Ethiopian Review Editorial
The chairperson of Union for Democracy and Justice (UDJ), Wzr. Birtukan Mideksa, held a press conference on Sunday, Oct. 12. In the press conference, Birtukan explained her party’s current and future programs. She talked about participating in the 2010 elections and a budget proposal of 7.3 million birr that will be used to carry out party activities. Birtukan said the money for the proposed budget will be raised from membership fees and other means.
Asked to explain the difference between UDJ and Dr Beyene Petros’ fake opposition party, United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF), Birtukan said the difference is that Dr. Beyene’s party is organized along ethnic lines.
To the question that UDJ never speaks about the fate of millions of Ethiopians who are facing starvation, Birtukan said that starvation to Ethiopia is not new and that it has become one of those things that Ethiopia is identified with. However, she said, that her party will do a study and present solutions.
Regarding the implementation of the Kinjit 8-Point proposal for participating in future elections, Birtukan answered that as a party that chose to wage peaceful methods of struggle, participating in elections is one of UDJ’s main activities.
Sunday’s press conference has affirmed that UDJ will take part in the 2010 fake elections that will be used only to fool the international community into legitimizing Woyanne as an elected Ethiopian government. Woyanne will then turn around and beg for hundreds of millions of dollars from the international community on behalf of Ethiopia. The donated money will be used by Woyanne to continue pillaging and plundering Ethiopia.
With help from the likes of UDJ the Woyanne tribal junta will get more foreign aid to buy more weapons and continue to commit atrocities against our brothers and sisters in Gambela, Gojam, Gonder, Ogaden, Oromia, Shewa, Sidama, Somalia and other parts of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa. Woyanne will increase the salary of its mercenary army to keep the killers loyal and brutal. A large portion of the money will be siphoned off by the corrupt Woyanne officials.
Thousands have lost their lives, so many have made enormous sacrifices for the principles Kinjit had advocated. By dropping Kinijit’s 8-point Proposal, thus joining the ranks of Dr Beyene Petros and Lidetu Ayalew, UDJ has betrayed the people of Ethiopia.
Kinjit’s 8-Point Proposal states the following:
1. The Restructuring of the Election Board into an Independent body.
2. Freedom of and access to All Media
3. Independent legal system (free from Woyanne party control)
4. An Independent Commission to investigate the killings of innocent Ethiopians following the May 2005 elections
5. Non-involvement of armed forces in political affairs
6. Reinstatement of parliamentary procedures and governance of Addis Ababa in accordance with the verdict of the people
7. Release of all political prisoners
8. Independent commission or body to adjudicate the above.
It is not possible to form a new political party and take part in an election without the implementation of these preconditions. Most of these preconditions are not only true for Ethiopia, but also for countries that are continuously working to build their democracy. They are the foundations for fair and free elections, as well as representative governments.
UDJ’s activities are also nothing but fraudulent. After dropping the 8-Points, UDJ has called itself the former Kinjit and taken funds that were raised for Kinjit in the U.S. and EU. Ethiopians in the Diaspora had made contributions believing that the Kinijit leaders will continue to struggle for the principles they advocated, not to create a new party that surrenders the people’s vote to the Woyanne dictatorship.
Senior UDJ leader Prof. Mesfin WoldeMariam had traveled to the U.S. last July and asked Ethiopians to follow the teachings and practices of the Tibetan Dalai Lama, instead of the teachings of our own Atse Tewodros, Atse Menelik, Dejazmach Balcha and other Ethiopian leaders who kept our country united and respected for thousands of years. It seems like the professor doesn’t know that his hero, the Dalai Lama, currently lives in exile. Does the professor know that there is no such country called Tibet today and if we follow the Dalai Lama teachings, we may lose our country, too?
To add insults to injury, UDJ leaders such as Wz. Birtukan and Prof. Mesfin, have called freedom fighters that are sacrificing their lives for freedom and democracy “primitive” and “neftenoch” — the same word Woyanne uses to demonize the Amhara ethnic group.
As Woyanne currently starves millions of Ethiopians, the UDJ leadership remains mute. When international human right groups raise alarms about the war crimes in Ogaden and Somalia, the UDJ leadership is mute. When U.S. senators work on a bill to stop aid to Woyanne, the UDJ leadership is mute. When Meles admitted to giving Ethiopian territory to Sudan, the UDJ leadership is mute. When the brave EPPF army chased away the occupying Sudanese army, the UDJ leadership called the method used by the brave fighters “backward.”
Enough Is Enough! Ethiopia has seen so many of her own children betray her. Today’s generation of Ethiopians must take the responsibility to confront and expose UDJ and all the other fake ‘opposition’ groups that are helping the Woyanne vampire regime prolong its destructive rule over our country.
LISTEN THE PRESS CONFERENCE HERE
PART 1 [podcast]http://www.kinijitla.org/Audio/Birtukan_Oct_12_08_Part_1.mp3[/podcast]
PART 2 [podcast]http://www.kinijitla.org/Audio/Birtukan_Oct_12_08_Part_2.mp3[/podcast]
57 thoughts on “UDJ joins the camp of traitors”
Woyane once again will use UDJ, the way it used Beyene, Lidetu, Ayele Chamiso etc before. Most of the UDJ leaders are either very old, or unemployed. They need money for their survival. Therefore, woyane need these kinds of people. But, the major problem is that the Diaspora will never learn from its past mistakes. The Diaspora wasted its money on Lidetu, Beyene, etc and what was the result? Once again UDJ will collect money from the Daspora to accomplish the work given by the woyane: they visit Western embassies, and legalize the next election for woyane. Woyane, as usual will get international recognition and financial aid. In the mean time, as usual the Diaspora will defend the UDJ, and cover their expense (this time more than 7 million birr!).
Elias, everything you have said is to the point and it cant be said better. You always have great ideas that have no match. I admire your very enlightening analysis. Only one thing though, you are saying them from a safe place. If you want us to accept or believe those great ideas, join the ranks and face the fire they are facing. Talk is cheap. In the traditional way, Burtukan is acting like a man and you are acting like a woman. Stop bluffing from the outside. Any one can do what you are doing. But not many can do what the lady is doing. I am not her supporter either but just because you want your websites rating to increase so that you can make more money on adds, you have to dehumanize young and old. Is there really god, soon you will discover the existence of the lord himself. God has patience but it is not infinite.
Elias
Are you for armed struggle? then obviously you would demonise those who are for peaceful struggle.
UDJ leaders have always been for peaceful struggle and their problem does not lie here but on the way they conduct that peaceful struggle, their naive and unsystematic approach. First of all, they should have been in the parliament for the past 3 or 4 years, that would have given them the political platform they need to rally the people. They have to restart this process again. They have learned their lesson.
peaceful struggle is not for impatient and emotionally charged people.
It is not weather one supports an armed struggle or a peaceful one that is the issue here. Can anyone who supports UDJ tell me what they are aiming to achieve without the 8 points. Some of their members will get a seat in parliament like Lidetu and Beyene and then what? Couldn’t they have done that after the 2005 election before going to prison? In fact, they would have more bodies in the parliament and a bit more sympathy from the public at large. Now after 3 years, they want to go back to where they were but with less supporters and a wiser Woyane who would not let them have any more than a dozen seats, no access to media, no semblance of freedom to the same kind of gathering they enjoyed prior to the 2005 election, simply because they are only too happy to not even ask for the basic rights. So if that is not a step backward, I don’t know what is. Only Woyane will come out a winner from their participation. They will legitimise the so called democratic process woyane preaches about on the one hand and keep away the Diaspora from focussing on a meaningful struggle that will make a difference on the other.
ኤልያስ የምትሠራው ሥራ ማጣትህንና “ሥራ ከመፍታት ልጄን ላፋታት” ያሉትን አባት ሆንክብን። አሜሪካ ቁጭ ብሎ የፈለጉትን መናገር ቢቻልም ዞሮ ዞሮ የወያኔ እጅ አዙር አገዛዝ ካሠራቸው ወይም ካወራቸው ሰዎች አንዱ መሆንህን እያየን ነው። እግዜር ከእሥራትህ ይፍታህ!!!
ለወ/ሪት ብርቱካን ግን ወንድ በጠፋበት ዘመን ወንዶችንም ተክታ እየታገለች ያለች አርበኛ መሆኗን ስለመስከርክላት ድል በድል እያደረካት ነው። በዚህ ግን በርታ።
Please Elias stop attacking opposition parties who happen to
have a different openion.They are doing their best under circumstances.
I think they have their own priorities.They must organize
properly before they go into offensive.Even Ginbot7 has done
nothing when it comes to starvation and ceding Ethiopian land.Please, we have to be patient.
Pease!1
Samuel
you are a dumb rotten loser
I have always appreciated the Eiditor`s critical and straightforward way of analying and presebting issues.
The UDJP led by W/T Birtukan Midekssa is predetermined to be a loyal and escorting party. This is to be expected with the pro-Meles Persons like Temesgen Zewdie having a key position in the party. The group which has formed the UDJP do not represent Kinijit and can not struggle for and promote its democratic and unity agenda. W/T Birtkuna was not part of the struggle and had just joined Kinijit after the election (September 2005. The Pro-Woyanne faction within the former KINIJIT have created the political mess inorder to pave the way for creating a loyal party that would serve Meles Zenawi.
ELIAS GOOD COMMENT.
The fact that the UDJP will be an addition to Meles Zenawi`s group of loyal parties is not surprising. The issue of functioning as a loyal or genuine opposition party was the chief cause for the division of the former Kinijit. Now that the faction led by Ms. Birtukan has joined Meles Zenawi`s loyalist camp, her blind admirers and supporters should pose for a moment and revise their blunder. Those who have contributed money should demand accountability since the contributions were made to support the struggle, not loyalty to Meles Zenawi. Meles Zenawi and his western masters can support the UDJP since the party has abandoned the public agenda and submitted to the will of the tyrant. and continuing the
eliase
Whate is wrong with you one you said the birtkuna is Lady librety. why don,t you leave her alone do you bussines we the belivers of peacefully strugel we will suport her. You have to respect my and others choices inculding birtkuna choice. I think now you are crossing the line Enough is Enough. It is better to behave other wise thier will be a consqunce on your crediblity and the rank of your page thier might be a boqute on your webpag.
It cannot be expressed any better. UDJ is a traitor.
Wake up the people of Ethiopia! wether it is UDJ or others the whole purpose of all of these mushrooming parties are to disingrate Ethiopia and Ethiopians by the evil weyane. Ethiopia don’t need a multi party system; what Ethiopia need is peace and tranquility with in and out. This whole multi party system that was invented by Meles and his Eritrean advisors are to create a mess and mistrust among the all Ethiopian citizens. If Meles and his Eritrean advisors are interested in a party system then how come the people of Tigry don’t have another party other than weyane; why are the people of Amhara, Oromia, Somalia, Afar, S.Ethiopia, and others allowed to have a multiple parties but Tigry state to have only one party: WEYANE. To many Ethio intellectuals fell to weyane trap of multi parties and continue to fall on the same trap. Please wake up and stop falling to the trap of weyanes divide and rule of the same house and the same people!
We need bold and straitforward journalists like the editor of Ethiopian Review, Elias Kifle. We have to have the courage and stamina to call a spade a spade. UDJP is saying good bye to the 8 preconditions of Kinijit, abandoning the struggle and joining the array of good for nothing loyalist or false opposition groups. Many Ethiopioans have sacrificed their lives and resources for the peacrful struggle of Kinijit which is centered around the 8 preconditions or democratic demands. I remember the Lady Birtukan saying in her speech in the US, the path we had taken was wrong. Now it is becoming obvious that she and her supporters had initiated a power struggle within Kinijit with the view to kijack the party and make it a loyal opposition serving Meles Zenawi. The true colour and motives of the destructive pro-woyanne which was able to infiltrate the former popular Kinijit is revealed. The misled supporters should now pen their eyes and see the reality of who is the genuine opposition and who is working to support Meles Zenawi. Supporters should not provide any financial assiastance to any loyal opposition including UDJP. Ethiopia has her heroes who can save her from her enemies like Meles Zenawi. These heroes deserve the support and encouragement of all democratic, country and peace loving Ethiopians.
Elias TEBAREK for exposing Brtukan and the so called Andnet party, the new Woyanne condom.
As far as i am concerned i dont see any difference between Lidetu’s party and Brtukan’s party. At least Lidetu was elected by ethiopians and won Addi selection . Brtukan never participated in election.
Brtukan, who is a graduate of weyane civil college said infront of US congress that there are only 100 political prisoners in ethiopia and all are released.
If that is the case why ER insult Eng.Hailu Shawel at the time of division when they were in US for the work visit?
LOL the 6 month deadline must have passed ….
Elias,
I cannot tell it better than you do. You are to the point and the ultimate truth.
Especially the professor mesfin comment is disgusting. Of course his examples are foreigners instead of Ethiopia’s brave leaders. To me he is having the upper hand in UDJ to make the party submissive. I do not see I am going to spend a penny to UDJ any more.
Please keep educate some infantile supporters of the professor Mesfin and Birtukan by bring such evidence.
Again thank you for being the most unwavering stand against woyane and opportunists and corrupt oppostions.
wey gud
Tezibt said it all and everything. The Editor is great but not on this matter. A little green behind ears when it comes to understand what it means and what it takes to be a leader of very poor people and a big country of complicated history. I have respect to Atse Tewodros, Minilik or Dejach Balcha or whoever;Let us not also forget the Amhara dominant rulling system in the past regimes that caused many especially the Oromo- striping their rich culture; and the Menz poor Amhara- enslaving them inspite of their likeness in ethnicity. The history is not bed of roses; it had all the grudges and scars. EPRDF’s approach was good in principle but very damaging in practice in some ways. Now people like Birtukan and Professor Mesfin envisioned another option that look promising. Let us wait and see, perhaps support them in their endeavor. WE got to stop being infatuating in our past though it is our history; we have got to make history that takes us out from the hook of poverty
Tedy
Elias,
For the first time I agree with you. The professor and cos. are not trust worthy. They have been selling out the trust that was bestowed upon Kinijit by the Ethiopian people. Do they have any principle not to compromise! Where is the limit of their submissiveness! What is the use of taking part at Meles’s mock election! How many times and how many number of peacefull protesters shoul be killed by Woyane in the name of election! Why should a lose of so many innocent lives, just for the sake of securing Parliamentary seats for those treators such as Birtukan and cos instead of making sacrifice for real victory, i.e. removing woyane from powe and saving the unity of Ethiopia & establishing a democratic political system.
Elias: we told you repeatedly that the current leadership of UDJ and your Dr.Brehanu came to the United States last year september with the invitation of CIA and the State Department.
If you remember, there was a news from the indian ocian newsletter that states the CIA wants Kinijit and other parties to remain as loyal oppositions creating the very first rift among Kinijit top officials. But then, you were blind and gave a deaf ear for everyone due to the hate you have towards Hailu Shawel. It is sad to see that it took you more that a year to realize the mischeivious activity of UDJ’s. And it is even much sad to see many Ethiopians still see UDJ officials as heros.
Then i question myself saying that, is there some thing wrong with us, Ethiopians? surely, our thinking is so primitive and it takes us years to understand things. it is so discouraging and such things lead many to remain a silent majority and easy rule for TPLF.
As Woyanne currently starves millions of Ethiopians, all the opposition leadership remains mute. When international human right watch groups raise alarms about the genocide in Ogaden and Somalia, all the opposition leadership is mute. When U.S. senators work on a bill to stop aid to Woyanne, the UDJ leadership is mute. When Meles admitted to giving Ethiopian territory to Sudan, the UDJ leadership is mute. When the brave EPPF army chased away the occupying Sudanese army, the UDJ leadership called the method used by the brave fighters backward.
This trend needs to stop.All oposition parties need equaliy protest on all this occurances.Where are the opposition parties when ethiopians are dying in somali.So called parlament? does any one pay a visit to the army?
IT is all fack in TPLF ethiopia
Elias it seems you scored high for your masters but,I heard the interview and has nothing to do with what you said.The time is changed elias you dont get it!
Let me advice you , you better change yourself.
But,you don get me!
I APPRECIATE ELIAS FOR SPEAKING BOLD and Clear, However this time you are making a grave mistake.
First of all,
1) UDJ is a party having who chose the line of peaceful struggle,
2) 3 months old since it’s formation…very very young party
3) As a party they should be prepared for eletcion and mobilize the public, even they may not take part in the election if the ground is not somehow open.
……..so let’s give them time, support them, there is ample time to criticise…..SO CHECK AGAIN YOUR STAND
It is undoubtedly self-evident that Mr. Elias retains the right to his opinion. He felt disappointed by this change of stand by UDJ and he is perfectly entitled to do so. He also has the right to use any civil terms to describe the individuals involved in the story as long as those terms are not slandering and derogatory. I also think that Ms Birtukan has the right in her convictions no matter how she changes them. It is up to others to make their own decision to follow or abandon her. Mr. Elias has decided to abandon her and that is his right that can not be violated. After visiting his website for quite a while, it is my observation that Mr. Elias is an honest nationalist and decent man. He loves Ethiopia as one and harmonious state made up of different ethnic groups and nationalities. What is wrong with that? He seems determined not to sell out on this issue. How noble is that?!!! I respect him a lot for this unwavering stand. Sometimes he can be emotional but that is ok. He is a grown up adult and he has learned a lot from his years of journalistic experience. So leave him alone. And let’s sit back and watch what UDJ’s fate is going to be in the next few months or years. I don’t believe the current regime is going to relinquish power no matter how small to any outsiders. Isn’t that the norm with all African states? She and her chameleon professor may be up to writing their own undoing and fatal demise (politically). Am I wrong?
Elias is entitled to express his view regarding the different political party’s stand on a range of issues.He may be a bold critique to the woyane regime and those who collaborate with it.In the ever changing political atmosphere he can support a certain party or personality today based on its performance today.If the personality or party fails to live up to its promises,Elias,not only entitled,is expected to criticize it.Otherwise it is called unprofessionalism.Therefore Mrs Mideksa is not an exception.
For those of you who criticize Elias for writing from abroad,your critique should be directed the other way.It doesn’t mean that millions in Ethiopia do not share his idea if they have the chance to.I am one of them.Thank you!
I understood the writer’s intention like ‘midir tor amchi’, and the writer doesn’t care about the poor Ethiopians or it looks like that he don’t know the present situation in Ethiopia. I strongly disagree with the idea of going to war with ‘weyane’. ‘Weyane’ is merciless and has shown it so many times practically. I think UDJ is not a group of the so called ‘Diaspora’s’, they are truly the children of Ethiopia and you can’t criticize them. Ethiopians are suffering after the ‘mircha 97’, nobody shares the difficulties they passed through and are passing through. You look like that you are trying to decide the future of these poor miserable people. So it is better to think before you tell us what you feel. All the so called ‘Diaspora’, please think what you are trying to tell us, and thank you for your good thinking!!! Ethiopia and Ethiopians needs a party like UDJ living in Ethiopia and feeling our pain. Hope to read some good news from you onwards.
God bless Ethiopia!
Lots of crap!
Elias, what good are you doing by demonizing specified group of individuals? It really is dump of you to think that by attacking the peacefull struggle, you will strength the armed struggle. This, in essence is a wrong calculation. Everyone will be convinced of the utility of armed struggle if you, the so-called armed struggle architect, come out with feasible paln and strength to accomplish it. Otherwise don’t just bit whatever you got, like a mad dog. You really are one kind of moron that age will never sharpen. I regret the times when I thought you were smart. You are not. You are only one crap of parochial mind. N.B., I am not condemning the strategy of armed struggle, I rather bieve that it is the most realistic option right now, but I don’t see the need to belittle and demonize those who thought otherwise, and I believe that this is the rational way to end our peoples’ suffering.
Elias – To the point!
What is the point of going to an election again after having a fraudelent one in 2005? In 2005 we had Ana Gomez, Jimmy Carter, the EU & the world community wittnessing one of the most stupid ballot stealing. This time the Woyannies said no more int’l observers. So what did Birtukan and Mesfin saw in the Woyannies which the Ethiopian people didn’t see? Yacob said the NEB is independent! Mesfin said the Woyannies are not enemies even though they killed hundereds and divide a country! Birtukan said we should look at ourselves instead of always blaming the Woyannies! So the rotten Diaspora should go figure – but the Ethiopian people have already found out and written of the elite opportunists of UDJ long time ago.
Today UDJ accompanied by the US Embassy in Addis, the EU, by the VOA and the Woyannie press – are doing everything they can to beat Lidetu & Beyene in serving the Woyannies.
And the money? It comes from all direction – the memebership contribution is a cover for a new party which doesn’t have 10 thousnad members. It is good for the unemployed UDJ members but very dangerous for Ethiopia.
Oh! By the way – directly from a manual written by the CIA to the TPLF:
CUDP
– First strike – arrest the leader of the CUDP and divide them in prison!
-Strike #2 – recruit the opportnists and label them moderates then alienate the radical one’s.
-Strike #3 – corner the opportunists and make them serve you as a dog.
Repeat the manual at the OLF:
The manual is repeated on the sequency above
Strike #1: Divide the OLF by creating the AFD
Stike #2: recruit the opportnists and label them moderates then alienate the radical one’s.
Strike #3: corner the opportunists and make them serve you as a dog.
The team of the OLF leadership which calls itself moderates are on their way to Addis to negotiate Zenawi.
What a brillance move by the devlish Zenawi!
Any vision that is different from Elias Kifle the great one must encompass traiters. At least Birtukan and professor Mesifin are at home inside the fire. They did not run out out of the country. Even those who vouch for armed struggle are sitting in their comfortable home in the west excpecting some one to fight for them. I see a luck of vision by the editor to just keep randomly call every one who disagree with him as a traitor. We want to see the Editor to be in the fire place and see how the fire burns. Then, may be then, when he calls some one a traitor we may agree. I say put or shut up.
Saturday 11 October 2008
By Tesfa-alem Tekle
October 10, 2008 (ADDIS ABABA) — A breakaway faction of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) will resume soon talks in Addis Ababa with a negotiating team drawn from Ethiopian elders.
The agreement was reached after an Ethiopian negotiating team led by Professor Efrem Yisahk held first round talks with the OLF leaders in the Netherlands.
During their first round talks which stayed 3 days from sep19-21, the negotiating team including Ethiopian Ambassador to Netherland and Pastor Daniel Gebreslase, has met and discussed with OLF top leaders including Lencho Leta, Ababya Aba-jabir and Dima Nego.
After the discussion The OLF leaders have agreed to hold second round talks at home in the near future.
The governments of Netherland, Norway and Germany have helped financially for the success of the talks.
The move is hailed by politicians as a big step forward in bringing national reconciliation.
In July 2007, Ethiopia granted amnesty to 38 opposition figures, including several CUD members and leaders, convicted of inciting violence following disputed general elections were released after having been in detention since the elections of 2005
Professor Efrem Yisahk was one of the former amnesty committee who enabled a successful negotiation for the release of those opposition figures who were expecting at least life sentence for an alleged post-election violence that left scores dead.
Two months ago OLF branch in Asmara has encountered internal division on its leadership which divided it into two albeit.
The OLF National Council, in a press release issued on October 5, accused the splinter group of usurping the OLF leadership by “unconstitutional means.”
The National Council also called for the unity of Oromo organisation and urged them to stand up against all actions to undermine the Oromo interests.
Established in1973, Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), fights for the liberation of the southern Oromo region, alleging government discriminates the Oromos, largest ethnic people of the nation.
Dear Elias,
Wow! What a true, what a brave Ethiopian!
Even those who do not agree with you should admire and respect your courage, admire you for not mincing your words, for you deep, genuine and incorrigble concern for Ethiopia.
You are a lone voice of reason … reason seasoned with national pride. I admire you. Stay brave!
I donot agree with the UDJ participation in the comming election;they will definately lose if they run to win power,but if they aim gaining more seats that makes sense to me.Eventhough I strongly support their ideas I donot believe they are ready to take power.
When it comes to Eliase’s comment I would say it is obsolet to folow the path of Emperors Teodros and Yohanis,then it was vital to wege war using force.In this generation the issue is an ideological struggle between citizens of Ethiopia,we need to use our mined,and spirit.
That is what UDJ is doing.
It is Eliases strong perspective to follow the Emperor’s path, then he should move to Ethiopia and show the new generation how to shoot a gun.
UDJ should never cause any incident that results in the death of innocent citizens,UDJ would rather lose the election than being cause of death, chaos ,and instability.
I think only this time I agree with the editor, but the problem is he is still short sighted. He blew with the wind and supported Birtukan and demonized the real fighters. elias has to go further more and identify the real Ethiopians instead of jumping up and down with people like Berhanu or Mesfin. I am a believer that humans are capable of learning from their mistakes and hopefully elias will do too. Birukan and her group are working directly for a foreign power. remeber the 20 million budget to dismember Ethiopia? that is the money UDJ and the so called Ginbot 7 are using now. People, truth will not die it just stays late. I am a very strict critic, I don’t give credit for nothing but this time I gave credit to Elias until he come up with his attack aginst a good Ethiopian who are still keeping the promise that says without the 8 points no deal.
Hi Elias,
Bertukan’s party is not what you painted. In fact it is the exact opposit of what you said. Your commentary is inaccurate and misleading.For contrast see the balanced commentary on Ethiomedia. See also the full text of what she said. In short you are putting your words on her mouth. That is a very bad journalism, and indeed a bad activism.
If you do not like to vote for her you should shut up. What you are doing is a counter propoganda for Woyanne. How can a person with a right mide equate Beyene with Bertukan?
FYI Bertukan comes from a very poor backgroundfamily; her brother was killed by the the red terror when she was only 3 years old; she is a role model for Ethiopian women:-She is a lawyer with integrity and determination, she comes from urban background with the an ethnic mix from the two major cultural groups. If there is any ideal leader, she is the one; not the ones that are being groomed from Asmara!
As to whether she will sell the struggle, well we have not seen that. Andenet is also working in collective leadership team, guided by renowned lawyers, academics and senior citzens. She is supported by millions! The evidence speaks for itself. She will not be a mercenary of Isayas. Andenet is the voice of the voiceless!
Yehdega Itiopis.
Asefa kebed yebrtukanena ybeyne leunet seme kakhon yemsrut sera gen and new
I am as opposed to woyane’s dictatorship as anyone. Just because Birtukan chose to participate in the elections does not make her a traitor. This kind of over the top remarks will only help woyane in marginilizing everybody.
There is no silver bullet solution to our situation in Ethiopia. All kinds of participation—legally in parliament and with real time resistance like G7 is doing should be encouraged.
If you think woyane will be defeated by short wave radio, saddle up for decades of ride. A woyane with a control of half of the parliament is easier to defeat than a woyane with absolute control of the parliament. But, hey, this is Ethiopian politics, arguably the most retarded people on earth.
Elias, the Bill O’Rielly of Ethiopia!
When are you going to be civil and respect peoples right. If Birtukan and UDJ decide to have a peaceful struggle, why can’t you let them do just that? The time for my way or the high way has long gone…. This is our time! This is the time we have been waiting for! GoBama!!!
We Need New leadership, new Mentality and new techniques to take us to a better future.
Elias, Cut loose and let them lead positivly
The likes of Lidetu Ayalew, Beyene Petros, Ayele Chamiso, Birtukan Mideqsa, and Mesfin Woldemariam are showing us again and again that they have no respect to the 80 million Ethiopians who put their trust in them.
In fact this shows how the above mentioned despise the Ethiopian people.And for that they deserve the hate of all Ethiopians.
Just do not give support(financial or otherwise) to those traitors, treat them as outcasts and make sure they fail in their endeavors, frustrate their plan, after all they all depend on those who support and elect them. Pay them back, also to send a warning signal to other potential traitors that such behaviour does not pay.
The article is the idea of the Editor. Pure and simple.
Main points:
1- Remove EDRDF by any means.
2- Peaceful participation can be achieved with the
condition of 8 points only.
In respect of UDJP the stand is clear and simple.
Main points:
1- Peaceful struggle without any condition and
no other alternative.
The editor felt that it is cheating to take the same
stand of the remaining peaceful loyal opposition parties
whom UDJP leadership and supporters were bad mouthing
for the last three years.
In a nutshell the grouping are defined clearly as follows:
Peaceful struggle parties
– EPDRF
– UEDP-MEDHIN
– Many others ethnic and multi-parties
– UDJP (new addition)
Peaceful struggle parties with 8 points condition:
– AEDP
– ???
By any means necessary:
– ONLF
– OLF
– EPPF & others with similar agenda
– GENBOT7 (new addition)
All the above declared their positions, therefore based
on our belief each has the right to express his/her stand
as it fits.
Kudos Elias for your clarity, though am not falling in
your line of thought.
At last one question to UDJP party supporters.
Why do you insult Lidetu/Dr. Petros/Dr. Mirara….
and support Mideksa? What are their difference?
Cheers
Elias,
I can understand your disappontment for your expectation was unrealistic. You used to adore Lady Liberty with out considering the mission she has. Lady Liberty got such influencial position just for she is Oromo. The so called Hibre-biher parties like CUD wanted to have a significant Oromo representation, so they made her vice-chair-person.
But fact is that Birtukan doesn’t represent Oromo’s interest. Just for the sake of question: what is her position on the right of Oromos to self-determination? Is she ready to join FDD (Forum for Democratic Dialog), which she diskredited as “those who are based on ethnic poletics”, that is what she said to Prof Beyene’s party? I am sure, that she will get no support from Oromos in the coming election she long for. With out getting Oromo’s support, forget about winning election in that empire, even if it is free and fair. I know Oromos prefer OPDO to any UNITARIST pary!!!
hi, elias
i can not believe birtukan and her friends decide to accompany woyane and help meles and his gangesters to stay in power forever. they know they can not win the so called 2010 election. as usual woyane,,throw them few seats,,and they gonna join lidetu and beyene to wag their tails for woyanne and worship him as long as possible.
how sad it is?…i used to have a lot of faith specially on birtukan. my respect and love for her gone. my God. many people thought her the future of ethiopia. how come she did to the people they trusted her. very sad…a tragedy for her too.
i can guess what meles and his gangesters plan? they give her and some of her friends a kind of ministerial position,,or sort of reward for their loyality. all the fighting was just for this? kneeling down and kissing woyanne hand (soaked with innocent blood),to get something for personal gain. betraying the people?,,for me and many ethiopians,, udjp is dead in our hearts.
please, every body out there do not waste your money and energy on sth that is dead.the so called udjp has surrendered to woyane,,so they do not need struggle. woyanne can give them money and assistance. i do not see any reason why any body contribute money. indirectly, we helping woyanne..watch,,God bless ethiopia.
listen up,,people,,
Hey Elias!
Don’t see things from your own persepective and beliefs only! you might find this the right way even for you to visit your country.
Good Day!
There are some who believe in taking part in woyannes parliament and elections. The whole process starting from vote casting to counting and releasing the election results are controlled by the woyannes(Their election Board). Then the woyannes in line with their main objective of enhancing their image amomg their western donors, will allocate parliamentary seats to the loyal opposition as some kind of reward for being part of their drama. The woyanne given seats have not served any public purpose other than feeding those who take their seats as allocated by them. The past woyanne elections have proved all this and it will not change unless the woyannes are removed and an all inclusive political space is created. Thus the silly argument that one can make a difference through taking part in the woyannes sham drama can not hold any water. It is just a lame justification being used by some politicians to share some benefits with the woyannes and promote their personal interests. It is very disgusting for the UDJP to be part of woyannes sham process and earn their living this way.
G7 has taken the right course and UDJP should also review its position or policies regarding woyanne`s elections and parliament. There are already enough loyal oppositon groups escorting Meles Zenawi and UDJP does not fit in there. UDJP should be a struggling not an escorting party.
I don’t understand why the dropped off the 8 points. Aren’t they the coner stones of any democratic system? Weren’t them the reasons for Kinijit not joining the the fake parliament and the subsequent imprisonment of the leadership? Was it a mistake to ask free press, independent judiciary, police, military and security forces….? Have UDJ leaders attained enlightnment after they were released from jail to make such turn arround of the basic principles that the party stands for?
Some people confuse peaceful struggle with submission or begging of the regime.No sane person prefers armed struggle if there is a space for peaceful struggle. The room was relatively good before election 2005. But now things are different. Woyane is closing every narrow hole for peacefull struggle and try to build a communist state.
I really appreciate the Ethiopianreview editor for he has reveled the true nature of those who split up Kinijit in such a way fooling everybody. People who know the reason why Birtukan and the gang instead of going to Kinijit members i Ethiopia and started gathering new names to form the new party, they have showed as that they didn’t want to save Kinijit but kil CUDP and form a Weyanne puppet party.
As we Ethiopians say ‘Teb Yalesh Be Dabo’ like dispute within Kinijit created by these people is being more and more clear for all of us. Those who did not weak up, I urge you to open your ayes and your ears.
Thanks again Elias. Although sometimes you make mistakes you are at list honest to yourself. Keep on the good job.
I am not a cheer leader for an armed struggle, but that is the only way to get rid off these parasites. If some of us are hoping to win the upcoming election, either we are nieve or don’t understand the tplf at all. The tplf is a rebel force that took power through violent means, and it has made it clear at the outset it will never relinquish power through whatever means. The participation of UDJP in the elction would make the tplf look democtractic and give it more time to continue its reign of terror with less opposition from the world community. I am convinced the only hope for the liberation of our country is the EPPF and the other opposition forces working together. Please Elias if you can show us how the tplf has orginized it’s power structure from the prime minister to the lowest level and how they managed to control the entire so called EPRDF organization.
Elias,
You are entitled to your views, however make sure you dont creat an illusion.
At the same time you are becoming more attrative to EPRP retiree groups and weyane cadres, as I can clearly notice from the majority of the commentators.
Those who strongly condemn Britukan along with the loyal oppostions groups of beyene and lidetu with the exclusive of DEDEB Hailu shawel are obviously the memebers of the EPRP cultish group that have no favor for Birtukan at all.
Anyway, Elias, You can disagree with the principles that UDJ proposed to do, but dont expose the UDJ for the idle members of EPRP ego group and weyane mouth media criminal cadre groups, regardless UDJ ,which is one of the best party that has a very firm strategy from the peaceful struggle perspective in Ethiopia as opposed your view.
I am not hear to argue about the fact, but Elias dont be driven by a few UDJ claim moron and idiot supporters response to generalize your myth. You have to bear in mind that UDJ is highly supported by those who are very smart and admire, respect and acknowledege your best credit to fight against the Weyane criminal group.
Those who feels supporters of UDJ but practically declearing against the will of UDJ are simply morons who didnt even understand the strategy of UDJ that acquires best path.
In any case, I still dont beleive that weyane would give up power using peaceful struggle, but admires the efforts of leaders and members of UDJ, as I strognly support the way of the movement of Ginbot 7.
Lest discontinue the gap that is opened for EPRP and weyane groups. and Lets not give another chance for mercieneries that want to kill and drag our struggle, as they did in Kinijit.
Viva Ginbot 7
Shame to hailu shawel moron supporters and EPRP retiree ego members….
Death to all members and HODAM and racist supporters of weyane
Again, Elias and others like him who differed from UDJ have the right to do so. I can see also some of them go even further to prescribe violence as the only means to solution. Is it not a glaring fact that violence has been perpetrated for centuries for right or wrong in that country already and it has been deemed a reason for getting stuck at the same spot for so long? The world has changed a lot since the 60’s and 70’s thanks to the information highway. That is a very powerful weapon in exposing tyrants and corruption in any country. Just look at this website. I bet you those individuals who rule that country now worry a lot about what Elias and his website is going to expose next. I can even start to imagine how many times to refrain from committing blatant crimes upon the opposition and Elias does not have a single soldier under his command. But he has them shivering in their boots. I hope and pray that he will stay put and will not sell sooner or any time in the future. He has no reason to do so. He has made so many friends like me from using his website and the forum he has made available to everyone. I am not saying that you can not criticize him. In fact I encourage every reader to do so if and when you see it necessary. He is a big boy and I am sure he can handle that. I never had the privilege to meet him personally. But I feel that I have already done so just from visiting his website. God Bless Him and May God Save Those Poor People Who Long For Peace and Comfortable Life Now and Forever!!!!!!
Elias, I heard the audio and did not hear what you mentioned above. I think the UDJ is the only opposition party that stand for the people of Ethiopia. I just don’t understand why you falsely accuse UDJ helping Woyanne? Knowing your stand the UDJ invited you to the press conference, we have seen how the other opposition parties work.