Birhane Mewa, The MAN
The first time I came across the name Birhane Mewa was when he was the chair of the Ethiopian private Industrialists Association. I read an article on the reporter by a famous young libertarian, criticizing Birhane for suggesting that the government should give protection for Ethiopian infant industries who were really struggling against the competition from Chinese manufacturers. A week or so latter, I had an opportunity to talk with the man on a panel organized by the Ethiopian Economic Association. The man was articulate, knew what he was talking about. I was quite mesmerized.
Afterwards, Birhane moved on to chair the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce. I watched him closely. He was one of the very few leaders of an association who was not the imposter of EPRDF. The organizations he led were always independent of government influence, reflecting what Birhane thought were the interests of its members. With his profile always increasing, he gained the public’s trust as a man of principle, integrity and independence. As a public person, he had to constantly rise above the mud slinging and muck racking. Oh, boy he did.
That I, believed, put him in EPRDF’s blacklist; and when he was accused of tax evasion, not even the party’s members really believed the story. As it had done to many nationalist, dignified and competitive Ethiopians, EPRDF was aiming its arsenal to destroy Birhane. In fact, the reverse happened. The politically motivated charge enhanced Birhane’s reputation as a people’s man. When he left Ethiopia via Kenya after being released on bail, people were sad that a capable, Ethiopian-loving man was leaving Ethiopia yet again. Yet the formation of Kinijit and Birhane’s role as a representative of the party in the US has returned Birhane back to where he belongs – public life. The measured and articulate interviews he constantly gives on VOA these days have made him a hero in Addis.
So I was really surprised when ER started a smear campaign against Birhane. I chatted with people who worked under him to know if he had any skeletons in his cupboard. Their opinions about him were almost unanimous. He might be a fierce believer on some values and principles; and naturally, this kind of people may sometimes be uncompromising. Some people may not like that. Nevertheless, you could not accuse Birhane of obsessive squabbling and backbiting. He is grander than that.
Elias Kifle should stop smearing the unsmearable. Birhane’s moral high ground is so high that Elias would not stand the rockslide while digging to destroy The MAN.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
UNCONDITIONALLY FREE OUR LEADERS !!!
UNCONDITIONALLY FREE OUR LEADERS !!!
OUR LEADERS ARE NOT NEGOTIABLE !!!!!
This week, US Government diplomats has been busy putting pressure on "Kinijit" to enter parliament, oh... don't forget our leaders will have "due process of law" as promised by Meles Zenawi to Donald Yamamoto.
Sorry, a couple of expensive "Humvees", take too much gas, won't be sold to Meles. After all... US WILL NOT CUT AID ..
'Kinijit Addis Elected' , have been busy, is it "pressure" ... at this point the ball is back in TPLF courtyard....
VOA (1/2/05): Interview With Ato Berhane Mewa (Kinijit N.America) (10.27 mins)
VOA (1/3/05) : Interesting Interview with Ato Ayele Chamiso ( Kinijit Addis Ababa Wereda 10)(7.54min)
VOA (1/4/05): Addis Ababa Court Hearings (7.05min)
VOA (1/5/05) : Addis Ababa Parliament Kinijit Elected Members' Press Release (1.45min)
Donald Yamamoto "Pressure" On The Opposition (4.56min)
VOA (1/6/05) : Interview With Ato Berhane Mewa (Kinijit N.America) & Ato Adugna Zelalem (Kinijit W26/27 AA)(15.20 mins)
(1/7/05) VOEP'S Viewpoint
**Extra Audio Clips:
(Ethiolion) Interview With Ato Berhane Mewa (1Hr36mins)
(VOEP) Kinijit Press Release Ato Berhane Mewa
OUR LEADERS ARE NOT NEGOTIABLE !!!!!
This week, US Government diplomats has been busy putting pressure on "Kinijit" to enter parliament, oh... don't forget our leaders will have "due process of law" as promised by Meles Zenawi to Donald Yamamoto.
Sorry, a couple of expensive "Humvees", take too much gas, won't be sold to Meles. After all... US WILL NOT CUT AID ..
'Kinijit Addis Elected' , have been busy, is it "pressure" ... at this point the ball is back in TPLF courtyard....
VOA (1/2/05): Interview With Ato Berhane Mewa (Kinijit N.America) (10.27 mins)
VOA (1/3/05) : Interesting Interview with Ato Ayele Chamiso ( Kinijit Addis Ababa Wereda 10)(7.54min)
VOA (1/4/05): Addis Ababa Court Hearings (7.05min)
VOA (1/5/05) : Addis Ababa Parliament Kinijit Elected Members' Press Release (1.45min)
Donald Yamamoto "Pressure" On The Opposition (4.56min)
VOA (1/6/05) : Interview With Ato Berhane Mewa (Kinijit N.America) & Ato Adugna Zelalem (Kinijit W26/27 AA)(15.20 mins)
(1/7/05) VOEP'S Viewpoint
**Extra Audio Clips:
(Ethiolion) Interview With Ato Berhane Mewa (1Hr36mins)
(VOEP) Kinijit Press Release Ato Berhane Mewa
Ethiopian Economy to Be Affected by Terrorist Attacks in US
Ethiopian Economy to Be Affected by Terrorist Attacks in US
Berhane Mewa, president of Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce, has said the economic crisis currently manifesting itself in the United States due to the terrorist attacks two weeks ago would have its adverse effects on Ethiopia, the weekly Reporter newspaper reported on Wednesday.
"The economic meetings scheduled to be held between the United States and other countries have been canceled," Berhane said, adding that one of these meetings is the American business summit which was generally expected to strengthen economic ties between Africa and America.
The cancellation of the meeting negatively affects the trade order between Africa and America which would have facilitated the export of tax-free goods to the United States, said Berhane, who is also the president of Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce.
He said such a crisis is manifesting itself at a time when Ethiopia is making preparations to make a triumphant entry into the American market.
The crisis has also put in question the issues of reinsurance and war, he said, noting that the issues related to reinsurance for any accidents created by war are being hotly debated.
It is to be recalled that in the course of the crisis, the transfer of banking accounts between Ethiopia and America has virtually stopped.
Berhane Mewa, president of Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce, has said the economic crisis currently manifesting itself in the United States due to the terrorist attacks two weeks ago would have its adverse effects on Ethiopia, the weekly Reporter newspaper reported on Wednesday.
"The economic meetings scheduled to be held between the United States and other countries have been canceled," Berhane said, adding that one of these meetings is the American business summit which was generally expected to strengthen economic ties between Africa and America.
The cancellation of the meeting negatively affects the trade order between Africa and America which would have facilitated the export of tax-free goods to the United States, said Berhane, who is also the president of Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce.
He said such a crisis is manifesting itself at a time when Ethiopia is making preparations to make a triumphant entry into the American market.
The crisis has also put in question the issues of reinsurance and war, he said, noting that the issues related to reinsurance for any accidents created by war are being hotly debated.
It is to be recalled that in the course of the crisis, the transfer of banking accounts between Ethiopia and America has virtually stopped.
Letter to Berhane Mewa, Kinijit PR Officer
Letter to Berhane Mewa, Kinijit PR Officer
By: Girmachew
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Dear Ato Berhane Mewa
First and foremost I wish you a Happy New Year for you and your entire family.
I am writing this letter because I would like to believe that you are the only voice of reason with in Kinijit Diaspora. I am also writing this letter because I have heard you speak with a sense of responsibility and realism.
I once heard you talk about a man who holds a little bird in his hand and asked another fellow to guess whether the bird is alive or dead. I heard you tell the story and the fellow's reply - "If I tell you she is alive you may squeeze to death, if I tell you it is dead you may set it free. Thus what I know is that its life is in your hands." Since then I never forgot that story and never stopped thinking about the predicament of the Kinijit leaders in prison.
May be I am naïve but even under severe brutality I still believe Kinijit stands for a peaceful struggle with in the existing legal and constitutional framework of Ethiopia. If my belief is wrong then forgive me and do not read any further.
Beyond various Kinijit - like statements and blogs that take no where towards peaceful accord or a meaningful conflict resolution with dialogue and negotiation, I have had a hard time believing what I am reading on Kinijit's officiall website. Among many the latest one http://www.kinijit.org/static/kil_pr_sep111.pdf is flabbergasting. Even if you believe that Meles and Osama Bin Laden are one and the same, the statement sure pushes the so called "terrorist" to pass a harsh verdict against Kinijit leaders in jail. At least it will push Meles to make their jail time very miserable.
Most of all once Kinijit believes and publicly states that Meles and his regime are terrorists, there is no point to negotiate with him because the only option is to only hunt and kill it. There is also no point to plead to the international community to pressure such terrorists to heed democratic path.
If the story of the man with a bird in his hand is a terrorist, why would Kinijit in all conscious tell him to go ahead squeeze his fist? Is Kinijit having a death wish here against leaders in Kaliti to prove that Meles is indeed a terrorist?
If you, Berhane sincerely believe in what your heart really tells you, you will fight the foolishness within Kinijit Diaspora. If you believe that you guys are doing great with your dangerous rhetoric then I presume you think I am a woyane agent. What ever your heart tells you, like many all I want is the release of these prisoners as soon as possible and a way to put back the derailed democratic process in place for the sake of the generation to come.
With the highest regard I have for you, I hope you will do something to forge a plausible strategy and a sensible tactic to get the Kinijit leaders released as soon as possible.
Happy New Year and God Bless
Sincerely
Girmachew
By: Girmachew
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Ato Berhane Mewa
First and foremost I wish you a Happy New Year for you and your entire family.
I am writing this letter because I would like to believe that you are the only voice of reason with in Kinijit Diaspora. I am also writing this letter because I have heard you speak with a sense of responsibility and realism.
I once heard you talk about a man who holds a little bird in his hand and asked another fellow to guess whether the bird is alive or dead. I heard you tell the story and the fellow's reply - "If I tell you she is alive you may squeeze to death, if I tell you it is dead you may set it free. Thus what I know is that its life is in your hands." Since then I never forgot that story and never stopped thinking about the predicament of the Kinijit leaders in prison.
May be I am naïve but even under severe brutality I still believe Kinijit stands for a peaceful struggle with in the existing legal and constitutional framework of Ethiopia. If my belief is wrong then forgive me and do not read any further.
Beyond various Kinijit - like statements and blogs that take no where towards peaceful accord or a meaningful conflict resolution with dialogue and negotiation, I have had a hard time believing what I am reading on Kinijit's officiall website. Among many the latest one http://www.kinijit.org/static/kil_pr_sep111.pdf is flabbergasting. Even if you believe that Meles and Osama Bin Laden are one and the same, the statement sure pushes the so called "terrorist" to pass a harsh verdict against Kinijit leaders in jail. At least it will push Meles to make their jail time very miserable.
Most of all once Kinijit believes and publicly states that Meles and his regime are terrorists, there is no point to negotiate with him because the only option is to only hunt and kill it. There is also no point to plead to the international community to pressure such terrorists to heed democratic path.
If the story of the man with a bird in his hand is a terrorist, why would Kinijit in all conscious tell him to go ahead squeeze his fist? Is Kinijit having a death wish here against leaders in Kaliti to prove that Meles is indeed a terrorist?
If you, Berhane sincerely believe in what your heart really tells you, you will fight the foolishness within Kinijit Diaspora. If you believe that you guys are doing great with your dangerous rhetoric then I presume you think I am a woyane agent. What ever your heart tells you, like many all I want is the release of these prisoners as soon as possible and a way to put back the derailed democratic process in place for the sake of the generation to come.
With the highest regard I have for you, I hope you will do something to forge a plausible strategy and a sensible tactic to get the Kinijit leaders released as soon as possible.
Happy New Year and God Bless
Sincerely
Girmachew
Berhane Mewa sells peace and stability to Romanians
Berhane Mewa sells peace and stability to Romanians
By Tamiru Geda
Bucharest, Romania
In its continuing effort to strengthen the fledgling bilateral economic ties between Ethiopia and Romania, the Romanian embassy in Addis Ababa has lately facilitated a flurry of dialogue between businesspeople of both nations. This week, in yet another effort to bring businesspeople in face-to-face meetings, a delegation of Ethiopian businessmen traveled to Bucharest, headed by Ato Berhane Mewa, president of the Ethiopian and Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce.
The delegation stayed in Romania for four days from the 23rd of November meeting with businesspeople from different sectors and concluded concession agreement with their Romanian counterparts. Speaking as head of the delegation on Wednesday the 26th of November at a private meeting with the president of the Romanian Agency for foreign investment, Ato Berhane conveyed that Ethiopia currently provided a lot of opportunities for foreign investors in the booming construction industry and in agriculture.
Berhane argued that Ethiopia’s strategic location on the Horn of Africa and the fact that Addis Ababa is the seat of the headquarters of the African Union and the Economic Commission for Africa provides opportunity for Romanian investors to gain easy access to markets in other African countries. Addis Ababa, he said, is the second metropolitan city after New York City for accommodating the largest diplomatic community and advised the Romanian businesses to capitalize on that advantage.
He also called attention to the fact that “there is peace and stability in the country, the people are friendly and labor is cheap and abundantly available,” and the mild and enjoyable highland climate is an added bonus to any investor. He assured Romanian businessmen that they could engage in business while in Ethiopia either as individual investors or by forming joint ventures with local entrepreneurs.
Speaking of the potential of coffee export from Ethiopia to Romania, the Chamber president said that Ethiopian coffee is the best in quality as it is grown naturally without any fertilizers and pesticides.
The meeting was concluded with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and the Romanian Chamber of Commerce, which would serve as the cornerstone for future business relations between Ethiopia and Romania.
(Tamiru traveled to Romania accompanying the Ethiopian trade delegation.)
By Tamiru Geda
Bucharest, Romania
In its continuing effort to strengthen the fledgling bilateral economic ties between Ethiopia and Romania, the Romanian embassy in Addis Ababa has lately facilitated a flurry of dialogue between businesspeople of both nations. This week, in yet another effort to bring businesspeople in face-to-face meetings, a delegation of Ethiopian businessmen traveled to Bucharest, headed by Ato Berhane Mewa, president of the Ethiopian and Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce.
The delegation stayed in Romania for four days from the 23rd of November meeting with businesspeople from different sectors and concluded concession agreement with their Romanian counterparts. Speaking as head of the delegation on Wednesday the 26th of November at a private meeting with the president of the Romanian Agency for foreign investment, Ato Berhane conveyed that Ethiopia currently provided a lot of opportunities for foreign investors in the booming construction industry and in agriculture.
Berhane argued that Ethiopia’s strategic location on the Horn of Africa and the fact that Addis Ababa is the seat of the headquarters of the African Union and the Economic Commission for Africa provides opportunity for Romanian investors to gain easy access to markets in other African countries. Addis Ababa, he said, is the second metropolitan city after New York City for accommodating the largest diplomatic community and advised the Romanian businesses to capitalize on that advantage.
He also called attention to the fact that “there is peace and stability in the country, the people are friendly and labor is cheap and abundantly available,” and the mild and enjoyable highland climate is an added bonus to any investor. He assured Romanian businessmen that they could engage in business while in Ethiopia either as individual investors or by forming joint ventures with local entrepreneurs.
Speaking of the potential of coffee export from Ethiopia to Romania, the Chamber president said that Ethiopian coffee is the best in quality as it is grown naturally without any fertilizers and pesticides.
The meeting was concluded with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and the Romanian Chamber of Commerce, which would serve as the cornerstone for future business relations between Ethiopia and Romania.
(Tamiru traveled to Romania accompanying the Ethiopian trade delegation.)
Berhane Mewa—U.S. Director, Coalition for Unity and Democracy in Ethiopia
Chicago Public Radio - Audio Library: WorldviewBerhane Mewa—U.S. Director, Coalition for Unity and Democracy in Ethiopia. Learning to be Dutch Louise Dunne—Correspondent, Radio Netherlands ...
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Senate Passes Compromise Bill on Guantanamo Detainees
Doug Cassel—Human Rights Commentator; Director, Center for Civil and Human Rights, University of Notre Dame Law School
Uganda—Arrest Prompts Protests
Peter Quaranto—Director, Uganda Conflict Action Network
Ethiopia—Opposition Leaders Arrested
Berhane Mewa—U.S. Director, Coalition for Unity and Democracy in Ethiopia
Learning to be Dutch
Louise Dunne—Correspondent, Radio Netherlands
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senate Passes Compromise Bill on Guantanamo Detainees
Doug Cassel—Human Rights Commentator; Director, Center for Civil and Human Rights, University of Notre Dame Law School
Uganda—Arrest Prompts Protests
Peter Quaranto—Director, Uganda Conflict Action Network
Ethiopia—Opposition Leaders Arrested
Berhane Mewa—U.S. Director, Coalition for Unity and Democracy in Ethiopia
Learning to be Dutch
Louise Dunne—Correspondent, Radio Netherlands
Kinijit - the spirit - spreads, then engulfs
SEATTLE - After 12 months and five concentration camps, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi may have thought he has dismantled Kinijit – the party that virtually ended his 14-year-old rule at the May 2005 polls. It is true the PM’s reign of terror and trepidation may have resulted in hauling the seasoned Ethiopian leaders of Kinijit to the dark corridors of Kaliti Prison, his cadres may have shut down Kinijit offices, destroyed families, bulldozed homes, and dimmed the hopes of the Ethiopian people for a better future. However, Kinijit may have beaten the odds, and proven resilient.
From Atlanta to Vancouver, from Seattle to London and beyond, it is the Month of May, and the maxim has become: “Kinijit is the Way!” Indeed, the Spirit is engulfing droves of Ethiopians as Kinijit officials continue to reach out wider audiences around the globe. Once more, after Atlanta on Saturday saw off – at least for the time being - Kinijit officials Berhane Mewa and Dr. Seyoum Solomon, it was Seattle’s turn to accord the guests a deserved standing ovation on Sunday.
The Polls in Retrospect
When Meles stood on a podium and addressed a pro-government rally in May last year in Addis, he was wowed by the huge turnout, and said: “We don’t need to rig elections to stay in power. We've a sea of support!” He was funny, and reminded everyone of the Ethiopian adage Abayin Yalaye Minch Yadenkal.(One who doesn't know the Blue Nile fascinates with a stream!" Meles never anticipated an ocean was surging and advancing inward.
It was a remark the PM would cover up with a state of emergency that is still in effect though officially lifted after two months. His ‘sea of support’ was taken over by an ocean of change-seeking millions of the city residents of Addis Ababa. Election results for Addis Ababa alone stood at 23-0 in favor of CUD-Kinijit – the party the Ethiopian people pinned their hopes on as their future leader capable of both building democracy and demolishing poverty. Kinijit also wrapped up all 138 City Council seats but one for Addis.
More success stories of Kinijit continued to flow to Addis, by which time Meles declared a state of emergency, and of course horror stories that would worry human rights groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, among others. More success stories of Kinijit continued to flow to Addis, by which time Meles declared a state of emergency, and of course opening a chapter of horror stories that would worry human rights groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, among others.
Kinijit: The Granite Pillar of Ethiopian survival
The arrival of Kinijit North America (NA) officials in Seattle was a good coincidence to explain Ethiopian Review’s continued attack on Kinijit NA. The Website was harsh on Kinijit officials, particularly on Berhane Mewa.
“The Kinijit North America Support Committee under the leadership of Berhane Mewa decided that from now on it will conduct any political activity in the Washington DC area by itself,” Ethiopian Review wrote, adding “Ethiopian Review calls on Ato Berhane Mewa and his colleagues to stop dividing the Ethiopian community in Washington DC. You are hurting the elected leaders who are languishing in jail.”
Berhane Mewa answered: “We decided to stage first-year protest rally in Washington, DC on May 16 which is Tuesday, a day when members of the US Congress are in office. If such rally is held on May 15th, which is Monday, the congress persons would miss our protest rally because they don’t come to office on Mondays.”
Berhane explained as well that his side had discussions with officials from the United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF). He said: "Efforts to jointly organize the protest rally did not work out for both of us for some minor differences. However, we should be aware that there may be some elements interested in driving a wedge between two friendly groups."
The Seattle audience - humming with the frequent mention of names like Hailu Shawel, Bertukan Mideksa, Yacob Hailemariam, Mesfin Woldmariam, Berhanu Nega and other Ethiopian icons of freedom - urged Berhane to move on to other areas of interest, citing ER was no stranger to attacking Kinijit, for instance against the jailed Addis Ababa mayor-elect, Dr. Berhanu Nega.
Kinijit remains steadfast
Bright and articulate, Berhane turned his attention to the political conditions back home, and explained with great detail that Kinijit's supreme goal was not holding power but instituting democracy and the rule of law for coming generations of Ethiopia, thereby ending the cycle of overthrowing governments by violent means.
"Holding government power is secondary to the principal mission of the party, and that is to establish the rule of law and democracy," he said. "Kinijit's program is a people-centered one, unlike other groups that make their respective party the center of their existence and bid to power."
Berhane explained how the eight-point preconditions Kinijit forwarded to the EPRDF regime to join parliament remained unchanged because their implementation were crucial if the rule of law and a democratic governance are to be established in the country.
The eight pre-conditions are:
The Election Board needs to be restructured and be able to operate independently
All forms of media should be free and available to all political parties.
The legal system must be able to operate independently without any coercion from the ruling party.
An independent commission to be established to investigate the June 8, 2005 killings of innocent Ethiopians.
Ensure the police and armed forces do not get involved in politics and take sides.
Recent laws that have been passed at the concluding sessions of the last Parliament that deal with parliamentary procedures and governance of the City of Addis Ababa should be receded.
All political prisoners should be released, and opposition party offices that had been closed should be opened.
Establish an independent commission, that is acceptable to all parties, to follow up that the above mentioned issues are resolved on a timely manner.
The soft-spoken and humble Dr. Seyoum Solomon on his part detailed the economic crisis gripping Ethiopia, and how the ruling party of Meles Zenawi was concocting fictitious reports of economic growth.
"Seventy-three percent (73%) of the Ethiopian youth is today unemployed. This staggering figure shows the hopelessness of the situation in the country. Yet the regime continues to churn out reports that suggest economic growth rates," Dr Seyoum said.
The regime tries to cover such crisis by misinforming the public on the one hand, and ridiculing the unemployed youth of the nation as 'hooligans' on the other, he said, adding Ethiopians must rally around their party to bring a change for the better.
From the Seattle side, Ato Getachew Birru led the ceremony of recognition of service to members of the Kinijit Coordinating Committee, Kinijit Youth Committee, Kinijit Women's Committee, as well as Artistes.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From Atlanta to Vancouver, from Seattle to London and beyond, it is the Month of May, and the maxim has become: “Kinijit is the Way!” Indeed, the Spirit is engulfing droves of Ethiopians as Kinijit officials continue to reach out wider audiences around the globe. Once more, after Atlanta on Saturday saw off – at least for the time being - Kinijit officials Berhane Mewa and Dr. Seyoum Solomon, it was Seattle’s turn to accord the guests a deserved standing ovation on Sunday.
The Polls in Retrospect
When Meles stood on a podium and addressed a pro-government rally in May last year in Addis, he was wowed by the huge turnout, and said: “We don’t need to rig elections to stay in power. We've a sea of support!” He was funny, and reminded everyone of the Ethiopian adage Abayin Yalaye Minch Yadenkal.(One who doesn't know the Blue Nile fascinates with a stream!" Meles never anticipated an ocean was surging and advancing inward.
It was a remark the PM would cover up with a state of emergency that is still in effect though officially lifted after two months. His ‘sea of support’ was taken over by an ocean of change-seeking millions of the city residents of Addis Ababa. Election results for Addis Ababa alone stood at 23-0 in favor of CUD-Kinijit – the party the Ethiopian people pinned their hopes on as their future leader capable of both building democracy and demolishing poverty. Kinijit also wrapped up all 138 City Council seats but one for Addis.
More success stories of Kinijit continued to flow to Addis, by which time Meles declared a state of emergency, and of course horror stories that would worry human rights groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, among others. More success stories of Kinijit continued to flow to Addis, by which time Meles declared a state of emergency, and of course opening a chapter of horror stories that would worry human rights groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, among others.
Kinijit: The Granite Pillar of Ethiopian survival
The arrival of Kinijit North America (NA) officials in Seattle was a good coincidence to explain Ethiopian Review’s continued attack on Kinijit NA. The Website was harsh on Kinijit officials, particularly on Berhane Mewa.
“The Kinijit North America Support Committee under the leadership of Berhane Mewa decided that from now on it will conduct any political activity in the Washington DC area by itself,” Ethiopian Review wrote, adding “Ethiopian Review calls on Ato Berhane Mewa and his colleagues to stop dividing the Ethiopian community in Washington DC. You are hurting the elected leaders who are languishing in jail.”
Berhane Mewa answered: “We decided to stage first-year protest rally in Washington, DC on May 16 which is Tuesday, a day when members of the US Congress are in office. If such rally is held on May 15th, which is Monday, the congress persons would miss our protest rally because they don’t come to office on Mondays.”
Berhane explained as well that his side had discussions with officials from the United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF). He said: "Efforts to jointly organize the protest rally did not work out for both of us for some minor differences. However, we should be aware that there may be some elements interested in driving a wedge between two friendly groups."
The Seattle audience - humming with the frequent mention of names like Hailu Shawel, Bertukan Mideksa, Yacob Hailemariam, Mesfin Woldmariam, Berhanu Nega and other Ethiopian icons of freedom - urged Berhane to move on to other areas of interest, citing ER was no stranger to attacking Kinijit, for instance against the jailed Addis Ababa mayor-elect, Dr. Berhanu Nega.
Kinijit remains steadfast
Bright and articulate, Berhane turned his attention to the political conditions back home, and explained with great detail that Kinijit's supreme goal was not holding power but instituting democracy and the rule of law for coming generations of Ethiopia, thereby ending the cycle of overthrowing governments by violent means.
"Holding government power is secondary to the principal mission of the party, and that is to establish the rule of law and democracy," he said. "Kinijit's program is a people-centered one, unlike other groups that make their respective party the center of their existence and bid to power."
Berhane explained how the eight-point preconditions Kinijit forwarded to the EPRDF regime to join parliament remained unchanged because their implementation were crucial if the rule of law and a democratic governance are to be established in the country.
The eight pre-conditions are:
The Election Board needs to be restructured and be able to operate independently
All forms of media should be free and available to all political parties.
The legal system must be able to operate independently without any coercion from the ruling party.
An independent commission to be established to investigate the June 8, 2005 killings of innocent Ethiopians.
Ensure the police and armed forces do not get involved in politics and take sides.
Recent laws that have been passed at the concluding sessions of the last Parliament that deal with parliamentary procedures and governance of the City of Addis Ababa should be receded.
All political prisoners should be released, and opposition party offices that had been closed should be opened.
Establish an independent commission, that is acceptable to all parties, to follow up that the above mentioned issues are resolved on a timely manner.
The soft-spoken and humble Dr. Seyoum Solomon on his part detailed the economic crisis gripping Ethiopia, and how the ruling party of Meles Zenawi was concocting fictitious reports of economic growth.
"Seventy-three percent (73%) of the Ethiopian youth is today unemployed. This staggering figure shows the hopelessness of the situation in the country. Yet the regime continues to churn out reports that suggest economic growth rates," Dr Seyoum said.
The regime tries to cover such crisis by misinforming the public on the one hand, and ridiculing the unemployed youth of the nation as 'hooligans' on the other, he said, adding Ethiopians must rally around their party to bring a change for the better.
From the Seattle side, Ato Getachew Birru led the ceremony of recognition of service to members of the Kinijit Coordinating Committee, Kinijit Youth Committee, Kinijit Women's Committee, as well as Artistes.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Berhane Mewa to Run for AACC Presidency
Berhane Mewa to Run for AACC Presidency
Berhane Mewa, current president of the Ethiopian Private Industrialists Association, EPIA, has announced his decision to run for the presidency of Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce, AACC.
“We are facing a global and regional challenge. The business community has to be ready for this challenge. For this, we have to start rethinking in all aspects”, Berhane said in an exclusive interview with Capital, a weekly business newspaper.
“I believe, with the experience and commitment I have, and with the help of strong, committed experienced board members, and strong secretarial, we can make the difference,” he added.
Berhane is well paced for the position he is vying. He has held various positions in several professional and civic associations, including the Vice Presidency of the AACC. In addition to attending a host of courses in management, he has a BSc from Addis Ababa University and a diploma in industrial chemistry.
The AACC will hold its 24th regular general assembly on 11 January 2001. the assembly will, among others, elect a new president and board members, who will lead the chamber for the next two years.
Berhane Mewa, current president of the Ethiopian Private Industrialists Association, EPIA, has announced his decision to run for the presidency of Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce, AACC.
“We are facing a global and regional challenge. The business community has to be ready for this challenge. For this, we have to start rethinking in all aspects”, Berhane said in an exclusive interview with Capital, a weekly business newspaper.
“I believe, with the experience and commitment I have, and with the help of strong, committed experienced board members, and strong secretarial, we can make the difference,” he added.
Berhane is well paced for the position he is vying. He has held various positions in several professional and civic associations, including the Vice Presidency of the AACC. In addition to attending a host of courses in management, he has a BSc from Addis Ababa University and a diploma in industrial chemistry.
The AACC will hold its 24th regular general assembly on 11 January 2001. the assembly will, among others, elect a new president and board members, who will lead the chamber for the next two years.
Partnering public, private and civic society- a private sector perspective, Berhane Mewa
Partnering public, private and civic society- a private sector perspective, Berhane Mewa
Abstract:
The present knowledge-based international trade and its effect in the development of national economy is becoming a subject of paramount importance. The concept is multiplying is so fast that no single sector is in a position to control or optimize the opportunity it offers. This gives room for a partnership between the actors namely the public and the private sector. The social, political and economic environment greatly influences the rate at which this partnership is formed, the type of partnership and even the effectiveness of the partnership. This presentation will look into the environment of co-operation and propose possible conditions and options.
Biography:
Berhane Mewa is the current President of the Ethiopian and Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and the out-going President of Ethiopian Private Industries Association A graduate in industrial chemistry, he has been since 1992, a board member of the Chem-Tech Center ,and the Centre for the Advancement of Technology and served on a number of National Committees on chemicals and the environment.
Abstract:
The present knowledge-based international trade and its effect in the development of national economy is becoming a subject of paramount importance. The concept is multiplying is so fast that no single sector is in a position to control or optimize the opportunity it offers. This gives room for a partnership between the actors namely the public and the private sector. The social, political and economic environment greatly influences the rate at which this partnership is formed, the type of partnership and even the effectiveness of the partnership. This presentation will look into the environment of co-operation and propose possible conditions and options.
Biography:
Berhane Mewa is the current President of the Ethiopian and Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and the out-going President of Ethiopian Private Industries Association A graduate in industrial chemistry, he has been since 1992, a board member of the Chem-Tech Center ,and the Centre for the Advancement of Technology and served on a number of National Committees on chemicals and the environment.
ለመሆኑ ብርሃነ መዋ ማን ነው
ለመሆኑ ብርሃነ መዋ ማን ነው
ብርሃነ መዋ ማለት ኢትዮጵያ ካሏት ወርቃማ ልጆቿ ውስጥ አንዱ ነው፡፡ አቶ ብርሀነ የሀገር መሪ፣ አስተዋይ፣ የሀገር ጸጋ፣ ለኢትዮጵያ በክፉ ቀን ደራሽ፣ የኢትዮጵያን ደስታና መከራ ከጎኗ ቆሞ ሲጋራ የነበረ እና ከፖለቲካ ውስጥ ለኢትዮጵያ ኢኮኖሚ እና እድገት ተቆርቋሪ እድሜውን ሙሉ ህዝቡን ሲያገለግል የኖረ የቁርጠኛ ቀን ልጅ ነው፡፡ ዛሬ እንደምናያቸው አንዳንድ የቅንጅት መሪዎች ከዳር ቆሞ የአሜሪካ ሃምበርገር ሆዳቸውን ሲነፋችው እና ከየቦታው ሰርቀውም ሆነ አታለው ያጠራቀሙት ገንዘብ መበተኛ ሲያጡ ወደ ፖለቲካው የዞረ ሰው አይደለም፡፡
ብርሀነ ከሰራተኛው፣ ከነጋዴው፣ ሀሙህራኑ፣ ከጋዚጠኛው፣ ከተማሪው እና ከላብ አደሩ ጋር አብሮ የኖረ በላቡ ኑሮውን የኖረ በጥረቱ እና በእውቀቱ ኢትዮጵያን የረዳ ትልቅ የኢትዮጵያ ልጅ ነው፡፡ ዛሬ ከዚህ ከአሜሪካም ሆነ ከአውሮፓ ያሉ ፈሪ የቅንጅት ባላስልጣናትም ሆኑ የወያኔ መሪዎች አንድ ላይ ቢጨፈለቁ እንኳ ብርነን መተካት ቀርቶ የእሱን የመጀመሪያ ስም ፊደል እንኳ አይወጣቸውም፡፡
ለመሆኑ የህን ያውቁ ኖሯል?
ዛሬ ብርሀነ የፈጠራቸው ፈጠራዎች ለተራው የኢትዮጵያ ህዝብ እንዴት እንደሚጠቅሙ፡፡
ለመሆኑ ጭቁኑ የታክሲ ነጂ መኪናው ተስብሮ የመለዋወጫ እቃ የለም ተብሎ እሱን እና ቤተሰቡን የሚያስተረድርበት ታክሲው ሲቆም የት እንደሚሄድ ታውቃላችሁ?
ዛሬ አሮጌም ሆኑ ዘመናዊ የቢራ፣ የጨርቃ ጨርቅ፣ የስሚንቶ ፋብሪካዎች በመለዋወጫ እጥረት ሲኖራቸው እና ስራቸው ሊቆም ሲል የት እንደሚሄዱ ያውቃሉ?
አካለ ስንኩላን የሜሄጃ ክራንቻቸው ሲሰበርባቸው የት እንደሚሄዱ ያውቃሉ?
ለመሆኑ የአቶ ብርሀነ የስራ ውጤቶች የእያንዳንዱን የኢትዮጵያ ህዝብ ኑሮ እንዳሸሻለስ ታውቃሉ ?
አቶ ብርሃነ ለነጋዴው፣ ለፋብሪካ ሰራተኛው፣ ለሹፌሩ፣ ለተማሪው፣ ለተመራማሪው በአጠቃላያ ለሀገራችን ያደረገው እገዛ ዘሬ ከዚህ ከአሜሪካ ሆነው ጉራቸውን ለሚነፉ የሩቅ ጀግኖች ጋር አብሮ መታየቱ በጣም ያሳዝናል፡፡ ዛሬ የአቶ ብርሀነ በስደት ላይ መሆነ የተጎዳችው ኢትዮጵያ ናት፡፡ የተጎዳው ህዝቡ ነው፡፡ አቶ ብርሀነ ሀገርን ህዝብን ለመምራት እና ለማደራጀት ብሎም ኢትዮጵያን ወደ ፊት ሊያራምድ የሚችል ታላቅ የሃገር ቅርስ ነው፡፡
አቶ ርብረሃነ ለኢትዮጵያ መሪነት የሚበቃ የተፈተነ በወሬ ሳይሆን በተግባር እድሜውን ሞሉ ስራውን ያሳየ የቁርጥ ቀን ልጅ ነው፡፡ ዛሬ ኢትዮጵያ የምትፈልገው እንደ አቶ በርሃነ እንደ አቶ ሀያሉ ሻውል፣ እንደ ዶክተር ብርሃኑ ነጋ እና ዛሬ በእስር ቤት በመማመው ላይ ያሉትን ልጆቿን ነው፡፡
ብርሃነ መዋ ማን ነው?
ለመሆኑ ብርሃነ መዋ ማን ነው?
ብርሃነ መዋ ማለት ኢትዮጵያ ካሏጽርቃማ ልኮቿ ውስጥ አንዱ ነው፡፡ አቶ ብርሀነ የሀገር ሃበር ፈጣሪ፣ መሪ፣ አስተዋይ፣ የሀገር ጸጋ፣ ለኢትዮጵያ በክፉ ወቀን ደራሽ፣ የኢትዮጵያን ደስታና መከራ ከጎኗ ቆሞ ሲጋራ የነበረ እና ከፖለቲካ ውስጥ ለኢትዮጵያ ኢኮኖሚ እና እድገት ተቆርቋሪ እድሜውን ሙሉ ህዝቡን ሲያገለግል የኖረ የቁርጠኛ ቀን ልጅ ነው፡፡ ዛሬ እንደምናያቸው አንዳንድ የቅንጅት መሪዎች ገዳር ቆመው የአሜሪካ ሃምበርገር ሆዳቸውን ሲነፋችው እና ከየቦታው ሰርቀውም ሆነ አታለው ያጠራቀሙት ገንዘብ መበተኛ ሲያጡ ወደ ፖለቲካው የዞረ ሰው አይደለም፡፡
ብርሀና ከሰራተኛው፣ ከነጋዴው፣ ሀሙህራኑ፣ ከጋዚጠኛው፣ ከተማሪው እና ከላብ አደሩ ጋር አብሮ የኖረ በላቡ ኑሮውን የኖረ በጥረቱ እና በእውቀቱ ኢትዮጵያን የረዳ ትልቅ የኢትዮጵያ ልጅ ነው፡፡ ዛሬ ከዚህ ከአሜሪካም ሆነ ከአውሮፓ ያሉ ፈሪ የቅንጅት ባላስልጣናትም ሆኑ የወያኔ መሪዎች አንድ ላይ ቢጨፈለቁ እንኳ ብርነን መተካት ቀርቶ የእሱን የመጀመሪያ ስም ብን እንኳ አይወጣቸውም፡፡ ለመሆኑ የህን ያውቁ ኖሯል፡፡
ዛሬ ብርሀነ የፈጠራቸው ፈጠራዎች ለተራው የኢትዮጵያ ህዝብ እንዴት እንደሚጠቅሙ፡፡
ለመሆኑ ጭቁኑ የታክሲ ነጂ መኪናው ተስብሮ የመለዋወጫ እቃ የለም ተብሎ እሱን እና ቤተሰቡን የሚያስተረድርበት ታከሰቲው ሲቆም የት እንደሚሄድ ታውቃላች፡፡
ዛሬ በጣሊያን ጊዜ የተሰሩ አሮጌም ሆኑ ዘመናዊ የቢራ፣ የጨርቃ ጨርቅ፣ የዚሚንቶ ፋብሪካዎች በመለዋወጫ እትረት ስራቸው ሲቆም የት እንደሚሄዱ ያውቃሉ፡፡
አካለ ስንኩላን የሜሄጃ ክራንቻቸው ሲሰበርባቸው የት እንደሚሄዱ ያውቃሉ
ለመሆኑ የአቶ ብርሀነ የስራ ውጤቶች የእያንዳንዱን የኢትዮጵያ ህዝብ ኑሮ እንዳሸሻለስ ታውቃሉ፡፡
አቶ ብርሃነ ለነጋዴው፣ ለፋብሪካ ሰራተኛው፣ ለሹፌሩ፣ ለተማሪው፣ ለተመራማሪው በአጠቃላያ ለሀገራችን ያደረገው እገዛ ዘሬ ከዚህ ከአሜሪካ ሆነው ጉራቸውን ለሚነፉ የሩቅ ጀግኖች ጋር አብሮ መታየቱ በጣም ያሳዝናል፡፡ ዛሬ የአቶ ብርሀነ በስደት ላይ መሆነ የተጎዳችው ኢትዮጵያ ናት፡፡ የተጎዳው ህዝቡ ነው፡፡ አቶ ብርሀነ ሀገርን ህዝብን ለመምራት እና ለማደራጀት ብሎም ኢትዮጵያን ወደ ፊት ሊያራምድ የሚችል ታላቅ የሃገር ቅርስ ነው፡፡
ብርሃነ መዋ ማለት ኢትዮጵያ ካሏጽርቃማ ልኮቿ ውስጥ አንዱ ነው፡፡ አቶ ብርሀነ የሀገር ሃበር ፈጣሪ፣ መሪ፣ አስተዋይ፣ የሀገር ጸጋ፣ ለኢትዮጵያ በክፉ ወቀን ደራሽ፣ የኢትዮጵያን ደስታና መከራ ከጎኗ ቆሞ ሲጋራ የነበረ እና ከፖለቲካ ውስጥ ለኢትዮጵያ ኢኮኖሚ እና እድገት ተቆርቋሪ እድሜውን ሙሉ ህዝቡን ሲያገለግል የኖረ የቁርጠኛ ቀን ልጅ ነው፡፡ ዛሬ እንደምናያቸው አንዳንድ የቅንጅት መሪዎች ገዳር ቆመው የአሜሪካ ሃምበርገር ሆዳቸውን ሲነፋችው እና ከየቦታው ሰርቀውም ሆነ አታለው ያጠራቀሙት ገንዘብ መበተኛ ሲያጡ ወደ ፖለቲካው የዞረ ሰው አይደለም፡፡
ብርሀና ከሰራተኛው፣ ከነጋዴው፣ ሀሙህራኑ፣ ከጋዚጠኛው፣ ከተማሪው እና ከላብ አደሩ ጋር አብሮ የኖረ በላቡ ኑሮውን የኖረ በጥረቱ እና በእውቀቱ ኢትዮጵያን የረዳ ትልቅ የኢትዮጵያ ልጅ ነው፡፡ ዛሬ ከዚህ ከአሜሪካም ሆነ ከአውሮፓ ያሉ ፈሪ የቅንጅት ባላስልጣናትም ሆኑ የወያኔ መሪዎች አንድ ላይ ቢጨፈለቁ እንኳ ብርነን መተካት ቀርቶ የእሱን የመጀመሪያ ስም ብን እንኳ አይወጣቸውም፡፡ ለመሆኑ የህን ያውቁ ኖሯል፡፡
ዛሬ ብርሀነ የፈጠራቸው ፈጠራዎች ለተራው የኢትዮጵያ ህዝብ እንዴት እንደሚጠቅሙ፡፡
ለመሆኑ ጭቁኑ የታክሲ ነጂ መኪናው ተስብሮ የመለዋወጫ እቃ የለም ተብሎ እሱን እና ቤተሰቡን የሚያስተረድርበት ታከሰቲው ሲቆም የት እንደሚሄድ ታውቃላች፡፡
ዛሬ በጣሊያን ጊዜ የተሰሩ አሮጌም ሆኑ ዘመናዊ የቢራ፣ የጨርቃ ጨርቅ፣ የዚሚንቶ ፋብሪካዎች በመለዋወጫ እትረት ስራቸው ሲቆም የት እንደሚሄዱ ያውቃሉ፡፡
አካለ ስንኩላን የሜሄጃ ክራንቻቸው ሲሰበርባቸው የት እንደሚሄዱ ያውቃሉ
ለመሆኑ የአቶ ብርሀነ የስራ ውጤቶች የእያንዳንዱን የኢትዮጵያ ህዝብ ኑሮ እንዳሸሻለስ ታውቃሉ፡፡
አቶ ብርሃነ ለነጋዴው፣ ለፋብሪካ ሰራተኛው፣ ለሹፌሩ፣ ለተማሪው፣ ለተመራማሪው በአጠቃላያ ለሀገራችን ያደረገው እገዛ ዘሬ ከዚህ ከአሜሪካ ሆነው ጉራቸውን ለሚነፉ የሩቅ ጀግኖች ጋር አብሮ መታየቱ በጣም ያሳዝናል፡፡ ዛሬ የአቶ ብርሀነ በስደት ላይ መሆነ የተጎዳችው ኢትዮጵያ ናት፡፡ የተጎዳው ህዝቡ ነው፡፡ አቶ ብርሀነ ሀገርን ህዝብን ለመምራት እና ለማደራጀት ብሎም ኢትዮጵያን ወደ ፊት ሊያራምድ የሚችል ታላቅ የሃገር ቅርስ ነው፡፡
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