Ethiopian Demand Explanation...

The characteristic peculiar to our country, which distinguishes it from other countries, is the fact that it played an exemplary role in fiercely defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity at the time when powerful foreign powers were on the rampage to subjugate most lands on the globe.

Indeed, there have been periods in our history where our country had land mass many folds more than of the present one and trade relations and influence extending into the interior of the then neighboring Nubian Empire. This glaring history has been attested by innumerous literary works of ancient and modern scholars, both foreign and local origins.

Virtually, all Ethiopian governments prior to that of the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front ( EPRDF ), although rightfully criticized for their autocratic and repressive leadership style, decidedly took preserving the unity and territorial integrity of the nation as their primary undertaking. Under their leadership, and largely because of it, our country repulsed powerful invaders such as the Ottoman Turks, Egyptians, Italians and Mahadists.

And it has now become the historical burden of this generation to carry on the great tradition of keeping the territorial integrity of the nation as the best way of commemorating the sacrifices of our forefathers. However, recent international media coverage of giving away another part of our country in the making is in circulation. read more...

• Press Release in Amharic pdf

• Also read a poem by Lemlem Tsegaw

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Update on the status of Ethiopian refuges in the Sudan

On July 20, 2007 SOCEPP Canada issued an urgent action appeal regarding the new wave of mass arrests and possible involuntary repatriation of Ethiopian refugees suspected of having affiliations with and/or support opposition political groups such as Oromo Liberation front (OLF), Ethiopian People Patriotic Front (EPPF) and others.

Following a massive protest by the international community as well as by Human rights groups from within Sudan, it now appears that some progress has been achieved. It is reported that many Ethiopian refugees who were rounded up and placed in detention are now freed with bail. It is anticipated that the remaining will be freed soon. read more...

Azeb Golla on a Mission to Divide People of Wolqait-Tegede in Ohio

Uncofirmed statements indicate that Azeb Golla, wife of Meles Zenawi along with Ferede Yeshiwondim, Head of Security for Wolqait and Tsegay Asmamaw, former TPLF parliamentarian and judge are planning a trip to the U.S. According to sources, the delegate is expected to arrive in the U.S. on Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2007. Though the purpose of the trip is not clearly known, some speculate that this a continuation of TPLF's plan to divide the diaspora community along ethnic and religious lines. It is to be remembered that Addisu Legese made a similar trip to the major U.S. cities including Ohio where he was humiliated by Diaspora Ethiopians.

The same handful individuals who hosted Addisu Legesse are now running up and down in preparation to host a meeting with Azeb Golla and her conscripts. Ferede Yeshiwondim is an individual who is terrorizing his own people and recently made a trip to the Sudan in an effort to identify those individuals suspected of supporting the EPPF which the arest of dozens. Azeb Golla was rejected by the people of Wolqait in her bid for election in 2005 and chose to run in Humera instead where there is a high concentration of Tigrayans.

It is despicable that these people are willing to travel thousands of miles in the name of discussing the problems of Wolqait while they have muzzled and failed to give the same opportunity to the people they claim to represent. The Wolqait people here in the Diaspora do not expect anything good to come out from the TPLF who annexed their land, displaced its people, killed and tortured thousands and kept thousands more in secret underground prisons. This same people who are working day-in and day-out to erase Wolqait identity, culture, a unique dialect, social norms and psychs expect us to believe that they would actually listen to us.

We suggest that thy should give this opportunity to the people back home, restore all their rights, return their lands and properties unconditionally, stop the illegal resettlement of Tigrayans and finally return and reunite Wolqait-Tegede and its people with it historical identity of Gonder! After that the people of Wolqait will leave with the Tigray people peacefully!

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26 Refugees Still Under Arrest in Sudan

Sources from Sudan reveal that 26 Ethiopian refugees are under arrest in Khartoum, Sudan in a prison called Kober. Two people, have been released on August 3. The sources indicated that all of the prisoners are have been question by security forces and have been treated fairly well. However, They added that they were beaten on the head during the early roundups on July 2nd.

Thanks to the effort and outcry of concerned Ethiopians in Sudan and abroad as well as the UNHCR, Amnesty International and other organizations the whereabouts of these people is known and they have been spared from being deported to the dictators in Ethiopia. It is hoped that more people will be released soon.

Read an Amharic report from Debteraw
Also previous reports
VOA Interview with Ato Wondimagegn