October 26, 2005

Winning the qualitative and quantitative vote of the ...
Nazret.com - College Park,MD,USA
Willy-nilly, Meles Zenawi will remain the most powerful man in Ethiopia, to the ... of his fundamental political strategy is eying on winning the Oromo ticket for ...

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 Anti-polio campaign targets 16 million children
Reuters AlertNet - London,England,UK
ADDIS ABABA, 26 October (IRIN) - Ethiopia launched an ambitious plan to arrest the spread of polio in the country on Tuesday hoping to immunise at least 16 ...
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Ethiopia cracks down on its illegal ivory market
Boston Globe - United States
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia -- Police and wildlife agents stormed into tourist shops earlier this year, looking for trinkets the government had long turned a blind ...
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Annan seeks action on Eritrea-Ethiopia row
Independent Online - Cape Town,South Africa
... General Kofi Annan has made an urgent appeal to the UN Security Council over the "seriously deteriorating" situation on the Eritrea-Ethiopia border after ...

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October 23, 2005

Oromos weigh plan for peace in Ethiopia
Jean Hopfensperger, Star Tribune
Last update: October 22, 2005 at 6:59 PM


Top leaders of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), which has waged an armed struggle against the Ethiopian government, held a community forum in
Minneapolis on Saturday to discuss a possible change in strategy.

Hundreds of Oromo immigrants attended the event at South High School tolearn about new developments in their homeland, in particular the
prospects for OLF negotiations with Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.

"My purpose is to consult with our people about how we can end this conflict peacefully," said Daud Ibsa, chairman of the OLF, who is
traveling in Europe and the United States to discuss the proposed negotiations.

"The majority of people want to go home," said Ibsa. "They want to see light at the end of the tunnel."

Ibsa said he is visiting Minnesota because it is home to about 15,000 Oromo immigrants, the largest concentration outside of Ethiopia and
refugee camps in Kenya. It's the first Minnesota visit by an OLF chairman in nine years.

The Oromo Liberation Front was established in early 1970s by Oromo nationalists, who wanted to preserve their culture and gain political
sovereignty in Ethiopia. It was part of a transitional government in Ethiopia in the early 1990s, but withdrew its support and turned to an
armed struggle.

Oromos have been persecuted by the Ethiopian government, Minnesota refugees say, in particular professionals and intellectuals. Minnesota
Advocates for Human Rights, based in Minneapolis, launched a special project to investigate human rights abuses.Ibsa visited the offices of the human rights group earlier this week to
thank the group for its work.

Any negotiations for peace must be legitimate and lead to some form of Oromo self-determination, Oromos here said. But many were nonetheless
excited about the prospects of peace in their homeland.

"The mood here is positive," said Alemayehu Baisa, executive director of the Oromo Community of Minnesota, a nonprofit assisting the state's Oromo
residents. "It is a day of questions and answers -- of consensus-building."

Resolving the Oromo issues, said Ibsa, would not only help individual Oromo people, but help stabilize Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa as well. 

"We say the Oromo is the solution," he said.

http://www.startribune.com/stories/587/5684287.html

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Ethiopia's police says seize illegal arms destined for terrorist ...
Sudan Tribune - Sudan
... arms which they said are supposed to be used for terrorist activities and violence in Dembiya Woreda district of North Gonder Zone in northwestern Ethiopia. ...

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October 21, 2005

Arguably making this state the second home after Oromia.

The Minnesota Daily Thu, 20 Oct 2005 10:09 PM PDT

...The Oromo ethnic groups are mostly people from the Oromia region of Ethiopia, who left the country to escape persecution by the government. According to the Oromo Community Center of Minnesota, there are an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 Oromos currently relocated in the Twin Cities alone, arguably making this state the second home after Oromia. In fact, the University itself has a large number of full- and part-time undergraduate and graduate Oromo students. According to the Oromia Student Union, their membership increased by 155 percent since the organization was established in 1996. This should suggest something about the rate at which this community is growing...

=================

Ethiopia nabs 'coup plotters'
News24 - South Africa
... the state-run Ethiopian News Agency reported the backers of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) had been detained in the southern Oromo region. ...

=================

Eritrea, Ethiopia tensions soar
News24 - South Africa
Asmara - Eritrea on Thursday accused arch-foe Ethiopia of "duplicity" for complaining about alleged Eritrean violations of a 2000 peace deal as tensions over ...

================

October 17, 2005

Interview with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi
Reuters AlertNet - London,England,UK
... Answer: As far as the removal of immunity from some of the parliamentarians is concerned, legally speaking most lawyers in Ethiopia would tell you that the ...
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Popstar Lemar visits Ethiopia with Christian Aid
Reuters AlertNet - London,England,UK
Lemar goes to Ethiopia to strut his stuff and to learn about the work of Christian Aid partners. Lemar must have thought his singing ...
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Relief Bulletin: Weekly Humanitarian Highlights in Ethiopia 17 Oct ...
ReliefWeb (press release) - Geneva,Switzerland
... CARE Ethiopia with funding from CIDA and in close collaboration with local health authorities is launching a new Community-based Therapeutic Care (CTC) program ...
 

Ethiopia's electoral body contests CUD recent merger
Sudan Tribune - Sudan
The four member parties of CUD, the All Ethiopia Unity party (AEUP), the Ethiopian Democratic Unity Party-Medhin (EDUP-Medhin), the Ethiopian Democratic League ...
 

Emulate Rwanda, govt told
New Vision - Kampala,Uganda
... Zirimwabagabo, who is in charge of the East African region comprising Rwanda, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Seychelles, Tanzania and Uganda, said it was cheaper to ...

October 16, 2005

No other viable alternative than Ethiopia’s five point proposal, UN

Addis Ababa, October 16,2005- Prime Minister Meles Zenawi says there is no other viable option to resolve the Ethio-Eritrean border dispute
than the UN-drafted proposal and the five-point motion put forth by the Ethiopian government.

Prime Minister Meles in an interview with foreign media journalists at his office here yesterday also said the recently issued EU statement was not
different from that made by the EU observers mission earlier.

Prime Minister Meles said it was only through dialogues between the two countries that the border issue could be resettled peacefully.

Meles recalled the five-point peace proposal issued by his government and said his government supports the recently issued UN proposal to resolve
the dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Meles said nothing better came out from the recently issued EU report, which he described as a copy-cat of an earlier report made by the EU
observer mission.

He said he therefore does not have a different comment on the report from the one he gave earlier concerning the EU observer mission’s report.

Responding to question concerning discussions with OLF and ONLF, Meles said the discussion with the opposition was initiated by community elders,
and emphasized that his government was ready to hold dialogues with any opposition party that can operate in full compliance with the constitution.

Meles said during the recently held dialogues with the oppositions (CUD and UEDF), agreement had been reached on 8-point agenda, and urged the
party that posed precondition for joining parliament to recall the precondition and to join parliament for peaceful and democratic struggle.

Meles said if CUD will not join parliament, the government will forward a motion for parliament to decide.

(ENA)

====================

UN Security Council Urges Tighter Arms Embargo on Somalia
DefenseNews.com (subscription) - USA
... In addition, it said private Yemeni arms dealers and Ethiopia's rebel Oromo National Liberation Front (ONLF) were fueling instability by smuggling arms to ... 

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October 13, 2005

Fresh cabinet faces as Meles starts new term
IRIN Thu, 13 Oct 2005 5:04 AM PDT
ADDIS ABABA, 13 Oct 2005 (IRIN) - Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi announced a sweeping cabinet reshuffle this week, pledging to overcome weaknesses in government and implement policies to end poverty.

... Five of the new ministers are members of the Oromo ethnic community, Ethiopia's largest with approximately 30 million people. ...

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UN: Domestic Violence 'Rampant' in Ethiopia
Voice of America - USA
By Cathy Majtenyi. Domestic violence is so rampant in Ethiopia that it is accepted as part of daily life, according to a United Nations study. ...
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ETHIOPIA-ERITREA: Asmara imposes more restrictions on peacekeepers
Reuters AlertNet - London,England,UK
The spokesperson for the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE), Gail Bindley Taylor-Sainte, said the new restrictions limited night vehicle patrols. ...
================

Ethiopia's population booms
News24 - South Africa
Addis Ababa - Ethiopia's population has exceeded 77.4 million in 2005 and its average annual growth rate stands at 2.4%, according to a report from the United ...
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 EU tells Meles regime to respect rights of Opposition
Eritrea Daily - Perth Amboy,NJ,USA
13 October 2005 - The European Parliament is seriously concerned that the political dialogue between the government of Ethiopia and the opposition has broken ...
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Shop returns looted sword to Ethiopia
Scotsman - United Kingdom
... "We explained the position to the manager, who said that he knew that the sword had been taken from Ethiopia, and so he simply handed it over," said Prof ...
==============

Second Most Populous African Nation, World Population ...
AllAfrica.com - Africa
Ethiopia has become the second most populous nation in Africa following Nigerea its population hitting 77.4 million mark in 2005. ...
==============

Ethiopia's parliament structure favorable for multi-party sys ...
Sudan Tribune - Sudan
Oct 13, 2005 (ADDIS ABABA) -- Ethiopia's top legislator said Thursday the existing nature and structure of the Ethiopian parliament has significant ...
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EU Lawmakers Urge End to Ethiopia's Political Deadlock
Voice of America - USA
European Union lawmakers are calling on Ethiopia to end its intimidation of opposition parties and immediately release thousands of people arrested during anti ...

Octorber 10, 2005

Ethiopia's reelected PM Meles Zenawi
Xinhua - China
... elections. Following is a biography of the reelected prime minister. Meles was born in 1955 in Adwa, North Ethiopia's Tigray region. He ...

US Members of Congress send letter to Meles October 9, 2005
---------------------------------
"The Government of Ethiopia must expeditiously allow private radio and television licensing and end its monopoly on electronic media. Independent media is essential to democracy and good governance. It is unacceptable, in our view, that after fourteen years since the ouster of the military dictatorship only one private radio, which is owned by the ruling party, is allowed to function."

US Members of Congress in an October 5, 2005 letter addressed to Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.

His Excellency Prime Minister Meles Zenawi
Embassy of Ethiopia
3506 International Drive NW
Washington DC 20006
Dear Prime Minister Zenawi,

We are writing to you to encourage you to resolve your political differences through a legal and democratic process. Ethiopia is at a critical stage in its modern history; what the Government and opposition parties choose to do to resolve this crisis will determine the country's political future and survival. Ethiopia, the second most populous country in sub-Saharan Africa, with its rich histgory, could bring stability and peace to a region that has been devastated by war and humanitarian crises for decadres. Moreover, Ethiopia's success will have significant impact on the continent as a whole. However, if the parties choose to engage in partisan and destructive politics, the consequences for Ethiopia and the region could be disastrous.
We believe Ethiopia made signficant progress in its third multi-party elections, although post-election violence and the government's handling of disputed seats were disappointing. We agree with the Department of State that politial parties should participate in the political process and the government should reach out to the opposition parties. Tens of millions of Ethiopians stood in the long lines and walked for miles to vote for their representatives, fulfilling their civic duties. Ethiopia's political leaders have a responsibility and obligation to their constituencies to resolve their differences peacefully and to respect the law and the constitution of the country.
We are very encouraged by and welcome the recent decision of opposition groups to call off the October 2nd demonstration and the proposed three-day strike, and the government of Ethiopia's decision to start dialog with opposition groups. In our opinion, this represents a very important breakthrough and we encourage both sides to build on this important progress. While constructive engagement by the international community, especially the United States, is important, we strongly believe that it is the responsibility of Ethiopia's political leaders to find lasting peace and to strengthen Ethiopia's democratic institutions. It is important that the engagement of the international community should not be taken as an open ended facilitation and mediation by the international community; it is critical that political leaders take their seats in parliament and participate fully in the political in the political process. It is also crucial that the government of Ethiopia and opposition groups
restrain from unnecessary and arbitrary measures that would suffocate the democratic process and make reconciliation difficult.
We believe elections alone will not bring democracy to Ethiopia. The Government of Ethiopia must ensure that the laws and the constitution of the country must be respected and implemented fully. The Government of Ethiopia must expeditiously allow private radio and television licensing and end its monopoly on electronic media. Independent media is essential to democrac and good governance. It is unacceptable, in our view, that after fourteen years since the ouster of the military dictatorship only one private radio, which is owned by the ruling party, is allowed to function. Opposition parties should be allowed use of government-controlled electronic media as was the case during the election period, when government officials and opposition groups engaged in a lively debate on a wide-range of issues on government-controlled media. Moreover, opposition parties have the right to engage their constituencies throughout the country without harassment, intimidation, violence, and arbitrary
arrests often carried out by regional and local officials. We recognize the federal government's occasional intervention to bring to justice those responsible for these crimes; but more must be done in this regard.
We welcome the recent government decision to reach out to the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF). Reconciliation is pivotal for Ethiopia's democracy and political stability, and reaching out to all groups outside the political process that are prepared to renounce violence and respect the laws and constitutition of the country will unify the country and strengthen democracy. Responsibilities for the welfare of the country, however, do not rest solely on the shoulders of the government; opposition parties have an obligation and responsibilty in building democratic institutions, engaging in the economic development of the country, and in ensuring respect for fundamental human rights. Inflammatory satements will only lead to violence and chaos. The people of Ethiopia have suffered for far too long, it is time that their leaders focus their attention on fighting abject poverty and the HIV/AIDS pandemic that is devastating Ethiopia.
As Ethiopia moves toward a more democratic country, the United States government and the American people will be at your side to help you and encourage you to do the right thing for we value the more than 100 years of friendship between our two countries.

Mike Honda
Chair, Congressional Ethiopia and Ethiopian American Caucus
Tom Lantos
Ranking Member, Committee on International Relations
Donald Payne
Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations
Zoe Lofgren (Member of Congress)
Gregory Meeks (Member of Congress)
Diane Watson (Member of Congress)
Albert R. Wynn (Member of Congress)
Chris Van Hollen (Member of Congress)
=================

UN group reports jump in violations of arms embargo against ...
UN News Centre
... forces, countering Ethiopia's assistance to the Government, and has also sent weapons to the rebel Oromo National Liberation Front (ONLF) of Ethiopia.

======================

October 6, 2005

 
Oromia State council conference kicks off, elects Abadula president
Adama, 10/6/2005

The new council of the Oromia State has elected Abadula Gemeda Chief of the State Government. The conference which launched on Thursday in Adama town elected Abadula who is chairman of the Oromo People's Democratic Organization (OPDO). Abadula has served as Minister of Defense.

The new council also elected Dr. Mohammed Hassan and Asnakech Gelan speaker and deputy speaker respectively. Dr. Mohammed was head of the State's agriculture and rural development bureau while Asnakech was social sector head of Southwestern Shoa zone labor and social affair desk. The president and speakers have been sworn in to faithfully discharge the responsibilities entrusted to them.

Speaking on the occasion, Abadula Gemeda said the ongoing development endeavors aimed at lifting the public from poverty and backwardness would be fostered in the years ahead.
He said the new council would diligently work to ensure supremacy of the law by promoting good governance and democratization.

The State government would redouble efforts to further promote peace, development and democratic system with a view to reducing the multifaceted socio-economic constraints, Abadula said.

The president said the preoccupation of the State is to vigilantly foil anti peace and anti development elements bent on disrupting peace and democratization system, he said.
He said the State government is ready to work with those who work in the interest of the people.

Speaker of the State, Dr. Mohammed Hassan said members of the council, the public at large and civil servants should cooperate and support the council in order to enable the council discharge responsibility efficiently.

The founding conference in the coming two days is due to approve various bills including code of conduct of members of the council after in depth deliberation.
 

October 5, 2005

Earthquakes kill hundreds of cattle in Ethiopia
Ireland Online - Dublin,Ireland
... a thick layer of ash that prevents the nomadic cattle-herding locals from feeding their livestock, forcing authorities to evacuate a remote region of Ethiopia. ...
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UN warns Eritrea, Ethiopia over border war
Standard - Nairobi,Kenya
The UN Security Council has warned Ethiopia and Eritrea not to restart a border war and demanded Eritrea reverse its decision to ban UN helicopters conducting ...
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Ethiopia to provide free anti-retrovirals
Independent Online - Cape Town,South Africa
Addis Ababa - Ethiopia disclosed on Wednesday that it has finalised arrangements to provide the long-awaited free anti-retroviral drugs (ART) to Aids patients ...
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Desertification in Ethiopia: From Inside Out
AllAfrica.com - Africa
... It can also be, as is true here, that desertification is from the inside out. And for that reason alone desertification in Ethiopia is more ominous. ...
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Democratically Elected Leaders vs Diaspora Vanguards
Nazret.com - College Park,MD,USA
It is disheartening and encouraging that the vanguard has started condemning opposition leaders. The crime: suspicion that they ...
====

 Urgent call to CUD and UEDF
Nazret.com - College Park,MD,USA
By Ethiopians in Diaspora Discussion Forum Paltalk room. "The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government ...

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Abraham Yayeh Turned to be Traitor as Gugsa did in 1935
Nazret.com - College Park,MD,USA
... think you will be asked if your name is Getachew or Bekele or Ethiopia (as a ... few Amhara lived in Tigray as foreigners and in some cases worst if he is Oromo. ...

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