Headline news between July 1- Sept 30, 2007
Conservative Columnist: Symbolism and Realpolitik
 Interview
with Dr. Taye Wolde-Semayat
Part I
|
Part II
EthiopiaFirst.com
Oct 6, 2007 |
National Interest Online - Amid the complex dynamics of the Horn of Africa, the
most significant national interest at stake for the United States is preventing
Al-Qaeda (or any other like-minded international terrorist network) from
acquiring a new base and opening a new front in their war against America and
its allies. In this respect, Ethiopia is one of America’s most reliable African
counterterrorism partners.
ISAIAS AFERWERKI - FROM STATESMAN TO DESPOT AND WRECKER
Recollections - A Historical Puzzle
By Paul B. Henze
I returned to Asmara from service as an Observer in the Eritrean Referendum at
Om Hager the evening of 26 April 1993. The next morning I had a breakfast time
telephone call from Hagos Gebre Hiwot in Provisional President Isaias
Aferwerki's office--Isaias wished to talk to me. Could I come to see him at 10
o'clock that morning?
Of course. A car was at the Ambasoira Hotel at 5 to 10. I
spent the next hour and a half in Isaias's office with him. The only others at
this session were Hagos Gebre Hiwot and a note-taker named Tewolde.
The
Reporter, Editorial (Amharic)
Scholar At Risk Joins Faculty
BLOOMINGTON, Ill.— When militaries overrun governments and dictators rise to
power, it is most often the universities and centers of learning that are the
first to become targets, said Taye Woldesmiate, visiting associate professor of
political science at Illinois Wesleyan University.
In Defense of Ben
By: Solomon
Of course Ben doesn't need any body to defend him! He
can do that himself perfectly well. I heard his superb and well argued view on
HR 2003 yesterday and felt I should write this piece. I have been somebody who
visits his website - EthiopiaFirst on a daily basis (a must!) for many years. I
have never written on political matters as I am not arrogant enough to think I
know best in political matters, though I do follow events in Ethiopia closely
and have views on various issues. I am not a supporter of any political party.
You may say perhaps, I am one of the silent majority. Today, I felt like many
others, that Ben could do with some support and was moved to write to express
this support. No that he needs it - he has very clearly worked out views that he
is entitled to express, and indeed expresses coherently. I respect and admire
his incisive thinking that dissects complex issues to make them simple,
his integrity and courage to speak his mind. I think you will
agree that his commitment for our country is simply exemplary.
Ethiopia Accuses Eritrea of
Push to War
Ethiopia's president is
urging the country's parliament to approve money for a military buildup in
preparation for a possible war with neighboring Eritrea. VOA's Peter Heinlein in
Addis Ababa reports the remarks came during a speech to a joint session of
parliament.
 Ethiopia re-elects president for another six years
AP -
Legislators in Ethiopia voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to
re-elect the country's president to the largely ceremonial
post for another six years, state media reported. Girma Woldegiorgis, an 82-year-old former parliamentarian and
member of the leading Ethiopian People's Revolutionary
Democratic Front party, faced one opponent, opposition
candidate Beyene Petros.
EU urges Ethiopia to allow aid to Ogaden region
BRUSSELS, Oct 9 (Reuters) - The European Union called on Ethiopia on Tuesday to
ensure that civilians in its troubled Ogaden region are protected and receive
humanitarian aid.
Pax Africana
Capital Ethiopia (Editorial) - The dignified manner with which millions of
Ethiopians celebrated the dawn of their third millennium on September 11, 2007
is testament to the highly developed and deeply ingrained culture of peaceful
coexistence and all encompassing love we have for one another. Although streets
were full of vehicles and pedestrian revelers, there were practically no traffic
accidents, fights or disturbances, (let alone terrorist acts) to mar what will
be marked as a historic display of societal discipline.
H.R. 2003! Symbolic Gesture or Stern Measure?
Much to the surprise of many observers, the United States (US) House of
Representatives unanimously voted on Tuesday to approve a piece of legislation
heralded by critics of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi’s administration as a means
for holding the Ethiopian government to account for alleged human rights
violations.
Dutch investor plans five-star
hotel, real-estate development
Absorbed by the current investment climate and opportunities in Ethiopia, a
Dutch national is to invest over 40 mln USD on a five star hotel and real-estate
ventures in Addis Ababa. Mr. Cvan Hal and his Ethiopian wife, Mrs. Genet Abebe,
have decided to live in Ethiopia after concluding their 18 year business in the
Netherlands. They have now secured 50,000 square meters in Bole area for
real-estate purposes and are expecting 4-5,000 square meters of land in the same
area for the five-star hotel they plan to build.
Emulate China: Meles Tells
Merkel
"The time has come to pay more attention to Africa,"
Mr. Muller told the bankers.Ethiopia, German bankers said, has offered the
platform for Commerzbank to operate from Addis Abeba, an office also responsible
for about eight countries in the Horn and East Africa. But nothing is more
pleasing to Ethiopian bankers and Prime Minister Meles than to hear that in the
three-decade relationship the Bank has had with Ethiopia, the latter has never
defaulted on its commitments. Meles described this relationship as a
"distinguished association".
Ethiopia to exchange famine for food
FT - The government of Ethiopia, which has one of Africa’s most state-dominated
economies, is stepping into uncharted territory by launching a commodity
exchange to help alleviate food shortages and encourage the commercialisation of
agriculture. The Ethiopia Commodity Exchange (ECEX), which is due to open in
December, will sit at the hub of new price dissemination and quality control
systems designed to improve liquidity and transparency and reduce transaction
risk.
Dubai company to launch 13bln birr city building
project
The Dubai-based Injaz Plc is set to launch what will become the biggest ever
single investment project the country has witnessed so far, Oromia Investment
Commission Commissioner Alemu Sime told The Reporter. The project involves
virtually building a city with an investment outlay of 13 billion birr,
according to the commissioner.
Ethiopia:the Best CUD decision on HR2003
Blogger / Kaffa - The
Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) meeting this week is coming at the worst
time for the ruling party in Addis Ababa. The HR 2003 bill is becoming as the
worst government reputation tarnishing case as the post election violence in
2005.
 Institute
President Disappointed by Short-sightedness of Ethiopia Democracy and
Accountability Act of 2007; Calls on Senate to Reconsider Restrictions on
Security Assistance Washington, D.C. – Institute on Religion and Public Policy President Joseph K.
Grieboski released the following statement on the passage of H.R.2003, Ethiopia
Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007 by the House of Representatives:
"
The Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007 is a perfect example of
positive Congressional intent that will result in negative consequences.
Congressional leaders had hopes that the bill would serve to improve democratic
and civil conditions on the ground; instead, it only serves to jeopardize
American security relations in Africa, and around the globe.
Open letter to Congressman
Donald M. Payne
By:
Concerned Ethiopian
I commend your effort to
promote democracy in Africa in particular in Ethiopia and your effort is well
noted and being an African American, Ethiopians shall take your bill as a
reminder for the concern expressed in the bill. However Ethiopian people are now
striving to come out and reverse, the long destruction and backwardness
inflicted by their own people, by renewing a new renaissance more reaffirmed by
the dawning of the new Millennium. Having said that, your concern well taken,
whatever bill authorization you recommend in your political system let me assure
you that it has no bearing on Ethiopia.
Thank You, Congress for Passing HR 2003
Ethiopian Americans Council - Ethiopians now can
breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the House of Representatives unanimously
passed HR 2003, the Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007. The vote
sent a powerful message that a democratic and economically viable Ethiopia can
only be a true and durable ally to the United States.
Ethiopia
to earn 125 million US dollars from flower export: Association
Addis Ababa, October 6, 2007 (Addis Ababa) - Ethiopian
Horticulture Producers-Exporters Association (EHPEA) said the nation is expected
to earn 125 million US dollars from the export of flowers at the end of 2007.
Ethiopia
Blasts US Lawmakers' Bill Barring Financial Aid Based on Rights Record
"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."
promises troops for Darfur
Ethiopia pledged 5,000 troops to the new international peacekeeping force in
Darfur yesterday as negotiations over its composition continue at the United
Nations and the African Union. Ali al-Sadiq, a spokesman for Sudan's foreign
ministry, said: "We have very good relations with Ethiopia. We don't have any
problem with any member [of the force] coming from Ethiopia. But it is for the
African Union to decide
 Germany's Merkel starts Africa tour with plea to Ethiopia
German Chancellor Angela Merkel began her first visit to
sub-Saharan Africa on Thursday with a call for more democratic
opening in Ethiopia, a key ally of the West but under scrutiny
over rights issues. On the first leg of a five-day tour also
taking her to South Africa and Liberia, the German leader urged
Prime Minister Meles Zenawi to provide greater space in Ethiopia
for both political opposition and the media.
MIDROC launches coal production activities that cut
country's heavy fuel oil consumption by half
Addis Ababa, October 04, 2007 (WIC) - MIDROC Ethiopia has
reportedly launched coal production activities with 200 million
birr to cut by half the heavy fuel oil consumption of the
country.
Dangerous
Eleh Politics underway in Ethiopia (blog)
The word Eleh is an Amharic language word, one of
the dozens of languages inside Ethiopia. I don’t know the exact translation of
this Amharic word to English but you can understand the meaning of the word from
this context.
Ethiopia might face problems with U.S. Congress’s HR 2003
American Chronicle - There are many things that I don’t agree with the EPRDF
ruling party in Ethiopia. Particularly, I don’t agree that the young democratic
institutions are promptly improving in Ethiopia today. But under HR 2003,
Ethiopia’s security, Ethiopia’s economic and political progress might get in
jeopardy.
Q & A with President Isaias Afwerki
LA Times - Why restrict religions other than
the four major faiths officially sanctioned by the government?
There is no restriction on religion. What's new about the Bible that you want to
teach me? What is new about the Koran? I say there is nothing new. .
. . Religion is by default restricted because you have
nothing new to teach me. You do not have the right to impose your beliefs on
another person. That creates discord and confusion in the society. Government is
there to guarantee everyone is respected. I don't believe that's a restriction.
Message from
Sheik Mohammed Al Amoudi
US House of
Representatives Passes Ethiopia Human Rights Bill
The House of Representatives has approved
legislation aimed at supporting democracy and human rights in Ethiopia. VOA's
Dan Robinson reports, a congressional committee also heard testimony on the
human rights situation in Ethiopia, and the situation in the Ogaden region of
the country.
The Reporter, Editorial (Amharic)
German banking giant to open office here ANGELA MERKEL arrives this week
Dr. Angela Merkel, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, is expected to
arrive here for a state visit this week.
The Chancellor’s visit is aimed at strengthening the already close ties with
Ethiopia and Africa in general. In a related development, Commerzbank, Germany’s
second largest financial institution has a announced in a press release it sent
to Capital that it is to open a representative office in Ethiopia, on October
4th 2007.
 Beyoncé,
Ludacris to Dazzle Addis
On Friday, September 28, 2007, Derege Yessuwork, aka Jambi, was in Dubai
finalising the deal with Beyoncé’s agent, a Dutch national, on her coming to
Addis in order to perform a grand concert organised by Addis Park Development
and Management Plc, a subsidiary of MIDROC Ethiopia. To be held immediately
following Ramadan, it will be the second of the three concerts planned to be
staged in the Hall before the end of 2007. The first concert was held on
September 11, during the eve of the Ethiopian New Year, featuring a popular
American R&B group, “Black Eyed Peas”, and local performers such as Aster Aweke
and Teodros Tadesse.
Note from the Editor - EthiopiaFirst confirmed that Beyonce will be
rocking Addis. Her stage manager was in Addis to finalize details.
Propelling
Positive Consultations into Changes on the Ground
Addis Fortune (Editorial) - The latest developments in what seems to be a
campaign to promote political openness on the part of the ruling Revolutionary
Democrats took place last Sunday, September 23, 2007, with a second round of
youth forums. Consultations with any facet of society is a welcome development
from a party that has not enjoyed the best reputation for including society at
large in its decision making processes over its 16-year plus rule.
New force in Pharmaceuticals
Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ethiopia Plc (CPEL), is the latest overseas venture of an
Indian pharmaceutical giant which has a footprint in over 50 countries. The vast
Ethiopian pharmaceuticals market has of late been attracting local and foreign
investors and all indications are that the sector is booming exponentially.
Letter to Ben on his outrage on Coalition for HR 2003
By: Robele Ababya
Duty and honor calls that I must
react to your outrage at what you dubbed the action of few vocal minority in the
Diaspora led to the unanimous approval of “Ethiopia Democracy and accountability
Act” (HR 2003) by the House Foreign Affairs Committee referring it to the full
House of Representatives of the United States Congress for final action.
Meskel
festival lights up Ethiopia
CBC News - Thousands of Ethiopians and visitors crammed the main square
in Addis Ababa, the capital, on Thursday to celebrate Meskel, the country's most
colourful Christian festival.
Ethiopia - "Africa is being damaged by greenhouse gas" - Zenawi
NEW YORK, Sept 27 (Reuters) - Africa is being damaged by
greenhouse gas pollution from developed nations and must sell
carbon credits to grow in a "green fashion," Ethiopian Prime
Minister Meles Zenawi told Bill Clinton's philanthropic summit
on Thursday.
Commentary on Current Issues and Events
By: Getachew Mequanent
In Ottawa, Canada, where there is a small Ethiopian community, two different
community groups hosted two different millennium celebration events on the same
day. This was not what our elder brothers and sisters of the Diaspora envisaged
when they were forming Diaspora community organizations in the 1980s. They saw
the need for community resources to help a growing number of refugees and
immigrants adjust to the environment of host societies, and above all, they want
to support young people.
The Reporter, Editorial (Amharic)
Terrorism double standard?
Samuel Assefa, Ethiopia's ambassador to the United States
Washington Times - Imagine for a moment that a military group - aligned with
al Qaeda and supported by a bordering hostile nation - slaughtered 74 workers at
a business in America or Europe. How long would it take for this group to be
declared a terrorist organization by Western governments and widely condemned in
the media?
On April 24, 2007, my country, Ethiopia, suffered just such an attack. Yet
Western governments have not labeled the perpetrators as terrorist and the media
has been largely unsympathetic. Is there a double standard in what constitutes
terrorism depending upon whether the victims are Western?
Russian
investor to launch car assembly factory with over 100 mln USD
Debremarkos, September 27, 2007 (WIC) - A Russian investor announced that he
would launch a car assembly and spare parts factory in Debremarkos town, Amhara
State, with over 100 million US dollars. Owner of Motorika Niva and Lada spare
parts factory, Coplico Balantin, said yesterday that he has been undertaking a
study to build a spare parts factory in Africa.
Ethiopia celebrates
'true cross' BBC, Sept 27, 2007 - This week Addis Ababa is playing host to
a gathering of church leaders from all over the world. Ethiopia - which follows
its own ancient Coptic calendar - has just celebrated the start of the new
millennium.
Statement by the Embassy of Ethiopia on Action by House Foreign Affairs
Committee 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 Congress, in the House and
the Senate, who understand the reality of the Horn of Africa and recognize
Ethiopia's courageous commitment to democracy in one of the most dangerous
regions in the world.
Ethiopia Celebrates the founding of true-Cross colorfully
Tracing angels' footsteps in Ethiopia
"I'd be happy to welcome more tourists," said Mesganaw, a Christian Orthodox
who has been a priest for 32 years. "I want people to know about Lalibela."
Ethiopia Notifies Eritrea of Its Material Breaches of the Algiers Agreements:
Ministry (September 26, 2007)
Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin on 25 Sep. 2007 transmitted a letter to Eritrean
counterpart notifying that Eritrea of its material breaches of the Algiers
Agreements and Ethiopia’s entitlement to invoke the breaches as ground for
considering legal and peaceful options, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
The way forward
By Meqdela and Ethio-Zagol
ER
suggested that Kinijit should think
seriously about the mid-term election
that will be held here in seven months.
Good idea. But we don't think it is
practical. First, Kinijit has to make a
decision about legalization. We don't
think the Temesgen group which has the
license will settle its internal
differences and make a concession with
the leaders of Kinijit. Even if it does
that, the election board has already
shown that it doesn't want the Temesgen
group to be led by those who were
released from Kaliti. The option,
therefore, is a name change.
Enqefat - Amharic poem
Ethiopia plans to triple sugar output by 2011
ADDIS ABABA, Sept 25 (Reuters) - Ethiopia has launched a $1.3 billion project
aimed at more than tripling the country's annual sugar production by 2011, the
state-run sugar board said on Tuesday.
The Hilarious Meles and the Disconcerted “Diaspora”
Nonetheless, their disappointment ought to have been relieved with the
unscheduled appearance of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi at 4:30pm, judging from
how cheerfully they received him. Not only did he get a standing ovation when he
suddenly entered into the hall, the crowd took advantage of a power interruption
of approximately 20 minutes occurring immediately after his arrival; they were
seen rushing to the front, shoving one another, in a bid to take a shot of him
on their mobile cameras
Meles Surprise Appearance at Government-Hosted Diaspora Gathering
Ethiopia to sell hydro power to Egypt
The Ethiopia – Sudan 230 KV interconnection project of about 321 km and the
Ethio-Djibouti 230 KV interconnection project of 280 km are projects which will
be commenced by 2007 and commissioned by the end of 2008. It was also learnt
that the Ethio-Kenya interconnection initiated by respective Heads of State is
also on the fast track. As part of the Nile Basin Initiative, Ethiopia also has
an Eastern Nile Power Trade investment program which includes Ethiopia, Sudan
and Egypt.
Ethiopia: Salini
Finalises 70pc of Gilgel Gibe II Hydro Power Project Salini
Construttori, an Italian contractor, finalised 70pc of the Gilgel Gibe II
hydroelectric project that is projected to have the capacity to generate
420mw electrical energy. When launched in December 2007 for testing, the
project is expected to upgrade the country's power supply by 60pc.
 IN
DESERVING RECOGNITION
Interfaith Peace-building Initiative (IPI), Member of United Religious
Initiative (URI), which works to establish interfaith cooperation, end religious
motivated violence and create cultures of peace and justice, commemorates the
International Day of Peace by awarding Prof. Ephraim Isaac and other members of
Ethiopia Elders’ Council on September 21, 2007 at African Union Hall.
IPI bestowed a ‘Peace Award of the Year’ trophy on Prof. Ephraim Isaac, who
represented the Elders’ Council and peace medals to all the twenty two members
of the council. Various religious leaders presented the awards to the elders.
Ethiopia
gets $208 mln China loan for power, cement
ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - Ethiopia on Tuesday signed a $208 million loan agreement
with China, to finance new power generation and expand a cement factory, the
Horn of Africa country's finance minister said.
Rastafarians mark Ethiopian millennium with massive concert
ADDIS ABABA (AFP) - Tens of thousands of
Rastafarians converged on Addis Ababa for a massive
concert as part of the celebrations marking
Ethiopia's new millennium.
Ethiopian
political dispute comes to United States
The Hill - Gizachew and two other CUD members who met
with The Hill this week said they endured harsh conditions in prison as the
legal process dragged on. CUD President Hailu Shawel said he was put in a small,
cold room after his arrest.
FUNDRAISING EVENT -
AGAR-EYAD
SEPTEMBER 22, 2007,
6PM-12AM - AFRICAN/ETHIOPIAN ORPHAN ORGANIZATION
AT VENUE: RESTAURANT AND
SPORTS BAR
2808 N.E. MLK BLVD., PORTLAND, OREGON $20.00 TICKET - Music and
Food
Info: (503) 875-8501
or (503) 493-8127
UN seeks Ethiopia
abuses inquiry
BBC, Sept 20, 2007 - The UN has called for an independent investigation
into reports of human rights abuses in Ethiopia's predominantly Somali Ogaden
region. . . . "The main point is that the report is confirming what the
government is thinking especially about the humanitarian situation in this
region," government spokesman Wahide Beleye told AFP news agency.
Police attributes peaceful celebration of millennium to close collaboration
of public, police
According to Workineh, police has foiled the attempts of OLF and other
messengers of Shaebia to launch attacks on buses and bus stations, police
stations, banks, international organizations, electric transformers. He
added that the anti-peace forces were apprehended and their case is being
handled by the court.
US gives 'strategically important' Ethiopia $97 million
ADDIS ABABA (AFP) - The United States said Friday it is donating 97 million
dollars (69 million euros) to
Ethiopia in recognition of the
Horn of Africa country's "strategic importance."
Interview with Ato Yosef Gizachew, from Aend
Ethiopia Radio
EthiopiaFirst.com
(Note from the Editor: this interview was conducted during my stay in
Ethiopia - Sept 14, 2007)
The Reporter, Editorial (Amharic)
The Reporter, Editorial (Amharic - Last week)
DO THE MATHEMATICS?
9 hundred 99 years left to 3000!!! The real countdown begins.
By: Hiruy
To the people of Ethiopia, let me wish you one last time:
Happy Millennium & Happy New Year. It is a wonderful feeling as a native of
Ethiopia to celebrate the year 2000. I love the way Ethiopians and our foreign
guests rejoiced in the festivities, partied in the galas and observed the
holiday with their families. The people of Ethiopia radiated their national
colors with pride and celebrated this historic day with love and harmony.
Ethiopia's
Opposi
nntion Wants U.S. Support for Democracy Struggle
Araaya confirmed the opposition did sign a
statement to be released from prison. “Well we were released on pardon basis. We
were pardoned. As you said yes, we did sign a document and then on basis of that
document, a pardon board reviewed our case and then presented to the president
of the country, and the president issued a pardon declaration. And so we are
released with all our full rights that a citizen should have,” Araaya said.
Araaya said the opposition leaders signed the statement voluntarily with an
apology to the Ethiopian government.
“We signed it voluntarily. We apologized to the people, to the government. Yes,
we did. That’s what the paper said, and that’s what we signed,” he said.
Ethiopia’s next elections are in January 2008. Araaya said the opposition
Coalition for Unity and Democracy would like to field candidates, but for now,
it wants to concentrate on rebuilding.
Butty interview with Hailu Araaya
Listen to Butty interview with Hailu Araaya
Teddy Afro Rocks Out Millennium in Jimma
When it became obvious for Jimma, located 347km southwest of Addis Abeba, to
host one of the biggest music concerts taking place in the country on September
12, 2007, in honour of the new Millennium, many residents of the town went
cheering late into the night of New Year’s Eve.
Interview with Prof. Ephrem Isaac (The Reporter)
Interview with Commissioner Workeneh Gebeyehu (The Reporter)
2 bombs defused in the Ethiopian capital, government says
Authorities defused the two devices in the Lideta district of the capital of
Addis Ababa on Saturday, government spokesman Zemedkun Tekle said
PM Meles Answers Questions From Various Sections Of The Public (Source: ENA)
PM Meles
Responds to Ethiopian Youth (Source: ENA)
My wish: Parliamentary representative for Diaspora and Dual-Citizenship
By: Haile B
The celebrations of our millennium should not be limited to “Meskerm And”. Our
millennium must be celebrated every day of the first year our millennium.
Ethiopians and Diasporas that could not make it to the first day of the
millennium should be given opportunities to be part of the celebration through
out year. Here are my wishes in the next millennium
Ethiopia sees 10 pct economy growth in
coming yrs
ADDIS ABABA, Sept 13
(Reuters) - An export boom is likely to drive 10 percent annual
economic growth in Ethiopia for the next few years, the finance
minister said on Thursday, but added that the target was a
minimum to tackle poverty.
Ethiopia to deploy 5000 troops in Darfur
September 13, 2007
(KHARTOUM) — Ethiopia will deploy five thousand soldiers to a
joint U.N.-African Union peacekeeping force in Darfur, Sudanese
media reported yesterday.
Ethiopia says Eritrea must change stance on border dispute
"A solution can only be found once Eritrea changes its present stand,"
It's Y2K for Ethiopians, thanks
to lag in calendar
There was dancing all night in
Addis Ababa, but in Atlanta the celebration will be a little more subdued.
Eritrea blames arch-foe Ethiopia for collapse of border talks ReliefWeb
Time for parties, not poverty, as Ethiopia... The Times
Ethiopians to celebrate their millennium tomorrow The
Times
Interview:
Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi TIME: Many people outside
Africa know Ethiopia primarily from television reports of the famine in 1984 and
1985.
Meles: That was clearly part of our reality. We cannot run away from it.
Ethiopia is in the midst of a profound transformation. Most analysts agree that
our growth has been exceptionally pro-poor. The political transformation is
still a work in progress. There have been quite a few bumps on the road. But in
the end, the movement has been inexorably in the right direction towards
permanently establishing democratic institutions, towards further consolidation
of a democratic culture and towards further stabilization. On the eve of the
millennium, we are beginning to see the impact of the start of the
transformation of the country.
It's Time for AP to Stop The Onslaught of Truth in the Name of
Journalism
Elshadai Relief & Development Association
It's to be recalled that –
when Associated Press (AP) came up with its baseless report that
attempted to tarnish our noble effort to tackle the problem of begging
by falsely tying it to the millennium celebration ("Homeless
Ethiopians Moved Out of Capital", Aug. 28, 2007) – we
did our best to strongly yet politely refute the unfounded story ("Putting
the Record Straight …" Aug. 31, 2007). We also contacted AP's
Ethiopia Correspondent, Anita Powell, to enlighten her on the spirit and
purpose of our work – giving her the benefit of doubt that, after all,
she might have lacked enough information on the three-year project with
a long-term goal to help the poor and the marginalized.
 Ethiopia- Berhanu on his imprisonment
"I will do it
again" The recently released opposition CUD
party leader, Dr Berhanu Nega, spoke in front of a packed auditorium in the New
School University of New York City, where he received his PHD less than a decade
ago. To the delight of his Ethiopian and American supporters who arrived more
than an hour early to see him, he confirmed that he would do it again and choose
imprisonment rather than enter the Ethiopian parliament.
Dear Netters,
Some one comes across
reports in the international media mentioning that Ethiopia is losing its best
partner, by picking a fight, with Norway over security interest.
The Ethiopian government in its official statement referred to its national
security interests as a problem with Norway. Some one may get worried as an
Ethiopian, that this will have an impact over the promising economic growth
trajectory of the country. The development cooperation between Ethiopia and
Norway according to official sources, will really surprise every one.
The impression some people had and the reality on the ground regarding
development assistance from Norway is completely different.
As readers would probably know, Norway is the only country in the world that
reached the 1% of GDP threshold of ODA. The automatic impression that this and
the media reports created was that Norway was the biggest donor to Ethiopia. In
fact, far from that.
It is very disappointing to find out direct Norwegian assistance disbursed to
Ethiopia in the year 2006/2007, is about 1.5 million USD. It's a miniscule
compared with Sweden's 25 mills. USD ; the UK's 300 mill. USD, and Ireland's 30
mill. USD.
 Dear Netters,I'll be in Ethiopia for the next three weeks. I'll
try to update this site on a daily basis. I can be reached at
EthiopiaFirst@gmail.com
Ben Aug 23, 2007 (19
days left to Our Millennium)
Reminder ..... Please don't
forget about
"One for the Road" |
Ethiopian govt unable to check inflation -opposition Reuters
Africa
Norway to cut Ethiopia aid after diplomats expelled12:58 GMT Reuters
U.S. Senate
Investigation Reveals Eritrea Providing Military Aid to Sri Lanka Tamil Tiger
Rebels
Annual Great Ethiopia Run Postponed by Government Voice of
America News
Putting the Record
Straight on the Effort to Rescue Beggars & the Homeless
In its Aug. 28, 2007 online report, Associated Press (AP) narrated Elshadai
Relief & Development Association’s involvement in tackling the problem of
begging and homelessness.
Starbucks 0 Ethiopian Coffee growers 1
Natural Choices Fairtrade
and organic food pioneers Equal Exchange will be the first company to become
licensed distributors for speciality Ethiopian coffee in the UK under a new
trading agreement that will benefit some of the world’s poorest farmers.
Ethiopia finalizes studies for building two hydropower dams
ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia's Ministry of Water
Resources said Wednesday it has completed studies of building two hydropower
dams at northwest Ethiopia's Mendeya town and the Ethio-Sudanese border,
respectively.
The Struggle for Democracy in
Ethiopia: A talk by Dr. Berhanu Nega
Join us for a talk by Dr. Berhanu Nega, New School alumnus and mayor-elect of
Addis Ababa. Dr. Nega was held as a political prisoner in Ethiopia for almost
two years, along with thousands of others in the current government's crackdown
on dissent. Recently released from prison, he is in New York to share his
experiences at his alma mater, The New School for Social Research on Thursday,
September 6th at 7:30 pm. at Swayduck Auditorium at 65 Fifth Ave.
SEPTEMBER 19, 2007
UNECA CONFERENCE CENTER
ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA
The Full Story
(Source: Ethiopian Embassy - Washington DC)
Foreign
Policy Magazine recently conducted an extensive interview
with Ethiopian Ambassador Samuel Assefa. Unfortunately the
magazine chose only to show a truncated version of the
interview on its Internet site. Here’s the full story as
Assefa discusses the failings of the "Failed States Index,"
the statistically dubious report prepared by FP Magazine.
Choose your video format below:
Assefa Interview, Pt. 1 (45:50)
Assefa Interview, Pt. 2 (34:22)
National Black Caucus For Local Elected Officials Accepts
Ethiopian Ambassador's Invitation For Trade Mission
WASHINGTON,
Aug. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
Kansas
City Councilman Terry Riley,
president of the National Black
Caucus of Local Elected Officials
(NBC-LEO), announced today that
members of the board of directors
would travel to
Ethiopia
in the next sixty days for a trade
mission as well as meetings with
government officials.
|
Discussion with Ato Yosef Gizachew of Ande Ethiopia radio.
Part I | Part II
(MP3 player)
EthiopiaFirst.com Aug 21, 2007 |
Mechchal New Online Radio
Executive Producer: Ermias Mekonnen
Eirmek@Yahoo.com
Aug 20, 2007 |
Prof. Ephrem Isaac on Voice of Ethiopia
Radio
(Minneapolis, Minnesota)
[ You may forward to 10:00 min for the interview ]
OF PARDON GRANT & ITS IMPLICATIONS
By: Genenew Assefa
Within a matter of less than two
years of an open and a keenly followed legal trial, considered
expeditious by all standards, the accused radical CUD leaders were
indicted, convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. Almost
immediately, the inmates were pardoned based on a clemency plea that
they had submitted to Prime Minister Meles Zenawi a few weeks
earlier. Among other important implications which we will have an
occasion to mention below, the pardon plea laid bare the justice of
the verdict and the fittingness of the punishment. For the CUD's
clemency plea is an unmistakable, unambiguous and unequivocal
confession of guilt to a crime of grave magnitude - attempt to
violently undo the institutional expressions of the constitution.
Understandably the clemency plea that led to the pardon grant was
greeted by the general public, political community and media
commentators with a mixed feeling of denial and anger, on the one
hand, relief and joy on the other. Indeed, public response to the
CUD leaders' willing admission of guilt, for which they sought
pardon, could not be uniformly identical. As somber and joys as the
reaction has been, it has also a comical side.
Freed Ethiopians Describe Threats
NAIROBI -- Three Ethiopian journalists
who had been held for almost two years in an Addis Ababa
prison said that days after being cleared of all charges and
released this spring, they each received death threats from
government security agents. In lengthy interviews here in
the Kenyan capital, the journalists also described being
subjected to psychological torture during their confinement
with other political prisoners in a stifling cell on the
outskirts of the Ethiopian capital.
TAAAF’s Meskel Square Millennium event cancelled
The Grand Festival of Taste of
Addis - Africa Festival (TAAAF) which was to take place from
September 11 to19 at Meskel Square has been canceled,
Capital learnt. It was disclosed that the event scheduled
and approved by the Addis Ababa Millennium Secretariat to be
held at Meskel Square was cancelled by the same government
body for reasons related to security.
Ethiopia among countries with highest primary school
coverage in Africa: UNESCO
Ethiopia has one of the highest primary school coverage in
Africa and can meet the Millennium Development Goals of
Education for All, UNESCO disclosed. UNESCO Representative
to Ethiopia, Nureldin Satti, told WIC recently that the
country has done a lot in the education sector and attained
90 percent primary school coverage, which makes it one of
the countries with the highest rate of students going to
school in Africa.
Ethiopia's Yirgacheffe to export more coffee
ADDIS
ABABA, Aug 22 (Reuters) - Coffee growers and
traders in Yirgacheffe, home to one of
Ethiopia's specialty coffees, aim to boost
export volumes by 6,000 tonnes in the
2007/08 season, a regional official said on
Wednesday.
Media Watchdog Criticizes Ethiopia's Press
Freedom
International media watchdog, Reporters
Without Borders, has criticized the
Ethiopian government for its inconsistent
approach to press freedom. On Saturday,
Prime Minister Meles Zenawi conditionally
pardoned four journalists who had previously
been given long prison sentences.
 In
Ethiopia, one man's model for a just society
Awra
Amba, Ethiopia - He can't read or write, but
Zumra Nuru created a society that would have
made Karl Marx proud. The 60-year-old
Ethiopian farmer founded and cochairs Awra
Amba, a commune where men cook, women plow,
and religion has no place. His inspiration
came from his childhood: He was sent to the
fields instead of to school and beaten for
eating meat at his Christian neighbor's
home.His mother had to work much more than
his father.
UN vows to defend Somalia regime
The
>>< United Nations Security Council has
warned it will “take measures” against
anyone threatening Somalia’s western-backed
transitional government and told Ban Ki-moon,
secretary-general, to draw up plans for a
possible UN takeover from African Union
troops there.
Sheraton Addis Hiring 2,000 Crew for
Millennium Bonanza
The management of Sheraton Addis is in a
hiring spree, eyeing a Millennium bonanza it
will organise inside Ethiopia's largest
concert hall under construction on Africa
Avenue (Bole Road) at a project cost of 10
million dollars.
Dear Netters,
I’ll post all your suggestions by tomorrow. As I was
informed from credible source, the so-called petition was signed by few
Shaebia supporters. This is what we expect from Eritrean regime. However,
we will organize ourselves and win this case. When I say we, I mean
Ethiopians and all peace loving Eritreans. “Yechalal”!
Ben, Aug 21, 2007, 2:30 pm
Ethiopian's request to fly to Canada encounters resistance
The Ethiopian Airlines' request for permission to start flights to Canada has
encountered resistance from a certain group of individuals residing in that
country. "We asked for permission that would enable us to start regular flight
service to Canada. We were told by the Canadian government that many Ethiopians
who have Canadian passport signed a petition protesting the Ethiopian request,"
Ethiopian CEO, Girma Wake, told a press conference held last week.
To my fellow Ethio-Canadians and Ethiopians who
reside in Canada
This is quite disheartening news. I cannot picture
Ethiopians signing a petition to block our flag-carrier airlines from coming
to Canada. However, I will not be surprise if our adversaries campaign to
promote their sinister motives. It took more than six decades for this great
institution to reach where it is now. It has been and will be the jewel of
Africa! We have to organize ourselves and approach the authorities in Ottawa
to reverse this erroneous decision. We have to act, and act soon. Please
forward us your suggestions how we can solve this unfortunate scenario.
CLICK HERE
for your
suggestions.
Ben
Ethiopian government frees 32 opposition members from prison
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia
(Reuters) -- Ethiopia freed 32 opposition
members Saturday who had been held without
charges since a disputed 2005 election led
to violent street protests, a senior
official said.
Sonja & Samson walk the Province of Nova Scotia for Ethiopia
By: Sonja
 In the winter of 1984 an airlift delivery of grains and
supplies were sent to Ethiopia from Nova Scotia to help aid the people in your
country who were facing a crisis of famine and starvation. I, at the time was
shocked to see the devastation and tragedy that was happening in Ethiopia. Our
local TV news station was bringing the people in NS updates every evening on the
growing situation in Ethiopia, then one evening approx. a month later (Jan.
1985) the broadcaster announced that he would not be airing anymore pictures or
stories of the ongoing devastation in your country because the people in NS
found it too hard to see starving women, children and ultimately families.
Everything was perishing in your country. My heart broke as I looked in my own
cupboard to find I had 2 pieces of bread, a jar of macaroni and a half a jug of
milk. It was then I realized I had so much to be grateful for but I had nothing
to give to your people and I so wanted to help.
I felt it was selfish of Nova Scotian's to feel we did our
part and didn't need to do more. Ethiopia's crisis was not over by our small
donation. I still wanted to do something. Before that broadcast was over I
knew what I would do, I was going to keep the awareness alive by preparing a
2500 km trek around NS through one town to the next reminding our people we did
not solve this crisis.
. . . It rained pretty much the whole month of
July, with only a couple of sunny breaks. When I reached about 700 kms the TV
station I had went to initially, finally caught up with me, and wanted to start
a progress report. It was about time, I thought. I kept going and the support
grew. People were stopping and making donations, they would bring me food on the
road. Even Samson was getting treats; my shaggy sheepdog was a hit. I carried on
reaching my goal, of keeping Nova Scotia's people aware that the crisis was not
over for Ethiopia. The People of Nova Scotia were wonderful to my dog and me.
Note from the Editor: This is a very moving article. I want
to thank Sonja for being "Citizen of the World".
Dear Netters,
Here follows the e-mail being distributed by Ethio Media Forum (EMF) about the
online vote on HR2003 (http://washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_HR_2003.html).
Kinfu Assefa <kinfuassefa@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi all,
The Woyane is leading the vote because they are (probably 1 person)
voting multiple times by deleting his browser cookie each time:
You can also vote multiple times:
From your browser go to Tools >> Internet Options >> General tab >>
Delete cookies.
Refresh and vote for it as many times as you can.
The irony is the very same website is crying foul about vote rigging. By the
way, if you follow EMF's advice, you can indeed vote multiple times. My sincer
advice to EMF is as Berry White said "practice what you preach". We now know
that everything was farce. (CLICK HERE to view the e-mail)
Ethiopia: OHRC & ONLF - lessons on how to invent a U.N. genocide
American Chronicle - Despite the terrorist acts of the ONLF separatist rebels,
the human rights organization covering the region named OHRC has made no
condemnations and allegations against the ONLF. So far it has not made any
citations of ONLF’s terrorist acts, which ultimately compels outsiders to wonder
if there is any difference between the ONLF & the OHRC.
US
Considering Terror Label for Eritrea
WASHINGTON (AP) - The United States is considering designating the Red Sea state
of Eritrea a ``state sponsor of terrorism'' for its alleged support of Islamist
militants in Somalia, the top U.S. diplomat for Africa said Friday. The State
Department is now compiling data to legally back up such a move, which would
impose severe sanctions on the impoverished nation and put it on the same
diplomatic blacklist as Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria and Sudan, said Jendayi
Frazer, the assistant secretary of state for African affairs.
Commentary - Addis Admaas (Amharic)
Abba Paulos: Smash the
idols
AL-AHRAM -
"We were Christian [charitable and monotheistic] for over a thousand years
before Christ," Abba Paulos, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo
Church, declared nonplused. "We have been Christian since Queen Makeda [the
biblical Sheba] visited King Solomon in Jerusalem to partake of his wisdom and
returned to Ethiopia with the Ark of the Covenant -- containing the actual stone
tablets of the Ten Commandments God gave Moses," he explained.
The Reporter, Editorial (Amharic)
Ethiopia
attains 90 percent bed net distribution in malaria prone areas
Bed nets distribution has reached 90 percent in malaria prone
areas, according to the Ministry of Health. Eradicating malaria from the country
is one of the Millennium Development Goals, the Minister recalled, further
noting that it is possible to do so if all the concerned bodies work with
commitment.
Online vote on HR 2003 :
http://washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_HR_2003.html
Ethiopia New Year terror thwarted
BBC - Aug 15, 2007 - Security forces in Ethiopia say they have prevented an
attempt by a rebel group to assassinate officials and destroy public
institutions. The police moved against what they say was a terrorist cell of the
Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) last week.
- U.S. Policy in the Horn of Africa
(James Swan, Deputy
Assistant Secretary for African Affairs)
Eritrea has experienced economic decline and a
lack of freedoms, for the press and political expression. There is
widespread and arbitrary conscription. The government has worked to
destabilize its neighbors, including Ethiopia and Somalia.
. . . The
Eritrean Government has fabricated a national mythology by demonizing
neighboring Ethiopia, for the central purpose of garnering complete
compliance with his autocratic domestic policies. By channeling Eritreans'
patriotism into hostility toward Ethiopia, the government ensures that [it]
can rule as it likes, without public opposition. Democracy and economic
opportunity remain purely theoretical concepts for the people of Eritrea.
Ethiopian blesses peacemakers, extols
virtues of ancient culture
 Las
Vegas SUN - The United States may be a world leader in science and technology,
but it can learn a lot about forgiveness and humility from Ethiopia's ancient
culture. That challenge came Thursday from Ephraim Isaac, a retired Harvard
professor from Ethiopia who reflected on the art of negotiating settlements
between strident opponents during a visit to Las Vegas. Peacemakers are nurtured
by a culture such as his, he said in an interview before addressing a gathering
of the National Association of Black Journalists. .
. "In Ethiopia both sides were of the same
culture that practices forgiveness and reconciliation," said Isaac, who speaks
17 languages and lectures around the world on issues such as peace and religion.
Ethiopian Shimgelena Vs False Hope
By: Tedla Asfaw
I followed Professor Yeshake (Isac) more than
one and half hour interview in Ethiopian Television Network from USA with the
host Tamagene and I salute the host and the guest for their Ethiopian polite
discussion between families and they made us all proud. There is an Ethiopian
saying which says "Yeteme Fitchew Duketen Amechew" and I heard this quoted by
member of the elderly council on the interview the council members gave month
ago. The released elected leaders should be thanked for accepting the role of
Shimagelis rather than the many vistis tried by USA and Western officials
because they believe from their heart that Westerners care less about our
country beyond their own self interest.
Ethiopia
clinches Petronas gas deal
Ethiopia has signed a deal allowing Malaysian
state oil company Petronas to develop natural gas in its Ogaden region, where
rebels have warned oil companies to stay away. "The agreement signed between
Ethiopia and Petronas focuses on the development and marketing of Kalub and
Hilal gas deposits in the Ogaden," a Ministry of Mines & Energy official, who
declined to be named, told Reuters.
Millennium Secretariat says tree planting campaign more than successful
African Monitor - Over 470 mln
seedlings of tree have so far been planted in the country in two months
under the millennium campaign, the country's millennium secretariat disclosed on
Wednesday.
 In Ethiopia,
elders dissolve a crisis the traditional way
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - As the gray-haired man of
letters strode into the posh restaurant in Ethiopia's capital recently, wearing
his signature long, white yemiyakora tunic and black and white cap, patrons
stood up and applauded. Professor Ephraim Isaac, a retired Ethiopian Harvard
scholar who lectures around the world on religion, peace, and conflict, had just
helped resolve his country's two-year political crisis using problem-solving
methods as traditionally Ethiopian as his garb.
Tamagne's
Engagement with Professor Ephrem and Athlete Haile - A Beginning of a new
Culture of Tolerance?
By: Haile Kebede
 A
dawn of hope is making itself felt over the whole of Ethiopia. Ethiopians all
over the world are working to make sure that this newly found momentum of hope
and goodwill becomes successful and thereby, deliver peace and progress to the
people of Ethiopia. I first saw Tamagne as a young man when he was touring North
America with the famous ‘hizb-le hizb’ troupe during the Derg era. I liked this
aspiring young man when I saw him at a stage then, but my positive assessment
changed when I saw a video clip of this young man where he misrepresented the
facts of one particular incident of this tour. Perhaps he erred to appease and
please the then ruthless leaders of Ethiopia and to add some spice to his
presentation. That is understandable and really minor issue. However, Tamagne
the politician was not as appealing as Tamagne the comical/artist/. In fact in
my opinion he has so far played a negative role in politics and contributed his
fare share to the now almost inimical atmosphere between Ethiopians that we see
in North America today.
CORRECTED-Ethiopian Airlines profits fall due to oil prices
ADDIS ABABA, Aug 9 (Reuters) - Ethiopian Airlines' 2006/07 net profits fell 4
percent to 129 million birr ($14.21 million) on rising fuel prices, its chief
executive said on Thursday. . .
. Revenues in 2006/07 rose by 28 percent to 6.9 billion birr, Girma
said. Expenses also rose by 30 percent to 6.7 billion, of
which 39 percent or 2.6 billion birr was spent on fuel.
Dear Netters,
Last time when I posted the names of "council of elders" aka " Yehager
Shemaglewoch", I missed to add three founding members. Here are the missed
names: Dr. Haileselassie Belay, Dr. Tilahun Beyene & Dr Ahmed Moen. (Ben)
The Reporter, Editorial (Amharic)
Green revolution in the making in Ethiopia
(Aug 9, 2007)
Ethiopia
says 500 Ogaden rebels killed
ETHIOPIA said it had killed more than 500 rebels and
captured 170 in the past two months during an offensive in the volatile but
energy-rich Ogaden region bordering Somalia. The Ogaden National Liberation
Front (ONLF) dismissed the statement as an attempt by the Government to lull oil
companies interested in the region into a “false sense of security”, and urged
foreign firms to stay away.
The
Guardian's Progressively Ugly War of Words
By: Mulugeta Alemu
Tom Porteous
served Conflict Management Advisor for Africa with the British Foreign Office.
He has also made a stint as a London Director of Human Rights Watch. He is now
making a seemingly difficult transition into a struggling freelancer. That has
led him to write unfortunately opinionated pieces full of old-wives tale and
staggering claims. A freelancer without any solid publisher, his writings are
all over the place.
Athlet Haile Gebrselassie
on Ethiopian
Television Network (Washington DC)
(You may fast forward to 19:35 min for the interview)
Message to Tamagne: (From T.S.)
Dear Tamagne:
I just finished watching the discussion you've had with
Prof. Isaac a few minutes ago. I have to confess that although I was your
admirer when you were an entertainer back home, in recent years I have grown to
have a different view point about our country's political situation than yours.
But that doesn't mean I don't respect your opinion since all of us are entitled
to have our own view points. However, in this particular interview, the amount
of respect you showed to this elder even when he talked about points you
disagree, like HR2003, was truly Ethiopian and you have instantly changed my
view about you to a point I couldn't even wait a few minutes to say thank you
for respecting our elders and giving them the place they deserve. You have made
him comfortable enough to do one of the Hebrew songs. That was admirable by any
journalistic standard. So I say thank you and please continue to interview and
dialog with people whose ideas you may not agree with. It is only when you
discuss with the opposite view that we can learn about each other and respect
others who may have different opinions.
One note about the professor: Let's remember that he is engaged in this and
other appearances as shimagle and not a politician. Although he deliberately
dodged some questions that may have political connotations, please remember that
he is doing that purposely and not because he doesn't have the answer to them,
as some are suggesting. He is way to smart to be ridiculed as such by any of us.
Let us not expect a politician's answer from a non-political Shimagle.
Three
cement factories with 315,000 tons of annual production to go operational this
month
The Abyssinia Cement established
on 70 hectares of land in Chancho Woreda of North Shoa Zone with an out lay of
over 60 million birr has the capacity of producing 45,000 tons of cement
annually. Jema cement factory, which is located on 20 hectares of land in North
Shoa Zone was established with 217 million birr and has the capacity of
producing 120,000 tons of cement per annum. The National Cement Expansion
Project, which used to be known as Diredawa Cement Factory, rests on 15 hectares
of land with an out lay of 140 million birr and is readied to produce 150,000
tones of cement, he said.
Government plans to pardon over 13,000 prisoners
In the spirit of the ongoing
national reconciliation on the approach of the Ethiopian third Millennium, the
government of Ethiopia plans to pardon more than 13,000 prisoners, Capital
learnt.
Lucy
Safely Arrives in USA: Minister
Addis Ababa, August 7, 2007 (Addis Ababa) - Ethiopian famous fossil Lucy has
safely arrived in America on Sunday, Culture and Tourism Minister Ambassador
Mohamed Drir said. The Lucy tour is believed to widely contribute in promoting
Ethiopian ancient civilization, history and heritage in the western world.
 Ethiopia
executes spy boss killer
A major in the Ethiopian army has been executed for murdering the head of the
intelligence and security services six years ago, the authorities say. Tsehaye
Woldeselassie was found guilty of shooting dead Kinfe Gebremedhin in a case
which shocked the country.
Death sentences are extremely rare
in Ethiopia and this is only the second execution carried out since the present
government came to power.
Famous fossil Lucy leaves Ethiopia for controversial U.S. tour
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia: The
3.2 million-year-old Lucy skeleton was spirited out of Ethiopia with
no fanfare
Think-Tank to promote dialogue among Ethiopian media
The Ethiopian Center for Strategic Studies (ECSS),
a new think tank founded by the Unity University College, on Saturday
established a dialogue forum for journalists with a view to enhance free
discussion amongst them.
The Reporter, Editorial (Amharic)
Haile
Gebreselasse Supporters Declared Ethiopian's Day in New York City
By: Tedla Asfaw
 Haile has finished his race with new record 59:24 minutes and the
singing continues. "Amora Seyeshe Wale Ye Haileye Neshe Eyale",
Ethiopians stood tall and high in this day in New York City not only
because of Haile but also three Ethiopian men got the top three
place finish and our two women also finish the top ten. The chase for Haile now started and about hundreds Ethiopians
surrounded his resting hotel and waiting the coming of Haile and we
told his security that we can not go without Haile. The singing
continued while Haile was changing and preparing for the ceremony.
When Lowlanders Make Peace with Highlanders in
the Horn of Africa
(PART II)
By: Ayele Bekerie, PhD
In the 19th century, European colonizers began to carve the coastal
regions of the Horn of Africa and northeast Africa among their
respective sphere of influence. In this regard, Somalia is divided
into three parts. The French colonized Djibouti, the British
colonized Somaliland, while the Italians colonized the rest of the
present day Somalia.
When Lowlanders Make Peace with Highlanders in
the Horn of Africa (PART I)
Ethiopia denies
Ogaden blockade
BBC - Ethiopia has dismissed allegations that its security
forces have imposed a food aid blockade in the eastern region of Ogaden and have
burned down villages.
Red Cross
confirms pullout from Ethiopian region
GENEVA (Reuters) - The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
has pulled out from Ethiopia's restive Ogaden region following a government
order, but still hopes to return, a spokeswoman said on Thursday.
ONLF terrorist activities curtailed:
Ministry (African Monitor)
Kenya: Country Plans
to Import Power From Ethiopia
"Ethiopia has a total power demand of about 400 megawatts (MW) against a
production capacity of over 1,875 MW and in principle they have agreed to supply
us with power as we continue to develop our generation capacity," said Obwocha.
The Reporter, Editorial (Amharic)
The 4th International Conference on Ethiopian Development Studies
A Multidisciplinary Conference on the Challenges of Peace and
Development in Ethiopia & Northeast Africa
August 2-4, 2007
Western Michigan University
Haworth College of Business
2000 Schneider Hall
Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
 CUD
Appreciates Gov't on Release of It's Leaders, Members: Temesgen (July 31, 2007)
Reflection on Current Diaspora Issues and Prospects
By: Getachew Mequanent
Let me
start by congratulating our shimagles for their successful
mediation to obtain the release of prisoners. Their success gives us
hope that Ethiopian traditions are still a vital means for conflict
resolution, despite being undermined for decades by Westernized
Ethiopian elites.
When Lowlanders Make Peace with Highlanders in
the Horn of Africa
By: Ayele Bekerie, PhD
A prominent Somali writer once
refers to Somalia as a land without a shadow. It is referred as a land without
a shadow, for Somalia is primarily, what Ethiopians call, yeqola meret or
vast lowlands, directly and much warmly, embraced by the sun.
Fighting chance for Ethiopians
 This
week, Perdue and 10 members of the dance troupe, ages 7 to 12, will arrive in
New York City to begin their second annual dance tour. This year's is twice as
big, with performances in 16 cities, including Chicago; Atlanta; Washington,
D.C.; New York City; Salt Lake City; and Los Angeles.
For upcoming events, visit www.mesgana.com/
 'Warring'
Ethiopians, Eritreans unite in Valletta church
"We have the same skin colour, the same culture, the same religion, we have
intermarriages - we are one people," Mr Fissanaye said, adding that the service
was carried out in both languages so that everyone would feel included and able
to take part. . . .
His Ethiopian friend, Ashenafi Bulto said that sometimes people found it
difficult to understand that everyone was a person, irrespective of one's skin
colour and origins and should be respected as such.
The Reporter, Editorial (Amharic)
US, Ethiopia accused over Somalia
Ethiopia is accused of killing civilians with white phosphorus bombs, the US
navy of attacking suspected al-Qaeda operatives in Puntland, and Eritrea of
delivering surface-to-air missiles to Islamist militia, in a startling new
report on Somalia by UN arms monitors.
Ethiopia seeks to bring its long lost prince home from Britain
"There is no way that this generation would allow for an Ethiopian prince and a
prisoner of war to remain on foreign land as we close the second millennium,"
said Mulugeta Asarate, vice president of Ethiopia's millennium committee.
Ethiopia's CUD sees bright future
Addis Ababa - Ethiopia's main opposition party on Thursday said it was committed
to political reconciliation but vowed to keep struggling for democracy in the
troubled African nation.
U.N.:
Eritrea Has Armed Islamic Fighters
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - Islamic
insurgents have enough surface-to-air missiles, suicide vests and explosives to
sustain their war against the internationally backed Somali government, largely
due to secret shipments from Eritrea, a U.N. monitoring panel said in a report.
Birtukan Mideksa
(VP of Kinijit) Interview with DW
Dr Hailu Araya
(spokesperson for Kinijit) Interview with VOA
ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA -- Dressed in a black Adidas track suit
and seated amid a comfortable clutter of term papers and political science tomes
in his modest office at Addis Ababa University, Prof. Merera Gudina hardly looks
like a menace. But, ever since he was elected to parliament two years ago,
people have been avoiding him.
Al-amoudi pledges over 25 mln birr for construction of Harar cultural center
TYCOON TO BUILD A FIVE-STAR HOTEL IN HARAR
HARAR(July 25,2007)
- Business tycoon, philanthropist Sheik Mohammed Hussien Al-amoudi on
Sunday pledged to cover over a half of the estimated 50 million required to
build the new cultural museum in Harar, an official with the region's millennium
council told The Daily Monitor on Tuesday.
Statement by the Embassy of Ethiopia on False Reports by the New York Times
The reporting was wrong. I can only conclude from the articles by
Jeffrey Gettleman that he is willing to take the word of a terrorist
organization over that of the U.N. World Food Program and the
democratically elected government of Ethiopia.
The Reporter, Editorial (Amharic)
The Reporter, Editorial (Amharic) - Last week
Democracy renewed
Capital Ethiopia (Editorial) - There exists in the more sophisticated of
traditional societies, an elusive but ever present collective consciousness that
has a perspective of vision that is unimaginably deeper than that of mere
individuals and groups.
Ethiopia has thought long and hard and searched within itself in order to stop
the national slide on a bumpy road to nowhere. This week, in what is one of the
greatest early new-year’s ‘gifts’ ever to itself, our cherished nation
re-committed to its destination of democracy.
An eventful Week
Seventy-one leaders and members of the CUD, as well as journalists working
for the private newspapers, appealed to the Prime Minister on June 22, 2007,
claiming collective and individual responsibilities for the violence following
the May 2005 electoral dispute and pleading for forgiveness from the government
and the public. "We ask for understanding from the Ethiopian government and
people that we regret the mistakes committed and ask for forgiveness as is
customary in our country," reads the appeal.
UN welcomes pardoning, release of 38 political activists in Ethiopia
Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour welcomed Tuesday the pardon and
release on Friday of 38 political leaders and activists in Ethiopia and urged
fair proceedings for dozens of other defendants still on trial. In a statement,
Arbour said that the pardons by the Government of Ethiopia are commendable.
"They are significant for what they represent in terms of the expansion of the
democratic space in Ethiopia and prospects for national reconciliation," added
Arbour.
NAIROBI, Kenya - Military operations in eastern Ethiopia are hampering the
delivery of humanitarian aid, but the government is not blocking shipments to
the volatile region, the U.N. World Food Program said Tuesday.
Ambassador
says China doubles import from Ethiopia
Addis Ababa, July 23, 2007 (WIC) – China has created favorable
market situation to double its import from Ethiopia as of next year, Chinese
Ambassador to Ethiopia said. Ambassador Lin Lin told WIC that based on the two
country’s interest to intensify ties in trade sector, China would raise
beginning next year to 440 the 190 types of items it used to import from
Ethiopia three years back.
 What
next for Ethiopia's freed leaders?
BBC - July 23, 2007 - Ethiopia's opposition leaders, freed from jail last
Friday, have now had a few days to enjoy their freedom. They have been receiving
the congratulations of their friends and neighbours, meeting new grandchildren
for the first time, and enjoying the pleasure of sleeping in their own beds.
When Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi announced their
release, he said two important things.
EU welcomes
pardon of Ethiopian opposition figures
(BRUSSELS) - The European Union welcomed Saturday the release of 38 Ethiopian
opposition leaders and journalists, calling it a gesture of reconciliation that
could turn a page in the country's history.
  (Right)
- Ethiopia's Burka Gelete wins the women's 1500m in the 9th All Africa Games
in Algiers, Algeria, Sunday, July 22, 2007.(AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau)
(Left) - Ethiopia's Tufa Mestawet competes during the women's 10000m
final at the All Africa Games in Algiers July 21, 2007. REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra
(ALGERIA)
The Reporter, Editorial (Amharic)
 Taming
Tekeze! (Source: AigaForum)
The Huge Tekeze Hydro power project in the north of the
Country is progressing well. Over 50% of the work done, the project is slated to
finish in less than a year and half. All major components are in place and the
dam nearly 70 meter high in early July has started collecting water.
Tekeze_1
Tekeze_2
Tekeze_4
Tekeze_5
Tekeze_6
DC Metro Kinijit held a town hall meeting at Washington Plaza
hotel. Dr. Moges Woldemariam, Ato Birhane Mewa and Dr. Gebrye Wolderufael from
Kinijit International Leadership (KIL) were among the speakers.
Pictures
(Source: EMF)
Note from the Editor - Last time when I posted the names of the
elders, by mistake, I forgot to add Kibur Ato Mamo Wudineh. The name is now
added to the list. (Ben)
Ethiopia Pardons
Opposition Leaders and Journalists
US State Department - The United States appreciates the efforts of
Ethiopian elders and civil society leaders that resulted in today’s pardon by
the Ethiopian Government of 38 opposition leaders and journalists detained in
the wake of political violence in 2005. We hope they will remain engaged in the
promotion of national reconciliation and political reform.
Congressional Ethiopian American Caucus Celebrates the Ethiopian Millennium upon
release of Political Prisoners
On the decision to pardon prominent political opposition leaders, Rep. Honda
stated, “In the spirit of new beginnings, it is my hope that the Ethiopian
Government and members of the political opposition take every necessary step
toward true reconciliation.” This week, Rep. Honda (CA-15) introduced H.Res.550
congratulating the people of Ethiopia on the second Millennium of Ethiopia,
co-authored by Rep. Payne (NJ-10).
Win - win for coalition of elders
He stressed the importance of forgiveness to be
achieved from within, shunning outside interference. He quoted a traditional
saying of Ethiopians: "Those who ask for forgiveness are heroes, and those who
grant it are saints." He said that this is now being achieved in Ethiopia with
no foreign involvement.
Statement by the Embassy of Ethiopia on Pardons Granted to Leaders of Violent
Demonstrations
Samuel Assefa, Ethiopia's Ambassador to the United States, said: "This
decision is an important opportunity for healing based on democratic values and
the rule of law. It underscores the commitment of the Ethiopian government to
human rights, the rule of law and the advancement of democracy."
Ethiopian Prisoners in Vote Protest Case Are Pardoned and Released
NY Times - NAIROBI, Kenya, July 20 - Ethiopia pardoned and released 38
opposition politicians and activists on Friday in a case that had been widely
criticized as political punishment.
US praises Ethiopian decision to pardon political activists, praises activists'
advocacy
WASHINGTON: The United States welcomed Ethiopia's decision
to pardon 38 opposition leaders and journalists from longrison sentences
Friday and added kind words for the prisoners.
Ethiopian Negotiator Calls Release of Opposition Leaders a Welcome Development
Tamru Wondimagegn is a member of the
negotiating team that helped facilitate the release of the detainees. He said
months of negotiations came to a successful conclusion thanks to what he calls
the flexibility shown by both the government and the detained leaders.
I just talked to one of the released CUD leaders.
He is having great time, at home, with his family and friends. Oh my God, I
don't have enough words to express my happiness. I want to thank all
Shimagelewoch for making it happen. I also want to thank H.E. PM Zenawi and
CUD leaders for giving reconciliation a chance. Yechalal! Awo, Yechalal!
Ben
July 20, 2007 - 07:38 AM Eastern Time
Ethiopia pardons jailed opposition figures
(Reuters)
"The pardon is total. They are being freed with their constitutional rights
restored. They have committed themselves to adhere [to] and respect the rule of
law as well as the Constitution of the country," Meles told a press conference.
. . . "The decision
to pardon the CUD members also conveys that there is no sense of revenge by the
government," Meles said. Meles denied influence from Washington, which considers
Ethiopia its strongest counter-terrorism ally in the Horn of Africa, had played
any role. "The Ethiopian government isn't willing and is unable to be run like a
banana republic from Capitol Hill. Some individuals appear to be entertaining
such illusions," Meles said.
Ethiopia pardons opposition figures
(AFP)
Ethiopia pardons 38 opposition members (AP)
Ethiopian
Campaigners Stay In Jail For Refusing To Sign
(Action Aid - UK)
PM pardon
for protest Ethiopians
(BBC)
Current Update:
- July 20 - 10:00 AM local time - H.E.
President Girma W/Giorgis will present a formal
speech.
July 20 - 1:00 PM local time - Press release by
the Shemagelewoch at Sheraton Addis. This forum will be open
for all media outlets.
Ben July 20, 2007 - 02:43 AM
Eastern Time
Dear Netters,
As my sources indicated, President
Girma W/Giorgis will present the official pardon tonight. Most … most likely,
these leaders will walk out of Kality by tomorrow. I can’t wait to see these
courageous leaders leave Kality behind.
It should be noted that these leaders
received a full pardon. Their rights as any citizen are still respected. They
can vote and they can run for the office. They also have a right to organize
their party. It is a full pardon! Before the parliament left for the recess, it
already voted in favor of replacing the vacant places with a midterm election.
Thus, their place in Parliament is not vacant anymore. However, they can run
for office including on the upcoming midterm election in Addis. I hope they go
ahead and run.
As they come out free, I hope there
will be give-and-take negotiation with the ruling party to mature our democracy.
I urge both sides to work together to take our impoverished nation out of the
misery she finds herself in. Our people deserve better. This can be accomplished
by working collectively. I also urge the govt run media to stop airing the
negative campaign against these leaders. For the heaven sake let’s now focus on
peace & reconciliation. I also urge opposition media outlets in Diaspora to be
more responsible. Please let’s all work to promote peace for that nation. Let’s
rise above party politics. Ethiopia demands our tolerance …. Let’s grant her!
Ben July 19, 2007 - 11:06 AM
Eastern Time
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