Dear Professor Beyene

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By G. Zemariame
06/22/06)

June 22, 2006

Dear Professor Beyene:

It is my pleasure to thank you for your time to answer questions concerning Ethiopian politics. I have four questions.

Note:
a) At the edge of finalizing the winner of the May 2005 election by NEBE, your party (UEDF) and CUD brought complaints stating that +/- 400 constituencies had been rigged by the EPRDF on top of your total winning figures, which were +/- 170. Total winning and total complaints by both parties were way more than 524 constituencies (minus 23 seats of Somali Regional State). This shows that UEDF and CUD believe that EPRDF or any other political parties had never gained a single vote.
b) Recently, Ms. Ana Gomes proved herself by staging a demonstration supporting vocal Diaspora politician in Europe that her preliminary report on Ethiopian election was biased as alleged by NEBE and PM Meles Zenawi.

1. Can you comment on both? You can of course correct me if you find the figures erroneous.

2. As we all know, the Ethiopian Government has brought charges against some CUD leaders and their collaborators who were working hard to oust the government by brute force. At the open discussion of the parliament, you have kept saying that those who were imprisoned should be released, as they have been jailed because of their political views.
If people were to be imprisoned because of their opposing political views, why do you think yourself, Dr. Merara, Ato Lidetu, and many other member of opposition parties were not sent to jail?

3. Diaspora politicians prefer the Dergue regime to EPRDF. As opposition party leader, would you share or reject their preference?

4. Do you see it as meddling in Ethiopian politics when you see foreign nationals of Ethiopian origin demanding a change in government be it constitutionally or through other means? Can you elaborate on all these questions?

Thank you for your time.

G. Zemariame
USA

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