WASHINGTON DC — The Ethiopian People’s Patriotic Front (EPPF) held its first official meeting in Washington DC on Sunday, August 9, 2009. The meeting was organizing by the Washington EPPF Chapter. (Photos and video will be posted shortly)
Head of EPPF’s press office, Ato Demis Belete, opened the meeting with a one-minute silent prayer for martyrs of the struggle and welcoming remarks. Representatives of the Washington Chapter also welcomed the guests and participants.
Ato Melke Mengiste, secretary general of the EPPF International Committee, then took the stage. He spoke about the founding mission of EPPF, how it was created 10 years ago, and made a call to the participants to volunteer their time and resources for the struggle to liberate Ethiopia from the Woyanne tribal junta.
Following Ato Melke’s speech, Wzr. Sophia Tesfamariam and Dr Berhe Habtegiorgis from the Eritrean community made brief remarks in a show of solidarity with Ethiopians who are fighting against the anti-Ethiopia Woyanne junta. Dr Berhe’s speech, which was based on his first-hand experience as a one-time resident of Addis Ababa and a member of the Ethiopian armed forces under HaileSeliassie’s government, had captivated the audience.
The next speaker was Ethiopian Review’s editor-in-chief Elias Kifle who briefly talked about Ethiopia-Eritrea relationships and Eritrean government’s role in preventing the Woyanne tribal junta from dismembering Ethiopia and implementing its Greater Tigray Republic manifesto.
Several prominent Ethiopians such as Cmd. Tassew Desta, former head of Ethiopian Navy, Dr Daniel Kindie, Professor of History at Herderson State University in Arkansas, Ato Fekade Shewakena, an Ethiopian political analyst, Lij Seifu Zawdie of Medhin Party, Ato Abebe Belew of Addis Dimts Radio, Abakia, a writer and videographer, Ato Billilign Woldesenbet, human rights advocate, and Wzr. Meseret Agonafer, chairperson of Ethiopian Review’s Board of Trustees, graced the meeting with their presence.
Dr Daniel Kindie briefly talked about the need for some kind of federation between Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, and Djibiouti.
The keynote speaker of the meeting was Ato Sileshi Tilahun, EPPF’s head of organizational affairs for the International Committee. He spoke about how EPPF was created, its mission, organizational structure and current activities.
Ato Sileshi is playing a key role in reorganizing the EPPF structure around the world. He is responsible for the creation of EPPF chapters, the recent launching of its radio program that is being broadcast to Ethiopia, a new web site, eppfonline.org, and the opening of a large headquarters in Asmara that is currently housing EPPF Radio’s studio. Sileshi’s remarkable achievement in a span of short time in transforming EPPF’s political and external operations has caused him to be a primary target of various groups.
The last segment of the August 9 public meeting was a Question and Answer session in which a lively discussion took place.
The meeting was concluded in a strong note by Ato Melkie Mengiste who repeated his call to all the participants to join him in going to the field and support EPPF.
The EPPF August 9 meeting in Washington DC has for the first time in decades brought together Ethiopians and Eritreans under one roof as allies. It is a fast growing alliance that is capable of building a foundation for peace and prosperity in the Horn of Africa region.
Similar events are being held around the world that involve interactions between Ethiopians and Eritreans. On Sunday, a delegation of Ethiopians led by Ato Melkie Mengiste and Ato Sileshi Tilahun attended the Eritrea Festival at the Washington Convention Center. Next week, Ethiopian Review editor will take part in a panel discussion that is organized by Community of Eritreans in the Bay Area (Click here for more info).
21 thoughts on “Historic meeting in Washington DC”
i am proud to have Ethiopian like u. it is now for action no more talking to WOYANE tribal junta. the only thing WOYANE understand is force. that force is now in action by the true sons and daughters of Ethiopia, EPPF. i am willing and ready to go from U.S.A. to join the patriots in the field. and there are more Ethiopian like me; they are just waiting for the opportunity. and thanks EPPF for this chance, for giving us a plateform to defend our beloved country from these parasite mercenaries. love Ethiopia and EPPF.
Thank God!
Finally, we will get peace in the Horn of Africa. This is a very good news,long live EPPF.
what a surprising news, elias thak you. God bless you.
i think we ethiopians are now more aware of who our real enemy is which is Weyane and the only option we have to get ride of the virus (Weyane) is to support armed struggle and working with the Govt of our brotherly ppl Eritrea.
Congratulations EPPF and followers. This is what I have been advocating for the last two years. No need to negotiated with the scam of the earth call TPLF. They are an trust worthy. The kill, cheat, lie and abuse their power. We Eritrean now them like no one does. Trust me, the only thing this scum of the earth understand is fire with fire and they will submit in no time. Keep up the good work your heading in the right direction. Get orgenazed. use a lot of fundraising events and contribute to the cause, (i.e. like a $1.00) with all members and supporter a like. God bells EPPF and my best wishes for a united Ethiopia. P.S. I promised my self to tour Ethiopia and learn more. My hope and dreams may come true after all.
I believe we need a similar solidarity between Ethiopians & Eritreans here in the UK and around the world to shorten the lives of the Parasites of the horn of Africa. UNITY IS STRENGTH – der biyaber AWRE’E Woyane YASER.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH – We can not be fooled by the woyanie’s anymore – ‘If you fool me once shame on you; if you fool me twice shame on me’
SELF-RELIANCE: We can not afford to b fooled by d West indefinitely in the Name of Democracy, human Right & Religious Freedom. We’ve got the oldest & a fairer democracy & respect of one another; the best value & tradition & the oldest & the authentic Religion.
Let’s believe in Unity with in DIVERSITY, then the sky would be the limit – this moment is the best chance we have in decades not just for Ethio-Eritrea but also for the whole Horn of Africa & we can not afford to MISS/LOSE this opportunity. I believe, out of the last two decades of the deeds of the Devil’s advocates, GOOD thing thing will finally come out: God will say ‘ENOUGH IS ENOUGH’ & our HOPE is our strength. Peace to all the peace-Lovers.
Folks, I smell victory. A win-win situation is in the making for a PERMANENT friendship and cooperation between our two peoples. Let there not be anyone who creates problems between our peoples.
“THE SKY Is THE LIMIT” The genuine intention of Eritreans and PIA have been buried with enormous propaganda and misguided thinking. Now, Eritrea is fearless and confident thanks to their unity and leadership. The unbreakable relationship is out of the closet engulfing the TPLF bugs in its tracks. Ato Sileshi , you are fearless LION who went to LIONS DEN to join your siblings. BRAVO EPPF. We all follow. No one can denied this centuries old blood ties, it will blow by surprise in the face of evil Westerners who like us to destroy each other. The time is now, even for those unfortunate Ethiopians who are stuck back in the era of Menilik, Ethiopia needs us now, the time is ripe to save Ethiopia from disintegrating apart. Let do our part, TPLF and US cant afford to lose 2010 election, The have invested too much crime web to dominate the election. US wants devastated Ethiopia as it is , and Eritrea down on it knee. WE don’t want to cry another 5 years talking how the election is rigged. It will be rigged 100% and no one will listen. Tighten you belt and give your hand to your patriotic sisters and brothers, ER BRAVO. There is no other possible way, none, to dislodge parasitic and infectious TPLF ticks from the back of emeye Ethiopia. Ethiopia is bleeding and crying, no time for second thinking. Eritrea for Ethiopia, Ethiopia for Eritrea. GO AREBEGNOCH GO!!!
Regards!
Worksnu says;
what a surprising event, woyane tribal junta was wetting its pants during the interview between ethiopianreview and President Issaias Afewerki, and now it is about to collaps.
The wind of peace is blowing in and around the horn of Africa, thank God.
Thanks to all organizers of EPPF and ethiopianreview.
This was a great meeting job well done to Elias and his crew.
Elias, a man of action besides his journalism. Ethiopia wants at this critical time wants her dear sons and daughter for action. Lets put our resorces together and help the like of EPPF and shorten the tribal junta life span.
The people wants action. And did not know exactly how strong EEPF was. If you call another meeting next week, the whole diaspora would come out. Proud of you. Yekurt ken Lijoch
Thanks Elias for the report. I was at the meeting, and I left with hope. Just to let you know that there were 2 guys out side who told me that the meeting was canceled. I almost arrived home when I found out from a friend who called me from the meeting that it is still on. The meeting was impressive, and the speakers did a good job, particularly Ato Sileshi. It was good to see so many young Ethiopians there. Bertu!
Sileshi berta. a man of action like you has always too many enemies. keep marching on.
Bravo EPPF!
Bravo ER!
Bravo DCwoch!
It seems change is not far! Change is coming! Lets hold hand in hand annd organise around the EPPF.
Well done Elias!
Two proud brotherly people — Eth Eri — triangulating and isolating a not so proud beggar movement-cum-government, that is a sure win-win strategy. The future belongs to the brotherly people Eth Eri.
The news of rapproachment and cooperation between Ethiopians and Eritreans disturbs and dreads the ethnfascists or weyannes very much. The ethnofascists rely on the divisions and squabbles among Ethiopians for their continiued abuse and exploitation of our country. The EPLF has brought the ethnofascists and racists to power in Ethiopia to acheive its strategic objective of achieving Eritrea`s independence. Now the ungrateful ethnofascists are attacking the EPLF.
I was there and i have to say i was very happy with the speakers specialy Ato melke mengiste. Well done everyone.. Keep going dont give up.
Good JOb EPPF, I am waiting for another meeting.. Bertu Elias, Seleshi, Demis and all members of EPPF God Bless EPPF
I am sure 100% EPPF is the one doing more action over woyane. ethiopians don’t lose this chance, because EPPF is 95% action, 5% talk.
As an Eritrean, former freedom fighter myself, I congratulate and respect all who have an ability to speak for their country on this historical meeting. To give input as to what you feel would improve relations with your countrymen and those throughout your neighborhood.
The various Ethiopian fronts that volunteer freedom fighters are willing to shed their blood for the Ethiopia people, placed themselves in harms way so that their people can enjoy liberty and happiness through the freedoms they will have in future. Freedom does come with a price. Eritrea shed a lot of blood. It does not necessarily mean shedding of blood, which is sometimes necessary, but it means the setting goals and the perseverance and hard work toward those goals. If the Ethiopian people are determined to be truly liberated and a free people, then you have to be intolerant of regional grouping, bitterness from past disagreements or wars, and any other problems of the past that have divided the Ethiopian people.
The people need to be able to dream about the future and be able to make that future come true. I believe that this is the real test of freedom. With perseverance, and team work with the fighters, Ethiopia can be truly a free, democratic nation soon. The big questions is-are you willing to pay the price? If the Ethiopian people want it, and are willing to pay the price, Eritrean’s hand is extended in friendship to help you achieve it. Please remember, whether we like it or not, we are all living in a world and in a time when no one would do a favor for anyone else without something in return. The Eritrean people are asking only “Peace” in our area no more or less. Period.
In the past, countries like America, Britain, France and others have relied on an extended hand of friendship to help them overcome a hurdle toward freedom and liberty. This is what Eritrea is doing to the Ethiopian people, extending its hand in friendship. Ethiopian people or any other people for that matter do not have to resign themselves to mere living. Your lives do have meaning and value. We are all God’s children, put here to worship Him and to enjoy the blessings his world has to offer.
It is completely up to Ethiopian people as to whether you accept this hand of friendship. I assure you that we Eritreans feel all feedback with the utmost of respect. Even those who may not agree with us, we are very confident that your intentions are honest, genuine and generally good. That is why it is important for people in the east Africa to communicate, so that all the good that exists in the East Africa can come together and start to create a mighty East Africa power, which will eventually revolutionize the course of political and even military events in the rest of Africa to come.
John F. Kennedy said: “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” May each of you follow a dream and unite as one people-the people of Ethiopia first then your neighbors Somalia, Eritrean, Sudan, Kenya and Djibouti hand in hand for the sake of poor suffering majority people of our area. Encourage unity through diversity. Create amongst us a living environment that will encourage lively, yet civil debate about issues and ideas. As you follow your dream of hope and prosperity I hope that one day you’ll find that unity of self and others can lead to happiness rather than anger and fear. Peace to you all… Keep the faith.
Give us our peace
Give us a peace that will enlist
A mighty army serving human kind,
Not just an army geared to kill,
But trained to help the living mind.
An army trained to shape our common good
And bring about our common good.
-Langston Hughes, part of collections 1941-1950
An excerpt from give us our peace