Ethiopia, Eritrea edging toward conflict - refugees watching with trepidation

Check back with ETP for more news throughout the day

Also:
- Ethiopia and the Newly released Econ. Competitiveness index*
- Today's Top Stories^Updated!
- INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES
____________________

Life presidencies are far from over in Africa (Financial Gazette)
____________________

-AMNESTY: Ethiopians, Eritreans at risk of torture
-AMNESTY: Atanaw Wasie, aged 74, 14 other Ethiopian refugees
-LETTER TO PRIME MINSTER MELES ZENAWI (Sileshi Tesema, a colleague of Daniel and Netsanet, prisoners of conscience)
____________________

Ex- TPLF members have formed a new party (Arena Tigray for Democracy and Sovereignty); which yesterday received license to operate in Ethiopia.

(VOA)
- AUDIO - Interview with founder Berhanu Berhe
- AUDIO - Interview with founder Gebru Asrat
____________________

[CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO REPORT] - When Fitsum Berihu fled into Ethiopia, he risked death by hyenas, snipers and land mines. Two years later the 35-year-old Eritrean vividly recalls the fear he felt as he made his way through a U.N.-patrolled buffer zone and across the trenches and artillery lines of some of the tens of thousands of soldiers dug in on both sides of the divide.

Even worse than all that, though, was leaving behind his 72-year-old mother and two siblings. "I never told my family I was crossing the border," he says. "I never said goodbye." Berihu still doesn't know what happened to his family after he defected from the Eritrean Army. There are no phone or mail links between the neighbors, and he has had no way of keeping in touch.

So today he waits and hopes, one of more than 15,000 Eritreans stuck behind barbed wire and chain-link fencing at the Shimelba refugee camp in a remote corner of northern Ethiopia. It's a part of the world that is growing increasingly tense as the two countries seem to be gearing up to fight their second war in less than a decade. On Nov. 27 an international commission set up to resolve the long-running border dispute between the two nations is set to dissolve.(More...)

Also see:
-Eritrea says Ethiopia plotting to invade
-Ethiopia denies plot to attack Eritrea

____________________

ETHIOPIA 123rd IN ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS

The United States tops the overall ranking in The Global Competitiveness Report 2007-2008. Switzerland is in second position followed by Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Finland and Singapore, respectively.

At the bottom of the list were countries primarily in sub-Saharan Africa, such as Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and Chad.(See List)

Also See:
Website: The Global Competitiveness Report 2007-2008
US recaptures 'competition crown' (BBC)
US on Top in Economic Competitiveness (AP)
____________________

Today's Top HEADLINES

-ETH. Govt. MEDIA SAYS REBELS KILL 23 ERITREAN TROOPS
-A brittle Western ally in the Horn of Africa
-U.S. BILL TO BAR INTERNET FIRMS FROM WORKING WITH ABUSIVE NATIONS
-Exiled Somali Islamist leader backs insurgents
-Ethiopia FM in Somalia to discuss political crisis
-Humanitarian disaster imminent in the Ogaden: Report
-Ethiopia, US Behind Somali PM Resignation
-Ethiopia: Azmari Bet: Taboo! Taboo!
-Ethiopia's 'Jerusalem' Major Draw for Pilgrims - VIDEO

INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES

-MONKS MARCH IN MYANMAR - AGAIN!
-Obama, Edwards go after Clinton during debate
-Accused Madrid bomb mastermind acquitted -
-Bomb on Russian Bus Kills at Least 8
-Doctors test hot sauce for pain relief
-Be thin to cut cancer, study says



____________________

Ethiopia, Eritrea edging toward conflict - refugees watching with trepidation

Check back with ETP for more news throughout the day

Also:
- Ethiopia and the Newly released Econ. Competitiveness index*
- Today's Top Stories^Updated!
- INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES
____________________

Life presidencies are far from over in Africa (Financial Gazette)
____________________

-AMNESTY: Ethiopians, Eritreans at risk of torture
-AMNESTY: Atanaw Wasie, aged 74, 14 other Ethiopian refugees
-LETTER TO PRIME MINSTER MELES ZENAWI (Sileshi Tesema, a colleague of Daniel and Netsanet, prisoners of conscience)
____________________

Ex- TPLF members have formed a new party (Arena Tigray for Democracy and Sovereignty); which yesterday received license to operate in Ethiopia.

(VOA)
- AUDIO - Interview with founder Berhanu Berhe
- AUDIO - Interview with founder Gebru Asrat
____________________

[CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO REPORT] - When Fitsum Berihu fled into Ethiopia, he risked death by hyenas, snipers and land mines. Two years later the 35-year-old Eritrean vividly recalls the fear he felt as he made his way through a U.N.-patrolled buffer zone and across the trenches and artillery lines of some of the tens of thousands of soldiers dug in on both sides of the divide.

Even worse than all that, though, was leaving behind his 72-year-old mother and two siblings. "I never told my family I was crossing the border," he says. "I never said goodbye." Berihu still doesn't know what happened to his family after he defected from the Eritrean Army. There are no phone or mail links between the neighbors, and he has had no way of keeping in touch.

So today he waits and hopes, one of more than 15,000 Eritreans stuck behind barbed wire and chain-link fencing at the Shimelba refugee camp in a remote corner of northern Ethiopia. It's a part of the world that is growing increasingly tense as the two countries seem to be gearing up to fight their second war in less than a decade. On Nov. 27 an international commission set up to resolve the long-running border dispute between the two nations is set to dissolve.(More...)

Also see:
-Eritrea says Ethiopia plotting to invade
-Ethiopia denies plot to attack Eritrea

____________________

ETHIOPIA 123rd IN ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS

The United States tops the overall ranking in The Global Competitiveness Report 2007-2008. Switzerland is in second position followed by Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Finland and Singapore, respectively.

At the bottom of the list were countries primarily in sub-Saharan Africa, such as Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and Chad.(See List)

Also See:
Website: The Global Competitiveness Report 2007-2008
US recaptures 'competition crown' (BBC)
US on Top in Economic Competitiveness (AP)
____________________

Today's Top HEADLINES

-ETH. Govt. MEDIA SAYS REBELS KILL 23 ERITREAN TROOPS
-A brittle Western ally in the Horn of Africa
-U.S. BILL TO BAR INTERNET FIRMS FROM WORKING WITH ABUSIVE NATIONS
-Exiled Somali Islamist leader backs insurgents
-Ethiopia FM in Somalia to discuss political crisis
-Humanitarian disaster imminent in the Ogaden: Report
-Ethiopia, US Behind Somali PM Resignation
-Ethiopia: Azmari Bet: Taboo! Taboo!
-Ethiopia's 'Jerusalem' Major Draw for Pilgrims - VIDEO

INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES

-MONKS MARCH IN MYANMAR - AGAIN!
-Obama, Edwards go after Clinton during debate
-Accused Madrid bomb mastermind acquitted -
-Bomb on Russian Bus Kills at Least 8
-Doctors test hot sauce for pain relief
-Be thin to cut cancer, study says



____________________

Ethiopia, US Behind Somali PM Resignation: Analyst

Check back with ETP for more news throughout the day

Also:
- Today's Top Stories
- Somalia's President Names New Premier
- INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES
____________________

Ken Menkhaus, Somali expert and professor of political science at Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina.

“This was a long time in coming and what finally prompted the resignation was unquestionably Ethiopian pressure. This was Ethiopia’s game. They were making the decision as to who would stay and who would go in the TFG.

They were trying to manage the long running split between President Abdullahi Yusef and Prime Minister Gedi. And in the end I think they came to understand that Gedi had to be replaced,” he says.

[AUDIO REPORT]

Asked whether United States pressure played any role in the resignation, Menkhaus says, “I suspect there was. In Nairobi, the donor community in general has for quite some time reached the conclusion that the primary obstacle to negotiations toward a more inclusive Transitional Federal Government was Gedi himself. And for an obvious reason. Gedi stood an excellent chance of losing his job if power were shared with the opposition.”(More...)

____________________



Also see:
-VOA REPORT: Delegation's final Public Meeting - AUDIO
-ETN REPORT: Delegation's final Public Meeting - VIDEO
____________________

Today's Top HEADLINES

-Weekend fighting drove 36000 from Somali capital-UN
-Reports of killed Ethiopian soldiers begin to filter through
-Foundation Honors Journalists (U.S. Department of State)
-VIDEO - JOURNALISTS AND PRESS FREEDOM IN ETHIOPIA
-Red Cross repatriates 885 from Ethiopia and Eritrea
-Haile ‘Focused’ On Setting New World Benchmark In Dubai

SOMALIA'S PRESIDENT NAMES NEW PREMIER

Somalia's president named a caretaker prime minister on Tuesday, a day after the outgoing premier lost a power struggle in the government and resigned. Officials said Salim Aliyow Ibrow (Seen here), will temporarily replace Ali Mohamed Gedi.(More...)

INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES

THE DEMOCRATIC TARGET IN TUESDAY’S DEBATE

In an interview last week, Senator Barack Obama of Illinois telegraphed his intention to sharpen his distinctions with Mrs. Clinton. At the same time, though, he said he had no plans to “kneecap the front-runner.”(More...)

-Thinktank accuses Saudi regime over hate literature
-Bomber Strikes Within a Mile of Musharraf
-Russia to file Arctic claim to U.N. this year
-AIDS virus invaded U.S. from Haiti: study




_____________________

Ethiopia, US Behind Somali PM Resignation: Analyst

Check back with ETP for more news throughout the day

Also:
- Today's Top Stories
- Somalia's President Names New Premier
- INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES
____________________

Ken Menkhaus, Somali expert and professor of political science at Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina.

“This was a long time in coming and what finally prompted the resignation was unquestionably Ethiopian pressure. This was Ethiopia’s game. They were making the decision as to who would stay and who would go in the TFG.

They were trying to manage the long running split between President Abdullahi Yusef and Prime Minister Gedi. And in the end I think they came to understand that Gedi had to be replaced,” he says.

[AUDIO REPORT]

Asked whether United States pressure played any role in the resignation, Menkhaus says, “I suspect there was. In Nairobi, the donor community in general has for quite some time reached the conclusion that the primary obstacle to negotiations toward a more inclusive Transitional Federal Government was Gedi himself. And for an obvious reason. Gedi stood an excellent chance of losing his job if power were shared with the opposition.”(More...)

____________________



Also see:
-VOA REPORT: Delegation's final Public Meeting - AUDIO
-ETN REPORT: Delegation's final Public Meeting - VIDEO
____________________

Today's Top HEADLINES

-Weekend fighting drove 36000 from Somali capital-UN
-Reports of killed Ethiopian soldiers begin to filter through
-Foundation Honors Journalists (U.S. Department of State)
-VIDEO - JOURNALISTS AND PRESS FREEDOM IN ETHIOPIA
-Red Cross repatriates 885 from Ethiopia and Eritrea
-Haile ‘Focused’ On Setting New World Benchmark In Dubai

SOMALIA'S PRESIDENT NAMES NEW PREMIER

Somalia's president named a caretaker prime minister on Tuesday, a day after the outgoing premier lost a power struggle in the government and resigned. Officials said Salim Aliyow Ibrow (Seen here), will temporarily replace Ali Mohamed Gedi.(More...)

INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES

THE DEMOCRATIC TARGET IN TUESDAY’S DEBATE

In an interview last week, Senator Barack Obama of Illinois telegraphed his intention to sharpen his distinctions with Mrs. Clinton. At the same time, though, he said he had no plans to “kneecap the front-runner.”(More...)

-Thinktank accuses Saudi regime over hate literature
-Bomber Strikes Within a Mile of Musharraf
-Russia to file Arctic claim to U.N. this year
-AIDS virus invaded U.S. from Haiti: study




_____________________

Mogadishu Erupts as Reports of killed Ethiopian soldiers begin to filter through

Check back with ETP for more news throughout the day

____________________

Also:
- Prime minister Ghedi quits - SOMALIA
- Eritrea accuses Ethiopia of plotting to invade, Ethiopia denies
- Egypt Announces Nuke Power Plants Plans*
- INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES
____________________

-VIDEO - JOURNALISTS AND PRESS FREEDOM IN ETHIOPIA
-VOA REPORT: Sunday's Kinijit Public Meeting - AUDIO
-ETN REPORT: Sunday's Kinijit Public Meeting - VIDEO
____________________

(Hundreds of Somalis take part in angry protest against Ethiopian troops as the Somali capital sank further into violence.Sunday, October 28, 2007.(AFP/Mustafa Abdi)
MOGADISHU: Hundreds of protesters demanding the departure of government-allied Ethiopian troops burned tires and threw stones Sunday in the Somali capital as some of the worst violence in months continued for a second day.

Ethiopian troops fired toward protesters after several hundred Somalis — many of them women and children — took to the streets shouting anti-Ethiopian slogans, erecting burning barricades and tossing rocks, witnesses said.(More...)

Also see:
-Somali insurgents kill 3 Ethiopia soldiers
-Seven Ethiopian soldiers killed: Shabelle
-Ethiopian troops fire on protesters - witness
-Street battles rage in Mogadishu

____________________

SOMALIA: Prime minister quits; violence rocks Mogadishu

Ali Mohamed Gedi has resigned as Somalia's prime minister after an ongoing power struggle between him and the country's president Abdullahi Yusuf Hassan. "He handed in his letter this morning and the president has officially accepted his resignation," minister of information Madobe Nuunow Mohamed told IRIN.(More...)

Also see:
Ethiopian Govt. reaction on Ghedi's resignation -
Profile: Ali Mohamed Ghedi -
____________________

Eritrea says Ethiopia plotting to invade before the November deadline

Signing ceremony for the peace agreement between Ethiopia and Eritrea in Algiers, Algeria on December 12, 2000. Seated left to right are President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea and Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia. (UN Photo)

Eritrea accused arch-foe Ethiopia on Saturday of plotting to invade the Red Sea state ahead of a late-November deadline to mark their disputed border on maps.

In an online statement on Saturday, the Asmara government said its security agents had uncovered a plot by Addis Ababa. "Intelligence agencies ... say that (Ethiopia) is intending to launch an invasion against Eritrea in the first week of November 2007 with the blessing of the U.S. Administration," the statement said.(More...)

Also see:
-Ethiopia denies plot to attack Eritrea
-Ethiopia-Eritrea Trade Blame on Boundary Dispute - AUDIO
-War brews on the new frontier
____________________

INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES

_____________________

Egypt Announces Nuke Power Plants Plans

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Monday announced plans to build several nuclear power plants, joining several Arab countries in the Middle East that recently have broadcast their own atomic energy ambitions.

Mubarak said in a speech broadcast live on national television that the decision to build these nuclear power stations was to diversify Egypt's energy resources and preserve the country's oil and gas reserves for coming generations.(More...)
_____________________

-Argentina's first lady sweeps to presidency
-PHOTOS: Female Leaders Around the World
-French Held Over Darfur 'Adoptions'
-Olmert Says He Has Prostate Cancer
-Alleged Blackmail Plot Against British Royal




_____________________

Mogadishu Erupts as Reports of killed Ethiopian soldiers begin to filter through

Check back with ETP for more news throughout the day

____________________

Also:
- Prime minister Ghedi quits - SOMALIA
- Eritrea accuses Ethiopia of plotting to invade, Ethiopia denies
- Egypt Announces Nuke Power Plants Plans*
- INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES
____________________

-VIDEO - JOURNALISTS AND PRESS FREEDOM IN ETHIOPIA
-VOA REPORT: Sunday's Kinijit Public Meeting - AUDIO
-ETN REPORT: Sunday's Kinijit Public Meeting - VIDEO
____________________

(Hundreds of Somalis take part in angry protest against Ethiopian troops as the Somali capital sank further into violence.Sunday, October 28, 2007.(AFP/Mustafa Abdi)
MOGADISHU: Hundreds of protesters demanding the departure of government-allied Ethiopian troops burned tires and threw stones Sunday in the Somali capital as some of the worst violence in months continued for a second day.

Ethiopian troops fired toward protesters after several hundred Somalis — many of them women and children — took to the streets shouting anti-Ethiopian slogans, erecting burning barricades and tossing rocks, witnesses said.(More...)

Also see:
-Somali insurgents kill 3 Ethiopia soldiers
-Seven Ethiopian soldiers killed: Shabelle
-Ethiopian troops fire on protesters - witness
-Street battles rage in Mogadishu

____________________

SOMALIA: Prime minister quits; violence rocks Mogadishu

Ali Mohamed Gedi has resigned as Somalia's prime minister after an ongoing power struggle between him and the country's president Abdullahi Yusuf Hassan. "He handed in his letter this morning and the president has officially accepted his resignation," minister of information Madobe Nuunow Mohamed told IRIN.(More...)

Also see:
Ethiopian Govt. reaction on Ghedi's resignation -
Profile: Ali Mohamed Ghedi -
____________________

Eritrea says Ethiopia plotting to invade before the November deadline

Signing ceremony for the peace agreement between Ethiopia and Eritrea in Algiers, Algeria on December 12, 2000. Seated left to right are President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea and Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia. (UN Photo)

Eritrea accused arch-foe Ethiopia on Saturday of plotting to invade the Red Sea state ahead of a late-November deadline to mark their disputed border on maps.

In an online statement on Saturday, the Asmara government said its security agents had uncovered a plot by Addis Ababa. "Intelligence agencies ... say that (Ethiopia) is intending to launch an invasion against Eritrea in the first week of November 2007 with the blessing of the U.S. Administration," the statement said.(More...)

Also see:
-Ethiopia denies plot to attack Eritrea
-Ethiopia-Eritrea Trade Blame on Boundary Dispute - AUDIO
-War brews on the new frontier
____________________

INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES

_____________________

Egypt Announces Nuke Power Plants Plans

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Monday announced plans to build several nuclear power plants, joining several Arab countries in the Middle East that recently have broadcast their own atomic energy ambitions.

Mubarak said in a speech broadcast live on national television that the decision to build these nuclear power stations was to diversify Egypt's energy resources and preserve the country's oil and gas reserves for coming generations.(More...)
_____________________

-Argentina's first lady sweeps to presidency
-PHOTOS: Female Leaders Around the World
-French Held Over Darfur 'Adoptions'
-Olmert Says He Has Prostate Cancer
-Alleged Blackmail Plot Against British Royal




_____________________

Ethiopia's Serkalem: I Will continue to speak out even if I pay with My life

Check back with ETP for more news throughout the day

Also:
- Panel discussion on the Kinijit Crisis (VOA)
- Today's Top HEADLINES
- INTERNATIONAL news
- San Diego's Inferno: Relief Ahead?

____________________

^* ETHIOPIAN AMERICAN CIVIC ADVOCACY (EACA): LETTER TO SENATOR JIM INHOFE

^* OBANG ON SENATOR INHOFE’S SPEECH
____________________

Note: Readers are encouraged to FAX senator Inhofe's office demanding an apology for his offensive remarks about Ethiopia/Africa.

-Sample letter to fax to Sen. Inhofe’s office
-Professor Alemayehu G. Mariam's letter to Senator Inhofe
____________________

LISTEN TO AUDIO REPORT ON THE AWARD CEREMONY AND SERKALEM’S SPEECH (VOA)
(Picture - Serkalem (Center) did not come to New York to receive her courage award. In a video taped message, she said that despite widespread fear in her country, she would continue to speak out - even if she pays with her life.)
AP - Six women who risked their lives reporting in Iraq, a Mexican reporter who faced death threats for her reporting on pedophiles, and an Ethiopian journalist who was charged with treason received awards for courage Tuesday from the International Women's Media Foundation.

Ethiopian reporter and former publisher Serkalem Fasil, 27, was one of 14 journalists who were arrested and charged with treason for publishing articles critical of the government's conduct in May 2005 parliamentary elections.

On the day of her arrest, Fasil, who was two months pregnant, was severely beaten by police. She was freed in April, but the government brought new charges against her three months later, and her case is scheduled to be heard by the Supreme Court next month.

Fasil did not come to New York. In a video, she said that despite widespread fear in the country, she would continue to speak out _ even if she pays with her life.

Mexican Lydia Cacho, 44, a correspondent for CIMAC news agency, said Mexico is the second-most dangerous place for journalists in the world, only after Iraq. But she said in her acceptance speech that she "will not be silenced."

The foundation presented its lifetime achievement award to freelance journalist Peta Thornycroft, 62, who in the face of a media crackdown in Zimbabwe renounced her British citizenship and became a Zimbabwe citizen so she could continue reporting from the country.

The Washington-based International Women's Media Foundation was launched in 1990 with a mission to strengthen the role of women in the news media worldwide.

Also see:
-Journalists from Iraq, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Mexico Honored
-Female Journalists Honored for Courage
-Journalists Honored in New York

____________________

AUDIO – VOA Panel discussion on the Kinijit Crisis

Engineer Seyoum Gebeyehu
Professor Berhanu Abegaz
Dr. Berhanu Mengistu
____________________

ETHIOPIA RE-ERECTS ANCIENT AXUM OBELISK

Ethiopia started re-erecting its famed Axum obelisk 30 months after it returned to the country from Italy where it stayed for 70 years, a UN expert said Wednesday. The UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), which is overseeing the operation, said preliminary work to restore the 1,700-year-old obelisk on its original site has been completed.(More...)
____________________

AUDIO - SIYE ABRAHA VOA INTERVIEW (PART 2)
AUDIO - Dr. BERHANU NEGA VOA INTERVIEW (PART 2)
VIDEO - BIRTUKAN MIDEKSA MINNEAPOLIS SPEECH
AUDIO - SIYE ABRAHA VOA INTERVIEW (PART 1)
AUDIO - Dr. BERHANU NEGA VOA INTERVIEW (PART 1)
____________________

Today's Top HEADLINES

-Ethiopia Faces New Millennium, Uncertain of Future - VIDEO
-Ethiopia PM in opposition warning
-Congressman Smith's Speech on Ethiopia
-N.J. lawmaker battles Ethiopia (govt.)
-ONLF says killed another 250 on 2nd day of fighting
-PM Meles rejects rebel claims of deadly attacks
-Bending truth about history (Prof. Mammo Muchie)
-Ethiopian dissidents receive warm welcome
-Ethiopian opposition leader in US to return home
-PAP receives petitions from Kinjit S.A
-Mesfin on H.R. 2003
-ASYLUM FOR ERITREAN GOSPEL SINGER
-Beyonce in Ethiopia - VIDEO
-MOZAMBIQUE EX-PRES. WINS AFRICA GOVERNANCE PRIZE

INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES

SAN DIEGO'S INFERNO: RELIEF AHEAD?

TIME - Relief may be in sight for one of the most challenging wildfires in southern California's history. The flames are still burning out of control in the San Diego area, where more than 500,000, perhaps as many as 950,000, have been evacuated and hundreds of home destroyed. But the hot desert winds that fueled the flames began to ease Tuesday night, giving hope that the quick westerly progress of the fire would finally slow. (More...)

____________________

Stephen Colbert Moves Ahead of Richardson, Closes in on Biden, in National Poll

He's been "in" the race for less than a week, and already faux-pundit Stephen Colbert has surged ahead of longtime candidate Gov. Bill Richardson in one national poll gauging the race for the Democratic nod for president. And watch out Joe Biden!(More...)

Also see:
Colbert Ahead of 3 Democrats in Presidential Poll-
Poll Tries to Measure Colbert Effect-
____________________

-Mafia Largest Segment of Italian Economy, Business Group Says
-Behind South Africa's Reggae Murder
-US might delay missile defense
-China unveils likely successors to top posts
-Toyota's Sales Numbers A Relief For GM
-Looking for attractive people? Don't go to...



_________________________

Ethiopia's Serkalem: I Will continue to speak out even if I pay with My life

Check back with ETP for more news throughout the day

Also:
- Panel discussion on the Kinijit Crisis (VOA)
- Today's Top HEADLINES
- INTERNATIONAL news
- San Diego's Inferno: Relief Ahead?

____________________

^* ETHIOPIAN AMERICAN CIVIC ADVOCACY (EACA): LETTER TO SENATOR JIM INHOFE

^* OBANG ON SENATOR INHOFE’S SPEECH
____________________

Note: Readers are encouraged to FAX senator Inhofe's office demanding an apology for his offensive remarks about Ethiopia/Africa.

-Sample letter to fax to Sen. Inhofe’s office
-Professor Alemayehu G. Mariam's letter to Senator Inhofe
____________________

LISTEN TO AUDIO REPORT ON THE AWARD CEREMONY AND SERKALEM’S SPEECH (VOA)
(Picture - Serkalem (Center) did not come to New York to receive her courage award. In a video taped message, she said that despite widespread fear in her country, she would continue to speak out - even if she pays with her life.)
AP - Six women who risked their lives reporting in Iraq, a Mexican reporter who faced death threats for her reporting on pedophiles, and an Ethiopian journalist who was charged with treason received awards for courage Tuesday from the International Women's Media Foundation.

Ethiopian reporter and former publisher Serkalem Fasil, 27, was one of 14 journalists who were arrested and charged with treason for publishing articles critical of the government's conduct in May 2005 parliamentary elections.

On the day of her arrest, Fasil, who was two months pregnant, was severely beaten by police. She was freed in April, but the government brought new charges against her three months later, and her case is scheduled to be heard by the Supreme Court next month.

Fasil did not come to New York. In a video, she said that despite widespread fear in the country, she would continue to speak out _ even if she pays with her life.

Mexican Lydia Cacho, 44, a correspondent for CIMAC news agency, said Mexico is the second-most dangerous place for journalists in the world, only after Iraq. But she said in her acceptance speech that she "will not be silenced."

The foundation presented its lifetime achievement award to freelance journalist Peta Thornycroft, 62, who in the face of a media crackdown in Zimbabwe renounced her British citizenship and became a Zimbabwe citizen so she could continue reporting from the country.

The Washington-based International Women's Media Foundation was launched in 1990 with a mission to strengthen the role of women in the news media worldwide.

Also see:
-Journalists from Iraq, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Mexico Honored
-Female Journalists Honored for Courage
-Journalists Honored in New York

____________________

AUDIO – VOA Panel discussion on the Kinijit Crisis

Engineer Seyoum Gebeyehu
Professor Berhanu Abegaz
Dr. Berhanu Mengistu
____________________

ETHIOPIA RE-ERECTS ANCIENT AXUM OBELISK

Ethiopia started re-erecting its famed Axum obelisk 30 months after it returned to the country from Italy where it stayed for 70 years, a UN expert said Wednesday. The UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), which is overseeing the operation, said preliminary work to restore the 1,700-year-old obelisk on its original site has been completed.(More...)
____________________

AUDIO - SIYE ABRAHA VOA INTERVIEW (PART 2)
AUDIO - Dr. BERHANU NEGA VOA INTERVIEW (PART 2)
VIDEO - BIRTUKAN MIDEKSA MINNEAPOLIS SPEECH
AUDIO - SIYE ABRAHA VOA INTERVIEW (PART 1)
AUDIO - Dr. BERHANU NEGA VOA INTERVIEW (PART 1)
____________________

Today's Top HEADLINES

-Ethiopia Faces New Millennium, Uncertain of Future - VIDEO
-Ethiopia PM in opposition warning
-Congressman Smith's Speech on Ethiopia
-N.J. lawmaker battles Ethiopia (govt.)
-ONLF says killed another 250 on 2nd day of fighting
-PM Meles rejects rebel claims of deadly attacks
-Bending truth about history (Prof. Mammo Muchie)
-Ethiopian dissidents receive warm welcome
-Ethiopian opposition leader in US to return home
-PAP receives petitions from Kinjit S.A
-Mesfin on H.R. 2003
-ASYLUM FOR ERITREAN GOSPEL SINGER
-Beyonce in Ethiopia - VIDEO
-MOZAMBIQUE EX-PRES. WINS AFRICA GOVERNANCE PRIZE

INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES

SAN DIEGO'S INFERNO: RELIEF AHEAD?

TIME - Relief may be in sight for one of the most challenging wildfires in southern California's history. The flames are still burning out of control in the San Diego area, where more than 500,000, perhaps as many as 950,000, have been evacuated and hundreds of home destroyed. But the hot desert winds that fueled the flames began to ease Tuesday night, giving hope that the quick westerly progress of the fire would finally slow. (More...)

____________________

Stephen Colbert Moves Ahead of Richardson, Closes in on Biden, in National Poll

He's been "in" the race for less than a week, and already faux-pundit Stephen Colbert has surged ahead of longtime candidate Gov. Bill Richardson in one national poll gauging the race for the Democratic nod for president. And watch out Joe Biden!(More...)

Also see:
Colbert Ahead of 3 Democrats in Presidential Poll-
Poll Tries to Measure Colbert Effect-
____________________

-Mafia Largest Segment of Italian Economy, Business Group Says
-Behind South Africa's Reggae Murder
-US might delay missile defense
-China unveils likely successors to top posts
-Toyota's Sales Numbers A Relief For GM
-Looking for attractive people? Don't go to...



_________________________

Ethiopian rebels claim 140 killings

Check back with ETP for more news throughout the day

Also:
- Today's Top HEADLINES^UPDATED!
- INTERNATIONAL news^UPDATED!
- Video of the day (Fallen Reggae Icon Lucky Dube)*
____________________

Rep. Christopher Smith to speak on human rights in Ethiopia Monday - October 22, 2007
AUDIO - Dr. BERHANU NEGA VOA INTERVIEW (PART 1)
Breaking News: RADIO SHABELLE MANAGER ASSASSINATED
____________________

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia—Ethiopian rebels said Sunday they have killed 140 Ethiopian soldiers in the country's southeast, but the government denied that such an attack took place. The Ogaden National Liberation Front said in a statement e-mailed to The Associated Press that about 1,000 fighters attacked Ethiopian troops on Saturday in a southeastern area of Wardher, about 485 miles southeast of the capital, Addis Ababa.

"This is just a story created by the ONLF. I don't believe they have killed even one. I don't think it is true. We believe that ONLF is not in a position to make this kind of attack," government spokesman Zemedkun Tekle told The Associated Press.

It was not possible to independently verify the rebel claims because the area where the attack took place is remote. "This operation was a direct response to the burning of Caado village recently and the continuing abuses against the people of Ogaden by (government) forces in the Wardher area," the rebels' statement said.(More...)

ETHIOPIA: SENATOR INHOFE PROMISES TO KILL HUMAN RIGHTS BILL

INHOFE PROMISES TO KILL H.R. 2003 IN THREE WEEKS AND DELIVER REMAINS ON SILVER PLATTER TO ZENAWI IN ADDIS ABABA

(see video )

For Immediate Release
The Coalition For H.R. 2003
October 18, 2003

Using language previously seen in D.L.A. Piper lobbying materials and official Ethiopia Embassy press releases, Sen. James Inhofe of Oklahoma released a statement criticizing H.R. 2003.

He described the bill as one “focus(ing) only on shortcomings while blatantly ignoring the unprecedented progress the country has made”. He said Ethiopia “continue(s) to be a close friend of the United States and a strong ally in the War on Terror in the Horn of Africa.”

Other statements lifted from other lobbying promotional materials include unfounded allegations that the “language contained in H.R. 2003 enflames tensions already present in the Horn of Africa, threatening regional stability and long term U.S. national security.”

The Coalition calls attention to Sen. Inhofe’s statements on video found at the web address above where he promises to deliver the remains of H.R. 2003 to Zenawi in three weeks.

The Coalition has learned from highly reliable sources that Inhofe is currently organizing a group of Senators to kill H.R. 2003.

The Coalition will monitor the situation carefully and inform H.R. 2003 supporters on new developments. The Coalition will make further announcements shortly on responses to Senator Inhofe’s statements to kill H.R. 2003 in the Senate.

INHOFE STATEMENT ON ETHIOPIA RESOLUTION
Click here for Video

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Note from ETP - Sen. James Inhofe of Oklahoma believes that the Government of Ethiopia is respectful of human rights. He also believes that global warming is a myth and Iraq is a “huge success story”.
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Today's Top HEADLINES

-THE HORN, THE LIST AND THE RISKS (NY Times)
-ETHIOPIA FOREIGN MINISTRY ON THE ABOVE NY TIMES ARTICLE
-First locally made car Unveiled -- (See Pictures here)
-Study: Ethiopia Draft Press Law will Hamper Press freedom
-UN and Ethiopian Govt Agree On Ogaden Aid
-Somali PM Consults With Ethiopian Leaders in Addis - AUDIO
-'A Scandal That Is Not Being Dealt With'
-GABRIEL DWAIT LAID TO REST IN BE'ER SHEVA
-INSIDE A CITY OF FEAR
-UN stops Somalia food aid after gunmen seize official

INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES

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AFRICAN REGGAE STAR SHOT DEAD IN FRONT OF HIS CHILDREN

[Audio Report from VOA]

BBC - The South African reggae musician, Lucky Dube, has been shot dead in front of his children in Johannesburg during an attempted car hijacking. He had been dropping his teenage son and daughter off in the suburb of Rosettenville on Thursday evening.(More...)

Also see:
ANTI-APARTHEID REGGAE ICON MURDERED (AGI)
African reggae icon dead (Guardian)
Lucky dead (AFP)
South African star shot dead (Reuters)
____________________

-Don't blame me, says militant who threatened Bhutto
-Nobel Winner Issues Apology for Comments About Blacks
-EU leaders approve new treaty
-French President Sarkozy, Wife Separate
-China: US Award for Dalai Lama Gravely Undermines Relations
-Why Males Die Before Females

Video of the Day

(Lucky Dube had a significant following in Ethiopia; many reggae fans considered him to be Africa’s Peter Tosh.)



I've Got You(1988)-Album Slave (From his second major reggae album , this poppy song was the first international hit for the reggae singer)
Also see:
Back To My Roots
Peace Perfect Peace
Prisoner


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Ethiopian rebels claim 140 killings

Check back with ETP for more news throughout the day

Also:
- Today's Top HEADLINES^UPDATED!
- INTERNATIONAL news^UPDATED!
- Video of the day (Fallen Reggae Icon Lucky Dube)*
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Rep. Christopher Smith to speak on human rights in Ethiopia Monday - October 22, 2007
AUDIO - Dr. BERHANU NEGA VOA INTERVIEW (PART 1)
Breaking News: RADIO SHABELLE MANAGER ASSASSINATED
____________________

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia—Ethiopian rebels said Sunday they have killed 140 Ethiopian soldiers in the country's southeast, but the government denied that such an attack took place. The Ogaden National Liberation Front said in a statement e-mailed to The Associated Press that about 1,000 fighters attacked Ethiopian troops on Saturday in a southeastern area of Wardher, about 485 miles southeast of the capital, Addis Ababa.

"This is just a story created by the ONLF. I don't believe they have killed even one. I don't think it is true. We believe that ONLF is not in a position to make this kind of attack," government spokesman Zemedkun Tekle told The Associated Press.

It was not possible to independently verify the rebel claims because the area where the attack took place is remote. "This operation was a direct response to the burning of Caado village recently and the continuing abuses against the people of Ogaden by (government) forces in the Wardher area," the rebels' statement said.(More...)

ETHIOPIA: SENATOR INHOFE PROMISES TO KILL HUMAN RIGHTS BILL

INHOFE PROMISES TO KILL H.R. 2003 IN THREE WEEKS AND DELIVER REMAINS ON SILVER PLATTER TO ZENAWI IN ADDIS ABABA

(see video )

For Immediate Release
The Coalition For H.R. 2003
October 18, 2003

Using language previously seen in D.L.A. Piper lobbying materials and official Ethiopia Embassy press releases, Sen. James Inhofe of Oklahoma released a statement criticizing H.R. 2003.

He described the bill as one “focus(ing) only on shortcomings while blatantly ignoring the unprecedented progress the country has made”. He said Ethiopia “continue(s) to be a close friend of the United States and a strong ally in the War on Terror in the Horn of Africa.”

Other statements lifted from other lobbying promotional materials include unfounded allegations that the “language contained in H.R. 2003 enflames tensions already present in the Horn of Africa, threatening regional stability and long term U.S. national security.”

The Coalition calls attention to Sen. Inhofe’s statements on video found at the web address above where he promises to deliver the remains of H.R. 2003 to Zenawi in three weeks.

The Coalition has learned from highly reliable sources that Inhofe is currently organizing a group of Senators to kill H.R. 2003.

The Coalition will monitor the situation carefully and inform H.R. 2003 supporters on new developments. The Coalition will make further announcements shortly on responses to Senator Inhofe’s statements to kill H.R. 2003 in the Senate.

INHOFE STATEMENT ON ETHIOPIA RESOLUTION
Click here for Video

____________________

Note from ETP - Sen. James Inhofe of Oklahoma believes that the Government of Ethiopia is respectful of human rights. He also believes that global warming is a myth and Iraq is a “huge success story”.
____________________

Today's Top HEADLINES

-THE HORN, THE LIST AND THE RISKS (NY Times)
-ETHIOPIA FOREIGN MINISTRY ON THE ABOVE NY TIMES ARTICLE
-First locally made car Unveiled -- (See Pictures here)
-Study: Ethiopia Draft Press Law will Hamper Press freedom
-UN and Ethiopian Govt Agree On Ogaden Aid
-Somali PM Consults With Ethiopian Leaders in Addis - AUDIO
-'A Scandal That Is Not Being Dealt With'
-GABRIEL DWAIT LAID TO REST IN BE'ER SHEVA
-INSIDE A CITY OF FEAR
-UN stops Somalia food aid after gunmen seize official

INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES

____________________

AFRICAN REGGAE STAR SHOT DEAD IN FRONT OF HIS CHILDREN

[Audio Report from VOA]

BBC - The South African reggae musician, Lucky Dube, has been shot dead in front of his children in Johannesburg during an attempted car hijacking. He had been dropping his teenage son and daughter off in the suburb of Rosettenville on Thursday evening.(More...)

Also see:
ANTI-APARTHEID REGGAE ICON MURDERED (AGI)
African reggae icon dead (Guardian)
Lucky dead (AFP)
South African star shot dead (Reuters)
____________________

-Don't blame me, says militant who threatened Bhutto
-Nobel Winner Issues Apology for Comments About Blacks
-EU leaders approve new treaty
-French President Sarkozy, Wife Separate
-China: US Award for Dalai Lama Gravely Undermines Relations
-Why Males Die Before Females

Video of the Day

(Lucky Dube had a significant following in Ethiopia; many reggae fans considered him to be Africa’s Peter Tosh.)



I've Got You(1988)-Album Slave (From his second major reggae album , this poppy song was the first international hit for the reggae singer)
Also see:
Back To My Roots
Peace Perfect Peace
Prisoner


____________________

2007 Press Freedom Index Released, Ethiopia Ranked 150th

Check back with ETP for more news throughout the day

____________________

Also:
- Today's Top HEADLINES^Updated
- INTERNATIONAL news^Updated
____________________

ONE SMALL STEP FOR THE U.S. CONGRESS, ONE GIANT LEAP FOR ETHIOPIAN HUMAN RIGHTS (Professor Alemayehu G. Mariam)

AUDIO - Professor Mesfin WoldeMariam’s take on the current CUD crises (VOA Interview)

ON FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND RESPONSIBLE JOURNALISM (Amharic article, Tewodros Abebe)
____________________

ETP/AP - Ethiopia has been outranked by more than 145 countries including Zimbabwe, Sudan, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia in a survey of press freedom around the world.


(Picture - Kifle Mulat, President of the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists Association, who had been arrested at least seven times in previous years)



Ethiopia was rated 150th in an index of 169 countries published today by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which examined various factors such as the way journalists are treated, freedom of speech, freedom of information and diversity of media ownership.

RSF criticized the incarceration of journalists in Ethiopia, deportation of foreign correspondents and the government’s involvement in web censorship. The report stated that most blogs and opposition websites were inaccessible in the country.

The survey also found that Ethiopia’s neighbor Eritrea had the least free media in the world, displacing North Korea.

"The privately-owned press has been banished by the authoritarian president Issaias Afeworki and the few journalists who dare to criticise the regime are thrown in prison," RSF said. "We know that four of them have died in detention and we have every reason to fear that others will suffer the same fate."

China was seventh from the bottom of the list, at 163rd, just ahead of Burma, Cuba and Iran. The top of the list was dominated by European countries, which made up 18 of the top 20.

[Click here to see Press freedom index list]
[Click here to see RSF’s annual report on Ethiopia]

Today's Top HEADLINES

-Ethiopia opposition out of jail but in disarray
-Ogaden Rights Group: Refugees Face Deportation - AUDIO
-UN compound stormed in Mogadishu
-U.N. food program officer seized, jailed in Somalia
-WAR ON TERROR TRUMPS PROMOTING ETHIOPIAN DEMOCRACY
-Ethiopia: Gulf of Aden death toll increases in October
-Eritrea security chief survives assassination bid
-Resentment and rations as Eritrea nears a crisis
-Somali rulers duel in political showdown
-Ethiopian Airlines in afforestation campaign

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Ethiopian biodiversity institute awarded UN environmental prize

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today jointly awarded an environmental preservation prize to an Ethiopian biodiversity institute and a Slovak ecologist.(More...)
____________________

INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES

____________________

Rwanda aims to become Africa's high-tech hub

Sometime in the next two years, nearly every school in Rwanda – from distant mountain villages to swelling urban areas – will be hooked up to the Internet. And it won't be some crummy dial-up service. It will be high-speed broadband, carried by fiber-optic cables.(More...)
____________________

-Bush dismisses Chinese criticism over Dalai Lama
-Parliament in Turkey Votes to Allow Iraq Incursion
-Colbert announces presidential pursuit
-Tensions with Turkey Spur Oil Price Increase
-Japan cuts grant aid to Burma
-Clinton Now Ahead of Obama in Money Race
-Gossip more powerful than truth, researchers say



_________________________

2007 Press Freedom Index Released, Ethiopia Ranked 150th

Check back with ETP for more news throughout the day

____________________

Also:
- Today's Top HEADLINES^Updated
- INTERNATIONAL news^Updated
____________________

ONE SMALL STEP FOR THE U.S. CONGRESS, ONE GIANT LEAP FOR ETHIOPIAN HUMAN RIGHTS (Professor Alemayehu G. Mariam)

AUDIO - Professor Mesfin WoldeMariam’s take on the current CUD crises (VOA Interview)

ON FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND RESPONSIBLE JOURNALISM (Amharic article, Tewodros Abebe)
____________________

ETP/AP - Ethiopia has been outranked by more than 145 countries including Zimbabwe, Sudan, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia in a survey of press freedom around the world.


(Picture - Kifle Mulat, President of the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists Association, who had been arrested at least seven times in previous years)



Ethiopia was rated 150th in an index of 169 countries published today by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which examined various factors such as the way journalists are treated, freedom of speech, freedom of information and diversity of media ownership.

RSF criticized the incarceration of journalists in Ethiopia, deportation of foreign correspondents and the government’s involvement in web censorship. The report stated that most blogs and opposition websites were inaccessible in the country.

The survey also found that Ethiopia’s neighbor Eritrea had the least free media in the world, displacing North Korea.

"The privately-owned press has been banished by the authoritarian president Issaias Afeworki and the few journalists who dare to criticise the regime are thrown in prison," RSF said. "We know that four of them have died in detention and we have every reason to fear that others will suffer the same fate."

China was seventh from the bottom of the list, at 163rd, just ahead of Burma, Cuba and Iran. The top of the list was dominated by European countries, which made up 18 of the top 20.

[Click here to see Press freedom index list]
[Click here to see RSF’s annual report on Ethiopia]

Today's Top HEADLINES

-Ethiopia opposition out of jail but in disarray
-Ogaden Rights Group: Refugees Face Deportation - AUDIO
-UN compound stormed in Mogadishu
-U.N. food program officer seized, jailed in Somalia
-WAR ON TERROR TRUMPS PROMOTING ETHIOPIAN DEMOCRACY
-Ethiopia: Gulf of Aden death toll increases in October
-Eritrea security chief survives assassination bid
-Resentment and rations as Eritrea nears a crisis
-Somali rulers duel in political showdown
-Ethiopian Airlines in afforestation campaign

____________________

Ethiopian biodiversity institute awarded UN environmental prize

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today jointly awarded an environmental preservation prize to an Ethiopian biodiversity institute and a Slovak ecologist.(More...)
____________________

INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES

____________________

Rwanda aims to become Africa's high-tech hub

Sometime in the next two years, nearly every school in Rwanda – from distant mountain villages to swelling urban areas – will be hooked up to the Internet. And it won't be some crummy dial-up service. It will be high-speed broadband, carried by fiber-optic cables.(More...)
____________________

-Bush dismisses Chinese criticism over Dalai Lama
-Parliament in Turkey Votes to Allow Iraq Incursion
-Colbert announces presidential pursuit
-Tensions with Turkey Spur Oil Price Increase
-Japan cuts grant aid to Burma
-Clinton Now Ahead of Obama in Money Race
-Gossip more powerful than truth, researchers say



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