foundation will fund the programme at a cost of $250 000 and provide 23 medical experts from Yale University to work in 13 hospitals across the country for one year.
Ethiopia 2005/06 exports drop to $780 mln, tourism surges July 15, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) - Ethiopia on Saturday said it has earned over $780 million from export trade in the June-July 2005/06 fiscal year, a 3 percent drop offset by a surge in tourism earnings that had previously been negligible.
By: Abiyu Berlie (www.NileArtStreams.com )
NileArtStreams.com (Editorial) - Our great country, Ethiopia , is crying for help perhaps louder today, more than ever before. She is raising her voice to be heard. She is looking for a way out from the endless circle and mess, and be on the right track to reach her long dreams of overcoming perpetual poverty once and for all. She is yearning for growth and prosperity like many of her old and new friends around the world. Massing Troops on the Somali Border July 15, 2006: It's a collision of international organizations inside Somalia, with Ethiopia a key player. The African Union (AU) and the UN are trying to work through Somalia's Transitional Federal Government (TFG) to create stability in Somalia. Not so the Arab League. By: Abol Coffee - "Introducing Mr. Tadesse Meskela, founder and General Manager of Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union" Date & Time: Sunday, July 16th. Location: Langano Ethiopian Restaurant, 8305 Georgia Avenue Ethiopian police foils bank robbery in Addis Ababa July 14, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) - Ethiopian police said Friday an armed robbery, attempted on a branch office of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia in Twedros Adebabay Branch, in Arada, Addis Ababa, was foiled by police and local security guards. . . . In a fire exchange between the police and some security personnel who were following them, one robber was killed and two others apprehended. Eritrea backs Sudan to oppose U.N. force in Darfur July 14, 2006 (NAIROBI) - Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki said the United Nations has "no responsibility" sending peacekeepers to neighbouring Sudan which should be left to resolve internal problems on its own. The Reporter, Editorial (Amharic) Source: World Bank
World Bank resumes aid to Ethiopia ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (Reuters) -- World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz on Wednesday called the bank's resumption of aid to Ethiopia a sign of improved confidence in the country since donors cut direct support over political turmoil last year.
UEDF Los Angeles Town hall Meeting (Report)
|
Interview with Ato
Ledetu Ayalew, Member of
Parliament
Aug
9, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) -
Ato Hailu Shawel, Chairman of the Ethiopian opposition Kinijit for Unity and
Democracy Party (CUDP) which is the major opposition in Ethiopia, has been
admitted to hospital today around 9:00 in the morning. According to a press
statement of Kinijit International Leadership Office, he has been taken to the
Hospital from his Kality prison cell. His sugar level fluctuates from dropping
to 40 and going up to 250-260.
(ENA)
- Athlete Major Haile Gebresellassie has donated 150,000 Birr to assist
victims of flood in Dire Dawa town.
'
The
African Taliban are gearing up to spread their jihad to neighboring states. Like
the Afghan Taliban before them, the Somali version--known as the Union of
Islamic Courts--first goal is to establish its authority in Mogadishu, and then
spread the Islamic state to areas still not under its control. 
Amnesty
International is concerned about the ill-health and inadequate medical care
of Dr Berhanu Negga, a prisoner of conscience who is on trial for treason. He
was arrested on 1 November 2005 in Addis Ababa and is held in harsh
conditions in Kaliti prison on the outskirts of Addis Ababa. Dr Berhanu Negga
suffers from high blood pressure as well as cardiomyopathy, a heart disease
which causes the heart muscles to become weaker, making it unable to pump as
well as it should. He was hospitalized on 9 June after experiencing severe
shortness of breath. He was however sent back to prison after 20 days,
reportedly against the advice of doctors and without having been examined by
a cardiologist. Doctors’ recommendations that he should be transferred to a
less crowded and cleaner cell with better ventilation were also reportedly
disregarded by the authorities. Reports suggest that his health has further
deteriorated.
Addis
Ababa - Former United States president Bill Clinton on Sunday launched a
programme to help children suffering from Aids in Ethiopia, where close to three
million people are estimated to be infected with the deadly virus. 
By
the time the 1980s rolled round, Mehari had spent three years as a child
soldier. Not yet 10, she had seen war and its effects, and its daily traumas
had seeped into her psyche where they would unravel a decade later and lead
to a failed suicide attempt. It was only the fact that she could barely lift
her Kalashnikov rifle that prevented her being sent to the front. Others in
her unit weren’t so lucky and Mehari would see their bloodied corpses
returning on an almost daily basis. She was spared that fate but war’s other
privations came her way. She was raped by fellow soldiers, nearly died of
malaria and was reguarly beaten. Fear, hunger and thirst were the only
constants in an otherwise itinerant existence. Mehari’s memoir, Heart Of
Fire, is published in the UK this month and will soon be filmed by Luigi
Falorni, director of The Story Of The Weeping Camel. 
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