Breakthrough in Seattle

By Aigaforum Reporter
08/26/06

A high level Ethiopian delegation led by His Excellency Mr. Addisu Legesse, Vice-Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia and His Excellency Mr. Ayalew Gobeze, President of the Amhara Regional state completed a two day visit in Seattle on August 26, 2006.

During their short stay they first visited the Boeing Plant at Renton where they were shown the different facilities of the Plant. After the tour they attended a dinner reception organized by the Boeing Company. Later in the evening, they met with some enthusiastic and interested Ethiopians residing in Seattle.

The second day started with a visit and a discussion with influential professors of the University of Washington. Then they met representatives of African-American Business and professionals followed by a meeting with Ethiopian Somali group. A discussion with the CEO of Port of Seattle was also held.

The last item in the morning itinerary was a discussion with potential Ethiopian investors as well as some who already have invested in Ethiopia.

At late afternoon and early evening, the delegation held a public meeting where seventy plus Ethiopians of all nationalities were present. Mr. Ayalew Gobeze, the Amhara Region President presented detailed explanation of the accelerated economic and social development of the Region. Those who attended the meeting were given ample time to comment and ask questions for three and half hours. The discussion was lively and the audience was given elaborate explanation. The meeting ended successfully half an hour after the scheduled allotted time.

The Vice Premier gave detailed information based on facts to the many questions raised from the audience and were well received. This was demonstrated by the number of participants who came to the podium, shook hands and expressed their appreciation for traveling all the way to brief them on the ongoing development work in Ethiopia. The participants expressed their commitment to work with the government and the people of Ethiopia in the ongoing socio-economic development of the country.

The Seattle event has set a new precedent where the silent majority has emerged to speak for itself. This will undoubtedly reverberate where individuals will independently think and through inquiry arrive at the truth.