March 8, 2001
President George W. Bush
The White House
Washington DC
Re: The TPLF regime of Meles Zenawi Conducts completely fraudulent elections in Ethiopia
Dear Mr President: The local elections that was held in Ethiopia on March 4 was completely marred with fraud and gross irregularities, including vote rigging and harassment of candidates. As a result, all the major opposition parties were forced to boycott the elections. The TPLF dictatorial regime, emboldened by continued political and material support it is getting from the international community, and particularly the $1.3 billion assistance it is in the process of receiving from the World Bank, is engaged in intensified anti-democratic practices and human rights violations through out the country. I appeal to you to impress upon the regime of the Tigray People Liberations Front (TPLF), led by Meles Zenawi, in Ethiopia to stop its human rights violations and anti-democratic practices. Democratic
governance and respect for human rights are the key ingredients for
lasting peace and stability, as well as development in the region.
I hope to hear your positive response.
Respectfully,
Gashu Habte, Ph.D.
Spokesperson