The Ethiopian American Constituency Foundation held a successful half a day conference on Saturday, 14 May 2005 between 12:00 and 20:00 hrs at the George Washington University Law School Moot Courtroom, 2000 H Street NW, Washington DC.

The purpose of the conference was to initiate dialogue on Good Governance, Millennium Development Goals by exploring Global Governance over time from stakeholders� perspective with a focus on the role of the Diaspora,
political parties and US-Africa policies, etc.

The conference was opened by two young Ethiopian Americans, Menelik Demis Belete (7 years old, first grade student) and Abigail Belai Habte-Jesus, (11 years old, fifth grade students). Both youths were clad in their classical Ethiopian dress and gave key advice by quoting Ethiopian and African proverbs.

���Wise people learn from the mistakes of others, clever ones from their own,
and fools continue to repeat the same mistakes over and over again and live in ignorance, poverty and abject misery�� Young Menelik exhorted the conference participants to learn from each other.

�..�An educated mind prepared to dialogue with potential adversaries is the most powerful weapon and tool to make sustainable change that is based on cultural and economic convergence for win-win synergistic partnership�.� Young Abigail encouraged the participants to dialogue for change.

The meeting was opened by an interesting session entitled Governance in Africa/Ethiopia- Past, Present and Future 0utlook, with speakers focusing on Global Governance, Governance in African and Ethiopian setting as well as US-Africa policy on good governance with a focus on Millennium Challenge Account and Global Millennium Development Goals, etc.

The conference opened by the welcome and introduction of Dr Belai Habte-Jesus, Overview of EACF by Tamrat Medhin, chair of EACF and the goals and future of EACF by Ms Mariam Fikre, Executive Director of EACF. A very interest
ing and historical slide show on the Return of the Axum Obelisk was made by Andrew Laurence a member of the Conference Organizing Team and president of Ethiopian American Cultural Center.

The first session was led by Dr Belai Habte-Jesus (Conference Chair), with power point presentation of the Role of Stakeholders in the Shifting Paradigm of Good Governance. 

This was followed by the second session with a panel on Governance in Africa /Ethiopia and US/Africa Policy, Past, Present and Future Outlook. The panelists included Ambassador David Shinn, Ambassador Kasahun Ayele, Ambassador Koby Koomson and Professor Alem Ante Gebre-Sellassie who made very pertinent points on the historical development of governance in Africa with a focus on Ethiopia and the current elections. 

The third session was on the State of Ethiopia: Addressing development indices and progress with Millennium Development
Goals. This panel was led by Dr Gezahegne Bekele, Ms Fana Aragaw. 

The fourth session was on the role and responsibilities of the Diaspora. The panelists included Mr. Tamrat Medhin, Mr. Shlomo Bacharach and Ms Yodit Beyene where they addressed current and future role of the Diaspora at their adopted home here in the US and Africa.

The fifth session was on Future Ethiopian Government- roles and responsibilities. The representatives of the key contending parties, i.e. EPRDF, CUD and UEDF were invited. However, only the UEDF was represented by Ayalsew Dessie who made a passionate plea for change by identifying the key critical issues on the current elections. He then responded to questions from the audience which was complemented by the Community Counselor of the Ethiopian Embassy where a lively discussion took place. As the only representatives present he was given the opportunity to respond to specific set questions on what his party will do in the first one hundred days if elected and addressed competently some of the key challenges of the country.

The sixth session was on future
Diaspora Dialogue sessions and the role of EACF in identifying youth leadership and identifying issues for the next 20 years to galvanize the Diaspora on new immigrant and host community issues. 

This was a very interesting conference, first of its kind where key contending parties such as the representatives of the Government of Ethiopia and main opposition groups sat side by side on a panel and undertook a very lively and informative dialogue with the community. We believe this is an excellent example the current politicians at home in Ethiopia could learn from as they await election results and make
arrangements to form a new viable government.

EACF is planning to host a series of Diaspora Dialogue sessions post election to address US- Africa policies, by inviting key policy makers, advocates and representatives of the Diaspora (New Immigrants and Host Communities) to address the pressing challenges of the community. Currently, EACF is actively engaged in the dialogue with Business and Professional Groups by leading a task force on �Little Ethiopia-Millennium Village� where hearing testimony was made by Tamrat Medhin and Andrew Laurence of EACF and Ethiopian American Cultural Center at the recent Council meeting of the District of Columbia.


---------------------------------------------------------------------


PRESS RELEASE BY
THE CUD/UEDF TAK FORCE

"All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: the United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you." - President George W. Bush "America stands with oppressed people on every continent." - U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice

The winds of democracy are sweeping all parts of the globe. The recent
Rose Revolution in Georgia and the Orange revolution in Ukraine are testimonials of the universal quest for freedom and democracy. Ethiopia is no exception.

It is to be recalled that prior to the election there were widespread 
Government and EPRDF-sponsored virulent actions including killings, 
abduction, imprisonment, beating, forced migration, and other
state-directed terrors. These were replicated on election day and in the immediate post-election period in more atrocious fashion across the country, notably, in Wolayita, Sidama, East Gojam, South Gondar, and Shashemene. In these electoral districts massive election irregularities have occurred. In spite of this, Ethiopians turned out in record numbers on May 15 to vote for their preferred candidates. On election day there were massive irregularities in a number of regions. There were also a large number of areas where people did not vote and elections were suspended.

As voting was coming to an end, the Prime Minister gave a speech on state media. The speech declared a state of emergency and was full
of threats to the opposition parties. The PM through his illegal state of emergency banned all public gatherings and peaceful rallies for one month.

As election returns started showing decisive victories by the opposition the ruling party muzzled the media. This was an attempt to severe the link between the opposition and the public. In the meantime, the EPRDF continued using the media to misinform and mislead the public with respect to the processes and results of the election.

Early returns showed significant gains by the opposition. The ruling party lost all seats in the
cities and major town. The rural areas were no different. The trend was clear and unmistakable. The opposition was wining and ruling party was losing!!

At this critical juncture the government changed tactics to avert the 
looming defeat. Opposition poll watchers were jailed, beaten, threatened or killed. Election boxes were burned and stolen. Recounts were taking place in the absence of the opposition.

The situation has been deteriorating. The government seems to continue in
its ways to steal the elections. The European Union has expressed its "regret at the way in which the counting of the votes is being conducted."

We ask you to support the stand by the Ethiopian people in their fight for the full realization of their right. We ask you to support the struggle for democracy. We stand for democratic and ask you to stand with us.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The 2005 Ethiopian National Election Committee, CUD and UEDF Joint Task 
Force. Contact us @240-505-1926 or 202-386-3037


Belai Habte-Jesus, MD, MPH
Global Strategic Enterprises, Inc
e-mail:[email protected]
Telephone: 703 933 8737