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.
_______
SOURCE Embassy of Ethiopia