Press Release by Kinijit DC Chapter

Kinijit DC Metro Ethiopian community turned up en mass to celebrate the freedom of Kinijit leaders. Even though the meeting was called at short notice, the Washington Plaza Hotel was filled to capacity. The mood was jubilant and was crowned with even more excitement as many of the freed leaders addressed the gathering via phone from Addis Ababa.

Muluneh Iyoel, Secretary General of Kinijit gave an inspiring and forward looking speech. Ato Gizachew Shiferaw, Dr. Hailu Araya, Dr. Yacob Woldemariam, Ato Abyneh Berhanu, and Ato Debebe Eshetu expressed gratitude and admiration to all Ethiopians in the Diaspora for their relentless struggle. They reminded the gathering that the struggle for freedom and democracy is an unfinished business and our perseverance is needed more than ever before, fortified with experience and wisdom. Other Kinijit leaders were not readily available due to telephone connection problems.

The message of these national heroes was repeatedly interrupted by “Elilta” and spirited applause in an expression of support and admiration. Despite the time difference, the heroes stayed up late to address their loving countrymen.

The meeting was organized by Kinijit DC Metro Support Chapter and was addressed by Ato Yilma Adamu, Chairman of Kinijit DC Metro Support Chapter; Dr. Moges Gebremariam, Ato Berhane Mewa and Dr. Gebrye W. Rufael of Kinijit International Leadership and Dr. Abraham Bekele representing Kinijit North America Association of Support Organizations.

Leaders of the newly established Kinijit Youth League, Tesfaye Mamo and Yenebeb Tesfaye also addressed the gathering.

The meeting ended with heightened spirit and with renewed commitment to stay the course until Ethiopia becomes a country where democracy prevails, where human right is respected and its people live in unison and harmony.

The community pledged to raise emergency fund to help Kinijit reopen its offices and to spread the Kinijit alternative way which was enthusiastically endorsed by the majority of Ethiopians during the 2005 election.

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