Ethiopia: Observers dismayed at further delay in trial of Daniel and Netsanet

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Also:
- Today's Top Stories
- INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES

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ERITREA-ETHIOPIA DEADLINE EXPIRES TODAY
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL: Public Statement
(On Danile and Netsanet's case)
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(Click on picture to act on behalf of Daniel and Netsanet)

[CIVICUS - Whiteband] Ethiopian anti-poverty activists Daniel Bekele and Netsanet Demissie will remain in prison for at least another 24 days, as Judges in Ethiopia's High Court today delayed their verdict for the third time in two months, postponing it until 24 December.

"We are deeply dismayed by the court's decision to delay the verdict yet again. These numerous postponements are unacceptable and infringe the rights of these innocent civil society leaders to a fair and swift trial. But we will not be deterred - we and others around the world will continue to insist on their immediate and unconditional release ," said Kumi Naidoo, Secretary General of CIVICUS and Co-Chair of GCAP.

After 25 months in prison, Daniel and Netsanet, both coordinators of the Global Call to Action against Poverty in Ethiopia , are the last two accused in the high profile Ethiopian treason trial that originally charged 131 politicians, journalists, organisations and civil society leaders in the wake of the country's May 2005 parliamentary elections. They were due to hear their verdict this morning in Addis Ababa, on charges of conspiracy to overthrow the government, specifically, "outrage against the constitution and constitutional order," which carries a possible sentence of life imprisonment or the death penalty.

In delaying the verdict, the court announced that one of the judges is ill and must be replaced. The postponement is allegedly to allow the replacement judge to familiarise himself with the case.

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Dr. Yacob Hailemariam to speak at Norfolk, December 5, 2007
(Event sponsored by Tidewater Peace Alliance and Amnesty International)

Dr. Berhanu Nega to speak at an Upcoming Conference - Linking Human Rights and Development: A strategy for Africa (December 6, 2007) (Sponsored by Amnesty International)
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US department of state
Released on November 29, 2007

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to Travel to Ethiopia Next Week

In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Secretary will attend a meeting with leaders from the African Great Lakes states to discuss issues of regional peace and security on December 5. She also will hold bilateral meetings with the Government of Ethiopia.
Also see: Rice to visit Ethiopia in rare Africa trip
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Dueling Dictators: Newsweek

Newsweek - If there were an award for the most pointless war of the last 25 years, Ethiopia and Eritrea's 1998-2000 border battle might well take the prize.(More...)

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ETHIOPIAN GOVT. FORCING UNTRAINED CIVILIANS TO FIGHT REBELS, REFUGEES SAY
McClatchy Newspapers



Ethiopian soldiers have forcibly drafted hundreds of civilians to fight separatist rebels in the desolate, predominantly Muslim Ogaden region in a shadowy military campaign supported by the Bush administration, according to more than a dozen refugees and former recruits who've fled to neighboring Kenya.(More...)
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Today's Top Stories

-Revenge drives young Somali militant
-Ten more killed in north Mogadishu fighting
-Kenya arrests 12 suspected Ethiopian rebels
-Ethiopia, Eritrea tread a thin line
-Atrocities alleged in eastern Ethiopia
-Meles denies rights abuses in Ogaden
-Ethiopia: UN Humanitarian Chief Concludes Visit
-Somali PM works to put cabinet together
-Call to attack Uganda peacekeepers divides insurgency

INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES

Kasparov Warns of ‘Chaos’ in Russia - Released from jail after serving a five-day sentence for leading an opposition march, Garry Kasparov, the former chess champion, warned today that Russia was heading toward chaos under President Vladimir V. Putin.(More...)

-New Ebola Strain Blamed for Killing 16 in Uganda
-Sudan protesters: Execute teacher
-Musharraf Is Sworn In as a Civilian President
-Australia's new prime minister names his own cabinet
-Power Grab or Reform? Venezuelans Debate Vote




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ETHIOPIAN ACTIVISTS IN COURT NOVEMBER 30TH AGAIN TO HEAR VERDICT IN TREASON TRIAL

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30TH
ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

29-11-07– Anti-poverty activists Daniel Bekele and Netsanet Demissie who have faced several court delays to date, are scheduled to hear the verdict on treason related charges tomorrow FrIday, November 30th. If found guilty, they could face life imprisonment or death sentences.

“Justice delayed is justice denied,” Said Kumi Naidoo, Secretary General of CIVICUS and Chair of Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP). “Sadly, these two activists are being tried for their commitment to bettering the lives of the people of Ethiopia. We all stand in solidarity with them” he added.

Daniel and Netsanet, both coordinators of the Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP) in Ethiopia, are the last two accused in the high profile Ethiopian treason trial that originally charged 131 politicians, journalists, organisations and civil society leaders. They have been detained since November 2005, on allegations of conspiracy to overthrow the government, specifically, “outrage against the constitution and constitutional order.”

Originally scheduled to give the verdict on October 8th, the High Court in Addis Ababa delayed it until November 22nd when again they delayed on the grounds one of the judges was ill in hospital.

-ENDS-

For more information or interviews, please contact:
Julie Middleton, Programme Communications Associate, Civil Society Watch, CIVICUS Tel: 27 11 833-5959, ext. 123 Julie.middleton@civicus.org

Ciara O’Sullivan, GCAP Media Coordinator at Tel: +34 679 594 809, ciara.osullivan@civicus.org

For more information on CIVICUS: www.civicus.org

For more information on GCAP Stand Up and Speak Out on 17 October: www.whiteband.org

Ethiopia: Top stories of the day

Check back with ETP for more news throughout the day

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PETITION FOR DANIEL AND NETSANET
(Family and Friends)

THE CASE OF ETHIOPIAN SOCIETY AND HR 2003
(EAC)
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"“I think it is crucial that Senator Inhofe communicate with the Prime Minister of Ethiopia about the strength and feelings of his constituents in Oklahoma. " - Oklahoma State Senator Connie N. Johnson



(L)Senator Connie N. Johnson (R)Oklahoma Representative Jabar Shumate

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Governor Henry Signs
African-American Centennial Plaza
Bill At Ceremonial Event
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-Eritrea-Ethiopia border deadline looms amid war fears
-Obang addresses students, faculty at Bethel University
-Starbucks opening farm support center in Ethiopia
-Somali media restrictions "ridiculous" - watchdog
-Somalia offensive after attacks
-Ethiopia bogged down in Somalia Meles Admits
-Canadian Sec. of State Commemorates Ethiopian Millennium


John Holmes, the U.N.'s humanitarian chief, right, greet residents of Kebridehar in the eastern Ethiopian region of Ogaden, Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2007. John Holmes, urged officials to allow freedom of movement and more aid agencies in the eastern Ethiopian region of Ogaden, where a low-level insurgency has escalated.(More...)

Also see:
-U.N. says "deep international concern" at Ogaden conflict



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Ethiopia bogged down in Somalia Meles Admits

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Also:
- Today's Top Stories
- INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES
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THE CASE OF ETHIOPIAN SOCIETY AND HR 2003 (EAC)
PETITION FOR DANIEL AND NETSANET (Family and Friends)
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Ethiopia bogged down in Somalia: Meles
BBC

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has acknowledged that his troops cannot withdraw from the conflict in Somalia. Mr Meles said he had expected to withdraw his soldiers earlier in the year, after Islamists had been driven out of the Somali capital, Mogadishu.(More...)

Also see:
Ethiopia Upgrades Military Budget Due To Eritrea Threat-Meles
Ethiopia to maintain crackdown on Ogaden rebels: PM

Today's Top Stories

-U.N. envoy arrives in volatile Ethiopian region
-VOA Amharic, Oromo Shows Jammed (VOA)
-Somali journalists banned from covering insurgents
-Desperate Somalia (Washington Post Editorial)
-AUDIO - Experts examine the Somalia crisis (PBS)

Keepers of the Lost Ark?
Smithsonian magazine



Through the centuries, Ethiopians have claimed that the ark rests in a chapel in the small town of Aksum, in their country's northern highlands. It arrived nearly 3,000 years ago, they say, and has been guarded by a succession of virgin monks who, once anointed, are forbidden to set foot outside the chapel grounds until they die.(More...)

INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES

-Musharraf to quit army 'this week'
-Leaders attend Mideast Conference
-Oprah to campaign for Obama
-Violence worsens in Paris
-Airbus $30bil. deal With China
-U.N. index names best country to live in





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Ethiopia: Top stories of the day

Check back with ETP for more news throughout the day

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PETITION SITE CREATED
FOR DANIEL AND NETSANET
(Family and Friends)
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African nations agree to $1bn Indian satellite project

A critical mass of countries are signing on to a plan for India to invest $1bn in the Pan-African e-Network satellite project, a joint initiative with the Africa Union aimed at developing the region’s ICT infrastructure.(More...)

Haile receives Inspirational Award

Legendary Ethiopian long-distance runner Haile Gebrselassie holds his 'Inspirational Award', Sunday, Nov. 25, 2007, in Monaco, during the World Athlete of the Year awards.(More...)

Somalia Swears In New Prime Minister

Somalia's parliament has sworn in Nur Hassan Hussein as the new prime minister of the war-torn nation. Mr. Hussein took the oath of office early Saturday in the southern town of Baidoa, where the parliament meets. He promised to perform his duties honestly.(More...)

Also see: New prime minister willing
to talk with insurgents

-Ethiopian army pays tribute to soldiers that died in Somalia
-VOA Amharic, Oromo Shows Jammed (VOA)
-New electoral board similar to old one say opposition
-LIFE AND DEATH IN MOGADISHU - VIDEO
-German Official: Human Rights Get Too Little Attention
-HR 2003 benefits all and sundry (ethiomedia)
-US pledges 25 mln dollars for restive Ethiopian region
-Somalia President Says He Wants More Control
-Multiplex cinema opens in Addis
-China in Africa: Developing ties
-Obscure athletes scoop Great Ethiopia Run



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Protesters Ask Senator Inhofe to Be Fair (text and Video)

Ethiopian-Americans and Friends of Ethiopia in Oklahoma for HR 2003 Ask Senator Inhofe to Be Fair(text and Video)

Ethiopia: Verdict on Daniel and Netsanet Put Off Again

The verdict in the case of Ethiopian anti-poverty campaigners Daniel Bekele and Netsanet Demissie, which was expected today, has been postponed again because a judge is in hospital.

The last evidence in the case was presented in Ethiopia's Federal High Court on 2 August. The two prisoners have been waiting since then to hear their verdict, first while the court completed its annual recess, and then for a further six weeks after the judges said that they needed extra time to consider all the evidence.(More...)

Also:
-PETITION SITE CREATED FOR DANIEL AND NETSANET (Family and Friends)
-Background Notes on trial of Netsanet and Daniel

Eritrea accuses Ethiopia of having "declared war"

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Also:
- Today's Top Stories
- INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES
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-WAITING FOR JUSTICE: Qaliti Qalkidan on Daniel and Netsanet
-Frontline issues an appeal on behalf of Daniel and Netsanet
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Eritrea said on Wednesday arch-foe Ethiopia had "long since declared war" on Asmara by refusing to implement a five-year-old border ruling marking their shared frontier.

Analysts and diplomats fear heightened tensions on the Horn of Africa rivals' frontier could erupt into a new conflict seven years after they fought a war that killed some 70,000 people.(More...)

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Verdict to be passed on Ethiopian activists this Thursday
Background Notes on trial of Netsanet and Daniel
PETITION SITE CREATED FOR DANIEL AND NETSANET (Family and Friends)
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Today's Top Stories

-Ethiopia urges quick deployment of peacekeepers
-Ethiopia: Govt. denies reports of Ogaden attacks
-UN Chief to visit Ethiopia (OCHA)
-Letter to US senate committee on armed services (Keif Schleifer)
-Great Ethiopian Run Set For Sunday
-Dashen Bank to launch MasterCard
-'One million' homeless in Somalia
-Kenya repatriates refugees to Mogadishu amid protests
-Researchers, think tank key to Africa’s development
-Jolie's adopted girl conceived during rape: mother

Legend to become fact? - A major archeological find has been unearthed in Ethiopia. About 20 days ago, The Tigray Tourism Bureau, came upon an unspecified number of clay tablets with inscriptions in Sabean- the semitic lingua franca of the Sabean and later Aksumite empires and the tongue of the Queen of Sheba. The find in due time is expected to add more corroboration of the Ethiopic origins of Makeda – more famed as the Queen of Sheba – a woman who remains a hotly contested item of possession between Ethiopian and Yemenite peoples.(More...)

INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES

Obama ahead in new Iowa poll

A new Washington Post/ABC News poll of likely Democratic caucus-goers has Barack Obama leading the primary field with 30 percent, compared with Clinton at 26 percent and John Edwards at 22 percent.(More...)



-Musharraf in Talks on Exiled Rival
-French strikes escalate, economic toll mounts-
-Olmert hopes for peace deal with Palestinians in 2008
-Cambodia genocide tribunal opens
-UN HIV estimates reduced to 33m




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Ethiopia: US senator to visit country, second week of protest planned asking for support on rights bill

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Also:
- Today's Top STORIES^Updated
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-Verdict to be passed on Ethiopian activists this Thursday
-Background Notes on trial of Netsanet and Daniel
-PETITION SITE CREATED FOR DANIEL AND NETSANET (Family and Friends)
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Second Week Peaceful Demonstration in Front of Senator Inhofe's Office in Oklahoma City

Senator Inhofe will be going to Ethiopia in a couple of weeks, the peaceful demonstrators will request Sentor Inhofe visit the families of the massacred people in June and November 2005. The protestors will also request that Senator Inhofe visit Daniel Bekele and Nesanet, the human rights defenders who are still languishing in jail. The protesters will request that Senator Inhofe give equal time to the opposition. Last but not least, the protesters will request Senator Inhofe give full support to H.R.2003.(More...)

Family members of a refugee from Ogaden region in Ethiopia sit on the ground in Dadaab, northeastern Kenya, November 16, 2007. The effect of the Ogaden crisis is being felt in neighbouring Kenya, where more Ogadenis than usual have been trickling into the three massive Dadaab camps.(More...)

TODAY'S TOP STORIES

-Ethiopia: army claims killing Ogaden rebels
-Ethiopia 'bombs' Ogaden villages (BBC)
-Ethiopia's refugees recount horrors of conflict (Reuters)
-Somali orders country's oldest rights group shut down
-The long search for a Somali PM
-Islamist insurgency grows in Somalia
-U.S. Embassy Donates Books to Educational Institutions
-Bekele finds happiness after tragedy





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Ethiopia: army claims killing around 100 Ogaden rebels

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Also:
- Today's Top STORIES^Updated
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Second Week Peaceful Demonstration in Front of Senator Inhofe's Office in Oklahoma City

-AUDIO-VOA ON CUD's U.S. DELEGATION FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE
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-PROTESTERS WANT US INHOFE TO SUPPORT RIGHTS BILL (AP)
-PETITION SITE CREATED FOR DANIEL AND NETSANET (Family and Friends)
-REMEMBER, THE ETHIOPIAN MARTYRS OF JUNE AND NOVEMBER, 2005 FOREVER! (Professor Alemayehu G. Mariam)
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ADDIS ABABA (AFP) - Ethiopian officers on Friday claimed their forces had killed some 100 rebels in the Ogaden region over the past month where its forces are cracking down on insurgents, state media reported.

Government troops had also captured hundreds of rebel Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) fighters, state-owned Ethiopian television reported. They had been regrouping in the Lander area of southeast Ogaden. The army operation started on October 17.

"Around 100 terrorists from the ONLF have been killed after regrouping in the Lander area," the television quoted Colonel Gebregziabher Beyene, an army field commander as saying.(More...)

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• ABUJA DECLARATION: LAUNCH OF FEDERATION OF AFRICAN JOURNALISTS
• THE COUNTRIES THAT SHAME AFRICA (Declaration Adopted at the African Journalists Congress)
• New Federation of Journalists Launches with Scathing Attack on “Countries that Shame Africa”

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TODAY'S TOP STORIES

NPR: Somalia, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Sudan

[AUDIO] - Bill Fletcher discusses escalating violence in Somalia, rising political tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, and the latest on the North-South dispute in Sudan. Fletcher is the senior scholar with the Institute for Policy Studies.[NPR - AUDIO]

Maid abuse under scrutiny

(Picture - An Ethiopian maid hangs washed clothes as she stands on a balcony in Beirut, Lebanon Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007. AP Photo) Thousands of foreign domestic workers in the Arab world face abuse at the hands of their employers.(More...)



-Ugandan peacekeepers attacked in Somalia
-EU CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE IN SOMALIA
-ETHIOPIA: COUNTRY BOTTOM AT UN TRADE AND DEV'T INDEX
-ETHIOPIA LAST IN AFRICA CELL PHONE USE
-FUGITIVE SOMALI ISLAMIST URGES JIHAD ON AU TROOPS
-INT. COMMUNITY TURNING A BLIND EYE: FORMER SPOKESPERSON
-STATEMENT FROM DR. YACOB HAILEMARIAM (CUD External Affairs)
-US AFRICA COMMAND WILL AID SECURITY: GENERAL
-GEBRSELASSIE HEADING FOR HISTORIC MARATHON TRIPLE
-ETHIOPIAN ADOPTION AGENCY BACKS ANGELINA JOLIE

Rasta roots explored in rare US (Smithsonian) exhibition



An unprecedented year-long exhibition at the prestigious Smithsonian Institute aims to demystify the mystique of Rastafarism exploring the roots of what has become a global emerging religion.



Rastafarism, with its resistance to colonialism, racism, is a philosophy, a religion and a way of life, which is growing in international populariy. The movement believes that Ethiopia is the Biblical promised land.(More...)






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Second Week Peaceful Demonstration in Front of Senator Inhofe's Office in Oklahoma City

Ethiopian-Americans and Friends of Ethiopia in Oklahoma for H.R.2003

Second Week Peaceful Demonstration in Front of Senator Inhofe's Office in Oklahoma City on Tuesdy November 20, 2007

Senator Inhofe will be going to Ethiopia in a couple of weeks, the peaceful demonstrators will request Sentor Inhofe visit the families of the massacred people in June and November 2005. The protestors will also request that Senator Inhofe visit Daniel Bekele and Nesanet, the human rights defenders who are still languishing in jail. The protesters will request that Senator Inhofe give equal time to the opposition. Last but not least, the protesters will request Senator Inhofe give full support to H.R.2003.

ETHIOPIAN-AMERICANS and FRIENDS of ETHIOPIA in OKLAHOMA For H.R. 2003

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2007
WEEK-TWO OF PEACEFUL PROTEST AT SENATOR INHOFE’ S
OKLAHOMA CITY OFFICE

Contact Person:
Mr. Muluneh Zeleke, (Spokesperson)
Phone: 405-314-4560
ALL MEDIA INVITED!

In front of Senator Inhofe’s Oklahoma City office located at:
1900 NW Expressway Suite 1210
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
TIME: 11:00 AM
Purpose:

1)On-going campaign to create awareness among constituents of Senator Inhofe about H.R. 2003, the “Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007”
2)As constituents, to continue to petition Senator James Inhofe, to give his full support to the Democracy and Human Rights Bill: HR 2003.


OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – “I was sorry to learn of your opposition to H.R.2003, the “Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007.” I know you have a strong personal tie to Ethiopia and that you have been charmed by the personable Prime Minister Meles Zenawi (as have I). I believe, however, that H.R.2003 is sound legislation in holding the feet of the ruling TPLF to the fire to live up to its rhetoric about what you refer to as a positive democratization process… I hope you will reconsider your position on H.R.2003 and join your colleagues in the House of Representatives in striving to promote democracy and human rights in Ethiopia. By not standing in the way of Senate concurrence in this significant foreign policy initiative, you will be serving your constituents well. Please let me know if I can provide you with any additional information about the current situation in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa.”
- Open letter from OSU Professor Ted Vestal (author of “Ethiopia, A Post-Cold War Africa State”) to Sen. James Inhofe, November 13, 2007
-
“…in Ethiopia, in reality it (HR 2003) focuses only on shortcomings while blatantly ignoring the unprecedented progress the country has made…While I agree that the violence and intimidation that took place in the country after the 2005 election was an unnecessary use of excessive force, the Government of Ethiopia has taken significant steps to regain a democratic process that is fair and respectful of human rights…I believe the bill takes the wrong approach by placing demands on a friend and ally that has made obvious advancements in democracy and human rights.
I hope when it comes to this side, if it does come in this form, that we will be able to resoundingly defeat it. I look forward to being in Ethiopia in about 3 weeks. I will certainly hope that I don't have to go over there after having something like this pass the Senate.”- Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK), U.S. Senate, October 17, 2007

“…and has visited the nation four times. He’s very involved in the country and knows the leadership of that country very well. He’s not just doing this from Washington, D.C. He’s actually been there and seen it and knows the issues of that country."- Mr. John Collison, Senator James Inhofe’s District Director,
Associated Press, November 13, 2007

Ethiopian-Americans and Friends of Ethiopia in Oklahoma for H.R.2003 invite fellow Oklahomans, who support Democracy and Human Rights in Ethiopia to join the on-going effort to engage Senator Inhofe, by participating in the peaceful rally. If you are unable to attend the peaceful protest, please hand deliver this press release, fax and/or call Senator Inhofe and ask him to give his full support to HR 2003.

Washington, DC Office: (202) 224-4721 (tel); ( 202 ) 228-0380 (fax)
453 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING, WASHINGTON, DC 20510-3602
Oklahoma City, OK Office: (405) 608-4381 (tel); (405) 608-4120 (fax)

PRESS RELEASE FROM ETHIOPIAN-AMERICANS AND FRIENDS OF ETHIOPIA FOR H.R.2003 IN OKLAHOMA

(Picture - OKLAHOMANS at the Pro-H.R.2003 demonstration, Nov. 13, 2007)

Ethiopians demonstrate outside Oklahoma office of Senator Inhofe (Associated Press)

Check back with ETP for more news throughout the day

Also:
- Today's Top HEADLINES^Updated!
- International News^Updated!
- VIDEO OF THE DAY (CNN’s new documentary on athlete Haile Gebrselassie)
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Senator Inhofe on not currently having a hold on HR 2003:
Inhofe, Press Office

"I do not currently have a hold on the Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007 as it is still being considered in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and has not yet been reported in its final form." - U.S. Senator James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.)

EXTREMELY URGENT ACTION ALERT IN SUPPORT OF H.R 2003 (The Coalition for H.R.2003)
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(Nov 13, 2007 - demonstration outside the Oklahoma City office of U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe)
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - About 75 protestors attended a demonstration outside the Oklahoma City office of U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe, saying he is blocking consideration of a bill that addresses human rights in Ethiopia. But a spokesman for Inhofe, an Oklahoma Republican, says the senator has not placed a hold on the bill, which has not yet reached the Senate floor.

The spokesman, John Collison, says he planned to meet with the protest leaders on Tuesday afternoon. During the peaceful protest, held across the street from 1 of Oklahoma City's major shopping malls, many demonstrators held U.S. flags, while others held the red, yellow and green flag of Ethiopia.

The bill, which passed in the U.S. House, decries Ethiopia's recent human rights record and opens the door for sanctions.
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ETP – A Brief Commentary

If, God forbid, another senseless war starts between Ethiopia and Eritrea; it is very dangerous and unwise to assume, as some have, that military victory for the government of Eritrea over its Ethiopian counterpart will bring about democracy. It is as absurd as soliciting a demon to perform an exorcism. Not only would it not work; but it will most definitely lead to severe setbacks.

President Isaias, one of the world’s nastiest dictators, is awfully interested in becoming a super power in that region. Hence, there is no foreseeable scenario in which a militarily victorious Eritrean government, which doesn’t even pretend to care for the civil liberties of its own citizens, could work for the establishment of a strong and democratic Ethiopia.

Also see:
-SPEECH BY DR. BERHANU NEGA ON
ETHIOPIA’S NATIONAL SECURITY

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AUDIO - VOA REPORTS ON THE FIRST PRESS CONFERENCE BY "ARENA TIGRAY FOR DEMOCRACY AND SOVEREIGNTY"

KINIJIT VANCOUVER TOWN HALL MEETING: [Pictures] - [Video]

ETHIOPIAN TROOPS IN SOMALIA WELL OVER 50,000 : MILITARY ANALYSTS
VOA - Military analysts say Ethiopia sent as many as 2,000 fresh troops to Somalia in the past week, to bolster a force estimated to be in excess of 50,000.[Listen to the AUDIO report]

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Today's Top HEADLINES

-Ethiopia backed Somali govt. cracking down on media
-UN ENVOY SAYS SOMALI WAR CRIME SUSPECTS SHOULD FACE ICC
-NPR: Thousands Flee Violence in Mogadishu-AUDIO
-Somalia's War Flares Up Again
-GEBRU'S PARTY INTENDS TO REGAIN ASSAB LEGALLY
-AI: Human rights defenders face possible life imprisonment
-Democracy or Sovereignty? (Professor Solomon Terfa)
-Clan Leader Hiding After Ethio-Backed Crackdown - AUDIO
-Assassins Target Somali Journalists (Washington Post)
-Ethiopian-Somali forces hunt out arms (AFP)
-Children die in Somalia violence (CNN)

International News

-Obama's Superb Speech Could Catapult His Bid
-Hamas rounds up Fatah activists
-Pakistan opposition speaks out despite crackdown - VIDEO
-Ex-pilots, military officers call for new UFO probe

VIDEO OF THE DAY

CNN’s new documentary on athlete Haile Gebrselassie



Click here for - PART 2 of CNN’s documentary
Click here for - PART 3 of CNN’s documentary




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ETHIOPIA: PRESS RELEASE, FORMER PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE/JOURNALISTS

Check back with ETP for more news throughout the day

Also:
- Today's Top HEADLINES
- International News

(Serkalem Fasil, baby son Nafkot, born June 2006, while she was in
prison and husband Eskinder Nega who was detained separately
holding a copy of their newspaper Menelik, which was shut down when they were arrested - Amnesty International photo)

[PRESS RELEASE FROM FORMER PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE/JOURNALISTS: ADDIS ABEBA]
TODAY'S TOP HEADLINES

SOMALIA PEACEKEEPERS 'NOT VIABLE': UN HEAD (The idea of deploying UN peacekeeping troops to Somalia is "neither realistic nor viable", the UN head has said)

US URGES RESTRAINT TO AVERT NEW ERITREA-ETHIOPIA WAR (The United States on Friday urged Eritrea and Ethiopia to pull back troops from key border areas and use "maximum restraint" to avert a new war)

--AUDIO REPORT: VOA on the vigil for Daniel, Netsanet
--AUDIO REPORT: DW on the vigil for Daniel, Netsanet
--DEMONSTRATION IN FRONT OF SEN. INHOFE'S OFFICE OKLAHOMA
--Military build-up continues on Ethio-Eritrea border
--Corpses litter Mogadishu after overnight battle
--DEAD ETHIOPIANS DRAGGED IN MOGADISHU - AGAIN! (AFP)

• Crowd drags corpse, echoing 1993 brutality (CNN)
• Insurgents drag dead Ethiopians in streets (Reuters)
• PICTURE-REUTERS (Warning: graphic Pic.)
• Somalis drag Ethiopian soldier's body (Associated Press)
• Bodies dragged through Mogadishu (BBC)
• Ethiopian soldier dragged in streets (SA)

--ETHIOPIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL SPECIAL REPORT (English)
--AUDIO –Dr. Befekadu Degife on the kinijit crisis (VOA)
--AI Urgent Action (5 Ethiopians at risk of torture)
--FREED JOURNALIST DONATES PRIZE TO AMNESTY
--ETHIOPIA'S REVISED ELECTION LAW (Many are already referring to it as the “Kangaroo Election Law”; judge for yourself)
--Relief agencies bolster operations in the Ogaden
--AFRICOM Commander Rejects Militarization Charge

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

-Merkel, Bush to focus on Iran in talks at Texas ranch
-Bhutto under house arrest in Pakistan
-Faint hope for Myanmar as Suu Kyi meets her party
-US Senate Confirms Mukasey as Attorney General
-Georgian parliament approves state of emergency





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ETHIOPIA: FREED JOURNALIST DONATES PRIZE TO AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

Check back with ETP for more news throughout the day

Also:
- Today's Top HEADLINES
- International News

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^New!ETHIOPIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL 103RD SPECIAL REPORT (English)

^New!AUDIO – Interview with Kinijit executive committee member and head of finance Dr. Befekadu Degife on the kinijit crisis (VOA)

^New!AI Urgent Action (5 Ethiopians from the Ogaden region forcibly returned from Somaliand to Ethiopia, now believed to be incommunicado detention and at risk of torture)

^New!ETHIOPIA'S REVISED ELECTION LAW (Many are already referring to it as the “Kangaroo Election Law”; read and judge for yourself)
___________________

(Serkalem Fasil, baby son Nafkot, born June 2006, while she was in
prison and husband Eskinder Nega who was detained separately
holding a copy of their newspaper Menelik, which was shut down when they were arrested - Amnesty International photo)

(Amnesty International) - A former prisoner of conscience has thanked Amnesty International (AI) by donating a journalism award to the organization. Serkalem Fasil was freed from an Ethiopian jail in April, following extensive campaigning by human rights NGOs including AI. Her ordeal was recognized when she picked up a Courage in Journalism Award from the International Women’s Media Foundation.

She has decided to give the prize money to AI and the Committee to Protect Journalists. AI Secretary General Irene Khan paid tribute to her courage in the face of grave human rights abuses.

"I am extremely touched by this strong and brave gesture of support for global human rights by a former prisoner of conscience who is still at risk. As requested, we will be allocating this unusual and selfless donation to our international work," said Ms Khan.(More...)

TODAY'S TOP HEADLINES

-Border Tensions Raise New International Alert - AUDIO^New!
-Ethiopian theology students HUNGER STRIKE over politics and Beyonce's visit with patriarch^New!
-UN to open office in Ethiopia's troubled Ogaden^New!
-Rebels Threatens to Step up Attacks on Ethiopians - AUDIO^New!
-Ethiopia: govt. says wants talks, not war with Eritrea
-Ethiopia, Eritrea Fighting Could start Within Weeks: Report
-New Eritrea-Ethiopia war fears: BBC
-ETHIOPIA SENDING MORE TROOPS INTO SOMALIA (Reuters)

• Ethiopia deploys more troops to Somali capital (AFP)

-Large blasts target Ethiopian troop convoy
-Succession Poses Challenge for Yusuf, Ethiopia - AUDIO
-Ethiopian rebels claim killing of more than 270 troops
-Ethiopia: Malnutrition in Ethiopia Still Alarming
-KINIJIT CANADA UPDATE: Report

• Toronto pictures
• Calgary pictures
• Birtukan Mideksa's speech at Calgary - AUDIO

-UN cleared to start relief work in rebel Ethiopian region
-PM Meles Addresses 4th Federalism Conference (ENA)

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Ethiopians in Kenya under attack: Audio report (VOA)
Kinijit youth conference at Arlington, VA - Audio (VOA)
Obang Metho: Speech at the Little Ethiopia Annual Festival
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CRISIS GROUP: ETHIOPIA AND ERITREA - STOPPING THE SLIDE TO WAR (The International Crisis Group (Crisis Group) is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organisation, with some 145 staff members on five continents.)
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International News

-Police and Bhutto supporters clash
-Sarkozy aims to win back American hearts
-Iran's nuclear program "irreversible": president
-Giuliani, McCain pick up key conservative backing
-Nazi prosecutors still hunt death head doctor




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Agence France Presse: Slain Ethiopian troops paraded in Mogadishu streets

Check back with ETP for more news throughout the day

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Also:
- Today's Top HEADLINES
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Pictures - Arival of Ato Debebe Eshetu in Toronto (Kinijit Canada)
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(Agence France Presse) - Masked Islamist insurgents on pick-up trucks paraded what they said were the bodies of three Ethiopian soldiers in the streets of Mogadishu Friday, an AFP correspondent reported.

The show of defiance by the Shabab, the radical armed wing of the main Somali Islamist movement, came as a four-day lull was shattered by renewed fighting in the capital's southern neighbourhoods.(MORE...)

Also see:
-Gunbattles in Mogadishu leave at least 6 dead (Associated press)
-Five Ethiopian soldiers dead in a fierce combat (Shabelle)
-Heavy battles in Somali capital (BBC)

Today's Top HEADLINES

-NOV. 1ST, 2005 - REMEMBERING EVENTS OF THAT DAY (ETP)
-Ethiopians in north want no repeat of border war (Reuters)
-Dr. Berhanu Nega's Chicago Public Radio Interview- [AUDIO]
-Somalia: Failed state, failed leader (The Economist)
-'Coffee condoms' appeal to java-crazy Ethiopians (CNN)

LIFETIME PRESIDENCIES FAR FROM OVER IN AFRICA
(Financial Gazette)

(L to R - King Mswati III of Swaziland, Isaias Afewerki of Eritrea, Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali of Tunisia, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Blaise Compaore of Burkina Faso; African leaders whose incumbencies have lasted between 16 to 21 years)

ARENA TIGRAY FOR DEMOCRACY AND SOVEREIGNTY
AUDIO - Interview with founder Berhanu Berhe
AUDIO - Interview with founder Gebru Asrat


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