2 February 2010– President Barack Obama’s nominee to be the next US ambassador to Ethiopia pledged on Tuesday to press the government in Addis Ababa to improve human rights, free political prisoners and make upcoming elections fair.
Donald Booth said the United States had “complex interests” in Ethiopia, and that the two nations, while differing in tactics, saw largely eye-to-eye on the need to bring stability and prevent an Islamist takeover of Somalia.
“We need to try to work with Ethiopia across the board, preserving the cooperation where we share interests such as regional security,” Booth, a former ambassador to Liberia and Zambia, said at his Senate confirmation hearing.
But he warned that Ethiopia’s “limitations on political expression and economic activities as well as shortcomings in respect to basic human rights run counter to American principles and risk becoming the seeds of future instability.”
Under questioning by Senator Russ Feingold, who heads the Foreign Relations subcommittee on Africa, Booth pledged to take up the case of prisoners such as Birtukan Mideksa, leader of the largest opposition party.
Ethiopia sentenced Birtukan to life in prison for treason after she alleged that the government rigged 2005 elections. She received a pardon two years later but the life term was re-imposed a month ago.
Booth said the US embassy in Addis Ababa has been seeking access to Birtukan, 36.
“I think we need to find a way to convince them (Ethiopian leaders) that it’s in their own interest not to hold people simply because they hold opposing political views,” Booth said.
Booth said he would urge Prime Minister Meles Zenawi’s government to ensure the fairness of elections due in May, including by allowing opposition candidates to run and have access to the media.
Booth also called for domestic and international observers to monitor the election.
The nominee promised Feingold also to look into allegations of human rights abuses in the southern Ogaden region, where Muslim, ethnic Somali rebels are waging an insurgency for independence.
“Clearly the Ogaden is an area that has created great instability and threats to the security of the Ethiopian state over time,” he said.
“We need to work with the Ethiopians … to try to figure out a way that they can not only protect their territorial integrity but also respect the human rights of all their citizens including the Ogadense,” he said.
Source: rawstory.com
February 2nd, 2010 at 4:45 pm
Too late too little.I personally have lost confidence to whatever our good friends,USA&Uk,have to say regarding human rights and democracy.They have completely lost credibility among 95% of Ethiopians.Time to be played,I believe,should be over.We should be the master of our destiny.
February 2nd, 2010 at 5:34 pm
The same /edited/ words //// by a different person!!!
February 2nd, 2010 at 6:15 pm
////
US and UK are always been to the side of dictators and criminals.
People must not forget the big role they played in the Rwanda genocide. Now, US is a good ally of Bashir, the other criminal. Not surprising they are allying with Meles as they did in Rwanda, Sudan,
Do not take serious this kind of /edited/ talks which doesn’t bear any fruits.
Seeye said that the West talks big but act nothing. I think, if a true nationalists are born somewhere in Ethiopia (for God’s sake Seeye will be one of them), Ethiopians won’t need anymore those //// countries like UK and US.
All peace lover Ethiopians and all those who stand with Birtukan must know that UK and US are the prime enemies of Ethiopians who are working day-in and day-out to save Meles against the aspiration of the people of Ethiopia for democracy and liberty.
Ethiopians hope and Ethiopias future depends on the remaining organizations:
- the Ethiopian people
- Medrek people
- Ginbot 7
February 2nd, 2010 at 6:49 pm
Donald Booth, the nominee to be the next US ambassador to Ethiiopia, said “I think we need to find a way to convince them (Ethiopian leaders) that it is in their own interest not to hold people simply because they hold opposing political views.” Well said except the part it is not in their own interest not to hold. Of course it is in their interest. They are dictators who shame Stalin. They use every means to cling to power. This is, however, what the nomineee really believed to have happened regarding Birtukan. She was locked up because she holds different political views which contradict that of the government. This is what he said to get a Senate confirmation, but could he act according to his own belief? I very much doubt so. Booth also said in his confirmation hearing “we need to try to work with Ethiopia across the board, preserving the cooperation where we share interest such as regional security.” That is believe me where Booth will be focused on. Still today in American foreign policy the American interest, whatever that means, supersedes that of the country’s long-held belief. The American interest in the region is to contain the spread of political Islam. The Meles government, rightly so, also does not want political Islam to dominate the politics of the region. The Americans and EPDRF leaders as a result will become, in American foreign policy analysits belief, good friends in fighting political Islam. Forget the 80 million Ethiopians who became and continue to be captive to the American foreign policy interest. To reverse the US dependence on EPDRF to monitor the area, the opposition parties should work hard to be a force to be reckoned with. Believe me the Americans would be happy to applaud and be friendly to whomever is steering the wheel of power. In other words, to get the sympathy and support of the West, the opposition parties should demonstrate that their political know-how is seasoned. In 2005 Either the US or Uk considered the oppositions to have been enlightened. If they hold the same belief now as they had in 2005 regarding the opposition parties, do not expect Booth to challenge EPDRF in any major political issue.
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:34 pm
Let us be clear on one thing: US and UK can not do our job for us. I know this is typical TPLF propaganda but it has some truth to it. Although for reasons that are inexplicable the west likes the dictator, the most we can hope from the west is to be atleast neutral and not lend support to the blood thirsty mafia.
Having said that, Amb. Donald Booth’s statements are good if he carries through with it. Unfortunately I have a lot of doubt because I think most of the thinking that is applied to the horn of Africa has some mystery to it and probably it is influenced by the “stablity” goal. I question even this goal because Ethiopia is hardly stable and TPLF’s role in Somalia has been to aggravate the instablity of that country since 1991. If indeed the goal is stability, my question is why does the west allow TPLF to go into Somalia, do a half-ass’ed job there then leave so that TPLF’s service will be required in the future?
February 2nd, 2010 at 8:02 pm
There is nothing i wanna add beside what mak says. Mek you deffinetely right and hope Ginbot7 have vaccine to cure those sick .i.e Meles, Bereket, Abbay Tsehaye and Seyoum Mesfin. Every person of us need to contribute to rid off those cancers from HOLY EtHiOpiA. Tigabachew Beza ! Its more than EnoUgH.
February 2nd, 2010 at 8:53 pm
I am afraid the above comments seem political counterproductive and diplomatically so naive. Mind you, I am not saying the commentators are naive personally. What I am saying is their ideas are not helpful as far as the diplomatic efforts we want to achieve is concerned.
Folks, we know very well that nobody can take the drivers’ seat as far as our fight against the tyrant regime we are facing is concerned. We are not foolish enough to expect foreign powers to replace our responsibilities in the process of our struggle to get out of the general crisis ( economic,political,social, moral,etc…) we are languishing in. I do not know why some of us do not try to figure out the reason why we could not come together and strive to show the world that we are by the side of the opposition leaders who are trying their best and capable of doing what is good for their country.
Yes, foreign powers will definitely continue business as usual unless we challenge them by showing that we have the strong will and ability to change the balance of power they want to see. To this end, we need to play smart political and diplomatic game instead of blaming and trashing any comment by diplomats or officials of other countries. Folks, you say,” too late too title.” OK, what is the alternative ? Should we remain sit and just continue throwing the blame against others? It does not absolutely make sense.
February 2nd, 2010 at 8:56 pm
This is a good start as the whole thing is the recognition that Meles is a dictator and EPRDF is a lost cause. All agree that had it not been for stability, EPRDF/Meles are a denounced force that shall be constantly and unceasingly be fought by the citizens. The Americans agree with all Ethiopians that it is up to Ethiopians to do away with Meles/EPRDF. Thanks America for affirming that Meles is a dictator and a lost cause.
February 2nd, 2010 at 9:13 pm
I totally agree with both Akaki ,,, and Muse
First he is not going to do it. Even if he is willing he cant because needs time to study and secure his post. By that time the election will be over. In fact, what he is going to do is to legitimize the election in favor of Meles. Period.
February 2nd, 2010 at 10:03 pm
We have no choice and have to continue our struggle. The United States Gov…is not going to force the butcher of Addis to release our great leader W/t Birtuken Medeksa.
My fellow Ethiopian, don’t expect anything from the new ambassador and support the G7’s struggle.
Ethiopia will prevail.
February 2nd, 2010 at 10:17 pm
All what is needed is policy directives through HR2003/S 3457, if and when passed through the Senate, where the Ambasador has a tangible directives to assist/reinforce the current Code of Conduct to move forward with the negotiations on the 8-point plus preconditions for fair and free elections, evaluate their implementations, demand for massive international observers and ensure a smooth transfer of power through the ballot box.
Things will sort out itself, and Ethiopia will be an equal partner with USA, without the TPLF/eprdf regime in power in the war on terror. There will be stability in the region, because Ethiopians are struggling for Unity, Territorial Integrity, Sovereignity of Ethiopia and Ethiopians to create a truly democratic country, where laguages, cultures and traditions of various ethnicities serve as a mosaic of Ethiopiawinet, than demarcation of boundries by Ethnicity and creating ethnic dictatorship, which leads to holding power by the gun/coercion and intimidation rather than the ballot box.
Otherwise, according to the above scenario, it is De ja Vu all over again.
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:20 pm
Similar lip services have been there for so long by US and UK envoys, politicians or individuals, which never have moved further an inch. It rather provided false hopes for Ethiopians to think that there might be diplomatic pressure from the west and distracted them not to forge in unison to remove the cancer in Ethiopia forcefully.
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:25 pm
Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. What difference does it make. Wasn’t it Feingold that confirmed Yamamoto under the same setting with almost identical verbage. US interest in the region is with Meles. He has done a masterful job to convince them he is their God sent servant to the US.
The US doesn’t care about Ethiopians. Think about it, do you think you are better than the blacks before you who suffered mightily to get where they are.You want change, make it happen. Don’t expect it from booth!
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:48 pm
እስቲ ወደ አይጋ ፎረም ሂዳችሁ ይህንኑ ዜና እንዴት እንዳቀረበው ተመልከቱ::
የትግሬ ወያኔዎችና የ ዛም ደጋፊዎች ትክክለኛ ዜና እንደማያገኙ በቀላሉ ትረዳላችሁ::
ይህ ዜና ለኢትዮጵያ ህዝብ እምብዛም: ከወሬ ያለፈ: ጥቅም አለው ለማለ ባይቻልም:
የተቃዋሚው ሀይሎች የሞራል አሸናፊነትን በግልጽ ያሳያል::
የጥቅም ጉዳይ ባይሆን ኑሮ: እነ አሜሪካ: ልባቸው; ወደ ኢትዮያና ወደ ህዝቦችዋ ጥቅም ባመዘነ ነበር:: ዜናው ይህን ያመለክታል::
ኢትዮጵያ አካባቢዋን ኢምፐሪያሊስቶች እንዲቆጣጠሩ መሳሪያነቷን በወያኔ በኩል በልምምጥ ማሳየትዋ : ያሳዝናል::
ይህ ነው የነ አይጋ ጥሩ ዜና! ለአሜሪካ ቡጭላ ሁኖ ወያኔ ሊያገለግል ነው!
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:36 am
The circumstances in Ethiopia, regarding human rights had been a wide discussion among the diaspora many many times before in this forum and others. Therefore, as long as the present day political machinery(TPLF), keeps its loyalty to its Western (IMF) movers and shakers, HRC
gives a blind eye and a deaf ear to the plight of the many.
This has been the particular practice of the West for more than half century in the name of “friendly government of the west”.
Even though, the fate of the true opposition political leaders have been unknown, the resilient of the people is amazing in this dictatorial nature of governance. Of Course, it is an appalling tragedy in terms of human loss,
imprisonment and multiple psychological abuse by Tplf thugs.
The leader of the free world, Mr.OBAMA, in his second state of the union address said, “…we don’t quit. I don’t quit..” the phrase might have been addressed to the ill-fate of the infamous health care bill, but it may well apply to the situation around the globe. So, dear citizens of the ancient land of Ethiopia, በአጉል አሮገ እምነትና በአጉል አሮጌ ባህል እንደተበተብንና,ይህንን ለማረም ያደረግነው ጥረት ስለሌለ, ይህ የክፍፍልና የግዴለሽነት ስሜት በማምጣቱ, የጠቅላይ መጫወቻ ለመሆን በቅተናል::
ጠቅላይ በትውልድ እምነቱ ኦርቶዶክስ ሊሆን ይችላል, ምን አልባትም በህይወት ዘመኑ የቄስ መስቀል ሳይሳለምም አይቀርም, ምንም ጫካ ውስጥ እያለ ያልባኒያ የፖለቲካን ሁኔታ ያጠና ቢሆንም, ፈሪሃ እግዚአብሄር የሚሉት ስሜት እንዴት አንድ መሪ አይኖረውም ? ጠቅላይ ወደ መቀሌ ሲገባና ሲወጣ, እንዴት ታዝባው ይሆን ጽዮን ማርያም? መጣ ደግሞ የብርቱካን አሳሪ! ሳትል ትቀራለች? ሳትማጸንስ ትቀራለች? የአክሱም ሃውልቶችስ እንዴትስ ይሆን የሚመለከቱት ጠቅላይን? ለዘመናት የታሪክ ታዛቢና መዝጋቢ እንዳልነበሩ? ነው ወይስ ፈገግ ይሉ ይሆን?
May God bless the ancient land of Menilik!
Bless be she! Bless be he! Bless the children of እምዬ ምኒሊክ!
ዓሜን!
February 3rd, 2010 at 2:12 am
We Ethiopians already had learned our lesson in the past,this is just another rhetorical feast, nothing will come out of it. Do not forget that Americas interest is first, and Meles Zenawe is doing good job in that region when it comes to that area.
February 3rd, 2010 at 2:47 am
Great start for Ambassador Booth. It is the first time that an American highest diplomat clearly hold the Ethiopian regime accountable for political prisoners including Birtukan. I also deeply share with the Ambassador that the ongoing political repression in Ethiopia will lead the country in to instability. The only difference is that America got to realize that Ethiopia is already in the path of instability. Millions are prone to starvation, millions are unemployed, armed conflict are becoming common in the south, east and North-West part of the country. The general public is giving up hope in any peaceful transition of power. There is unimaginable level of resentiment towards the minority regime. All this will not be to the interest of the country, its people and the USA.
The Obama administration need to take a clear policy stand and stand with the Ethiopian people and support the aspiration for a truly democratic system. The old policy of babysiting Meles and his regime will lead to the worst scenario. The failed state index for the last three years shows that Ethiopia is sliding in to more trouble. Thank you Senator Fiengold for asking the right questions. Hope both the American legislators and the White House do the right thing for Ethiopia and America.
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:40 am
i believe that obama has already betrayed the people of ethiopia. He met meles 3 times during G8, but nothing has come out. so many ethiopian americans voted for him thinking he would push the case of ethiopia. Many even worked as his campaign coordinators. Instead Obama has blefged billion dollar sto the dictator. So my fellow ethiopians do not ever think ferenjis will free our people. we should support the freedom fighetrs like eppf. period!!
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:52 am
“She received a pardon two years later but the life term was re-imposed a month ago” should be corrected to “a year ago”
February 3rd, 2010 at 7:55 am
The current foreign policy of the United States of Ameriac is largely dictated by the Pentagon (its defense institution). The pentagon is fully dedicated to winning the war against terrorism and does not give any consideration to human rights. The soft but outspoken president Obama appears to pursue the same foreign policy despite his repeated pledges to deal with the issues of democracy and good governance in Africa. Thus, the Obama administration can not be expected to turn its back on the fascist and racist regime of Meles Zenawi. The ethnic fascist Meles Zenawi will continue to get western support until Ethiopians destabilize his rule and force the western powers to rethink their neo-colonial policy. The western powers are embracing Meles as a stabilizing force and pumping in more money into his coffers. That is why challenging and destabilizing the fascist regime are of utmost importance to avoid western presence in the country and cut the flow of their money.
The growing western presence in the country is linked to the availability of more money to the fascist regime which inturn means more repression and suffering to Ethiopians.
February 3rd, 2010 at 8:56 am
We love Birtukan, but we have to be truthful that she is not the leader of the largest opposition group. Complete lie by AFP as usual. What are they trying to say, they don’t know what is going on inside Ethiopia? Bull Shit. We love her, but we don’t want another lying US Department officials in Ethiopia. Let us stop them right now. Release Birtukan! She could not even campaign. How in the hail can she be the leader of the largest opposition group in Ethiopia? Watch these liers, my brothers and sisters, watch them.
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:34 am
የተለመደ ማስመሰያ ነው
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:00 am
Mr.Obama, .with all due respect,is more harmful than his former collage
, Gorge Bush.He was able to get our total confidence by his impressive smart talk and the fact that his ancestry is from our area.We should send Obama the signal that we Ethiopians have decided to liberate our self without his blessing.The time has run out on him!
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:28 am
Americas influence throughout the world included Africa wanning, no one takes Americas as serious as used to be, beside America is already in unprecedented economic mess since the great depression, and has many of its own social problem to deal with, thus i do not expect America to tackle Africa`s social problem except doing the echo of lip service.
Long Live Ethiopia!
February 3rd, 2010 at 8:32 pm
lie
February 4th, 2010 at 2:10 am
I see no rational reason for America to involve in domestic affairs of other nation, those days are long gone. In the old america`s heydays era, America used to tell other nations what to do or face economic sanction, now the world is totally different with many options and many alternatives to do without America`s input and political support.
Beside, America can not afford to oppose have altrication with every country or go to war with every country who disagree with America, that style of politics already expired during George Bush`s adminstration.
February 4th, 2010 at 5:31 am
The US government appeares to admit that the univiersal law existsts forever and is unbendable.The fact and the truth is,Guns and Bullets don’t vote people do.Ethiopians will definitely defeat the invading forces;that the US adminteration has now fully understood and lately had come to know that Ethiopians are a better choice to the criminal Zinawi and his regime for a future bilateral and constructive relationship.
Zinawi and his regime are not to far away from the fast reaching fate of theirs because the intense heat from the flame that has been carried by Ethiopians is so powerful that the enemy will be engulfed with.Victory for all Ethiopians.
February 4th, 2010 at 8:30 am
We have only God and ourselves in our quest for equality, democracy, justice in a united multi-cultural Ethiopia.
No one has ever in the history of mankind givn freedom, liberty and prosperity to others on a silver platter.
So let us fight, fellow Ethiopians, for our legitimate fundamental and universal human right.
Birtukan and all political prisoners must be free.
February 4th, 2010 at 11:08 am
The problem is America and Europe still thinks that Prime Minster Meles Zenawe is the best leader for Ethiopia, that is why they keep supporting him and keep pumping millions of dollares annually, eventhough some of us at this web site disagree with America and Europe stand. Undeniable fact is, Prime Minster Meles Zenawe is getting the support from America and Europe because he knows how to do the art of political twist and dance to the tune of their likings and linking.
February 4th, 2010 at 11:52 am
Destachew
“I see no rational reason for America to involve in domestic affairs of other nation”
What are you trying to tell us? it is america who brought your jungle boys to arat kilo ,it is America(Bush administration) who has been standing on your side and saved your ass after woyannes true nature
comes to light by the election 97, woyanne would have been long a history had it not have the blessing again (by Bush a political failure of all times) not only for Ethiopia for the world ,it is as if a slave( zenwi and
the gang not Ethiopia woyannes Ethiopia existence is only under a barrel
of a gun) dont obey to the master.Politic in the woyanne camp is a gambelling sorry for the sell outs who also helps woyanne after working
for 18+ years they can never be good Ethiopians so to say good for nothing
February 4th, 2010 at 4:35 pm
As ususal some people are still hoping against hope the up coming meeting between Donaled Booth and Melese will produce positive results.Of course if U.S wants it can easily win Medeksa’s release; Meleses will not have any choice but to fullfil the desire of his masters; he is remotely controlled pawan. One might ask what difference does it make,the pal talk of two stratigical allies,for Ethiopian people?
As Geleta Motuma and others have stated above U.S foreign policy is increasingly influenced by members of the powerful private club CFR.Whatever is envisiond by this club ,after som staged discussions by think tanks, its positon paper will make its way to the congress floor.Once it reached there it will end up being the official poicy of the U.S Some ,rightly, pointed out the members of this powerful elit club move in and out of the revolving door of private and government cabinate posts.Under such circumstance it hase been the obvious weakness of the oposition to expect the west promote democracy in Ethiopia.If the habit of unelected private organization cuch as CFR crafting the nation’s foreign policy is tolerated at home, an aberation to democracy,how is the west expected to promote democracy in the remote corner of Africa.wether we know it or not the West has never been silent to the issues in Ethiopia.As far back it has spoken in this terms:”why change the stool if it suits the purpose”.
Ethiopians need to move forward depending on no one but on their own self reliance and self sufficiency.Along this path down the road after much toil and sacrifice the people will be a power to be reckoned.This will be an incentive where onlookers may not afford to ignore.Then we can expect the west to speak again:this time with different tone and much candor.
February 4th, 2010 at 11:25 pm
To Mezmur,
Long before Obama was elected, I warned my Ethiopians in this Forum that he is not going to do anything different. But many scoffed at me just like when Ethiopians did the same when they were warned Woyane will not be better than Derg. I guess we are suffering from short-sighted thinking.
February 7th, 2010 at 3:42 pm
Yilma
Dont expect to much from any one except your self and Ethiopians to look for the solution help your country out from the mysery that is in the
mean time ,secondly pres Obama is first 1 year as a president he has to
look for a soiution for his country first before he reaches his hand to opress peoples of the whole continent but no matter the situation he
wont allow zenawi to urine over Ethiopians like it was the case during bushs administration ,you can only come to such conclusion when ever he starts his foreign affairs (politics) and done with the domestic problems like health care guantanamo and middle east if we take Israel
as the 53rd state of the u.s
February 8th, 2010 at 11:43 am
we need action not word the relation with the ethiopian and american to make strong and to dismental the terrerist in intier rigion you have to eleminat those dectator work with people learn from the past dont make mistake you build sadam hussen,and others to take them doun you pay price if you dont stop these atrocity in ethiopia you know what is the out come for the last 30 years we are try to make a piceful thransaction power in our country but on the side of the western only lip service to the mass people support the dectator finantialy to opperass the innocent citizen that is sad the declation of the human right jest paper the right of the people taken for the on man power look back what your declaration indepandent the decoration of word swet but we dont have the freedom to express as human we are treating as animal in our country so why you support? if you belive freedom stand with those straggel for human right with out violance.
April 20th, 2010 at 5:23 am
This move will help in a number of methods – first the skilled has ample information and experience about concerned product, secondly, he might have some contacts with some suppliers which can provide help to in clinching the very best deals in shopping for course of plant machinery and equipments.
June 5th, 2010 at 1:05 pm
I don’t know why bing sent me to this blog but I feel I should say I have become certainly entertained by the site conent you have aggregated together. How many days did it take to end up with so many showing up to your site? I am new to this interenet thing.