"U.S.-Ethiopia: A Double-Edged Partnership
July 31, 2007
Prepared by: Stephanie Hanson
After Ethiopia’s December invasion of Somalia to vanquish Islamic militants, many observers labeled Addis Ababa a proxy of the United States, and a few even called it a “puppet” (Guardian). Both labels implied the United States was an unseemly ally. Now, after the Ethiopian government’s recent attempt to put dozens of opposition politicians to death and reports of military abuse of civilians (HRW), Washington may be starting to balk at its close relationship with Addis Ababa (AP).
[ Read the rest... EthioGuardian.com: News: ]"
Tuesday, 31 July 2007
Meles is using chemical weapon against Somalis
EthioGuardian.com: News: "Meles is using chemical weapon against Somalis
A U.N. report accused U.S., Ethiopia over Somalia
By Mark Turner at the United Nations and Barney Jopson in Kenya
Financial Times
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.
[ Read the rest... ]"
A U.N. report accused U.S., Ethiopia over Somalia
By Mark Turner at the United Nations and Barney Jopson in Kenya
Financial Times
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.
[ Read the rest... ]"
Monday, 30 July 2007
Prof. Al Mariam challenges Ephrem Issac
EthioGuardian.com: News: "Prof. Al Mariam challenges Ephrem Issac
Ephrem Issac trying to save a dictator.
July 29, 2007--Professor Ephrem Issaac admits his lobbying business for tyrant Ethiopian regime against the bill HR 2003. Embarrassingly he said he did not read the document. Prof. Al Mariam challenges him, “How come an academics attack a document he did not read?” Addis Dimts Radio Host Abebe Belew interviewed both Professors on Saturday July 28, 2007 about H.R. 2003. Listen to the interview here (mp3) ... "
Ephrem Issac trying to save a dictator.
July 29, 2007--Professor Ephrem Issaac admits his lobbying business for tyrant Ethiopian regime against the bill HR 2003. Embarrassingly he said he did not read the document. Prof. Al Mariam challenges him, “How come an academics attack a document he did not read?” Addis Dimts Radio Host Abebe Belew interviewed both Professors on Saturday July 28, 2007 about H.R. 2003. Listen to the interview here (mp3) ... "
Friday, 20 July 2007
The released CUD leaders don’t have any parliamentary seats and their release is conditional, Meles Zenawi
EthioGuardian.com: News: "The released CUD leaders don’t have any parliamentary seats and their release is conditional, Meles Zenawi
Ethioguardian: In a press briefing today, Meles Zenawi told his journalists that CUD leaders are released with conditions. “The pardon is given with pre-conditions”. If these pre-conditions are not satisfied the court decision can be implemented. Regarding their future political involvement, Meles said that the released leaders don’t have parliamentary seat. Their election votes have expired. They can participate in the election next year.
Read/Post Comment: 0 | Trackbacks: "
Ethioguardian: In a press briefing today, Meles Zenawi told his journalists that CUD leaders are released with conditions. “The pardon is given with pre-conditions”. If these pre-conditions are not satisfied the court decision can be implemented. Regarding their future political involvement, Meles said that the released leaders don’t have parliamentary seat. Their election votes have expired. They can participate in the election next year.
Read/Post Comment: 0 | Trackbacks: "
Breaking news:Ethiopia pardons 38 opposition members
EthioGuardian.com: News: "Breaking news:Ethiopia pardons 38 opposition members
The family members and supporters gathered outside Kalici Prison waved Ethiopian flags and also made victory signs. They then pursued the minibuses in other vehicles because it was not clear where the politicians and activists were being taken.
(AP) - Three minibuses left an Ethiopian prison Friday carrying 38 opposition politicians and activists pardoned by the government as dozens of family members and supporters outside the facility shouted in joy and whistled.
[ Read the rest...EthioGuardian.com: News]"
The family members and supporters gathered outside Kalici Prison waved Ethiopian flags and also made victory signs. They then pursued the minibuses in other vehicles because it was not clear where the politicians and activists were being taken.
(AP) - Three minibuses left an Ethiopian prison Friday carrying 38 opposition politicians and activists pardoned by the government as dozens of family members and supporters outside the facility shouted in joy and whistled.
[ Read the rest...EthioGuardian.com: News]"
They are released
EthioGuardian.com: News: "They are released
Three minibuses carrying the thirty eight prisoners came out of Kaliti prison, sped past the busy streets of Addis and headed to the houses of the prisoners. Birtukan Mideksa and Muluneh Eyuel showed kinijit's famous 'V' sign to the cheery and whistling people waiting for their release outside the gates of the prison. Some of the people were waving flags.
[ Read the rest...EthioGuardian.com: News]"
Three minibuses carrying the thirty eight prisoners came out of Kaliti prison, sped past the busy streets of Addis and headed to the houses of the prisoners. Birtukan Mideksa and Muluneh Eyuel showed kinijit's famous 'V' sign to the cheery and whistling people waiting for their release outside the gates of the prison. Some of the people were waving flags.
[ Read the rest...EthioGuardian.com: News]"
Thursday, 19 July 2007
HR 2003,US Legislation on Ethiopia Democracy Moves Forward
EthioGuardian.com: News: "HR 2003,US Legislation on Ethiopia Democracy Moves Forward
By Dan Robinson
WASHINGTON DC - A U.S. congressional panel has approved legislation aimed at supporting democracy and human rights in Ethiopia, sending the bill to the House Foreign Affairs Committee. VOA's Dan Robinson has this report from Capitol Hill.
Lawmakers concerned about Ethiopia have faced the choice of taking steps to pressure the government in Addis Ababa, or waiting for Ethiopia's leaders to act on their own to improve the human rights and political atmosphere there.
[ Read the rest... EthioGuardian.com: News:]"
By Dan Robinson
WASHINGTON DC - A U.S. congressional panel has approved legislation aimed at supporting democracy and human rights in Ethiopia, sending the bill to the House Foreign Affairs Committee. VOA's Dan Robinson has this report from Capitol Hill.
Lawmakers concerned about Ethiopia have faced the choice of taking steps to pressure the government in Addis Ababa, or waiting for Ethiopia's leaders to act on their own to improve the human rights and political atmosphere there.
[ Read the rest... EthioGuardian.com: News:]"
Breaking news:The president of Ethiopia will announce the release of the prisoners today
EthioGuardian.com: News: "Breaking news:
EZBreaking news: The president of Ethiopia will announce the release of the prisoners today.
Kinijit leaders reaffirm their commitment to the eight principles
Incarcerated CUD leaders will make enforcement of the eight points they stipulated as pre-conditions to joining parliament their priority if and when they are released from prison, Kaliti sources informed EZ Post. The party set the eight preconditions as fundamental principles underpinning democracy in Ethiopia. 'These are our mantra. In or out, they are the guiding principles of our struggle,' one prisoner was quoted as saying.
The leaders are, however, concerned that Meles Zenawi's recent propaganda may be affecting their work by sewing confusion among the Ethiopian people. According to Kaliti sources, the state media here is showing part of a deal that is signed by the leaders. Meles Zenawi's denouncement of the court decision, his avowal to open political space, and his promise to release them before sentencing and other commitments haven't appeared in the document being displayed by the media. The leaders have asked the Ethiopian people to wait patiently until they provide what they say is 'the true spirit of the deal.'
......"
EZBreaking news: The president of Ethiopia will announce the release of the prisoners today.
Kinijit leaders reaffirm their commitment to the eight principles
Incarcerated CUD leaders will make enforcement of the eight points they stipulated as pre-conditions to joining parliament their priority if and when they are released from prison, Kaliti sources informed EZ Post. The party set the eight preconditions as fundamental principles underpinning democracy in Ethiopia. 'These are our mantra. In or out, they are the guiding principles of our struggle,' one prisoner was quoted as saying.
The leaders are, however, concerned that Meles Zenawi's recent propaganda may be affecting their work by sewing confusion among the Ethiopian people. According to Kaliti sources, the state media here is showing part of a deal that is signed by the leaders. Meles Zenawi's denouncement of the court decision, his avowal to open political space, and his promise to release them before sentencing and other commitments haven't appeared in the document being displayed by the media. The leaders have asked the Ethiopian people to wait patiently until they provide what they say is 'the true spirit of the deal.'
......"
Wednesday, 11 July 2007
Former TPLF Members to Establish New Party
EthioGuardian.com: News: "Former TPLF Members to Establish New Party
Submitted by Yohanne Mesfin Melaku
(Addisfortune)Former members of Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) are on the verge of setting up a new political party with a platform of sustaining the supposedly lacking real democracy to Ethiopia and protecting the sovereignty of the country. Recovering the Port of Asseb also lies at the top of its agenda."
Submitted by Yohanne Mesfin Melaku
(Addisfortune)Former members of Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) are on the verge of setting up a new political party with a platform of sustaining the supposedly lacking real democracy to Ethiopia and protecting the sovereignty of the country. Recovering the Port of Asseb also lies at the top of its agenda."
Eritrea arrests head of British Council
EthioGuardian.com: News: "Eritrea arrests head of British Council
Xan Rice, east Africa correspondent
Wednesday July 11, 2007
Guardian Unlimited
Eritrea has arrested the acting head of the British Council in the capital, Asmara, and refused a British diplomat permission to leave the country following a row over a satellite internet link.
The British Council employee, an Eritrean national, has been in jail for a week, and embassy staff are extremely concerned for his wellbeing. Eritrea, seen by many as Africa's most repressive state, regularly imprisons its citizens for lengthy periods in harsh conditions and without access to legal representation"
Xan Rice, east Africa correspondent
Wednesday July 11, 2007
Guardian Unlimited
Eritrea has arrested the acting head of the British Council in the capital, Asmara, and refused a British diplomat permission to leave the country following a row over a satellite internet link.
The British Council employee, an Eritrean national, has been in jail for a week, and embassy staff are extremely concerned for his wellbeing. Eritrea, seen by many as Africa's most repressive state, regularly imprisons its citizens for lengthy periods in harsh conditions and without access to legal representation"
Ethiopia-backed PM cannot deflect Somalia abuses
"Commentary: Ethiopia-backed PM cannot deflect Somalia abuses
Abdulkadir Abdirahman, Special to the Middle East Times
WASHINGTON -- For some, everything that could go wrong for Somalia has now come to pass. For others, considering how rapidly Mogadishu is turning into Baghdad, the worst - both for the country and the region - is yet to come. However, there is no disputing that, with each passing day, it is becoming more and more evident that Somalia's Ethiopian occupation is neither paving the road toward a reconciliation, nor forging a way forward.
[ Read the rest... EthioGuardian.com: News: ]"
Abdulkadir Abdirahman, Special to the Middle East Times
WASHINGTON -- For some, everything that could go wrong for Somalia has now come to pass. For others, considering how rapidly Mogadishu is turning into Baghdad, the worst - both for the country and the region - is yet to come. However, there is no disputing that, with each passing day, it is becoming more and more evident that Somalia's Ethiopian occupation is neither paving the road toward a reconciliation, nor forging a way forward.
[ Read the rest... EthioGuardian.com: News: ]"
Monday, 9 July 2007
Prosecutor seeks death for 38 prisoners
EthioGuardian.com: News: "Prosecutor seeks death for 38 prisoners
By Anita Powell, AP Writer
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) - Ethiopian prosecutors on Monday asked for the death penalty for 38 politicians and activists accused of inciting violence in an attempt to overthrow the government. The court is expected to issue a sentence on July 16. The accused, who have chosen not to defend themselves, did not speak during Monday's session but will have a chance to do so during next week's court session.
[ Read the rest... ]"
By Anita Powell, AP Writer
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) - Ethiopian prosecutors on Monday asked for the death penalty for 38 politicians and activists accused of inciting violence in an attempt to overthrow the government. The court is expected to issue a sentence on July 16. The accused, who have chosen not to defend themselves, did not speak during Monday's session but will have a chance to do so during next week's court session.
[ Read the rest... ]"
Wednesday, 4 July 2007
The disastrous TPLF meeting in Amsterdam.
The disastrous TPLF meeting in Amsterdam.
The disastrous TPLF meeting in Amsterdam. Again a shameful day for EPRDF top ambassador. Ambassador Berhane G/Kirstos paid 300 euro per person per hour for the security to stop video recording and to intimidate participants.
The disastrous TPLF meeting in Amsterdam. Again a shameful day for EPRDF top ambassador. Ambassador Berhane G/Kirstos paid 300 euro per person per hour for the security to stop video recording and to intimidate participants.
The disastrous TPLF meeting in Amsterdam.
The disastrous TPLF meeting in Amsterdam. Again a shameful day for EPRDF top ambassador.
Ambassador Berhane G/Kirstos paid 300 euro per person per hour for the security to stop video recording and to intimidate participants.
Amsterdam (ethioguardian.com and ethioforum.org, July, 1, 2007) -- Ethiopians in The Netherlands have taught a lesson to the TPLF embassy mission in Amsterdam on Sunday. Amb. Berhane accompanied by two diplomats who came all the way from Brussels couldn't tolerate the opposite views and left out in the middle of the meeting. He is finally brought back to the hall by the participants to listen to the crimes of TPLF from the crowd. [Watch video, secret tapping]
"The Embassy paid for it but we made use of It." one participant said after the meeting. "The mission lacked morally authority to speak about Democracy, human rights and development in front of Ethiopians. That is what I observed."
The meeting started with the observance of one minute silence to commemorate the victims in civilians who had been killed, maimed and jailed by the incumbent regime in Ethiopia. Everyone but Berhane G.Kirstos and his supporters stood up and prayed for a minute.
The most embarrassing part is that from 500 invited TPLF loyalists; only four have been shown up in the meeting. The meeting hall was filled with anti-woyyane Ethiopians who took control of the entire session.
"Today's meeting clearly confirms the collapse of the regime where it is deserted even by its own supporters." Dagne Taddese says. "Where are your tens of followers whom you gave land to build house over in Addis? Where are the so called investors?" A question Berhane and co. couldn't dare to respond.
The Ethiopians finally closed the meeting by themselves after Kefale Mammo, Mesfin Aman and Dr. Assefa Negash gave their speeches on the regime's ever worsening human rights abuses, corruption and economic crisis where they get audience's full attention. A very angry Berhane G.K. didn't even get a chance to say his final word. "We have finished our meeting." Said the crowd and ended the session.
Photo camera and video tapping was not allowed by the security guards, who were paid 300.00 euro each. But we are able to secretly film some part of the drama. [Here the hidden camera]
The thugs would have learned a lesson from their meeting last month in The Hague where they were humiliated in front of their supporters.
Ambassador Berhane G/Kirstos paid 300 euro per person per hour for the security to stop video recording and to intimidate participants.
Amsterdam (ethioguardian.com and ethioforum.org, July, 1, 2007) -- Ethiopians in The Netherlands have taught a lesson to the TPLF embassy mission in Amsterdam on Sunday. Amb. Berhane accompanied by two diplomats who came all the way from Brussels couldn't tolerate the opposite views and left out in the middle of the meeting. He is finally brought back to the hall by the participants to listen to the crimes of TPLF from the crowd. [Watch video, secret tapping]
"The Embassy paid for it but we made use of It." one participant said after the meeting. "The mission lacked morally authority to speak about Democracy, human rights and development in front of Ethiopians. That is what I observed."
The meeting started with the observance of one minute silence to commemorate the victims in civilians who had been killed, maimed and jailed by the incumbent regime in Ethiopia. Everyone but Berhane G.Kirstos and his supporters stood up and prayed for a minute.
The most embarrassing part is that from 500 invited TPLF loyalists; only four have been shown up in the meeting. The meeting hall was filled with anti-woyyane Ethiopians who took control of the entire session.
"Today's meeting clearly confirms the collapse of the regime where it is deserted even by its own supporters." Dagne Taddese says. "Where are your tens of followers whom you gave land to build house over in Addis? Where are the so called investors?" A question Berhane and co. couldn't dare to respond.
The Ethiopians finally closed the meeting by themselves after Kefale Mammo, Mesfin Aman and Dr. Assefa Negash gave their speeches on the regime's ever worsening human rights abuses, corruption and economic crisis where they get audience's full attention. A very angry Berhane G.K. didn't even get a chance to say his final word. "We have finished our meeting." Said the crowd and ended the session.
Photo camera and video tapping was not allowed by the security guards, who were paid 300.00 euro each. But we are able to secretly film some part of the drama. [Here the hidden camera]
The thugs would have learned a lesson from their meeting last month in The Hague where they were humiliated in front of their supporters.
Rights group says EPRDF is punishing civilians
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia: A human rights group accused the Ethiopian army on Wednesday of burning homes and displacing thousands of civilians in a crackdown on rebels in the volatile east.
The report, by New York-based Human Rights Watch, cited witnesses who said the army burned villages and blocked humanitarian aid to the Ogaden, where ethnic Somali rebels have been fighting the government for more than a decade. The report also said troops were seen firing on fleeing civilians "in a few cases."
"Ethiopian troops are destroying villages and property, confiscating livestock and forcing civilians to relocate," said Peter Takirambudde, Africa director of Human Rights Watch.
The government last month announced a crackdown on Ogaden National Liberation Front rebels, who attacked a Chinese-run oil exploration field in April, killing 74 people.
Bereket Simon, special adviser to Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, denied the Human Rights Watch accusations.
"The facts on the ground are absolutely different from what they say," Bereket said.
He added that the army tries to ensure civilians are not harmed as Ethiopian forces chase out rebels.
"This is an army that does not target civilians," he said. "That is outside the constitutional mandate of the army and they are not going to do it."
Human Rights Watch also condemned the ONLF, saying civilians are trapped between warring parties.
"The Ethiopian government appears to be pursuing an illegal strategy of collective punishment of the civilian population, and the ONLF has targeted civilians for attack," Takirambudde said.
The ONLF is fighting to overthrow the government for what it says are human rights abuses in the eastern Ogaden region of Ethiopia and to establish greater autonomy.
On Tuesday, the ONLF claimed to have ambushed and killed 43 soldiers in the east on Tuesday, but a government spokesman denied any fighting took place.
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