12108 Benjamin Street, Beltsville, Maryland 20705
October 21, 2007
Mr. Jerry Zremski, President
National Press Club
529 14th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20045
Dear Mr. Zremski:
The rhetoric and the premises upon which HR2003 was drafted are based on lies and innuendos that do not accurately reflect the facts about Ethiopia. They are utterly false and gross misrepresentation of the countries’ status in all dimensions. The following testimonies of civic institutions and prominent Americans attest to the fact that HR 2003 is nothing but ill conceived and poorly deliberated piece of legislation that grossly neglects US’s vital security interest in the region and threatens to derail the democratization process in Ethiopia and war against poverty and backwardness.
Ethiopia faces rebel
movement in Ogaden region strengthened by Muslim fundamentalist in neighboring
Somalia and Eritrea to breakup Ethiopia, one of the oldest counties in the
world and a strong ally in our struggle against terrorists. HR 2003 will be
used by Ethiopian enemies to fan intolerance in this nation of 77 million
Christians and Muslims who until recently lived together in harmony. If our
goal is to help a friend build democracy and improve its human rights, then
Congress will not vote HR 2003 into law because it is the type of legislation
that would be appropriate for our enemies. (The Hill
by Vicki Huddleston, Brookings Institution fellow, retired US
ambassador to Ethiopia)
Congressional leaders had hopes that the Bill would serve to improve democratic and civil conditions on the ground: instead, it only serves to jeopardize American security relations in Africa , and around the globe. Ethiopia has made outstanding progress in democratic development, human rights, religious freedom, political and civil rights. Despite this improvement, the House of Representatives wishes to impose its own timeline and its own standard on Ethiopia’s advance. It does nothing to advance human rights and democracy by imposing restrictions on aid to Ethiopia, but only serve to hinder Ethiopia’s ongoing battle with religious extremism in the Horn of Africa and deter Ethiopia’s capacity in the global fight against terrorism. (Joseph K. Grieboski, President Institute on Religion and Public Policy , October 6, 2007)
Although this legislation
states that its purpose is to “encourage and facilitate the consolidation of
peace and security” in Ethiopia, in realty it focuses only on shortcomings and
blatantly ignores the unprecedented progress the country has made. Ethiopia
takes great pride in being the oldest independent country in Africa. They
continue to be a close friend of the United States and a strong ally in War on
Terror in the Horn of Africa. The language contained in HR 2003 enflames
tensions already present in the Horn of Africa, threatening regional stability
and long term US national security. Ethiopia remains committed to promoting
regional stability and eliminating any staging area for al-Qaeda or other
terrorist organizations. (James M. Inhofe, U.S. Senator – Oklahoma)
The Ogaden region, which
borders Somalia is also a growing place of hostility and Islamic extremism. The
on-going insurgency in the region has taken a drastic toll on the civilian
populations significantly affecting commercial trade and humanitarian aid. I
wholeheartedly oppose HR 2003 because of my deep Concern for Ethiopia and
desire of peace, security, and freedom for the people of Ethiopia.
(James M. Inhofe, U.S. Senator – Oklahoma)
This resolution’s idea of
encouraging and facilitating is to impose restrictions and ultimatums. These
punitive actions could damage the bilateral relationships relationship between
the U.S. and the government of Ethiopia as well as the progress that Ethiopia
has made in furthering democracy and supporting human rights. I fully support State Department’s
assessment of HR 2003 that “this Bill risks damaging our ability to influence
the Government of Ethiopia, advance reform, and to deliver effective
development assistance.” (James M. Inhofe, U.S. Senator – Oklahoma)
HR 2003 is a gross
violation of the sovereignty of our nation, Ethiopia, as it infringes on the
independent Ethiopian government by trying to impose on its will through
arm-twisting in order to please some sectarian groups and opposition with
extremist views.(Union of Tigreans in North America (UTNA
–10/18/2007)
HR 2003 threatens to derail
the process of democratization and economic development that Ethiopia has
embarked upon. The GDP growth registered 10%or more for the past four
consecutive years will be jeopardized by perceived political instability. The
attainment of significant achievement of the infrastructure has begun to payoff
including attracting significant foreign investment. The advent of Ethiopian Millennium has brought about sprit of
reconciliation and renewed vigor towards cooperation and unity in promoting
democracy. The Bill – HR 2003 has been railroaded through the house floor
without due consideration of its ramifications. (Ethiopian Voice of
Reason – October 18, 2007)
HR 2003 would have no
contribution to the economic growth and development of approximately 80 million
peoples of Ethiopia other than to satisfy the desire of some ethnocentric hate
mongers befriended with Chris Smith and Donald Payne on common and personal
interest. The Bill by no means serves American or Ethiopian public interest,
but a blatant effort to lure U.S. Congress to support partisan political
agenda. If legislated into a law will embolden terrorists in the region,
promotes lawlessness, social anarchy and homegrown local terrorists and
insurgencies. The U. S. Congress may not fully understand the custom, history,
and traditions of the Ethiopian people. Ethiopians had not welcomed the
dictations of foreign powers in the past; particularly the influence
exerted by the European Colonial Powers during the Scramble of Africa in late
19th century. The patriotic resistance and finally the victory over
the European Powers in 1896 at the Battle of Adwa paid off big time declaring
to the world Ethiopian independence. A society with proud history and pride for
all black nations considers this Bill an attack on their freedom. It brings
shame and indignity and ushers the beginning foreign intrusion unprecedented in
the history of the country. (Oromia Economic and Cultural
Development Association – October 9, 2007)
Mr. Zremski: While we resent the opportunities given to Chris Smith by National Press Club to spread his lies and innuendos about Ethiopia and damage the vital interest of the United States, we strongly suggest that equal time and opportunities given to friends of Ethiopia and prominent individuals like James Inhofe so that the American public will get balanced information.
Thank you.