March 6, 2001
Oey Astra Meesook
Country Director
Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia and Sudan
The World Bank
1818 H Street N.W.
Washington DC 20433
U.S.A.
Dear Ms. Meesook:
I am writing on behalf of Ethiopian United Action Team in response to
your later dated Feb. 9, 2001. In your letter you stated that: “the World
Bank, under its Articles, refrains from interfering in the political
affairs of any member country. We are therefore in no position to comment
on the peace treaty.”
You also stated in the same letter: “Our business is to help countries
fight poverty and to promote sustainable growth and development.
Therefore, we welcome the end of hostilities between Eritrea and
Ethiopia, since we believe that this will enable both countries to
achieve their long-term development objectives.”
I would like to respectfully point out to you that, first of all, when
you deal with a government and give billions of dollars in assistance,
you are interfering in the political affairs of that country. Secondly,
if your business is “to promote sustainable growth and development” in
Ethiopia, then you should not finance the “peace treaty” that was signed
in Algiers since it will lead to instability and war. We have tried to
point out to you in our letter of Feb. 5, 2001 the reasons why we
believe the treaty is against the interest of Ethiopia and will lead not
bring about peace and stability.
Representative of Ethiopian United Action Team, a coalition of several
Ethiopian political parties and civic association, would like to meet
with you in person and discuss this very important matter concerning our
country. I will call you shortly to schedule a meeting if you are willing
to meet with us.
I hope to receive your positive reply.
Sincerely,
Elias Kifle
Representative
Ethiopian United Action Team