Note: The news of Obama administration’s signaling its support for tyranny in Ethiopia, despite concerns about the country’s slide toward authoritarianism has angered Ethiopians all over the world. Thousands of Ethiopian-American supported, and voted for Obama hopping that he will help to bring a real democracy in Ethiopia. They felt now betrayed. While Deputy Secretary of State Jacob Lew was talking with Meles Zenawi in Addis Ababa, Zenawi’s soldiers indiscriminately fired on peaceful protesters in Dessie and killed several on Tuesday. What a Sad!
US Looks to Expand Development Aid to Strategic Partner Ethiopia
By Peter Heinlein
Addis Ababa 30 June 2009
The Obama administration is signaling its intention to keep Ethiopia as a key strategic partner, despite concerns about the country’s slide toward authoritarianism. The United States is seeking to expand development assistance to the Ethiopian government.Deputy Secretary of State Jacob Lew is making his first trip to East Africa at a time of increasing regional instability.
The United States last week announced it had sent a $10-million shipment of weapons to help shore up the besieged government of Somalia, while accusing neighboring Eritrea of being behind violence aimed at undermining the Somali peace process.
Regional power Ethiopia sent troops in 2006 to prop up the fragile government in Mogadishu, but pulled them out earlier this year, and has expressed a reluctance to return without strong backing from the international community.
Secretary Lew’s stop in Addis Ababa included an hour-long talk with Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi. Afterward, he told reporters the United States sees Ethiopia as an important strategic ally.
“The deep relationship between the United States and Ethiopia is based on a number of shared values, shared concerns,” said Lew. “The strategic relationship remains a very important one, and we value it. I think it is mutually valued by the government of Ethiopia and the government of the United States.”
“So I think we look to a future where we will be able to continue to work together not on just fighting common forces in the world that we think are a threat to each of us, but on a broader agenda where we can make a lasting difference in the quality of life in the life of the Ethiopian people, and by analogy people in many other countries to which we provide foreign assistance,” he added.
The United States last year gave more than $1 billion in aid to Ethiopia, most of it in emergency food assistance, and practically all the rest in programs to fight HIV/AIDS and Malaria. Lew says the Obama administration is looking to broaden the program to include development aid.
“The form assistance that has become the predominant form of assistance is provision of emergency food supplies,” he said. “We think there need to be increased resources available and an increased share of resources going into sustainable development.”
While maintaining the deep bilateral relationship, Secretary Lew says the Obama administration is worried about what is seen as a “closing of political space” in Ethiopia since the controversial 2005 elections. During his talk with Prime Minister Meles, Lew says he made a point of raising the issue of imprisoned Ethiopian opposition leader Birtukan Mideksa.
“I reinforced our concern that the matter be resolved quickly and finally,” he said.
Lew says he also expressed concern about two laws recently passed by Ethiopia’s parliament, one restricting activities of foreign-funded non-governmental organizations, the other limiting press freedom.
“The concerns we raised were the issues of openness that relate to NGOs and freedom of expression remain concerns to us,” he said. “We made that point clear again.”
Lew said his discussions with Prime Minister Meles also touched on a proposed new anti-terrorism law. The group Human Rights Watch issued a statement Tuesday saying the draft law could define criticism of the government as a “terrorist act” and be used to crack down on the opposition.
July 1st, 2009 at 8:20 am
Ethiopian in America! Please be ready for a huge Demonstrations to introduce to the USA current Democratic Government, about the exist Stalinist, Facist, The Genocider Meles Zenawi declared Terrorizing the civil-Ethiopian people. The Law is based on again Ethiopian Justice, Freedom & Democracy. Meles Zenawi must invite to “INTERNATIONAL CRIME COURT”.
July 1st, 2009 at 8:38 am
You said it is sad that Ethiopians supported Obama but he is going to provide aid to the tyrant. This is not sad.
What is sad is Ethiopians looking for someone else to give them freedom. What is sad is the culture of reliance on others. What is sad is our brothers and sisters hanging on the streets all day and talk while their parent/s or one of ‘yeferedebet/bat’ brother/sister toiling all day to feed them.
If you need freedom, roll your sleevs up and earn it. If you earn it, it will be sweet. If not, you will take it for granted and you will not appreciate your freedom/protect it.
July 1st, 2009 at 8:51 am
What did you think he was going to do - end aid to Ethiopia?!!!
The only way we can bring about change is if we stop being irresponsible beggars and assume the responsibility of change ourselves by putting our money where our mouth is!
Everyone, including EMF, has to work towards one single goal - mobilizing the diaspora to contribute funds towards the democracy movement.
No one is going to do our job for us.
July 1st, 2009 at 8:54 am
All the sighs are that the Obama administration is not going to press hard the ethnofascistic government of Meles Zenawi to respect basic human rights and the rule of law. Many Ethiopians have expecetd this new administration to change course in the US foreign policy and isolate dioctators and fascists like Meles Zenawi in Ethiopia. Any partnership with Meles Zenawi can not solve the crisis emanating from terrorism and the conflict in Somalia. The United States which is seen as the beacon of democracy and freedom should not be so desperate in its war on terrorism and ally itself with the ethnofascist rule in Ethiopia. The mere alliance with and exetnding aid to fascism would damage and undermine
the long term interests of the United States in Ethiopia and the region.
The genuine opposition forces like Ginbot 7 and others should double up their diplomatic efforts to dissuade the Obama administration from repeating the foreign policy blunders of the Bush era. The partnership with ethnofascism which is the most destabilizing force in the region will not be of any help in stabilizing Somalia and eliminating terrorism.
July 1st, 2009 at 8:57 am
When did You guys undrstand what politics mean???shouting day in day out infront of stat-department doesnt change anything .Its we….Only we ethiopians can bering change NOT OBAMA not Bush………hel know issays.its well expected OBAMA will do this ,,its not the end of the world,
July 1st, 2009 at 9:34 am
Hey Please try to understand politics. Here is my tip of information. Our case is complicated due to the need to please Egypt so that it will not be part of the Israeli-Palistine problem. The US administration which are staffed by American Jew are working to make sure that this regim in Ethiopia stays as long as possible so that Egypt will remain silent for any attrocities in palistine. Once the palistinian case is solved you will see big policy shift toward Ethiopia. Imagine Egypt has completed a big irrigation project which requires huge amount of water.
July 1st, 2009 at 9:35 am
Hey Please try to understand politics. Here is my tip of information. Our case is complicated due to the need to please Egypt so that it will not be part of the Israeli-Palistine problem. The US administration which are staffed by American Jew are working to make sure that this regim in Ethiopia stays as long as possible so that Egypt will remain silent for any attrocities in palistine. Once the palistinian case is solved you will see big policy shift toward Ethiopia. Imagine Egypt has completed a big irrigation project which requires huge amount of water.
July 1st, 2009 at 9:46 am
PEOPLES WHAT IS WRONG WITH US? IT IS NOT OBAMA WHO IS BRINGING CHANGE TO THE ETHIOPIANS IT IS US AND ONLY US WHO CAN SEND WOYANNE TO ITS CAVE . THE AID FROM OBAMA CAN NEVER BE AS THAT OF BUSHS ,AND THE ENVOY WHO HAS BEEN IN ETHIOPIA WILL TRAVEL TO OTHER EAST AFRICAN COUNTRIES AS WELL, COS OF THE TERRORIST THREAT AND NOT TO MAKE SOMALIA SAFE HAVEN DJIBOUTI SEEMS TO BE THE STRONGEST ALLY THIS TIME COS AN ADMINISTRATION WHO TERRORIZE HIS OWN PEOPLES CAN NOT BE AN ALLY IF WE TAKE OBAMA IN HIS OWN WORDS BY THE PRIMARIES (THAT IS DIPLOMACY IN ITS BEST FORM)
July 1st, 2009 at 10:05 am
dear ethiopians, dont ever think obama will liberate our people. we must fight TPLF ourselves.
does any one know phone number, email or fax pf secretary Lew? we should flood him with protests.
July 1st, 2009 at 10:09 am
President Obama is not stupid he knows what he is doinghe knows detects when he see quality and intllect, he is not narrow minded “Black” and “White” thinker like most of you braindead idiotics in this forum.
July 1st, 2009 at 10:20 am
I always said, Ethiopians should support Obama for being the first African American and inspiring, not in hopes he would bring democracy in Ethiopia.
Just as I said it, now many Ethiopians are facing the hard reality! Obama needs the TPLF tyrants because of Somalia. As long as their is chaos in Somalia the US always will look for help from any Ethiopian government irrespective of its human right records.
As I told many Ethiopians during the time of Obama’s election campaign, I would like also to repeat my appeal. When it comes to our own country, we should not put our hopes on some one else but on ourselves. Don’t forget it is not Obama’s country but ours! Time and time again we have seen that no one really cares about human rights and democracy in Ethiopia. We have to swallow this hard truth and start doing something ourselves instead of hoping!
I’m neither surprised nor disappointed!
July 1st, 2009 at 11:01 am
Folks there are no such thing as Obama’s agenda for Africa or Ethiopia in particular. There is a US foreign policy towards Africa and I doubt if there is a specific and clear policy towards Ethiopia. There may be a drive by policy where a decision takes place as needed. Those of you who supported Obama thinking that he will go after leaders like Meles and others in Africa you are doomed again. Either you do not know how policy issues are handled or you all are naïve. One thing that need to be remembered western powers have a vested strategic interest in every part of the world. We (Ethiopians) need to start looking at the Horn collectively, and become familiar with the strategic interest of other stakeholders.
Given our aggressive effort we have not made an iota of progress convincing US policy makers to halt political support to the current regime in Ethiopia. The following are some of the reasons:
1. As a formidable opposition what do we have to offer for the US interest in Ethiopia? (facts reveals there is none)
2. How many opposition groups are out there who often visit the State Department and send very confusing messages time and time again?
3. We often think that Ethiopia is the only game in town (there are other burning issues in the horn) that is why I say start looking at out side the box.
4. We have no collective agenda as viable opposition
5. We failed time and time again to hint an alternative approach that included the interest of other stakeholders.
6. We are quick to react. Take a look at some of the comments regarding this recent article. Folks: State department official did not wake up one morning and decided to travel to Ethiopia. It has gone through a careful and well thought out process, and measured against the overall US strategy in the horn.
Once again if you all believe Obama is going to severe his relationship with Meles just because he received support from Ethiopian Americans is simply wrong. Depending on what the next scenario in Somalia do not be surprised if the US support includes some armaments in order to protect its interest in the region. Nothing personal, but that is how the world functions.
Bertu
July 1st, 2009 at 11:01 am
ETHIOPIA IS = THE BLACK HOLOCAUST OF AFRICA
Millions of Oromos,Tigreans and Eritreans were systematically ethnocleased and massgenocided by AMHARA DOMINATED GOVERNMENTS for the last 70+ years, starting from king menilike era all the way to 1991(Mengestu era). Within these periods governemnts exchanged hands from one Amahra governemnts to another amhara governments but the targets of ethnogenocide targets were these three groups.
July 1st, 2009 at 11:12 am
EMF,
you are distorting news. What do you expect than this form Obama Admin
He mentioned the Aid is not as it was before and he said we need quick solution for political space for opponents and to realese Birtukan. this just a bigning don’t jamp to judgment and distortion. Above all, you EMF and me are responsible to change Ethiopia not Obama!
thanks
July 1st, 2009 at 11:15 am
Their is good news in the visit by the american admin. person,
First, US is not cutting food aid, at a time so called donors are saying they got nothing this time, while we have 9 million on the edge!
second, he has made it clear about their concern on Birtukan, and so called Antiterrorism law which is purly a fabrication from their fashistic skull!
On the issue of somalia, no more making themselves regional police while they are terrorising the population! this is obvious for any one!
Look at the language, “reinforced our concern that the matter be resolved quickly and finally,” he said.
July 1st, 2009 at 11:24 am
Go yell at Obama’s bedroom window at 1600 DC. We don’t need to beg Americans for a freedom. What you Ethiopians living in the western world is to shut the fuck up, stop eating burgers and go to war. Talking forever is not going to solve anything; either you love Ethiopia to organize yourself and be useful or shut the fuck up get ruled by a tyrant.
July 1st, 2009 at 11:26 am
Ethiopian in America! Please be ready for a huge Demonstrations to introduce to the USA current Democratic Government, about the exist Stalinist, Facist, The Genocider Meles Zenawi declared Terrorizing the civil-Ethiopian people.
http://www.ethiopianreview.com/content/10213
http://www.eastafro.com/
http://www.eastafro.com/Amharic/
July 1st, 2009 at 11:36 am
The Obama administration should avoid any kind of alliance with the ethnofascist regime in Ethiopia. The administration should make all aid including the humanitarian conditional and use it as an instrument of pressure. The ethnofascist Meles Zenawi and his thugs do not represent the peoples of Ethiopia. The ethnofascist regime is an illegitimate one imposed on the peoples by the barrel of the gun.
The Oroomos are also the prime targets of ethnofascism in Ethiopia and paying enormous sacrifices. The jails of ethnofascism are filled with Oromo prisoners who are languishing without justice. The TPLF ethnofascists began the horror by instigating inter-ethnic conflicts in which the main victims were the Amharas and other non-Tigre followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. As a result thousands of Amharas were murdered in cold blood and displaced in different parts of the country. According to my personal conversations with some ex-TPLF members, the brains behind the anti-Amhara crusade and Amahara killing conflicts are Meles Zenawi and Sebhat Nega. The TPLF is an ethnofascstic organization promoting ethnic supremacy and spreading racism and exclusion of the majority in the country. It has spread the myth of Tigrayan supremacy in Tigray and rallied the people of the region specially the elites behind their ethnofascist leader, Meles Zenawi. The Tigrayan elite have forgotten that their education was paid for by the poor Ethiopians who are now the victims of their ethnofascistic ethnic leader, whom they worship and obey blindly. These two senior officials of the TPLF are long known for their fascistic ideologies and brutalities singling out the Amharas as the enemies of the people of Tigray. Now they are pursuing their same fascistic policies towards the Oromos and destroying Oromo lives and properties in the country. The rise of Ginbot7 and its non-compromising stand against ethnofascism in Ethiopia are very promising developments. The ethnofascists are just living in fear and trembling whenever Ginbot7 holds public meetings and organizes the scattered force in the Diaspora and Ethiopia.
July 1st, 2009 at 11:53 am
They know about Melese Zenawi, may be more than we know. But still he is their favorite; they need someone stronger than melese who keep their interest and the interest of Ethiopians. If they couldn’t get someone who satisfies both they prefer someone who works for them, for the time being melese is their choice.
Don’t forget that, Obama is for USA not for Ethiopia. if we are wise enough we have to support and work for those of our hero’s, who are fighting EPRDF in all possible means.
Forget Obama; forget the demonstration in front of state departments or white house, if we work hard and change the power balance. All will work for us not against of us.
Go G7!!
July 1st, 2009 at 12:11 pm
My fellow compatriots,
In the name of the God father almighty peace be upon all Ethiopians in the name of Jesus, giver of life and destroyer of death & In the name of our mother Zion who is also called Ethiopia.
why are we relying on mortal beings rather than giving everything to God to help us and make our effort with faith.
do we know that to rely on human beings is a general curse which has its own consequence.If anybody has to rely, he must count on the most high God who is a warrior king.
God is giving us a very good message here my dear countrymen, he is saying stop relying on human beings but come to me to your father & whatever your burden I will bear it and set you free.
Now it has become apparent morethan ever that we must come together and prepare ourselves spiritually then start the exodus. the only solution is the exodus towards the promised land.
just Imagine everybody morethan a million people making exodus from all over the world towards Zion? the Israelites were 600,000 but now we are I think close to 2 million. It will have a big consequence in the world political as well as economical situation.
we need to rely on the almighty lord God of Sabaoth, the protector and the redeemer, the giver & comfortor, the fashionor & the all loving, the light & the truth.
With God only we can do great things! we rely only on God! it is his fight, we are not supposed to hold any weapon, we will sing while he make our foes come to under our feet.
Arise! Al Al Al! Arise El-shaddi of truth! Arise Adonai of light! the all merciful Jesus Christ the giver of life & the destroyer of death, you are our protector, you are our shield, your name is our sword by which we will smash our enemies.
Arise! your the merciful messaih! for how long does our enemies say that, there is no help for them, show them you are the warrior king.
Ethiopia have faith and get united with Love, its when we love eachother that God will help us.we need to start the preparation for the exodus.
God bless Ethiopia & its beloved people.
July 1st, 2009 at 12:19 pm
do you remember Hillary? she is big recipient of money from
pro weyane lobbyist DLA Piper. DLA piper is paid 50,000 US dollars per month by meles to lobby for ethiopia in washington.
Follow the link and read about Mr. jacob lew. and also about Hillar Clinton.
http://www.whorunsgov.com/Profiles/Jacob_Lew
July 1st, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Bube, you are tigrain under cover. you are here to confuse ethiopian.
we are comming after you soon.
promise
weyane TPLF will be put to death soon for next 200000 years
http://www.eppfonline.org/
http://www.eastafro.com/
http://www.eastafro.com/Amharic/
July 1st, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Dear Ethiopians
Do not despair when America or Obama are not consistent
with the core values of America. America has an immediate interst in Ethiopia.The 80 million and plus population and a very willing servant and tyrant to recruit cannon- fodder to be drugged in the streets of Mogaisho is very attractive to do business with.It is a win win situatin for America and The tyrant.The question we should ponder on is what do we do? Here are some:
.Help gnbot7 To keep The momentum that has already started.
.Educate the Ethiopian people and the army to expose the the crimes commited so far by the thugs that Melese values Ethiopian soldiers less than a fly as he has refused to give the dead in Somalia an iota of honour.The Ethiopian people do not know the number of deathes,injured soldiers and those drugged in the streeets.We do not know even about the actual position of the survives.These irresponsible actions should be more and consistantly exposed to the Ethiopian people and the army.
.Encourage Genbot7 to negotiate and work with Eritrea
Use seasoned dipolomacy with American and Western Powers and not necessarily with the administrations.Do not waste time to convince the unconvinceable.
We should be self-reliant as our forefathers.Money is power.Let us use our resources to the limit to destroy Weyane.
.Organise and organise! The Ethiopian people will definetly win.
Will America and the West help? of course theywill.When, only, we are strong and winning.
July 1st, 2009 at 12:56 pm
gulto, Martha, Lettamo, Michael, aklilu, Bube, Haku, Agazi , rahel you are tigrain under cover. you are here to confuse ethiopian.
we are comming after you soon.
promise
weyane TPLF will be put to death soon for next 200000 years
http://www.eppfonline.org/
http://www.eastafro.com/
http://www.eastafro.com/Amharic/
July 1st, 2009 at 12:58 pm
gulto, Martha, Lettamo, Michael, aklilu, Bube, Haku, rahel you are tigrain under cover. you are here to confuse ethiopian.
we are comming after you soon.
promise
weyane TPLF will be put to death soon for next 200000 years
http://www.eppfonline.org/
http://www.eastafro.com/
http://www.eastafro.com/Amharic/
Dear Ethiopians
Do not despair when America or Obama are not consistent
with the core values of America. America has an immediate interst in Ethiopia.The 80 million and plus population and a very willing servant and tyrant to recruit cannon- fodder to be drugged in the streets of Mogaisho is very attractive to do business with.It is a win win situatin for America and The tyrant.The question we should ponder on is what do we do? Here are some:
.Help gnbot7 To keep The momentum that has already started.
.Educate the Ethiopian people and the army to expose the the crimes commited so far by the thugs that Melese values Ethiopian soldiers less than a fly as he has refused to give the dead in Somalia an iota of honour.The Ethiopian people do not know the number of deathes,injured soldiers and those drugged in the streeets.We do not know even about the actual position of the survives.These irresponsible actions should be more and consistantly exposed to the Ethiopian people and the army.
.Encourage Genbot7 to negotiate and work with Eritrea
Use seasoned dipolomacy with American and Western Powers and not necessarily with the administrations.Do not waste time to convince the unconvinceable.
We should be self-reliant as our forefathers.Money is power.Let us use our resources to the limit to destroy Weyane.
.Organise and organise! The Ethiopian people will definetly win.
Will America and the West help? of course theywill.When, only, we are strong and winning.
July 1st, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Obama makes his message crystal clear, he gave him a strong message concerning democracy.The deputy stays only one hour with the dedebit maferia and told him to stop the repression against the opposition and the last two laws about ngo and press freedom after saying that it depends only on ourselves to fight the dedebit cliques
July 1st, 2009 at 1:33 pm
dear Samuel, you nailed it all in the head, my brother.
our so called opposition parties are weak and dont even have a common united agenda. berhanu nega sings one song, hailu shawel another, taye woldesamayt hiding somewhere…etc…Americans have no time for our problems. basta!
July 1st, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Ten Commandments for Getting Back Our Ethiopia!!!
1. When Meles does anything to survive, you should also do anything to
protect Ethiopia.
2. Don’t be foolish to think that the West will rescue Ethiopiawinet when
Ethiopia is being landlocked and sliced into tribal lines. Ask Why? And
Who? Is behind all these. However, in the West you don’t even need a
piece of paper to cross boarders and do what you please as a human
being.
3. Understand that being a concerned and proud Ethiopian is not enough
by itself. You have to fight, protect, and earn it even if it takes 17
Years. Refuse to go backwards.
4. Don’t be foolish by who the parties are, it is the fundamental
mentality towards Ethiopia and Ethiopiawinet you should be worried
about. It is our President/Prime Minister who thinks our Flag is a piece
of cloth.
5. Know the difference between Zimbabwe and Ethiopia and the
attention given by the West. Who do you think is Nationalist and
loved their country? Why? Who do you think will be brought before
the International court for gross violations of human rights?
6. You should get angry and take action when Eritrea is gone, a chunk of
Western Ethiopia is given to Sudan, when Kenya is looking for a piece
of the pie, our young women are being sold for hard labor and being
abused and murdered, our fertile land is being sold for Saudis, and
when Ethiopians are subjected to starvation and harsh Meles’s
regulations and discriminations.
7. It is not the G-20; it is the G-7 that would be likely to be the solution
to your questions. “Everything and anything”, Scary Thoughts!!
8. Don’t be fooled by a bunch of “Words” but “Actions”.
9. If you want to be a hero, know what it takes to be a hero.
10. Don’t sit on today when you think about the future of Ethiopia. Do
something and anything!!
July 1st, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Dear readers,
yes the key to our freedom is standing together and fighting the tyrany by wahtever means. I think we have to be sensetive to genuine efforts of all Ethiopians who are engaged in armed or non armed means. We have to learn from history and focus on the struggle to make Ethiopia a country where people can speak their minds and leave peacefully.Our politcians! please do not fight for Siltan, If you genuinely fight for Ethiopian cause, naturally Siltan will follow you or you will live a graceful life and history will remeber you. Fighting for Siltan distracts from fighting the main cause and at the end of the day weakens all of us as a nation.
God bless Ethiopia
July 1st, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Compatriots,
With due respect to all, I would like to disagree as to the essence of the messages. As I see from the report, there are two sides to the story:
1: USA sees Ethiopia as a Strategic Ally
This has always been the case. The report did not say the US sees Meles as a strategic ‘comrade’.
Development assistance is something nations enter into. What matters is how it is monitored for effectiveness. Of course, we could say no aid unless democracy and human rights are fully in place.
But, the Obama administration is stating an intent to increase development aid as part of engaging in givernance and human rights.
2: Human rights and governance
The Obama administration is much more forceful in going public on the illegal imprisonment of Judge Birtukan Midekssan, her release and of political prisoners.
The visiting emissary has publicly stated not only concerns, but also what must be done.
We will need to work on what were articulated to be implemented. It looks like the Obama Administration would like to use the carrot and stick approach moving away from Bush’s conditional love network based on a single issue of war on terror’. This, by itself, is a welcome development.
Over-reaction and misreading the messages are unhelpful, in any events.
Regards
Biri
Re: [[”While maintaining the deep bilateral relationship, Secretary Lew says the Obama administration is worried about what is seen as a “closing of political space” in Ethiopia since the controversial 2005 elections. During his talk with Prime Minister Meles, Lew says he made a point of raising the issue of imprisoned Ethiopian opposition leader Birtukan Mideksa.
“I reinforced our concern that the matter be resolved quickly and finally,” he said.
Lew says he also expressed concern about two laws recently passed by Ethiopia’s parliament, one restricting activities of foreign-funded non-governmental organizations, the other limiting press freedom.
“The concerns we raised were the issues of openness that relate to NGOs and freedom of expression remain concerns to us,” he said. “We made that point clear again.”
Lew said his discussions with Prime Minister Meles also touched on a proposed new anti-terrorism law. The group Human Rights Watch issued a statement Tuesday saying the draft law could define criticism of the government as a “terrorist act” and be used to crack down on the”]] opposition.
July 1st, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Compatriots,
With due respect to all, I would like to disagree as to the essence of the messages. As I see from the report, there are two sides to the story:
1: USA sees Ethiopia as a Strategic Ally
This has always been the case. The report did not say the US sees Meles as a strategic ‘comrade’.
Development assistance is something nations enter into. What matters is how it is monitored for effectiveness. Of course, we could say no aid unless democracy and human rights are fully in place.
But, the Obama administration is stating an intent to increase development aid as part of engaging in givernance and human rights.
2: Human rights and governance
The Obama administration is much more forceful in going public on the illegal imprisonment of Judge Birtukan Midekssan, her release and of political prisoners.
The visiting emissary has publicly stated not only concerns, but also what must be done.
We will need to work on what were articulated to be implemented. It looks like the Obama Administration would like to use the carrot and stick approach moving away from Bush’s conditional love network based on a single issue of war on terror’. This, by itself, is a welcome development.
Over-reaction and misreading the messages are unhelpful, in any events.
Regards
Biri
Re: [[”While maintaining the deep bilateral relationship, Secretary Lew says the Obama administration is worried about what is seen as a “closing of political space” in Ethiopia since the controversial 2005 elections. During his talk with Prime Minister Meles, Lew says he made a point of raising the issue of imprisoned Ethiopian opposition leader Birtukan Mideksa.
“I reinforced our concern that the matter be resolved quickly and finally,” he said.
Lew says he also expressed concern about two laws recently passed by Ethiopia’s parliament, one restricting activities of foreign-funded non-governmental organizations, the other limiting press freedom.
“The concerns we raised were the issues of openness that relate to NGOs and freedom of expression remain concerns to us,” he said. “We made that point clear again.”
Lew said his discussions with Prime Minister Meles also touched on a proposed new anti-terrorism law. The group Human Rights Watch issued a statement Tuesday saying the draft law could define criticism of the government as a “terrorist act” and be used to crack down on the”opposition.”]]
July 1st, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Biri,
You’re spot on. Actually Meles is now being cornered than ever before. Thank you for your insightful explanation.
July 1st, 2009 at 2:47 pm
While I share the overall concern around the US providing another life line to Meles, I do not agree and support the idea of equating President Obama with President Bush. What is to be gained by saying negative things about the current US administration? Do we really think it will help us to say bad things about President Obama? This is international politics which will benefit more from a calculated and rational response than an emotional outburst.
The only good place for our emotional reaction is in mobilizing us to defend the interest of our country. Let’s take the responsibility for the fate or our country and stop expecting any foreign government to do the job for us. Let’s increase our involvement with and support to the opposition groups, the media, and foreign politicians, human rights groups in their effort to expose the ugly faces of the Meles regime. Let’s support families of political prisoners in Ethiopia.
It is insane of us to seat idle and be stingy with our money to support the struggle to free us and still expect our freedom. We have to doule our effort to get the message out - we have to make the case how unacceptable it is for any democratic government to have a strategic alliance with a widely despised child killer regime of Meles.
July 1st, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Dr Biri, I fully indorse the contents of the comment made by you above. That was a good start by the Obama administration and it would enable us to push for more to seek a better government in Ethiopia. The opposition camp should not be misunderstood wrongly thiinking that statement was in favour of the Ethiopian regim and rush into wrong conclusion to blame the Obama administration and also let the EPRDF cadres to capitalise on it and flood us with their usual propagandas. Well-done Dr Biri. Keep on informing the public and fighting the our enemies.
July 1st, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Dear all
I think there is one truth in politics. All states are destined to pursue their national interests. Security is the ultimate goal of all states, and it precedes all other interests. Human rights and democracy issues are always secondary, and could be shunned when the security of a state is threatened. Obama is doing what has been done by the states for centuries, and he can’t change that because the nature of international relations dictate states to behave like that. We live in an anarchic global system. So there is nothing surprising about Obama’s policy. If you want to get his support, be powerful. Establish an army and show that you are capable of toppling down the regime, then he will come to you even if you don’t want to go to him.
July 1st, 2009 at 3:59 pm
alulaDadofo you are one confuse ,we are what we are no excuse but prid we are not traying to confuse you , you are confuse it is on your dna loser
July 1st, 2009 at 3:59 pm
gulto, Martha, Lettamo, Michael, aklilu, Bube, Haku, rahel you are tigrain under cover. you are here to confuse ethiopian.
we are comming after you soon.
promise
weyane TPLF will be put to death soon for next 200000 years
http://www.eppfonline.org/
http://www.eastafro.com/
http://www.eastafro.com/Amharic/
July 1st, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Mr commentator,
“Obama to bring a real democracy in Ethiopia” you must be so dull to beg democracy from abroad.
AND
Mr. commentator!!
Do not lie only 3 people died during the incident.
“and killed several on Tuesday. What a Sad!”
This is a lieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
July 1st, 2009 at 4:22 pm
We have not demanded any USA administrations for the last eighteen years to give us “freedom”. What we have been demanding is to stop financing terror.
While this engagment with TPLF is “renewed”by USA official in Addis innocents were gunned down in Desse and if USA is condoning such barbarism we say no to Obama.
The fact of the matter is USA foreign policy always take advantage of “weak” people like us. Let us be angry all back home and here too. I can assure you that Obama has more respect to Somalis than to the thousands of Ethiopians who voted for him.
Can we send our anger direct to Obama by coming out in force and denounce Obama for doing business with the known human right abuser and killer Meles Zenawi at the G8 meeting in Italy.
The Iranian leadership who is accused by Obama and the West for stealing vote has not done much worst than Meles Zenawi who gunned down more than 200 to be dining with the G8 in Scotland in the summer of 2005.
Let Ethiopians back home show their anger towards USA and UK by avoiding any contact with them. Let Obama knows that the honeymoon with us is over.
July 1st, 2009 at 4:24 pm
What make me lough in most discussions in Ethiopian forums is that those haters from Ertria are acting like an angel for Ethiopian freedom. Shame on you…haters….
TPLF must gone but we use our own way to crippled our enemy. We already did for those hater Ertrians and it will come soon to others.
Be vigilant my honest citizens.
Ethiopia is the land of Saints who pray day in day out in the jungles and desserts for the existence of Ethiopians.
July 1st, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Bube, rahel you are tigrain under cover. you are here to confuse ethiopian.
we are comming after you soon.
promise
weyane TPLF will be put to death soon for next 200000 years
http://www.eppfonline.org/
July 1st, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Dear Ethiopians,
It is Known that USA is a very stupid nation that always inclines towards stronger sides. Therefore, the solution is with Us! Just let us strengthen in defeating woyane by Gun! Support G7!
Hiluf, UK
July 1st, 2009 at 4:47 pm
I think the US dignitari is responding to to the pleas of the moderates of UDJP and/or Medrek, who stuck with ethnic agenda rather than the national agenda of the unity of Ethiopi and and freedom of all Ethiopians. They are only pleading the US government to put put pressure of TPLF/eprdf for a political space which narrowing by the day. A political space is not a quantitave issue, it is qualitative issue that you either have it or you do not. They want the US gov. to do the negotiation for them, so they would have limited breathing space to participate in the election, not to bring about a sweeping change of thepolitical, and economic system instituted bt TPLF/eprdf regime. To the least about humanitarian violation, poverty and starvation and deteriorating health condition of themajority of Ethiopians. US Government has to look for its self interest with respect to fighting terrorism and collaborate with appears to be a stronger ally whose status quo is upheld by the loyalist opposition parties, udjp and Tigrai Harena, on one side and AEUP and other hardliners on the other engaged in a peaceful struglfor unity of Etiopia and freedom of all Ethiopians, etc., while the moderates have a double talk and campaining for the release of Birtukan Mideksa, as if it is going to change the direction of the struggle and the outcome of the election in 2010.
This is on the peaceful struggle and on the armed struggle another bizzare development in the last four years simultaneous to the so called to platform by the moderates of the former dissidents of Kinijit.
These opposition parties and seccionist movements need to put their acts together and align them selves to tosave Ethiopia from disintegration and enhance the freedom of individuals, which a tangible asset for Ethiopians to control their destiny, by themselves.
July 1st, 2009 at 4:57 pm
I agree w/Mr. Goraw. If we unite and became strong, we can change the directions of U.S. foreign policy. When we are divided every dirction by forming political party using the 1st letter of our country/E as ethiopia and we are not one, outsiders ignore us to support the authoritarian and tyranny leaders. Who is to blame here? The anser is, US! Let us be honest and say COUNTRY 1st, then ue can talk all little things.
July 1st, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Mr. Letamo,
What do you suggest the should be the solution be ?
July 1st, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Biri that is what i want to put it in my previous comment but you put it in abetter way that every one can understand it ,it is still a long way for woyannes to be an ally on terror like it had been in bushs era cowboy galloping a horse. any way we are the ones who can bring change in our motherland it can be that they are well aware if woyane gives a political space for the opposition (free and fair election )get 5% chance to win the election. Every thing is in our own hands to show Obama and others the authoritarianism of woyanne period.
July 1st, 2009 at 5:43 pm
I know this will happen when Ms. Clinton
is becoming Secretary of State.
All of us has to come together and fight the
dictators.
July 1st, 2009 at 5:53 pm
ETHIOPIA IS = THE BLACK HOLOCAST OF AFRICA
Millions of Oromos,Tigreans and Eritreans systematically were ethnocleansed and massgenocided by AMHARA DOMINATED GOVERNEMNTS for the last 70+ years. Starting from King Menilike era all the way to 1991 mengestu era.
Within these persiods governments exchanged hands from one amara government to another amara government, but the targets remain the same these three tribes.
July 1st, 2009 at 5:53 pm
ETHIOPIA IS = THE BLACK HOLOCAST OF AFRICA
Millions of Oromos,Tigreans and Eritreans systematically were ethnocleansed and massgenocided by AMHARA DOMINATED GOVERNEMNTS for the last 70+ years. Starting from King Menilike era all the way to 1991 mengestu era.
Within these persiods governments exchanged hands from one amara government to another amara government, but the targets remain the same these three tribes. uiuiu
July 1st, 2009 at 6:01 pm
After a month long lecture from the prof. in chief, the honorable Eritrean President, I thought we a little bit educated from the wisdom and experiences of the man himself.
We have seen the quality of leadership, the wisdom and experience of his analysis, the guts and nerves of steel, unseen and unheard in the annals of African history.
The President has a commanding grace when he speaks and speaks what he means. Ethiopians has to study this great mans ideas and principles and apply them to the Ethiopian realities.
July 1st, 2009 at 7:02 pm
I 100% agree with Goraw.
What we have to do is rely on ourselves. Everyone get ready to tople down. Yemin menbokboke naw!
July 1st, 2009 at 8:12 pm
The picture is that of George Bush that can pass as that of Obama.
July 1st, 2009 at 8:16 pm
No surprise here absolutly not that the the Obama administration assistance to a murderous domestic TALIBANS because there is no a single storong oppostion to unite us. The major critical issue facing our nation is who is assuming power let say that TPLF surrunder power tomorrow? there is nobody. If we organize and arm ourselves in a much better way then we can see the fruit. Now don’t expect anything from Obama or any others. The urgency to fight for our freedom is today but not tomorrow
July 1st, 2009 at 8:26 pm
Dear Biri:
“With due respect to all, I would like to disagree as to the essence of the messages. As I see from the report, there are two sides to the story:” This is why I disagree with you and how I see it:
1. U.S.A. sees Ethiopia as a geographically strategic land regardless of its governance and the suffering of our people. This has always been the case Mr. Biri with due all respect. Well, well, well, if the U.S. and the West cried loud and did everything to get rid of President Mugabe, why not Meles? Instead he gets the money, gunzzz, political advisement and support to put down any risk of opposition. We Ethiopians call that a Master and Puppet relation. Yeah we had seen intents of the West for the last 30 years and we know where it took our country.
2. Ethiopians should not fooled by carrot and stick approach instead we should keep pushing on our own guts and be proactive not reactive to Meles’s action.
3. My final advice to all is that we should start to train ourselves not to expect anything good from a country that only sees us from a geographically strategic country.
4. Let’s fight for our country and people!!!
G-13
God bless
July 1st, 2009 at 9:50 pm
rahel, ulto, Martha, Lettamo, Michael, aklilu, Bube, Haku, rahel you are tigrain under cover. you are here to confuse ethiopian.
we are comming after you soon.
promise
weyane TPLF will be put to death soon for next 200000 years
http://www.eppfonline.org/
http://www.eastafro.com/
http://www.eastafro.com/Amharic/
July 1st, 2009 at 10:09 pm
የቡሽ ና ኦባማ ቅይጥ ፎቶ ወድጄዋለሁ :: ጥሩ ፈጠራ ነዉ
July 1st, 2009 at 10:52 pm
Ethiopia have faith and get united with Love, its when we love eachother that God will help us
http://www.eppfonline.org/
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:14 am
Obama would never expected Ethio-Americans to cry foul just because their country of origin is assisted. He would definitely feel ashamed of the mind-set of the people who complained to his administration for assisting the development in Ethiopia. What is so silly is to think that considering Ethiopia as a strategic partner in the fight against the terrorists would rule out demanding better standards in democracy and human rights aspects.
Let us use our brains to think!
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:44 am
Is this really true? USA should invest in Ethiopia on a large scale. USA land-locked Ethiopia and I do not think they are going to insustrialize Ethiopia by outsoucing. The Jewish Community should rethink it’s strategy of a viable peace in Middle East. Indusrializing and modernizing the ethiopin economy is a key strategy point for Israel, europe , russia and USA.
USA kept Ethiopia in underdevelopment for the last 100 years. Ethiopia is more valuable than Egypt because of the Nile river and it’s population. The Obama administration should act now. Obama is supporting Ethiopia and not Meles.
The opposition is inflltrated by eritrean agents. Ginbot 7, EPPF, OLF, ONLF are eritrean stooges and are anti-Ethiopia. We have to fight against pro-Eritrean opposition groups. Eritrea’s secession is illegal and we have to get our Assab back.
July 2nd, 2009 at 3:15 am
if obama ready to kill muslm what do u think give a selever spoon for krestian hahahahahah
July 2nd, 2009 at 4:02 am
Here we go again! The “developmental aid” bullshit! Don’t the Americans realize that this so-called aid goes straight to the coffers of the ruling party? Did the billions of dollars aid invested in the last 18 years make any difference in the lives of the ordinary people? On the flip side, how many of the ruling party members become millionaires during those years? Why can’t the Americans and Europeans get it to their heads that their so-called aid is breathing life to the repressive regime and prolonging the suffering of the people?
Well, it must be the race thing stupid! When emperor Haile Selassie stood at league of nations and pleaded for help from the invasion of fascist Italy, the representatives of great nations(?) ridiculed and laughed at him. When apartheid was doing a number to millions of Africans, America and Europe did not lift a finger. In fact,the American administrations at the time resisted sanctions against the apartheid regime for years. When the Hutus of Rwanda attacked tutsis and massacred thousands, the whole world stood by as if nothing happened. Bottom line–nobody gives a shit what happens to Africans. Why? Because black is beautiful only to Africans. Our lives are worthless in the eyes of everybody else.
The Americans have been making mistakes in foreign policy for years. The WMD saga in Iraq cost them billions of dollars, 4000+ in casualty and thousands injured. It also multiplied the foot soldiers of Al Queda all over the world. Supporting Woyane to stop the expansion of Queda in the horn is a bad strategy. It is a short term gain at best. Woyane is worst than Al-Queda to the Ethiopian people. With Woyane at the wheel, Ethiopia could become a fertile ground to Queda. You can’t blame Ethiopians for accepting any philosophy that claims relief from misery. Meanwhile, Woyane will hang on as long as they can in the name of fighting terrorists. Finally, they will leave the country in shambles and retire somewhere in America or Europe. The bone-headed decision of America to keep close ties with the most brutal regime in the horn of Africa will undoubtedly do a favor to Al-Queda and its sympathizers. I say America should revise its decision before it is too late.And i hope MR.Obama doesn’t become another Clarence Thomas. A disappointment to his race.
FREE BIRTUKAN
July 2nd, 2009 at 5:33 am
What are you talking about? Do not expect Obama to give you freedom and democracy on silver plater. You should have to earn it men!!
July 2nd, 2009 at 5:35 am
Do not be stupid. You sholud not expect Obama to give you your freedom and democracy on silver plater. You should have to work hard and earn it.
July 2nd, 2009 at 6:23 am
In my comments, on the fourth line, mistakenly writen the word “again”.
PLease read as- The Fascist weyane Terrorizing law is based on “against”- to Ethiopian Justice, Freedom & Democracy.
July 2nd, 2009 at 7:28 am
Be optimistic about your government and EThiopian People.Even if you are grown been Pessimistic. Or teach your children to think Positive.
i have been reading ethiopian web site for long time. it is very sad that you all thinking negative. what is wrong with ethiopian people ? you always think negative. you never mention about the good work of ethiopian govt. you always looking some mistake to talk about. for me you all politicians need to make up your mind and start thinking positive. i guarantee you that you will find your self thnking negative when you read this comment.i see you with your negative response.
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:11 am
It has been proven to us time after time it is not our burning issues that are their priorities, it is rathertheir own; hence this one shouldn’t surprise us at all. For that matter any country that choose to deal with a country such as ours is on firm ground whereby what it gets back in return for whatsoever aid/loan/grant and sigining unilateral/bilateral agreement!!
I think our mistake is…the changing of admisteration in US will cascade in its rule of engagemant with certain peraia states in Africa…this can be the case if the country doesn’t provide strategic advantage to the US.The Ethiopian government is a subserviant of the US and it has entertain a proxy war to prove it and in return it had/has/will reap its reward.
“Gullecha bilewawet wet ayatafitem!!!”
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:23 am
Min alefachuh The People of ERIAR ,Ato Isu na Dr. Birrrrrr Obaman asaminew le weyane chefiliqew gedilew chefchifew ke TIGRAWAY netsa yawotachuhal .ale minim tiritr .bicha lemanignawum sebseb beluna tezegaju. le dr. Birrrrrr yemisanew yelem.yiqnachuh.
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:12 am
Ghana, a former British colony that was the first African nation to win independence in 1957, held a closely contested presidential election which saw power peacefully transferred to opposition leader John Atta Mills in January.
The Obama administration is keen to hold up Ghana as a model for the rest of Africa, where coups are not uncommon and elections are often marred by charges of vote-rigging and sometimes violence.
“Democracy and good governance are high up on his agenda, so he is rewarding Ghana,” said Richard Dowden, director of the Royal African Society
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:16 am
Bertukan m tell us one single positive about so called govt (Woyanne clique)
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:55 am
The picture of obama show us important message that bushe and obama are the same for Ethiopian politics.Those living in USA you have to weak up and stop show them your back ward habesh mentality to rest of civilized world.Go your country fight for your freedom or stop talking like a lidy
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:59 am
First of all the strategic importance of Ethiopia to the US is not the achievement of woyeanea. These characteristics that make Ethiopia strategic are the locations of Ethiopia, the population composition, religion and culture. Westerners know that Ethiopia has one of the most remarkably peaceful people in Africa, with moral values for peaceful co-existence. If that were not the case, given the economic deprivation, the population would have butchered each other in vicious civil war. The other character of Ethiopian society is its child rearing practice(ye Lij astedadeg denb/sireat), which helps to forming very obedient and less rebellious army. Woyeana has right now big army by taking advantage of the mass poverty and its exclusive access to the coffers of the nation. SO the westerners see right now only woyeana stronger in relative terms. This assessment is just for now. So we do not have to lose sight of the fact that if we strongly fight the injustice and malicious system of woyeanea and topple it, as it is not kind and understanding to us(Ethiopians) by any standard, the westerns will change side surely. We are in a way asking them for a big big (for now unrealistic) favor:-to trust us while we are barely organized. So let us do our homework and further strengthen the likes of G7. Then we wold be disappointed if the US administration refuse to give aid because we toppled woyeanea. That will NOT happen. Remember, the strategic importance of Ethiopia is not the making of woyeane for almost 90% and Ethiopia’s characteristics will live far longer than woyeanea. Wegenochea, let us not give the bandit woyeanea a let up (fata ayagegn!) They(woyeanea thugs) very well know how much challenge we can pose to them. Woyeana can not have true democratic friends because of its nature - all those westerners who skirt around it are looking for a marriage of convenience - Gizeawe tikim. Yechegerew Irguz Indemeyageba enawke yelem inea?
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:50 pm
What a snub!
Obama, you are a sale out; after what we have done to you, is this your thank you note?
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:56 pm
G-13 is right. We should pull our strength together for the untity and freedom of all Ethiopians by ourselves and press the US goverment foreign policy agenda the the legislature pending as HR 2003/s3457, rather seeking for political space to provide the loyalist opposition parties a breathing space to participate in the election by UDJP and/or Medrek.
Address the problem at the root cause not seek for band aid of political space with seeking pressure to be applied by USA, instead of urging the passage of S3457 in unison and setting aside ethnic agenda which tacitly upholds TPLF/eprdf regime the master of disintegration of Ethiopia and economic and political stranglehold of Ethiopia by TPLF and Tplf affiliated enterprizes. That would never go away under the current set up/alignment of political models.
July 2nd, 2009 at 2:41 pm
u s a is not ready for black prezedant mr obama please stape down with meles zenawe
July 2nd, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Most of the comments here seems to sound that freedom is not given by anyone except that we shoud fight to earn it. Forget Obama , he is just a product of white man`s guilty concious. The whites in U.S have the absolute power and history has taught us how much they care about black mans freedom.
July 2nd, 2009 at 3:55 pm
ኖ no way out for those who think and work for themselves.Do not be stupid. You sholud not expect Obama to give you your freedom and democracy on silver plater. You should have to work hard and earn it.
July 2nd, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Michael,Tigrain agent. We will get you soon.
Tigrain agent. We will get you soon
You are here to confuse ethiopian.
we will get you soon.
http://www.eppfonline.org/
July 2nd, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Michael, Tigrain agent. Obama will not save you
We will get you soon
You are here to confuse ethiopian.
we will get you soon.
July 2nd, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Michael, Tigrain agent. Obama will not save you
We will get you soon
You are here to confuse ethiopian.
we will get you soon.
http://www.eppfonline.org/
July 2nd, 2009 at 5:58 pm
i dont understand how a land locked country is strategic.
poor ethiopians must die because americans are scared to send their own troops. So now ethiopia is only important just to fight somalia with ethiopians blood? hahaha
July 2nd, 2009 at 6:46 pm
ወይ ጉድ !
እኔኮ ግርም የሚለኝ - የአንዳንዶቻችን ስሜታዊነትና የደንቆሮ ፖሊቲከኛነት ነው !!
ያኔ በአሜሪካ ምርጫ ወቅት አንዳንዶች ማኬን ጥሩ ነው ሲሉ , ሌሎቻችን እንትን የነካው እንጨት አርገናቸው - ኦባማን የማይደግፍ ሁሉ የኢትዮጵያ ጠላት ነው ብለን በየሚዲያው ጮህን !!
አሁን ደግሞ ኦባማ ይውደም መፈክር ጀመርን !!! - ድሮም ያለው እውቀት ፖሊቲከኛ - ያለ እቅድና ግብ ታጋይ ሆነን - ከኛ በላይ ያልነው እኛ - ውጭ አገር የሚደረግ ትግልና በውጭ አገር ዌብ ሳይቶች ሆይሆይታ የተደረገ ነገር ሁሉ - እስቲ አንድ ግቡን የመታ - እንደው አንድ ነገር ንገሩኝ ????
ልክ እንደ ኢኮኖሚና ህክምና ፖሊቲካም እውቀት የሚጠይቅ መሆኑን ረስተን - ሁላችንም ፖሊቲከኛ - ቄሱም ጋዜጠኛውም የማያውቅበትን ፖሊቲካ ውስጥ ገብቶ ይኸው ኢትዮጵያን እያቆሰለ ይገኛል !!
ይብላን ለኛ !!
July 2nd, 2009 at 6:47 pm
ባንዳው አክሊሉ! We support Woyane against Shaebya. We do not support Meles because he is a Shaebya agent. We are not agqinst a Tigrian leader. We oppose Mels Zenawi because of his anti-Ethiopia policy. Ethiopia needs tigrian elites to lead her until the situation clears.
Any force that allies with Eritrea is the enemy of Ethiopia and has to be crashed. EPPF, Ginbot 7, Obang Metho etc are agenst of Eritrea and are working for the fragmentation of Ethiopia.
The Tigray people should liberate Eritrea and rejoin it with Tigray. Massawa is a port of Tigray and has been always like that. Eritrea cannot the sovereign lands of Ethiopia because of the fact that Eritrea was colonized by Italy for 50 years. Massawa and Assab have been part of Ethiopia for more than 3000 years and are ethiopian ports.
Tigrean elites should reorganize and liberate Massawa from eritrean mercnaries. There is no Eritrea but Abby tigray. Red Sea belongs to Axum and Tigray, not To Eritrea.
July 2nd, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Lew said “The deep relationship between the United States and Ethiopia is based on a number of shared values, shared concerns,”. As far as I am concerned Mr. Lew is not talking about the relationship between the peoples of both Ethiopia and the US, who have a huge regard for human lives and human liberties (shared values). Otherwise, why on earth is he preparing to reward the dictatorial regime of Zenawi, who neither respect a human life nor it values human liberties?
July 2nd, 2009 at 7:10 pm
አማራ መቸም ወደስልታን አይመታም,ኦሮሞ deserve yadergwal.So the next Prime minster will be from Oromo not fro Amara.
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:46 pm
obama elected for america not for ethiopia we are not to get help from him and other outsider we have to stand for our self the action which the parties in conflict are prepared to take in good will constitutes the antidote agenist the poison which enemies sprayed on brathers.
ethiopian people have a long standing and firmly rooted tradition of defending their independence unity and national intity and of standing vigilantly for their beloved country each generation had paid its share of sucrifice to the country
ethiopia or death! and sucrificed itself defending its national dignity whenever there was enemy aggression
July 3rd, 2009 at 3:47 am
No Surprise!
Long before Obama got elected I warned everybody that this man is not going to do anything better than Bush when it comes to Ethiopia or even others. But no body seemed to take my point. Look what happened now not only on our country but everywhere. Just take the example of Honduras.
The Honduras President was removed by the people recently because he was becoming a dictator like Meles and wanted to stay in power by changing the constitution. Changing the Constitution to stay in power is a blatant violation of democracy. Not only that: this man is known to be the best friend of Venezulan dictator. So what is wrong if he is removed from power by the people forcefully but peacefully. But look what Obama did: he said it is wrong, illegal and is actively advocating for his return to power. Can I tell you why? He is so weak he is afraid the American Military will also remove him from power one day if he keeps quite. That is why he is behaving like this. It is a matter of personal interest! What this means if we also succeed in removing Meles from power, he is also going to force us to return him back to power in the name of democracy. What a pitty!
People think Obama got elected because he is the best. I tell you that is not the case. It is rather because Americans were fed up with Bush and this man was a sweet talker. He knows what their feelings are. He said I will do this and that knowing he is not going to apply most of them. Do you know how many of his campaining promises he has already broken so far? And those ones he is trying to implement do you know the kind of trouble he is in? The world is not as simple as he sweet talks! Too difficult and complicated! And so not only Ethiopians and Africans, Americans will also be facing the music as a result of putting this man a top of their head! After all, as to my experience, a black man will never care for a black man! What this means Africans will have much more difficult time under Obama than Bush! I mean it! Mark my words!
July 3rd, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Yared, your comment above is full of imagination and lack facts. First Obama was elected democratically by millions of Americans most of who know democracy much better that you. Secondly, he was elected because he was much better than all the candidates who contested. Therefore, to say he was elected because people were fed up with Bush was false because he wasn’t competing with Bust but others. As for Honduras president, you cannot put a blame on Obama because he said he did not agree with the illegal and forced removal (overthrow) of a democratically illected president. They did not impeach him in a democratic manner but removed him by force if you know the difference. The other stupid thing you said was that Obama is afraid of the Millitary because they can remove him. That never happend in America and will never happen in million years too? Also you unashamedly said, “a black man will never care for a black man! What this means Africans will have much more difficult time under Obama than Bush”. That was really and trully stupid. You sounded to be a scared Woyane cadre who thought of yourself as a philosopher. Get a life Yared and don’t assume Americans and Ethiopians are stupid like the Woyanes. And know that Obama would soon challenge you and bring you down to earth where you belong.
July 3rd, 2009 at 2:27 pm
http://www.eppfonline.org/
Michael, GETACHEW REDA ,Lettamo, rahel,gulto, Martha, Lettamo, Michael, aklilu, Bube, Haku, Agazi , rahel mikeZ you are tigrain under cover. weyane cyber warrior.
you try to divide amhara against oromo acting as one of us.
oromo against amhara.
amhara against oromo
we know who you are.
we ethiopian are not as stupid as you thing you are
you are here to confuse ethiopian.
we are comming after you soon.
promise
weyane TPLF will be put to death soon for next 200000 years
Lets get those thigrain thugs & cadre
July 3rd, 2009 at 2:57 pm
All,
Let us re-focus on the positives. Here are a few:
—– Forwarded Message —-
From: Biri Yaya
To: Ethiopians-Forum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, July 3, 2009 7:46:25 PM
Subject: B/NEWS: 2009 IS THE YEAR OF ETHIOPIANS’ SUCCESS ACROSS THE BOARD WITH PRESIDENT OBAMA’S ADMNISTRATION RECOGNISING TALENTS
Hilary Clinton(U.S. Secretary of State) on Prof G Ejeta’s prestigious Award
http://news.yahoo.com/s/huffpost/20090611/cm_huffpost/214351
CNN HERO RECOGNIZED BY WHITE HOUSE
http://www.ethiopianreview.com/content/10247
——————————————————————————–
From: Biri Yaya
To: Ethiopians-Forum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, June 28, 2009 12:49:27 PM
Subject: [Ethiopians-Forum] B/NEWS: PRESIDENT OBAMA APPOINTS ETHIOPIAN DOCTOR[MEHRET] AS ”WHITE HOUSE FELLOW”
http://www.ethiopianreview.com/content/10181
Obama appoints Mehret Mandefro as a White House Fellow
June 25th, 2009 | Categories: Ethiopia | 9 Comments
PRESIDENT OBAMA APPOINTS 2009-2010 CLASS OF WHITE HOUSE FELLOWS
WASHINGTON, DC – The White House announced today the appointment of 15 outstanding men and women to serve as White House Fellows. The 2009-2010 class of White House Fellows represents a diverse cross-section of professions including medicine, business, media, education, non-profit and state government, as well as two branches of the U.S. military. The 2009-2010 class of Fellows and their biographies are included below.
__._,_.___
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July 3rd, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Excellent portrait of Obama - Bush or Bush - Obama! Well done indeed in depicting the physically true Obama, who thinks with Bush’s brain regarding Africa.
He started intentionally (through the recently promised further Aid) to disregard the atrocities taking place in Ethiopia. Be sure that he would not care if Wayane steals the so called election about to take place in 2010 either. There might be blood letting, but yet he would most likely not intervene similar to what happened in Iran.
Let us not put all our eggs in Obama-Bush’s basket.
July 3rd, 2009 at 4:04 pm
B/NEWS: PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA LAUDS GHANA AS A BEACON OF DEMOCRACY/FREE ELECTION THAT HE DELIBERATELY SELECTED FOR HONOR OF STATE VISIT
http://www.ethiopianreview.com/news/6196
[[”The first black U.S. president is keen to hold Ghana up as a democratic model for Africa, where polls are too often marred by vote-rigging and violence, denting the pride of states which consider themselves equally important and worthy of a visit.
“Part of the reason is because Ghana has now undergone a couple of successful elections in which power was transferred peacefully,” Obama told the AllAfrica news website, when asked why he had chosen to visit Ghana (allafrica.com).
“Countries that are governed well, that are stable, where leadership recognizes that they are accountable to the people and that institutions are stronger than any one person, have a track record of producing results for the people. And we want to highlight that,” he said.”]]
July 3rd, 2009 at 4:36 pm
The Weyane Regime will be brought to its knee whether or not the Obama administration supports it or not. We do not have to be discouraged by this news, we have to make sure the news inspires us all and speed up the process of the removal of this fascist regime. In fact, the support of the Obama administration should increase our resolve.
ALUTA CONTINUA !!!
July 3rd, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Michael, Tigrain agent. Obama will not save you
We will get you soon
You are here to confuse ethiopian.
we will get you soon.
http://www.eppfonline.org/
July 3rd, 2009 at 9:47 pm
It is really amazing how shallow you people, especially on the opposition side are.
First of all, NOBODY ever said either Obama or anybody else will
get the cancerous Tigre mafia out of our land. Only WE Ethiopians can do that. What we are saying to the ferenjis is get the hell out of our way. The woyane beggars live off the alms of white people and we are
telling the whites stop ennabling these murderers to steal more, to kill more and to imprison more. Ethiopia has become a living hell for its people.
Second, we are telling Obama don’t speak from both sides of your mouth.
If you pontificate to the ayatollahs in Tehran about respecting human rights, the will of the people etc, etc, then repeat the same sermon on the tribal mafia in Addis Ababa. Hypocracy ain’t change , but more of the same.
Third, all you cyber warriors … when was the last time you got from your
whiny behind and did anything constructive? Gave money, time, moral support. Woyane lives and thrives because of lazy asses, frifari lekames and whiners who love to moan and groan about others.
Finally, join any party or movement of your political persuasion that is truly democractic in its vision and action and working for the establishment of GENUINE democracy in Ethiopia and encourage them to work together for the collective good. You would be amazed what people
power can accomplish. Now, if you think that you can sit around with folded arms and manna will rain from the heavens I assure you, you will rot in your chair. Gabish Ethiopians!!! Ethiopia was not built by bench warmers but men and women with rolled up sleeves who never took no
for an answer. That is the power of that indomitable Ethiopian fighting spirit.
Get up, wake up all you cry babies!
Death to the fascist, banda, sewer rat tribal mafia!
Death to woyane frifari lekames!
Victory to the Ethiopian people and all our heroes!
With G-7 all the way!!!
July 3rd, 2009 at 11:28 pm
Folks,
In her book FROM DICTATORSHIP TO DEMOCRACY A CONCEPTUAL FRAME WORK FOR LIBERATION Gene Sharp of The Albert Einstein Institution explains clearly why we should not rely on outside forces to liberate our self from brutal dictatorship, and why the foreign forces are not trusted.
Here is an excerpt from page sixteen of her book:
A few harsh realities concerning on reliance on foreign intervention need:
-Frequently foreign states will tolerate, or even positively assist, a dictatorship in order to advance their own economic or political interests.
-Foreign states also may be willing to sell out an oppressed people instead of keeping pledges to assist their liberation at the cost of another objective.
-Some foreign states will act against a dictatorship only to gain their own economic, political, or military control over the country.
-The foreign states may become actively involved on positive purposes only if and when the internal resistance movement has already began shaking the dictatorship, having thereby focused international attention on the brutal nature of the regime.
The book is available for download in 22 languages including Amharic at http://www.aeinstein.org/ . The site has a very good resource to fight against Zenaw’s’ brutal dictatorship.
July 4th, 2009 at 2:13 am
If one of Mr Obama’s advisors read what is written on this message board he will surely advise him to fully support the current regime in Ethiopia. What most of you scribbled above is pathetic and racist. Who in his right mind here in the US would dare support these type of opposition supporters.
We have continously failed on how to strategize our struggle. Insulting Mr Brack Obama for giving aid to Ethiopia is the stupidest tactic one could ever contemplet to deploy.
I think political Maturity has to be the order of the day. Adios politics
July 4th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
ማንም:የፈለገውን :ቢል: እግዛብሂር:ለመለሰ:ከፈቀደለት:ቀን:በፊት:አይወርድም:ይልቁንሰ:እንስልይ:
July 4th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
We the urban Ethiopians are very good at taking down our own. If we have Ethiopian problem it should be dealt accordingly, not by outside forces but by Ethiopians. Most of the opposition parties are hiding in the United states and Europe, which indicates that they only stand for their own benefit. If these organizations belongs to the Ethiopian people then they have to assimilate with the poor and help understand what is going on. THE SO CALLED EDUCATED ETHIOPIAN DO WHAT IS GOOD FOR THEM NOT FOR THE POOR. Look at some of the leaders of opposition organizations, they were with EPRP, Derg, Woyane now formed their own poor and powerless organization which only represents few selfish, self centered people.
This useless opposition organizations are running and bathering few parliment members and senates to help them overthrow the present government, but they never involve the poor mass of Ethiopia. Guess what, it will never happen.
WE ALL HAVE TO LEARN OWRSELVES ABOUT POSITIVE THINKING, RESPECT, LOVING YOU COUNTRY IN RIGHT WAY BEFORE TALKING ABOUT OTHERS. LETS STOP HURTING EACH OTHER.
Obama government belongs to the USA and will do everything in his power to benefit his country. If you elect him, you did it so he can give you a good life in the United States, but not to help you scrude up poor people of Ethiopia. It is unethical and backwarded idea to elect a president so he can help you fulfill your crazy dream.
July 5th, 2009 at 12:27 am
Dear Ethiopian brothers and sisters, if you are expecting President Obama or any body else to bring democracy in Ethiopia you are mistaken a lot, there is no a short cut to democracy or freedom. The solution is not in some body’s hand, there may be a contribution. The remedy to our freedom is to keep away our difference and unite and take up arms and fight. Let us work on how to unite and let us start to discus on this topic today, NOT to day but NOW. UNITY is FORCE!!!!!!!!!
Gutta Dulla
July 5th, 2009 at 5:15 am
))))))))))Yaa-is another thing and Yehe-something(((((((((((((((((
Mr writer,
Before you start to write your thousand words you suppose to think at least two times.Already pictures are speaking louder more than words.
What do you want to say to the readers from your picture before we read????????????Ethiopia is our country and we are responsible first for
everything.
Mr writer before you open your mouth you already start speaking without thinking.Barak Obama is blessed and he knows exactly what he is doing.
Not in one direction but in all angels and diffrent directions.
Please,Obama(Beruk!!!!)is not foolish and he is right by choosing Ghanna
for visit,because we can see the seed of Democracy in this country.In Ethiopia both sides:the Ethiopian government and the oppositions are not
in the clear postion.It is hard to decide which one is standing for the people of Ethiopia, because both of them are playing poletical games by their own professionals.One important thing,definitely I know ther is no Democracy(Truth)in Ethiopia.If there is no truth there is lies.We knew this fact eighteen years ago.The first solution is our fight not to distort our diplomacy with our BEST other country leaders.
Please,Please…do not give directions for malgnancy writers.Georg w/Bush
and Barak Obama(I call him [Beruk] in amharic)are completly diffrent, which means:Yaa-lela and Yehee-lela!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for some good works you have done.
July 5th, 2009 at 9:44 am
To Tesfaye,
Your negative comment on Yared’s article shows clearly who you are. 1) You are a one of the blind and emotional supporters of Obama 2) You seem to have a low level of IQ - otheriwse, among others, you would not have accused Yared as being a Woyane agent. From what I read he doesn’t sound that way at all.
I personally fully support Yared’s and others observation. If you are still not convinced, wait and see! It won’t take that much time for all of you to harvest what you saw. Good luck!
July 5th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
http://www.eppfonline.org/
Tegaru asylum seekers pretends as Eritreans are comming to west.
Please tell the eritrean government, ethiopian and eritrean and other government that tigrain are pretending to be eritrean.
Michael, Tigrain agent.
We will get you soon
You are here to confuse ethiopian.
we will get you soon.
http://www.eppfonline.org/