Breaking the Ice: Ethiopian Embassy in D.C. hosts a reception for Multiparty Party Delegate of the Ethiopian Parliament

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“When I was back home” said the new ambassador “what made me jealous was attending receptions in Embassies where you can get hold of senators of either parties, be it democrat or republican, regardless of the administration. And I wanted that for my country.” The visit of the delegates as guest of the State Department has become a good opportunity to realize this dream. The delegates, that includes Lidetu Ayalew from UEDP-Medhin, Ayele Chameso and Mr. Temesgen from CUD together with representative of EPRDF, UEDF and OFDM, freely mingled with hundred of Ethiopians and other invited guests.Also present were Prof Issac and prof Donald Levin.

Lidetu Ayalew, the charismatic leader of the UEDP-Medhin, compared his visit to the embassy to that of Anwar Sadat’s visit to Israel. He said Sadat’s visit was not popular at the time but he did it for peace. He acknowledged that there will be a cost in the short term but in the long range his party will be the beneficiary. He advised Ethiopians abroad to break the shackles of hate politics and come together.

Ato Temesgen said his party joined the election to make a difference and has accomplished a lot in a year. He said the country has multifaceted problems and there is no other means to think otherwise to solve the problems excpet to join and make a difference. He thanked the Abassador for the reception and hoped that the embassy would be in his party's hand come next election.
Ato Chameso, who introduced himself as person whose name is frequently mentioned in Tinsae and Shabia radio, states that they will work with the ruling party, even when members of his party are being imprisoned and killed because his party believe in peaceful struggle. His Party wants to make a difference in Ethiopia.
The delegate of EPRDF reminded the audience to be able to listen to each other and have tolerance. She noted that EPRDF as ruling party has embarked on 5 year plan and called on the Diaspora to work with the government. She promised that the EPRDF will struggle to keep the Embassy in its hand in next election.

Representative of UEDF also stated that his party joined the parliament to bring Ethiopian together and it believes in peaceful struggle.

The OFDM made a point that his party, which he said gained 11 seats in a short election campaign, is small but popular Oromo party. He reminded that his party did not dwell on fruitless election rancor and was the 1st to join the parliament without a qualm. He stressed that his party believes Oromos can live in a democratic and federal Ethiopia.

The delegate promised to hold a meeting with Ethiopians in Daispora as soon as they finished their tour-the tour would help them gain understanding of the working of the American multiparty system. In a clear break from the muddled past of the working of the Embassy, the Ambassador set the tone for his tenor at the embassy by stressing that the Embassy will execute the policies of the ruling party but would be home to every Ethiopian regardless of party affiliation.

The reception ended on a high note when representative of the Muslim Association,who said to have about 40 thousand members in the USA, UK and Australia, gave uplifting speech on the fact that Ethiopia was the 1st to accept Muslim faith and is known as a country of tolerance and just. He stressed Ethiopians have to work together to the betterment of the country regardless of religion or politics. And as a majority in the country the Muslim community will do its share to that end.

Under the unforgiving hot summer of Washington DC evening, that reflects the unforgiving politics of DC, the reception shades a ray of hope, as the representative of OFDM stated "there is light at the end of the tunnel."

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