By Shakespear N. Feyissa, Esq.

On August 1, 2005, Ethiopia’s eleven current top governmental officials, including the Prime Minister, Mr. Meles Zenawi, and his spouse Mrs. Azeb Mesfin, in two separate lawsuits, filed a defamation and conspiracy action in Virginia Circuit court against individuals associated with Tensae and others. The lawsuit arises out of a report broadcast that alleges the top officials have deposited money in foreign accounts.

Clearly, the lawsuit by the afore-mentioned Plaintiffs was frivolous and lacks strong basis either in fact or law. Hanton Williams represented Meles & Co., the same Law Firm, which lose the arbitration against Eritrea in Hague. Tensae law team aggressively and successfully defended the lawsuit.

Although Plaintiffs (Meles & Co.) have taken a Non-lawsuit (tantamount to dismissal) unable to handle or resist the legal pressure from Tensae’s legal team in both cases they filed, Tensae will continue to legally pursue the Plaintiffs for malicious prosecution and damages. Tensae would like to use this opportunity to thank the numerous local, national, international, and numerous organizations and individuals for their support and alliance throughout this short lived legal ordeal. The legal battle will continue and Tensae shall not yield to the harassment and intimidation of dictators. Further, let it be known to all, if the Ethiopian government or individuals associated with it make similar illegitimate attempt, Tensae and its legal team will unleash a legal torrent against these forces.

P.S. Should you have further question regarding this matter, please contact Tensae’s attorney at the following address:

September 29, 2005

Shakespear N. Feyissa, Esq.
1001 4th Ave. Plaza Suite 3200
Seattle, WA 98154

• Phone (206) 292-1246 (Work)
• (206) 783-5853 (fax)