What we need to know……
Did professor Ephrem tell Representative Lantos to hold on the HR2003 as Mr. Lantos claimed until he finishes his talk with the government of Ethiopia on releasing more “Political Prisoners” last July? If so was the government of Ethiopia talking about any political prisoners with the professor? Were the released prisoners political prisoners?
We hope the Ethiopian government was not holding political prisoners and was not negotiating about their release with foreign congressman and woman and the good professor! We also hope the good professor did not negotiate with the government in bad faith holding in one hand the US Congress and HR2003 and in the other hand his Ethiopianness and the age old culture of Shimglena!. Professor Ephrem we need explanation!
Thought for Today
When I despair, I remember that all through history, the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and, for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it, always. by Mahatma Gandhi
German Chancellor in Ethiopia for First Leg of Africa Visit
Update on HR2003
The watered down version of HR2003 passed the house in obscurity. Smith and Payne were the only two talking heads when it passed. It seems HR2003 was not a priority for the US House and according to source the bill was brought to the floor simply to irritate the White House! The democratic house has been fighting the White House to change its policy on Iraq to no avail.
The US-Ethiopian relationship will continue as is and talking to Ethiopian government officials this bill whether its pass or fails in the house will have no consequences to affect the determination of the Ethiopian government to continue on the democratization process . The democratic process will continue unabated.
The effect of this bill will only be felt by the extreme Diaspora and their leaders Dr Berhnau Nega, Birtukuan Mideksa and the ONLF. These groups will definitely feel they have accomplished something. But in the case of DR Berhnau and Birtukan their alignment and advocacy of the ONLF is done at their own peril!
The bill will go next to the Senate and there is high probability it will stay there for a long time before consideration. Even if it passes there, knowledgeable source told us the White House will not sign it to law! [Aigaforum, Oct 2, 2007]
UN Conference Advocates Developmental State Model (addisfortune)
"Paradigms adopted within the past 25 years which marginalised the state in African economies did not work," said Janvier Nkurunzia, economic affairs officer with UNCTAD in Geneva...
One more affirmation to the revolutionary democracy and developmental state concept advocated by PM Meles!
Lada Nivas to Roll Out in Ethiopia
Tolyatti-based car dealer Motorika said it would build a $100 million factory in Ethiopia to assemble customized Lada Nivas to serve as ambulances in hard-to-reach rural areas.
The Tragedy of CUD and Its Supporters(Molla Reda, Waltainfo.com)
...Based on how they[convicted but pardoned cud leaders] have been behaving in the North America and Europe since their release from prison, however, I would not be surprised if their next stop is Asmara to pay tribute to the dictator. [Would you be surprised?]
Q & A with President Isaias Afwerki comment:-Eritrea is in abnormal state so do not expect Isaias Afeworki to step down! Oh yes, there are no democracies in the world Isaias knows of so do not ask him about democracy in Eritrea now...he will show us after the border issue is resolved and after the people have enough to eat and drink and after a constitution that is not simply a "document" is written, he will show the world what democracy IS. Woy gud we truly feel sorry for the good people of Eritrea!
Eritrean economy close to collapse
25 September 2007:-
A report released today by Chatham House states that the economy of Eritrea is close to collapse. A combination of internal repression and regional and international isolation....
Is There Anybody with Better Advice for the New Millennium?
(Desta Berhe, Oct 1, 2007:-While I was browsing through the cyber world a week ago I saw an article entitled “Beyond the Millennium, Beyond Illusion and Cynicism, and the Challenges of Development”...
Traitors and Terrorist in one House!
Birhanu Nega and Birtukan Mideksa along with the “Ogaden” Rep also known as ONLF Rep will be pampering Donald Payne in his office today. The congressman is acting as the new Uncle Tom for Africa and especially for Ethiopia. If the congressman thinks the children of Ethiopia will blink and submit to his demand then he is for a surprise. It is not in Ethiopia’s children blood to submit or be intimidated. Ask Rasi Alula and ask Ras Gobena and Ras Abebe! Heck! As a congressman and black person he should have known Ethiopia is his pride not his banana republic! What other black history does he know better than that of Ethiopia’s that is the pride of Black people? Shame of him he is abusing his power. Shame for Dr Berhanu and Birtukan they are undermining the constitution of Ethiopia by conspiring with a known terrorist group who massacre over 70 innocent civilians. Birtukan and Berhanu may be sitting in the House floor to witness the passage of HR2003. Shame! Shame! [Zeru Hagos, Oct 2, 2007]
A year ago, this month, we lost Araya Zerihun due to a sudden heart attack. Araya was one of a kind “Harbegna Lemat” (a development solider and patriot). Ethiopians and friends all over the world mourn the loss of Araya Zerihun and to this day many are finding it hard he is really gone! Araya we miss you! Circus Tigray has produced a short musical documentary on his life.
