What you May have missed over the last few days…
On Dr Berhanu and Siye Abraha
(Zeru Hagos 12/10/07)
Dr Berhanu Nega continuing his extended tour in America was seen in Denver Colorado over the past weeks. It is not the where about of Dr Berhanu that is the news here but the fact that Siye Abraha ex-TPLF leader was also in Denver Colorado during the same time. Though not verified the word from the grapevines is that the two have met in person. This coming on the hills of Birtukan Midekesa cry to her supporters to work with Tigreans qualifies as news worthy you should know.
The other story is Siye continuing his US tour was also seen in Washington DC. Siye met mostly Tigrean audiences in Washington DC during the past weekend and the word is the meeting was cordial. Those who went to the meeting were surprised to listen to a much changed and gentle person. No where in his speech was the type of speech one expected from him knowing he was jailed for over six years! His message was that “we all need to come together despite our political differences”. He told audiences he has a different view on sovereignty than the EPRDF but that is about it. He holds no grudges against PM Meles.
He also attended a fund raising event for Tigray Veterans Association (TDVA) in Washington DC. In fact had it not been for his abrupt departure from the event right after the guest of honor “Abay Nefso” (TDVA Chairman) speech ended, Siye may have had a very successful weekend as far as his political image. This despite his meeting with Berhanu Nega a person that has befriended many anti peace elements like the ONLF and other Ethiopian extremist who wants to destroy TPLF past achievement like EFFORT.
It was under Siye management, Mesbo Cement Factory was built and Mesbo is one of the few companies targeted by Kinjit for confiscation (refer to election public debate during election 2005)
In fact Ethiopian review and Ethio media key promoters and supporters of Dr Berhanu Nega are on record for their hate and vengeful campaign against Tigreans. Ethio media had defamed the monument built to remember the sacrifices Tigreans made to topple Derge under the leadership of TPLF which Siye was part of.
Ex-TPLF leaders should know Kinjit by in large was created to destroy the EPRDF they spent years to build. I have personally seen the ugly faces of Kinjit supporter’s way before Siye and others left TPLF. The faces were telling me then they hate the guts of Siye and are telling me today the same thing. Any crocodile tear by Birtukan and Berhanu is simply a ploy. Were they to be genuine they should have stopped their supporters from burning a house of retired Ex-tegadaly in Addis during the riots of Addis
.