Ethiopia needs PM Meles Zenawi for another term in office.
Yohannes B, 07/02/09
PM Meles Zenawi’s press conference with local and international reporters concerning his personal and his party decision about whether he will stay in office for another term particularly attracts many EPRDF supporters' attention. Regarding his or his party’s decision, PM Meles promised to transform the Ethiopian people from poverty that has been part of their daily lives for 100+ years. He made this promise 17 years ago when he took office. In spite of the severe problems our country faced then, we are progressing socially, economically and politically in the right direction under his leadership. Furthermore, keeping PM Meles for another term is crucial to secure our democracy and to keep economic growth in our country on a rapid course from one year to the next.
His handling of huge problems and huge projects simultaneously without failing on any of them is irreplaceable by any standard in our country. There is no replacement for his decisions to build strong defense forces that we all are proud of, to defend our country against all enemies, foreign and domestic. The recent terrorist threat coordinated by sheabia, Jihadist, OLF, ONLF and the enemy of our country in Diaspora in one side and the continues economic growth on the other hand are some of good examples of these enemies, foreign and domestic. I am not implying he cannot be replaced, but his consistent short and long term plans are what we need to face the past, the present and the future complications in this world. His success has been better than any one could imagine.
Most of all with the assumption that the EPRDF as a responsible political party will win in the 2010 election in Ethiopia, in my view it is essential to keep PM Meles for another term to secure our martyr’s dream for universal democracy, equality and justice for all in our country. He knows best that there is no higher honor or reward for those who gave their lives or became disabled in the 17 years freedom struggle than this: to secure a democratic system in Ethiopia that, under rule of law, protects all citizens and respects the equality of nations and nationalities.
As the national election of 2010 approaches, Berhanu Nega is on tour to raise funds apparently to add chaos to the electoral process. Mahatma Gandhi said “terrorism and deception are weapons not the strong but of the weak”. He was in Canada and now is on his way to Las Vegas to gain more support. It is not clear how he would try to wreck the democratically elected government. But we are well aware that people like him have personally profited in the Diaspora at the expense of our country and our government. Whether such enemies of PM Meles Zenawi like it or not, PM Meles is the most respected cultural and political figure in Ethiopia, even in the whole of Africa and beyond. The return of the obelisk of Axum, emblem of our heritage and our civilization, after 68 years shows the maturity of his foreign policy. Moreover, his effort towards good relationships with neighboring countries is another example of his commitment to peace and stability in our region. I have no doubt that if PM Meles remains in his position for another term, our region will witness peoples' mutual respect and highest interests displacing mistrust and misunderstanding.
Ultimately, it is up to PM Meles whether to stay or quit, or if his party wants him substituted. It is their decision regarding whether his deeds for our country are right or not. My opinion is not identical to theirs. I do however; have things I would like the Ethiopian people and the EPRDF party to know: the economy in Ethiopia is growing and the system is working perfectly; the world meanwhile is suffering in a financial crisis. Ethiopia needs PM Meles for the next term, so all Ethiopians can afford to feed their children and promote the Ethiopian renaissance.
Yohannes B, 07/02/09
New York