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Congressional recognition of Wzt Birtukan and Ato Gizachew

Posted on by Elias Kifle

United States Congress

Statement in Recognition of Birtukan Mideska and Gizachew Shiferaw
Sioux Falls, South Dakota

October 21, 2007

Dear Friends:

We appreciate this opportunity to bring greetings to this celebration as you are honored by the presence of Birtukan Mideska and Gizachew Shiferaw.

The efforts of Ethiopians throughout the United States on behalf of those who are engaged in the opposition movement in Ethiopia are well known, That is no truer anywhere than right here in Sioux Falls, and we commend you for your diligent support of human rights in Ethiopia. You are empowered by the visit of these two great Kinijit leaders.

The fact that Ms. Mideska and Mr. Shiferaw have chosen to visit Sioux Falls is evidence of their recognition and appreciation for the support that the Ethiopian community here has offered them during their imprisonment in Kality. We welcome them, and commend them for their resolve as they willingly placed themselves in harms way as leaders in the struggle to bring about positive change in Ethiopia.

Rep. Herseth Sandlin was pleased to have been a co-sponsor and supporter of HR. 2003, The Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007. It was passed overwhelmingly in the House on October 2, and Senator Johnson looks forward to the Senate’s consideration of the bill. We are grateful for Ms. Mideska’s heartfelt testimony before the House Africa Subcommittee just a few weeks ago. It was instrumental in moving this legislation forward.

As Members of Congress, it has been our pleasure to work with leaders of the local Ethiopian community on a number of issues. We and members of our staffs have met with many of you to hear your accounts of conditions back home, and to assure you of our support for the release of those who were detained because of their political beliefs. We look forward to continuing our work together in the future.

It is an honor to have been invited to join you today. We wish we could be with you in person, but we appreciate this opportunity to share some thoughts; and you can be assured that we are with you in spirit.

Sincerely,

Tim Johnson Stephanie
United States Senate

Herseth Sandlin
Member of Congress

4 thoughts on “Congressional recognition of Wzt Birtukan and Ato Gizachew”

  1. tazabi
    I wonder what DR Taye and his gang are going to say to this, it shows that they were no where to be found at that crushal day when HR2003 passes, I don’t know where they went on that day don’t you all want to know what they were doing ????

  2. Well done Delegates to U.S. and Europe. You have done your homework. You could have accomplished more, had it not been for the obstacles put forth by EPRP, TAYE, HS and of course the Shaleka group.

  4. Tazabi, shaleqa’s gangs and eprp’s agent were in arestruant to fill their big belly as usual. HR 2003 is aganist both power mongers, thieves and selfiehse, thatmeansit is against those hidden weyane’s agents

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