Berlin, Germany – When Haile Gebrselassie travelled to Berlin recently for a press conference staged by one of his sponsors, he said: “I am here for my next goal.” This Sunday the 34 year-old Ethiopian will run the real,- Berlin Marathon as the defending champion. But apart from winning his goal is obvious: Gebrselassie intends to break the World record, held by his big rival and friend Paul Tergat. The Kenyan ran 2:04:55 hours four years ago in Berlin.
“I have chosen Berlin, because this is the best course and there are incredible spectators – Berlin is great,” said Gebrselassie, who is a two-time Olympic and four-time World 10,000m champion and who has broken 23 World records and World bests so far. Last year he had won the Berlin Marathon in what remained the fastest time of the year. Clocking 2:05:56 he missed Tergat’s time by just 61 seconds.
“I had problems on the final three kilometers last year. That was because I had worked hard keeping the pace very high between 30 and 35 k, which was a mistake.” Still Gebrselassie clocked the seventh fastest time ever and became the fifth fastest Marathon runner in Berlin 2006.
Fast follow-up in Fukuoka
Little more than two months later he achieved another novelty of which there are so many in his unique career. He took the Fukuoka Marathon in 2:06:52. Never before had a marathon runner clocked two sub 2:07 times within such a short period of time. In 2005 Gebrselassie had been the fastest marathon runner of the year as well with his 2:06:20 win from Amsterdam. If he should be again number one at the end of this year this would be a rare triple as well. So far this year the world’s fastest time stands at 2:07:19 from Mubarak Shami (Qatar), who had won Paris.
This spring Gebrselassie had a true nightmare marathon experience, when he dropped out of the start-studded field in the London Marathon. “Suddenly I could not breathe properly and had to give up. That was very sad. I could not sleep at all the night after that – and this experience still follows me until today,” he said. Later on a pollen allergy was diagnosed. “I had a number of allergy tests in the past months. But the good thing about Berlin is – there will be no pollen at this time of the year here.”
Impressive outings on the track
Already in the early track season Gebrselassie bounced back from the London flop. In Hengelo he clocked a world class time in the 10,000m with 26:52.81. “At the age of 34 no one has ever run under 27 minutes,” Gebrselassie is quick to point out. A few weeks later in Ostrava he went on to improve the World record in the one hour race (21,285 meters) and on the way broke the 20,000m mark as well (56:25.98 minutes). Those two track races he ran without spikes to protect his Achilles tendon, which makes his achievements even more remarkable.
Central Park cruise
At the beginning of August Gebrselassie ran his final test before Berlin, winning the New York Half Marathon in a world class time of 59:24 minutes. “Taking into account the tough course it was a great time. The first 11 kilometers are hilly in Central Park – honestly, if it would have been a flat course, I would have run 58 minutes flat.” The half marathon world record stands at 58:33. “Fortunately Berlin is not Central Park.”
‘You always have to aim high’
“I feel that I can achieve something outstanding in Berlin,” said Gebrselassie, who increased his weekly mileage in the surroundings of Addis Ababa during the buildup to Berlin to 250km (156 miles). “To become stronger in the last part of the marathon I increased my speed in the final part of my training runs.”
During much of the press conference Haile Gebrselassie remained cautious regarding a time goal. But at the end he was asked to start a marketing campaign for adidas, in which runners are asked to show their motivation for running by a drawing. Haile Gebrselassie did a line drawing, showing himself and then wrote underneath it: ‘2:03:00 – I will show you.’ Then he explained: “Well, 2:04 would be okay as well. You always have to aim high.”
By The Ad Hoc Coordinating Committee for Kinijit Leadership Delegation Visit to the U.S.
WEEK IN REVIEW
On September 26, 2007, official Kinijit Delegation members attended the House Foreign Affairs Committee mark-up of H.R. 2003. Ato Gizachew Shiferra, Dr. Hailu Araya and Ato Brook Kebede met with a number of Congressional leaders including H.R. 2003 author Donald Payne, Congressman Chris Smith, Chairman Tom Lantos and others after the bill was unanimously passed by the committee and sent to the floor. The Delegation members expressed their deepest gratitude to the lawmakers for their support of freedom, democracy and human rights in Ethiopia. The lawmakers expressed their appreciation to the delegates for their sacrifices and contributions to the cause of democracy in Ethiopia.
Delegation members with Congressman Chris Smith
The presence of the former political prisoners accentuated the Committee’s awareness for expedited legislative action to help improve the human rights situation in Ethiopia.
On September 25, the Delegation met with Congressman Michael Honda, Chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Ethiopia. They discussed various current issues dealing with the political and economic situation in Ethiopia.
On September 23, 2007, the Delegation met with members of the Boston support group and discussed various matters of mutual interest. The Delegation later visited the widows of CUD activists in Boston who died in a car accident following a CUD event one day after Delegation members were released from prison.
During their stay in Boston, Delegation members met with a number of state and local leaders including the Governor of Massachusetts, the Speaker of the Massachusetts Assembly and a number of other members of the Assembly. The Delegation thanked the lawmakers for passing a resolution in the Massachusetts legislature earlier in the year urging their release from prison and for supporting human rights in Ethiopia. The Delegation also met with the District Director of Congressman Michael E. Capuano.
On September 23, 2007, two members of the Delegation traveled to Rochester, N.Y. to meet with support group members.
On September 22, 2007, two members of the Delegation issued a statement denying unfounded allegations concerning their lack of support for H.R. 2003. A report in the Hill newspaper misquoted two Delegation members and their support of H.R. 2003. Dr. Hailu Araya and Ato Gizachew Shiferraw had given the bill their full support at the March for Democracy on September 12. An email letter was sent to Hill reporter to make the correction.
On September 22, 2007, the Delegation traveled to Boston and was received by an enthusiastic crowd. The Delegation later attended a very successful fundraising dinner. Wzt. Bertukan, head of the official Delegation, appealed to Ato Hailu Shawel to join the Delegation and lead its U.S. tour.
On September 20, 2007, the Delegation visited Senator Russ Feingold’s (Chairman, African Subcommittee) office for a scheduled visit. Due to last minute changes, Sen. Fiengold was unavailable. The Delegation met with top staffers and discussed various matters relevant to Ethiopia. The Delegation expects to meet with Sen. Feingold in the foreseeable future.
On September 19, 2007, Delegation members met with Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) at a breakfast session. Delegation members expressed their deepest appreciation and gratitude to legislators and to the American people for their support during their prolonged detention, and for working to secure their release. Delegation members stressed their commitment to democratic values, the rule of law and human rights in Ethiopia. The meeting with the Senators was warm and informal.
Delegation members with Senators Baucus (L), Tester (R) of Montana
On the same day, the Delegation also met with Senator Patrick Leahy, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, in his office. Senator Leahy has been a strong supporter of human rights in Ethiopia. On August 5, 2007, Senator Leahy issued a Statement concerning the release of Kinijit political prisoners:
“I am pleased that Prime Minister Meles heeded the pleas of the Ethiopian people and the international community and released these prisoners. The fact is, none of them should have been arrested or tried in the first place. Their release was long overdue and is welcome… I hope the [Ethiopian] government acts expeditiously to release the remaining political detainees, and bring to justice police officers who used excessive force. I also hope the negotiations that resulted in the prisoners’ release will lead to further discussions between the government and the leaders of the opposition, to ensure that their political rights are fully restored and that future elections are not similarly marred.”
Senator Leahy has previously stated that, “The Senate Appropriations Committee is seeking assurance from the U.S. State Department that military assistance for Ethiopia is being adequately monitored and is not being used against civilians by units of Ethiopia’s security forces.”
The Delegation expressed its deepest gratitude to the Senator for his courageous and principled action in support of their innocence and in demanding their release and the release of all other political prisoners. The discussions with the Delegation were very productive.
The Delegation spent much of the morning dialoguing with top staffers from various senatorial offices including the ones mentioned above, Senator Sam Brownback and others. Extensive discussions were conducted on issues affecting Ethiopia, including human rights violations, poverty, terrorism, regional stability, and the democratization process.
The Delegation expects to meet and confer with a number of Senators and members of Congress during its stay in the U.S. Arrangements are underway for meetings with State Department officials.
Ato Negussie Nega coordinated the senatorial meetings with various members of the Coalition for H.R. 2003 in the Washington metro area and elsewhere.
Donald Payne delivers gift of freedom, democracy and human rights to Ethiopians
“It is a good day for Ethiopia. It is a Good Day for America.” – Donald Payne
September 26, 2007, the House Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously passed H.R. 2003, “Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007.”
The bill authored by Africa Subcommittee Chair Donald Payne provides funding and technical assistance to Ethiopia to improve human rights protections and build democratic institutions. H.R. 2003 has full bipartisan support in House, and is co-sponsored by 85 members.
For a detailed explanation of the bill in Amharic and English, click here:
At the mark-up hearing, Payne explained that the bill had been delayed for various reasons, but cautioned that “our democracy is a long and arduous trail” which takes time. He urged Zenawi’s regime to set free the “hundreds of prisoners still in prison” without just cause. He expressed his hope that Zenawi’s regime will be focused on such things as judicial reform, health care and democracy building. He said, “We would like for them to be our allies, but we can’t have people who disregard human rights.” He said the bill will be debated and passed on the House floor “in the near future”, and also be approved in the Senate and made into law once the president signs it.
The bill was debated vigorously by Committee members. Congressman Chris Smith explained that he met with Zenawi in August, 2005. At that time, Zenawi told him he “had a dossier on virtually all of the opposition leaders and it was a matter of time before all were arrested and charged with treason. And like any other petty dictator, he arrested these individuals.” Smith urged bipartisan support for the bill.
Congressman Dana Rorabacher explained that the bill is “vitally important” for Ethiopia. He said “Ethiopia could be a shining light of democracy” but a “a group of self-serving thugs ignored the democratic process and decided to hold power no matter what the election results were in Ethiopia. What shocked me most was when I learned that there were American Humvees armed with machine guns rolling the streets of Ethiopia murdering, maiming and terrorizing the population after the election into submission for a government that was not elected. This is not what American military assistance should be used for.”
Both Smith and Rorabacher hammered DLA Piper, the lobbying firm hired by Zenawi to defeat H.R. 2003. Rorabacher said, “There has been a strong lobbying effort. Top people from this Congress have been hired to come back and twist our arms. This is not right for members of Congress to do.” Smith added, “We got this bill passed in Committee in the last session of Congress” but “lobbyists, a high powered bi-partisan group killed the bill and never made it to the floor.”
Sheila Jackson Lee, who recently returned from a visit in Ethiopia, argued for continued engagement with Zenawi’s regime, but was very insistent that Zenawi observe the basic human rights of the Ethiopian people. She declared: “We want the people to stop suffering!”
Zenawi’s ambassador in Washington released a statement which repeated the tired and discredited canard that “this bill is a blatant effort to employ the U.S. Congress in support of a partisan Ethiopian political agenda.” He warned that “this legislation, should it proceed further, will create fresh obstacles by emboldening those who seek confrontation rather than dialogue, encouraging politics of extremes.” He threatened:
“But under no circumstances will Ethiopia accept what it regards as officious intermeddling by misinformed Members of Congress to intrude in our internal politics.”
Delegation members who just weeks ago were political prisoners observed the hearing as special guest observers. Following the hearing, Dr. Hailu, Ato. Gizachew and Ato Brook marveled at the dynamic and intense debate that occurs in the American Congressional process. Their presence at the hearing gave a special poignancy to the entire proceedings. Just a few weeks ago, they were hostages in a tug-of-war between Zenawi’s regime and the Committee. At the time, Zenawi desperately sought to thwart mark-up action on the bill and threatened to prolong the imprisonment of the political prisoners.
The bill will proceed to the House floor for final action under suspension of the rules, which bypasses the regular House deliberative procedures and speedily delivers the legislation to the floor final consideration. Such a procedure is generally used to quickly pass non-controversial bills, and bills for which there is massive support. AND THERE IS MASSIVE SUPPORT FOR H.R. 2003. THERE IS NOT A SINGLE MEMBER OF THE HOUSE THAT OPPOSES H.R. 2003.
The coalition for H.R. 2003 wishes to thank all Ethiopians and Americans who worked diligently to help pass this bill out of committee. The number of individuals, groups and organizations who played central roles in this effort are too many too list. You all know who you are. THANK YOU all for teaching us the value of united action! THANK YOU for proving to the world that despite our diverse backgrounds and interests, we can still stand as ONE when it comes to freedom, democracy and human rights in Ethiopia! And THANK YOU for subordinating any individual interest in getting credit and working tirelessly to ensure the success of our collective cause.
It was the 26th of September, a day all Ethiopian Americans, and all Ethiopians will always remember! “It was a good day for Ethiopia. It was Good Day for America.”
The butcher of Addis Ababa and
Mogadishu Meles Zenawi is in New York
Addis Ababa (ENA) – Dictator Meles Zenawi left for New York late on Tuesday to attend “Clinton Global Initiative 2007”, an international conference deliberating on power supply, global warming and poverty reduction.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press statement to ENA on Tuesday that thee conference would discuss issues related to education and health, among others.
Former and current heads of state and governments of various countries and renowned personalities are expected to attend the international conference.
Statement by the Embassy of Ethiopia Woyanne on Action by House Foreign Affairs Committee
WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 — The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Woyanne in Washington, DC, released this statement by Samuel Assefa, Ethiopia’s Woyanne Ambassador to the United States:
Ethiopia is a close ally of the United States in the fight against terrorism and efforts to promote regional stability in the Horn of Africa. It also is a country overcoming daunting challenges to build a new democracy while improving the economic fortunes of its 76 million people. Today a Congressional committee recklessly approved a measure undermining these efforts and the critical relationship with the U.S. The legislation would put in place sanctions consistent with measures taken by the U.S. only against dictatorships it has identified as its worst enemies around the world. Ethiopia Woyanne regards this as an unconscionable and irresponsible action by the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
The Committee approved HR 2003, sponsored by Donald M. Payne, D-N.J., which purports to encourage human rights and democracy in Ethiopia. This misguided bill would do neither.
There can be no misunderstanding about the serious effects of what a small group of Congress members have wrought. This bill ignores the context of what is happening in the region. Ethiopia faces a serious threat from its neighbor Eritrea — a country that the U.S. Department of State is considering listing as a state sponsor of terrorism, that has rejected democracy and a free press, and that provides no human rights to its citizens. [Woyanne is a threat to Ethiopia] Yet, rather than move against Eritrea, Mr. Payne chooses to condemn America’s democratic ally: Ethiopia.
Ethiopia Woyanne thanks the current U.S. administration for its continued support and carefully considered opposition to this legislation. It also welcomes the support of thoughtful Members of Congress, in the House and the Senate, who understand the reality of the Horn of Africa and recognize Ethiopia’s courageous commitment to democracy in one of the most dangerous regions in the world.
Ethiopia is the only African country never to suffer colonial rule. We are a proud and ancient civilization, always open to discussion and advice from our friends. But under no circumstances will Ethiopia accept what it regards as officious intermeddling by misinformed Members of Congress to intrude in our internal politics. [or else?]
My government gang encourages all political parties to engage in debate and non-violent democratic action under the rule of law and within the Ethiopian Woyanne legal system. This bill is a blatant effort to employ the U.S. Congress in support of a partisan Ethiopian political agenda.
The bill ignores the recent bold democratic dictatorial initiatives taken by our government, the immense progress in creating a competitive, pluralistic system of government and a more open civil society. These measures have rekindled hope and promoted interethnic harmony. We will not waiver from this course. This legislation, should it proceed further, will create fresh obstacles by emboldening those who seek confrontation rather than dialogue, encouraging politics of extremes.
Ethiopia is the strongest and most dependable U.S. ally in a region of strategic importance. It is baffling and deeply troubling that some members of Congress would want to condemn a longstanding friend with such an ill-conceived measure.
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SOURCE Embassy of Ethiopia
