words in the blog: April 2007

Friday, April 27, 2007

The Week in review plus weekend news

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Weekend Top Stories:
[KIDNAPPED CHINESE WORKERS FREED IN ETHIOPIA]
[Worries mount as U.S citizen remains detained in Ethiopia] - [EHRCO Condemns Degehabour Massacre] - [Somalis move bodies after clashes]
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The Week in Review

TOP STORIES FROM THE PAST WEEK

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Coalition for H.R.5680, renamed Coaliton for H.R. 2003
Press Release

5K Walk FOR DEMOCRACY, HUMANRIGHTS, PEACE AND UNITY
Kinijit DC Metro Board
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KIDNAPPED CHINESE WORKERS FREED IN ETHIOPIA

ADDIS ABABA (AFP) - Seven Chinese workers captured in an attack last week on an oil plant by separatist rebels in eastern Ethiopia in which 77 people died have been released, their kidnappers told AFP on Sunday.

The ICRC in Addis Ababa confirmed that the workers had been handed over to them and said it would issue more details later in the day.A temporary ceasefire was arranged between the ONLF and the Ethiopian army -- with the ICRC acting as mediator -- to facilitate the handover, Mahdi said.(More...)

EHRCO Condemns Degehabour Massacre

The Ethiopian Humana Right Council (EHRCO) is saddened by, and utterly deplores with the strongest possible terms the summary execution committed on 74 innocent oilfield workers in Eastern Ethiopia, Degehabour Zone, Abole locality on the 26 April 2007 at around 5 a.m.

In this heinous massacre, 65 Ethiopians and 9 Chinese nationals have brutally been killed. The victims were on sleep in their tents when an armed group stormed the Chinese-run oil exploration facility, and committed such stunning atrocity against them. EHRCO believes that such brutal massacre of innocent people cannot be justified by whatsoever motives, and thus considers it as a sheer cowardly act.

EHRCO is also deeply concerned about the wellbeing and whereabouts of those oil workers abducted. It believes that no one benefits from crimes of this nature. EHRCO, therefore, demands the perpetrators to desist from committing such ghastly crimes against innocent workers. The Council also urges the government to bring the perpetrators of the crime to justice, and accord the necessary protection to innocent civilians.

Finally, EHRCO calls up on citizens, national and international organizations, representatives of governments, international groups, and individuals who stand for human rights protection and the rule of law, to deplore the massacre committed on innocent oil workers, and demand the immediate and unconditional release of those kidnapped individuals.

Worries mount as U.S citizen remains detained in Ethiopia

TRENTON, N.J. - The family of a man being held in Ethiopia for alleged ties to Islamic militants is growing increasingly frustrated that he is still being detained despite reports that he would be released.

News reports, a congressman's office and U.S. officials said this month that U.S.-born Amir Mohamed Meshal, 24, would soon be freed. But no one seems to know exactly why he was not.

"It was an emotional roller-coaster for us," said his father, Mohamed Meshal, speaking from their home in Tinton Falls on the Jersey shore. "We started cooking, and marinating the meat for his homecoming and the next minute, everything collapses."(More...)

Somalis move bodies after clashes

Residents of the Somali capital have started to clear the bodies of those killed in nine days of fierce battles from the streets of Mogadishu.

Fighting has stopped for the moment, after Ethiopian forces drove insurgents from northern suburbs on Thursday.

Many houses and businesses were looted during the fighting, including the Coca-Cola factory opened in 2004. More people have been displaced in Somalia in the past two months than any other country, the United Nations says.

AFP news agency is reporting that Ethiopians and government troops are moving house-to-house in northern districts arresting suspected insurgents.(More...)

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The Week in review plus weekend news

The Week in Review

TOP STORIES FROM THE PAST WEEK

Report: Update in the Ethiopia trial against human rights defenders, political opponents

Check back with ETP for more news throughout the day

Also in the news:
[Congressman Donald Payne: Mogadishu, Another Darfur in the Making?]
[AAU: Food Poison Sends About 90 Students to Hospital ] - [UNICEF condemns shelling of Mogadishu hospital, calls for full access for humanitarian aid] - [Freed hostages return to Addis Ababa] - [Somalia govt. claims victory; diplomats are skeptical]

International:
[Analysis: Dems Keep It Cordial in Debate] - [Putin steps up missiles warning] - [Saudi police arrest 172 terror suspects ] - [France's Sarkozy in furore over axed TV debate] and more of today's top stories!

Freed Ethiopian captives, Yonas Mesfin (L), Debash Baye (2nd L), Hussain Ali (2nd R) and Ashenafe Mekonnen (R), celebrate with their friend Samson Teshome (C) at Bole international airport in Addis Ababa April 26, 2007. Eight Ethiopians made a tearful return to Addis Ababa on Thursday, two months after being kidnapped at gunpoint with five Europeans in the country's remote northeastern Afar region. REUTERS/Andrew Heavens

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Coalition for H.R.5680, renamed Coaliton for H.R. 2003

Press Release

5K Walk FOR DEMOCRACY, HUMANRIGHTS, PEACE AND UNITY
Kinijit DC Metro Board
___________________________________

Report: Update in the Ethiopia trial against human rights defenders and political opponents

(by The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders)

The Observatory recalls that it sent two international missions of judicial observation to Ethiopia in order to observe this trial in February and October 2006.

In view of its findings, the Observatory considered the charges to be arbitrary and disproportionate to the nature of the events that occurred in the aftermath of the May 2005 elections.

The Observatory also expressed its deepest concern about the fairness of this trial, as it believed it to be a way to silence any political criticism of the current regime.

The Observatory also condemns the continuing repression of human rights defenders and expresses its particular concern about the situation of members of the Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO).

Indeed, since the second crackdown on mass protests, several of EHRCO's veteran staff have been forced into exile for fear of their lives. Besides, several EHRCO members have been arrested arbitrarily and held in detention for various periods of time in 2006 (See Observatory Annual Report 2006).

Therefore, the Observatory reiterates its recommendations to the Ethiopian authorities urging them to:(More...)

Also see:
-Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders Annual report: AFRICA

Congressman Donald Payne: Mogadishu, Another Darfur in the Making?

Congressman Donald Payne
For Immediate Release
April 27, 2007

Innocent civilians in Mogadishu are being killed and maimed by Ethiopian security forces and the militia of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG).

The atrocities being committed against innocent civilians in Mogadishu are war crimes and crimes against humanity. It is shameful and criminal to use tanks and heavy artillery against civilians.

Mogadishu is another Darfur in the making. It is sad to see that no one seems to care about the untold suffering of the helpless in Somalia. Unfortunately and sadly, the people of Mogadishu are not even allowed to bury their dead relatives and neighbors. We must not turn a blind eye to the suffering of innocent civilians.

Since the Ethiopian invasion of Somalia, thousands of civilians have been killed and maimed and more than 320,000 people have been forced to flee their homes.

The abuses that are being carried out by the TFG and the Ethiopian security forces are worse than during the dreadful days of the warlords. Instead of working towards peace and reconciliation, the TFG and the Ethiopian forces are engaged in collective punishment of innocent civilians.(More...)

AAU: Food Poison Sends About 90 Students to Hospital

AAU Students expressed anger on Tuesday after doctors of the Menelik II hospital allegedly took out some parts from the body of a student.

The deceased Ahmed Abdurrahman, a third year physics student from Harar, fainted in class while he was doing a presentation, before he died later.

One of his class mates told The Daily Monitor on conditions of anonymity that, after he died , Ahmed's body was taken to the hospital for autopsy and the doctors there "took his brain, his eyes and his kidneys." "The students demended that was outrageous, that it was inhuman, and that they wanted those who did this to be brought to justice," the student said.

According to the same source, the University's student community went to the University President's office the same day to demand that those responsible for the inhuman act on their colleague be named and brought to justice.(More...)

Freed hostages return to Addis Ababa

By Andrew Heavens

Addis Ababa - Eight Ethiopians made a tearful return to Addis Ababa on Thursday, two months after being kidnapped at gunpoint with five Europeans in the country's remote north-eastern Afar region.

"I am good. I am too happy. The first thing I want to do is have a beer," one former hostage, Ashenafe Mekonnen, told Reuters before being ushered away by government officials who said the eight would make full statements on Friday.

Crowds of cheering friends and family thronged the capital's Bole International Airport long before the eight arrived.(More...)

Somali PM Claims Win, but Battles Linger

MOGADISHU, Somalia Apr 27, 2007 (AP)— Somalis who fled the government's offensive against Islamic insurgents in Mogadishu began returning to the shattered capital Friday, following the prime minister's claim of victory in fierce fighting that killed hundreds.

But some began to question the claim when gunmen attacked a hotel housing government officials hours later.

"I don't think they accept yesterday's defeat," said businessman Abdullahi Kulmiye. "I believe they will restart the war until they get a victory over the government."(More...)

Also see:
-Ethiopia finds itself ensnared in Somalia (Some observers see similarities to U.S. in Iraq)
-Somalia govt. claims victory; diplomats are skeptical

UNICEF condemns shelling of Mogadishu hospital and calls for full access for humanitarian aid to displaced families

GENEVA, 27 April 2007 - UNICEF today condemned the mortar shelling of the SOS hospital in Somalia's capital and called for full access for humanitarian aid to the hundreds of thousands of civilians fleeing the fighting in Mogadishu.

"We deplore the indiscriminate shelling of a medical facility," said UNICEF Representative in Somalia Christian Balslev-Olesen, "It is an action that is totally unacceptable and one for which no justification can be given."

"Where is the accountability in this conflict? Every day thousands of displaced people - most of them women and children - are living a nightmare of violence.

Lacking food and shelter; poor water and sanitation they are enduring a perilous and intolerable existence. UNICEF's ability to deliver much-needed supplies is also hampered by the fighting. We cannot access our warehouses in Mogadishu and we cannot effectively reach the people who need our assistance the most," added Balslev-Olesen.(More...)

Looting breaks out in Mogadishu as Ethiopians tighten grip

MOGADISHU (AFP) - Looting broke out across Mogadishu on Friday as Ethiopian forces tightened their grip, a day after taking control of insurgent strongholds in some of the heaviest fighting in the city's history.

Men wearing government army uniforms attacked a Coca Cola bottling plant and looted the property after shelling it overnight, said Ali Abdi Yusuf, the chairman of Somali Human Rights Action group.

They "attacked the factory and stole many things that they loaded into trucks, before fleeing," Yusuf told AFP.(More...)

Also see:-Somalis move bodies after clashes

Analysis: Dems Keep It Cordial in Debate

Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama (D-IL (L) listens to Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) speak at the South Carolina Democratic party's presidential candidates debate at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina, April 26, 2007. REUTERS/Jim Young

AP -- It was less of a debate and more like a polite first date where the Democratic presidential candidates wanted to avoid any fast moves that risk turning off voters.

Front-runners Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama were on the receiving end of a couple jabs, but the Democrats vying for the White House were downright complimentary, calling each other by their first names more like friends than rivals.

Offered a chance to rebut Obama on his plan for Iraq, Clinton said: ``I think that what Barack said is right.'' Asked who else on the stage could win against a Republican presidential candidate, Delaware Sen. Joe Biden said: ``I'm looking at a bunch of winners right here, number one. And whoever wishes for Hillary is making a big mistake.''(More...)

Today's Top International Stories

-Global net use makes rapid rise (The net is helping to close the digital divide between industrialised nations, suggests a report)
-Putin steps up missiles warning
-France's Sarkozy in furore over axed TV debate
-Bank officials warn Wolfowitz 'a liability'
-Exiled Cuban Wins Journalism Award
-Iraq Sunni tribes build police force, fight al Qaeda
-Saudi police arrest 172 terror suspects
-Woman, 95, to be oldest college graduate

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Report: Update in the Ethiopia trial against human rights defenders, political opponents

Check back with ETP for more news throughout the day

Coalition for H.R.5680, renamed Coaliton for H.R. 2003

Press Release

5K Walk FOR DEMOCRACY, HUMANRIGHTS, PEACE AND UNITY
Kinijit DC Metro Board
___________________________________

Report: Update in the Ethiopia trial against human rights defenders and political opponents

Today's Top International Stories

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Chaos at Addis Abeba university

26/04/2007

Addis Ababa - Dozens of students were injured on Thursday in clashes with each other and the police at Ethiopia's largest university, said students.

One student said he saw another killed, and about 50 wounded in the clashes at Addis Ababa University. Other students also reported dozens of injured.

But federal police spokesperson Demsash Hailu said no one had died, although there had been some injuries. There are "no dead, peace has been restored in the area," Demsash said, adding that police reinforcements had bought the situation under control.

Students and police said the riots began on campus on Wednesday evening, sparked by the alleged theft of the body organs of a dead student by a government hospital.

"The doctors took over some of his body parts without any authorisation from his family," said a demonstrator, asking to remain anonymous. "We asked the dean of the university to intervene but he refused. That is why we are demonstrating."

Students also cited the poor quality of food served in the university canteen as a reason for the riots. University officials were unavailable for comment on Thursday.

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Chaos at Addis Abeba university

My modified Honda Bravo Handle Bar ( Part 1 )

Here are some pictures on how I modified my stock handle bar.
Total Cost: Zoom Handle Bar ( 400 ), Brake/Side Mirror holder (200), Welding Job (200)

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

The hunt for seized Chinese oil workers continues as death toll rises to 77

Check back with ETP for more news throughout the day

Also in the news:
[Washington Update ] - [Ethiopia says Eritrea behind Chinese oil field bloodbath] - [Somalia's interim government suspected of preventing humanitarian aid] - [Beijing condemns attack that killed 9 Chinese in Ethiopia]

International:
[Nigeria's president says elections not fatally flawed] - [Democrats predict they can win Iraq vote] - [Potentially Habitable Planet Found ] - [French centrist Bayrou rebuffs presidential rivals ] and more of today's top stories!

A procession of ambulances leaves Bole International airport, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Wednesday, April 25, 2007. Some of the ambulances were carrying Chinese workers who were injured in Tuesday's attack. (AP Photo/Anita Powell)

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ETHIOPIA HUMAN RIGHTS BILL RE-INTRODUCED IN THE HOUSE

The Coalition for H.R. 5680

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Washington Update

(By Mesfin Mekonen)

I. Congress

Rep. Donald Payne introduced the Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007 on April 20. The bill essentially the same as HR 5680 that Rep. Chris Smith wrote and introduced last year. The primary differences are:

1) the “findings” have been updated to include language from the State Department’s human rights report that describes outrages the Meles regime has inflicted on members of the opposition, including unlawful killings, beatings, and arrests.

2) the findings describe the results of an investigation by the Commission of Inquiry that the Meles regime created to investigate the use of force by government security forces. Although the Commission was hand picked by the government, it concluded that government security forces acted illegally and with extreme brutality.

3) Makes U.S. non-humanitarian assistance to Ethiopia contingent on punishment of security personnel who were involved in the unlawful killing of demonstrators. The bill specifically mentions Etenesh Yemam and the killing of prisoners at Kaliti prison.

4) The section on economic development assistance for Ethiopia has been expanded. It specifies that the U.S. government is to provide financial assistance for the development of irrigation to avoid future famines, including funds for the Blue Nile and Awash River. It also directs the U.S. to support Ethiopia’s healthcare infrastructure.

5) The bill authorizes the expenditure of $20 million per year for fiscal years 2008 and 2009 to accomplish its goals.

6) Language in the previous version of the bill that provided assistance for development of Ethiopia’s tax collection system, debt management and other financial infrastructure has been deleted.

This legislation may not be perfect, but its enactment would be a tremendous benefit to Ethiopia. We should have an initial list of co-sponsors very soon. Once we have the list we will know who should be thanked for their support and especially who should be contacted to solicit support.

We have spoken with Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA) and he has indicated that he will co-sponsor the Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007. He was a co-sponsor of HR 5680.

At this point it is important for every Ethiopian in the U.S. to contact Rep. Payne’s office to thank him for introducing the legislation and to urge him to push hard for its rapid enactment.

It is also important to acknowledge Rep. Smith’s efforts and to ensure that this remains a bipartisan issue. Especially when this legislation moves to the Senate, bipartisan support will be critical.

The Meles regime is certain to look for cracks that it can exploit to block the bill. We need to create and maintain a united front. There is no reason that Ethiopian human rights, freedom, democracy and economic development should be a partisan issue in the United States.

II. State Department

U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia, Donald Yamamoto, has helped arrange for a physician to travel from South Africa to Addis Ababa to treat Hailu Shawel, who remains in prison. We are hoping that he and all political prisoners will be released quickly.

The hunt for seized Chinese oil workers continues as death toll rises to 77

ADDIS ABABA (AFP) - Ethiopia searched for up to seven seized Chinese oil workers Wednesday after an attack on a Chinese-run oil venture which killed 77 people, according to a new toll.

Ethiopia sent an investigation team to the Ogaden oil prospection site in a remote eastern region, while a local leader added three more Ethiopians to the death toll, which includes nine Chinese.

The Ogaden National Liberation Front separatist group claimed responsibility for Tuesday's attack in a statement on its website in which it said it had completely destroyed the oil facility.(More...)

Ethiopia says Eritrea behind Chinese oil field bloodbath

ADDIS ABABA (AFP) - Ethiopia on Wednesday accused arch-foe Eritrea of supporting the rebels behind an attack on a remote Chinese-run oil field that killed 74 people, including nine Chinese workers.

Eritrea immediately denied the claim -- the latest in a string of accusations and counter-accusations between the rival neighbours.(More...)

Beijing condemns attack that killed 9 Chinese in Ethiopia

BEIJING: China condemned an attack on a Chinese oil company site in Ethiopia that killed 74 people, including nine Chinese, and said Wednesday it was working for the release of another seven Chinese taken hostage in the assault.

Rebels stormed a Chinese-run oil field in eastern Ethiopia on Tuesday, destroying an exploration facility, killing 74 people, and kidnapping seven Chinese in the first such attack against a foreign company in the Horn of Africa nation.(More...)

FACTBOX - Facts about rebel group ONLF

* Formed in 1984 amid a resurgence of separatist sentiment in the Ogaden region on Ethiopia's border with Somalia, many of its first members supported Mogadishu in its failed war with Addis Ababa over the region in the late 1970s.

* The ONLF's aims have varied over time, ranging from full-scale independence to joining a "Greater Somalia", to more autonomy within ethnically diverse Ethiopia.(More...)

Somalia's interim government suspected of preventing humanitarian aid

Somalia's interim government is suspected of preventing humanitarian aid from urgently reaching people who have fled fighting in the capital.

Western diplomats say demands to inspect all aid shipments was adding to the misery, AP news agency reports. Earlier, the UN humanitarian chief said insecurity, checkpoint harassment and new administrative directives have all obstructed humanitarian efforts.

An estimated 320,000 people have left Mogadishu since February, the UN says. This is the eighth consecutive day of clashes between Ethiopian troops backing the interim government and insurgents and fighters from the city's dominant Hawiye clan.(More...)

Ethiopian tanks pound Somali insurgents, peace talks under way

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Civilians were caught in the crossfire Wednesday as the government’s Ethiopian backers used tanks and heavy artillery to pound insurgent strongholds, witnesses said.

Ethiopian military officials met with elders of Mogadishu’s dominant clan to try to broker a peace, said Abdullahi Sheik Hassan, a spokesman with Mogadishu’s powerful Hawiye clan. He gave no further details. Hundreds have been killed in eight straight days of fighting.(More...)

Also see:
-Fighting in Somalia kills 29 civilians
-Mogadishu clashes enter second week
-Militant group linked to Somalia bombing

Today's Top International Stories

-Nigeria's president says elections not fatally flawed
-Democrats predict they can win Iraq vote
-British court orders release of 9/11 suspect
-French centrist Bayrou rebuffs presidential rivals
-Pakistan's Quiet Fight For Iran's Favor
-N. Korea’s Kim reviews massive military parade
-Potentially Habitable Planet Found (European Astronomers Find Potentially Habitable Planet Outside Solar System)

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The hunt for seized Chinese oil workers continues as death toll rises to 77

Check back with ETP for more news throughout the day

ETHIOPIA HUMAN RIGHTS BILL RE-INTRODUCED IN THE HOUSE

The Coalition for H.R. 5680

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Washington Update

1) the “findings” have been updated to include language from the State Department’s human rights report that describes outrages the Meles regime has inflicted on members of the opposition, including unlawful killings, beatings, and arrests.

2) the findings describe the results of an investigation by the Commission of Inquiry that the Meles regime created to investigate the use of force by government security forces. Although the Commission was hand picked by the government, it concluded that government security forces acted illegally and with extreme brutality.

3) Makes U.S. non-humanitarian assistance to Ethiopia contingent on punishment of security personnel who were involved in the unlawful killing of demonstrators. The bill specifically mentions Etenesh Yemam and the killing of prisoners at Kaliti prison.

4) The section on economic development assistance for Ethiopia has been expanded. It specifies that the U.S. government is to provide financial assistance for the development of irrigation to avoid future famines, including funds for the Blue Nile and Awash River. It also directs the U.S. to support Ethiopia’s healthcare infrastructure.

5) The bill authorizes the expenditure of $20 million per year for fiscal years 2008 and 2009 to accomplish its goals.

6) Language in the previous version of the bill that provided assistance for development of Ethiopia’s tax collection system, debt management and other financial infrastructure has been deleted.

Today's Top International Stories

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Gunmen kill 65 Ethiopians and 9 Chinese workers in Ethiopia

Check back with ETP for more news throughout the day

Also in the news:
[Rebel group (ONLF) says it attacked Chinese oil field in Ethiopia]
[Ethiopian tanks pound Mogadishu] - [US accuses Eritrea of fueling deadly fighting in Somalia ] - [CPJ: In Somalia, shelling destroys broadcast stations, injures journalists] - [EHAHRD-Net: HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION IN SOMALIA DEPLORABLE]

International:
[Seven die as world rejects ‘flawed’ election in Nigeria ] - [British anti-terror police arrest 6 people ] - [Hamas armed wing ends truce, govt urges calm ] - [Iran's Leader Proposes Talks With Bush ] and more of today's top stories!

(Insurgents prepare a mortar to launch against government and Ethiopian positions south of the Somali capital Mogadishu, Tuesday, April 24, 2007. AP Photo/Abdi Farah)

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ETHIOPIA HUMAN RIGHTS BILL RE-INTRODUCED IN THE HOUSE

The Coalition for H.R. 5680
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Commentary on Coalition for H.R. 5680 Press Release
International Ethiopian Women Organization (IEWO)
Radio Program
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Gunmen kill 65 Ethiopians and nine Chinese workers in Ethiopia

ADDIS ABABA, April 24 (Reuters) - Gunmen killed 65 Ethiopians and nine Chinese on Tuesday in an attack on an oil field run by a Chinese company, and Ethiopia's government blamed rebels backed by regional foe Eritrea.

Bereket Simon, special adviser to Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, blamed the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) which he said was fighting a proxy war on behalf of Asmara.

"The bandits entered the camp at around five a.m. and shot dead the 74 people while they were sleeping," he told Reuters.

Seven other Chinese workers and "scores" of Ethiopians were kidnapped by the gunmen from the site near Jijiga, 630 km (390 miles) east of the capital Addis Ababa, Bereket said. "The government has launched hot pursuit," he said.

In a statement, the ONLF said it attacked Ethiopian soldiers guarding an oil exploration field in Northern Ogaden region. "The oil facility has been completely destroyed," it said. "The ONLF has stated on numerous occasions that we will not allow the mineral resources of our people to be exploited by this regime or any firm."(More...)

Rebel group (ONLF) says it attacked Chinese oil field in Ethiopia

The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) said it had launched "military operations against units of the Ethiopian armed forces guarding an oil exploration site," in the east of the country.

-ONLF Statement

Ethiopian tanks pound Mogadishu

Ethiopian tanks are pounding parts of the Somali capital, stepping up a week-long campaign against insurgents and fighters of the Hawiye clan. Heavy shelling is also taking place near the presidential palace - guarded by Ethiopian and African Union troops.(More...)

Hospitals at capacity as fighting rages in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia -- There are no empty hospital beds in Somalia's bloodstained capital, and barely enough bandages to patch up the wounded. Even bottles of medicine are running dry.

But patients kept pouring in yesterday -- and they were the lucky ones, having survived another day of bullets and mortar shells as Islamic insurgents battled troops allied to the country's fragile acting government.

"Even the shades of the trees are occupied at this point," said Dahir Dhere, director of Medina Hospital, the largest health facility in Mogadishu. "We are overwhelmed."(More...)

Also See:
-ANALYSIS-Somalia burns - but does anyone care?
-Somali govt and insurgents battle for seventh day
-UN chief appeals for ceasefire in Somalia
-Suicide bomber targets Ethiopian troops in Somalia

US accuses Eritrea of fueling deadly fighting in Somalia

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The United States accused Eritrea Monday of providing funding, arms and training to insurgents battling Somali forces and allied Ethiopian troops in Mogadishu.

The State Department's top Africa official, Assistant Secretary of State Jendaye Frazer, also called for renewed ceasefire talks to end the deadliest fighting that Somalia has seen in years.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was due to discuss the situation Monday with her visiting Ethiopian counterpart, Seyoum Mesfin, officials said.

The fighting in Mogadishu pits heavily armed Ethiopian troops allied to the country's UN-recognized interim government against an Islamist militia known as al-Shabab and other insurgents supported by the city's dominant Hawiye clan.(More...)

CPJ: In Somalia, shelling destroys broadcast stations, injures journalists

New York, April 23, 2007—Two private broadcast stations were destroyed and several journalists were injured last week as Ethiopian troops backing Somalia’s transitional government attacked suspected strongholds of Islamist fighters and militiamen from the Hawiye clan, according to news reports and local journalists.

HornAfrik television and radio—the first independent broadcaster in Somalia’s history— has been off the air since several mortar shells destroyed its Mogadishu studios on Saturday, injuring cameraman Abdi Dhaqane and reporter Yahye Ali Farah, according to media reports and the National Union of Somali Journalists.

Dhaqane, who is also a Reuters stringer, was flown to neighboring Kenya for treatment after losing a finger and sustaining a thigh injury, Reuters Chief East Africa Correspondent Andrew Cawthorne told CPJ.(More...)

EHAHRD-Net: HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION IN SOMALIA DEPLORABLE

(The East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Network)
EHAHRD-Net Index: SOMA 010/005/2007
23rd April 2007

Death of innocent human rights defenders, bombardment of media houses, arrests of media workers, chaos and forced censorship among human rights defenders’ organisations; this according to the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (EHAHRD-Net), is a brief description of the current situation is Somalia.

EHAHRD-Net wishes to bring to the attention of the UN Human Rights Council and the international community, the deplorable and gloomy human rights situation in Somalia , and calls for immediate intervention.

In the latest developments received so far, EHAHRD-Net has received information from the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) to the effect that; Radio HornAfrik was hit by artilleries on April 21st, temporarily halting its operations.

Journalist Yahye Ali Farah and Cameraman Abdi Dhaqane sustained injuries in the attack and were admitted to Dayniile and Madina hospitals respectively. Earlier, on April 19th 2007, the Global Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) based in Mogadishu had experienced “indiscriminate bombardments”, a situation that led to the damaging of equipment in its TV studio and newsrooms. GBC later had to shut down following the attack.

The above is only a small fraction of the mayhem that has rocked Somalia ever since fighting broke out in the capital Mogadishu between the forces of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) backed by Ethiopia, and remnants of the Islamic Courts Union backed by Eritrean forces. Observers say the turmoil faced by Mogadishu in the last one month could be the worst Somalia has ever faced since the collapse of the State 15 years ago.

“The current operational environment of HRDs in Somalia is simply deplorable. The Network has recorded some deaths, while intimidation and closure of the media houses has, but become somewhat a daily occurrence.

This is a cause for worry, and we wish to call upon the warring forces to exercise restraint against inflicting further damage on the Somalis, and HRDs’ internationally recognised rights to operate. In trying to find a balance of the political situation in the country, all parties have to adhere to their international human rights obligations,” says Hassan Shire Sheikh, Chairperson EHAHRDP/Net.

BACKGROUND:

Human rights violations in Somalia considerably escalated towards the end of 2006 when Ethiopian troops entered Somalia in a bid to drive out the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) who had previously overtaken the capital Mogadishu .

This was done to reinstall the weak but internationally recognized Transitional Federal Government (TFG). However, following the expulsion of the UIC militia from Mogadishu, an all-out war broke out that has so far claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians, and caused over half a million others to flee the fighting and as a result becoming internally displaced or seeking refuge outside Somalia.

In this situation, journalists and other human rights defenders have not been spared. A prominent human rights defender, Isse Abdi Isse, formerly working with the Kisima Peace and Development Organisation, was murdered at his hotel in Mogadishu in March 2007; journalist Ali Mohammed Omar, working with Radio Warsan, was murdered in February 2007, while a number of media houses have either been closed or handed serious warnings by the Transitional Federal Government.

APPEAL:

The Network appeals to the Transitional Federal Government, the Ethiopian Government, the Eritrean Government and the wider international community, to strictly observe human rights and humanitarian laws in order to save the people of Somalia from further suffering and demise.

The three nations should furthermore allow human rights defenders to pursue their work for the benefit of the civilian population, and adhere to the duties spelt out in the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.

Network members should add their voices to this call to remind the warring forces of their international obligations. Network members should also appeal to the UN Human Rights Council to use its mandate to ensure compliance of the countries in question.

Today's Top International Stories

-Seven die as world rejects ‘flawed’ election in Nigeria
-Car bomb kills 9 U.S. troops in Iraq
-British anti-terror police arrest 6 people
-Iran's Leader Proposes Talks With Bush
-Hamas armed wing ends truce, govt urges calm
-Scientists unearth Superman's "kryptonite"

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