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H.R. 2003, The Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007

  • This item is from the 110th Congress (2007-2008) and is no longer current. Comments, voting, and wiki editing have been disabled, and the cost/savings estimate has been frozen.

Comparing original version (created by webmaster) with revision saved on December 23, 2007, 16:24:51 (doctor):

H.R. 2003 would encourage and facilitatesomalia is key battleground in the consolidationglobal war on terror Somalia there is, for the first time since 1991, the prospect of peacethe establishment of a national government with some semblance of authority. This will not be an easy task and security, respect for human rights, democracy, and economic freedom in Ethiopia.could be jeopardized by the general reluctance to send peacekeepers.

== Detailed Summary ==Washington remains traumatised by the Black Hawk down disaster of 1993 when 18 American soldiers deployed to the country on a humanitarian mission were killed in urban warfare, their bodies dragged through the streets.

<summary>
Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007 - States
Other countries have been deterred by the fact that is U.S. policy to: (1) support human rights, democracy, independence ofbin Laden, who welcomed the judiciary, freedomrise to power of the press,Islamic Courts has repeatedly called on Muslims to resist any peacekeeping capacity building, and economic development in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; (2) collaborate with Ethiopia in the Global War on Terror; (3) seek the release of all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Ethiopia; (4) foster stability, democracy, and economic development in the region; and (5) strengthen U.S.-Ethiopian relations. force dispatched to Somalia.

Directs the SecretaryThe hundreds (possibly thousands) of Stateforeign fighters who joined with the Islamic Courts have announced their intention to take specified actions to support human rights and democratization in Ethiopia.continue the struggle through guerrilla warfare, meaning that Somalia needs an international peacekeeping force as a matter of urgency.

Prohibits untilBut, so far, only Ethiopia are the President makes specified congressional certifications: (1) security assistance to Ethiopia, with exceptions for peacekeeping or counter-terrorism assistance; and (2) U.S. entry of any Ethiopian official involvedonly one helping the war on terrorism in giving orders to use lethal force against peaceful demonstrators or accusedsomalia , a sad commentary on the short-sightedness of gross human rights violations, and government security personnel involved in specified shootings of demonstrators and prisoners.the world's strategic vision.

DirectsFor the President to provide assistancewar on terrorism is not a Middle Eastern issue but a global one. If Somalia lapses back into chaos it will once more become a haven for terrorists and prove that we have still not learnt one of the rehabilitationkey lessons of Ethiopian torture victims. 9/11: a terrorist sanctuary

Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. government should: (1) encourage the government of Ethiopia to enter into discussions with peaceful political groups to bring them into full participation in Ethiopia's political and economic affairs; and (2) provide necessary assistance to help achieve such goal.NO TO HR2003 Support Our allies
A POSITION PAPER ON THE CURRENT SITUATION IN SOMALIA


Directs the President to provide Ethiopia with: (1) resource policy assistance; and (2) health care assistance.
</summary>
A NATION UNDER SIEGE AND A GLIMMER OF HOPE – PART 2

<!--Leave inTHE TRANSITIONAL FEDERAL GOVERNMENT (TFG): THE ONLY VIABLE TOOL TO MOVE US FORWARD
We,
the 'summary' tags if you wantSomali people, are at cross roads and must choose between anarchy and peace. We must choose as the latest summary fromoptions and the Congressional Research Service automatically to replacetime are very limited. We must choose between having a country, nation, state and a tribal fiefdom at the textmercy of other nations. We must choose between war/conflict and dialogue and peace. We must choose a better and a brighter future without forgetting the tags once it becomes available. -->past.

== StatusCurrently we have The Transitional Federal Government (TFG) which we agree is not the best institution but all the same, we must support this nascent institution as it is the only choice left for Somalia. We must support it for the simple reason that it is a conscious choice between a glimmer of hope and a total chaos and anarchy, considering that since the Legislation ==onset of the civil war, all of our fundamental institutions collapsed; institutions such as the central government, regional institutions, municipal institutions, health, education, legal and commercial institutions. The TFG represents an institutional memory bank that can be built upon for a future reconstitution of the Somali state, not to mention all other contingent institutions thereof. For this, we believe, that in a spirit of good will, the TFG must be supported by the Somali public. Instead of expending energy and resources in the weakening and destruction of this weak institution, it is better to engage in building and correcting it so that we can have a better system of governance for a better tomorrow.

<status>
Latest Major Action: 4/23/2007: Referred
But the proponents of anarchy and lawlessness, in collaboration with the Nairobi based International NGO's (Lords of Poverty) have been disseminating all kinds of fraudulent arguments in order to derail the agendas of the TFG and its on-going Reconciliation Conference. The proponents of anarchy include opportunists and business groups who prospered in the chaos and lawlessness, Islamists with extremist and discriminatory agenda, politicians who lost their political power and the renegade former members of the Parliament who are currently based in Eritrea. The latter group has miserably failed to propose any practical conflict resolution model to bring peace to the nation. Because of their lack of vision and their politically bankrupt and simplistic platform, they are stuck with a pathologically mutated form of nationalism that adheres to the support of most radical forms of terrorism and the indiscriminate killing of innocent civilians under a dubious and phony pretext of defending the country from Ethiopia. Their brand of PSEUDO NATIONALISM is aimed at cavalierly destroying life, limp and property while ignoring Somalia's common enemies of war, poverty, hunger, diseases, and illiteracy and all this in the name of tribe or personal interest. All members of the international community and peace loving people in the world have expressed outrage at their tactics of hire-for-terror and violence in which they kill any leader in Mogadishu who stands up to help his/her people. Many young leaders have already died, NOT in the hands of foreign troops, but by the bullets, mortars and bombs of the merciless insurgents hired by Islamic Courts Union (ICU) and its foreign supporters. Such tactics of enforcing blindly a radical political Islam has exposed their motive of destruction and violence to the rest of the world, and will eventually reduce them to nothing more than a mere nuisance that incessantly disrupts the daily lives of Mogadishu's residents and families. The scope and pith of their propaganda amounts to House committee. Status: Referreda handful fraudulent themes, repeated ad nauseam, and their key arguments stand to be exposed for the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
</status>
fraud they are.

<!-- Leave in the 'status' tags if you want the latest reported status from THOMAS automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. -->ARGUMENT#1: THAT THE ICU WAS THE BEST CHOICE FOR SOMALIA

== PointsThe Islamic courts came to prominence in Favor ==June 2006. Prior to that, the only Islamic courts on the scene were a disparate collection of clan-specific courts more known for chopping the hands of the poor, minorities and the militarily unprotected civilians of Mogadishu and elsewhere in the south, than for any political agenda. Not only that, the progenitor institutions of the ICU were in cahoots with the business enterprises and anarchists of Mogadishu to the extent that when the TFG moved to Jowhar in the fall of 2005, you could spot in Balcad in a show of force, the majority of the notorious personalities of the as yet not formed ICU breaking bread with all Mogadishu warlords, including prominent business personalities. How far deep were the Islamic Courts in cahoots with the business enterprises with whom they co-existed in a cesspool of injustice, anarchy and mayhem for the past 16 years?

(Log in to editThe infamous CIA funded war between the wikiIslamic Courts and be the firstso-called Anti-terrorism Alliance was not really a war of ideologies but rather a business/turf war that started between two business adversaries: The extremists wagered on one and the warlords bet on the other, and the winner was the one fronted, armed and spoken for by the extremists now constituted itself as the ICU. Yet the genesis of that war and the current belligerent resistance to show why the bill should pass!)
<!-- First editor: Go ahead
TFG's relocation to Mogadishu were/are nothing but an attempt by the defenders of the status quo to preserve the monopolistic stranglehold they had on the public infrastructure such as ports, airports, highways, ocean lanes, and take out the sentenceillegal control of southern regions of Somalia and thus uphold the status quo; a status quo that dealt in unregulated legitimate as well illegitimate businesses while impoverishing millions of Somali citizens in parentheses,Mogadishu, Lower Shabelle and this notice! -->Juba regions.

== Points Against ==As soon as the ICU began lording over Mogadishu, it also began to believe that it was the governing party of the country, and embarked on promulgating primitive edicts that banned television, pictures, the mixing of genders and also started flogging the people in public places for such innocuous transgressions as not wearing a beard. All this in a country and culture that has never subscribed to this alien extreme political form of Islam that is long on symbolism but very short on substance. These clan-warlords-turned Islamists did bring briefly a semblance of relative peace in Mogadishu but it is fallacious to equate the whole of Somalia to Mogadishu. Yet it was obvious that they lacked any real national structured governance agenda other than to converge their various disjointed clan and Jihadist agendas. The ICU even failed to manage Mogadishu for a significant period of time; instead, because of the short-sightedness of its leaders, it stirred a lot of fear as it believed that it was a representative of Allah. The ICU did not stop there but began to believe that they were invincible and then recklessly invited foreign fighters in to the country and as a result sucked the country into the vortex of the international Global Jihadist movement by openly calling Jihad on bordering countries.

(LogTheir reckless and out of control behavior triggered the presence of Ethiopian troops in Mogadishu today. Why would anyone who is concerned of the suffering of the Somali people invite foreign fighters to editSomalia and drag the wikicountry into a regional war? The answer is simply that the ICU leadership have always been and still are driven by individual and clan interests as their actions in Mogadishu, Lower Shabelle and Lower Jubba indicated.

ARGUMENT# 2: THAT ETHIOPIA IS AN ETERNAL ENEMY OF SOMALIA AND THAT IT HAS AN IMPERIAL AGENDA ON SOMALIA.

It is ludicrous to entertain the thought that, at the dawn of the 21st Century when almost all Africans completed the re-claimation of their independence and statehood from Western colonial powers; that an African country, in this case Ethiopia, will embark on imperial designs on another African country, unless; of course, its leadership is hallucinating. That might explain why, for the past 16 years, without a central government and in the midst of chaos, Ethiopia with its state and military apparatus intact did not invade and permanently occupy our country. It only came in when the ICU threatened to conduct its next prayer rituals in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital.

Another factor negating the likelihood that Ethiopia has imperial designs on our country is the fact that the two countries share a long unprotected border in one of the most dangerous international Ghettos (or 'Hood if you like) ever. Ethiopia is a nation state comprised of about 70 or odd ethnic communities speaking 70 different languages and also nursing 70 or more different grievances. The likelihood of settling scores will have a far more dangerous effect on Ethiopia than any other country in the Horn of Africa. It is in the interest of Ethiopia to have a good, peaceful and principled neighbor in the 'Hood, a neighbor that is organized as a state, nation or country and not along clan lines.

Moreover, Ethiopia cannot have a realistic imperial agenda per se. It simply does not meet all the necessary conditions relevant to a nation with an imperial agenda: It is a very poor African country that itself is a victim to the vagaries of the dominant imperial/colonial and economic powers of the past and present; it is busting at the seams with a young population that it cannot feed, house, educate, nor provide for its basic health; it is an impoverished nation that depends on foreign aid for its crucial economic and social development. For all these reasons, unless the Ethiopian leadership is deluded, Ethiopia can not have an imperial ambition because it does not meet the conditions necessary for imperial aspirations. More importantly, Ethiopia is a fragile and unstable nation and cannot sustain an imperial agenda as this would
be costly to it in many ways.

We must also put a STOP to
the firstother big lie that Ethiopia and Somalia are eternal enemies. If we reflect on world history there is no such thing as an eternal enemy. Many countries that fought vicious wars in the past, today enjoy a healthy and friendly political relationship; France and Germany, Japan, Russia and USA, just to showname few examples. Somalia and Ethiopia have never gone to war on their own accord, but that as two poor African and third world countries, they have been forced to become pawns in imperial wars that were fought over world economic and hegemonic interests by imperialists. In 1977, the Somali/Ethiopian war was one among many theatres of the cold war, the other theatres being Vietnam, Cambodia, Angola, and Mozambique. We were pawns, plain and simple and our two poor countries were militarily set up against each other by the cold warriors, a sad episode that can only explain the vast stockpiles of weapons left in the backyards of many African countries at the end of the cold war.

All of this should explain
why there is nay a word from the billinternational community, nor from the EU, nor from the UN, nor from the AU about the Ethiopian presence representing a latter day imperial adventure. As a matter of fact, all the communiqués and policy pronouncements from these regional and international bodies nuance their statements with a proviso that unless a replacement contingent either from the AU or the UN can be deployed, Ethiopia must not withdraw from Somalia lest such action creates a vacuum.

This is not to suggest that Ethiopia
should stay in our country to prop up the TFG indefinitely. Granted that there are precedents for the principle that African problems demand African solutions in the case of Nigeria taming the West African nations of Liberia and Sierra Leone in its 'Hood, it is our opinion that Ethiopia should ultimately withdraw out of Somalia under optimal political conditions, one of which condition is the deployment of replacement peacekeeping contingent preferably and predominantly African in constitution.

However, it seems such rational proposal does
not pass!)
<!-- First editor: Go ahead
sit well with the anti-TFG contingent. In a recent statement from Asmara, Sheriff Ahmed, a key Leader of the ICU, stated defiantly that even if the Ethiopians withdrew and takewere replaced by other African peacekeepers the ICU and their international Jihadist allies will continue their insurgency. Such statements graphically expose the hypocrisy and the lies propagated by ICU and their Somali Diaspora cheerleaders and apologists who always, with a shrill voice, proclaim that the Ethiopian presence is an obstacle to reconciliation.

ARGUMENT#3: THAT THE NATIONAL RECONCILIATION CONFERENCE IS A SHAM AND THAT THE TFG LEADERSHIP DOES NOT HAVE THE SUPPORT OF THE SOMALI PUBLIC

Delegates at National Reconciliation Conference in Mogadishu, Somalia

The TFG leadership has delivered its promise of holding a broad based reconciliation conference inside Somali soil, and it did so despite all the odds against it, given the bad deck of cards it had been dealt under the circumstances.

For the first time in 17 years, a relatively broad based national reconciliation conference has been in session in Mogadishu since July 15, 2007, and based on the proceedings of the conference, it is going on as well as might have been imagined or expected. Clan elders, religious leaders, intellectuals and representatives of different Somali communities were given a fair and a level-playing field to choose their own delegates independently and with no influence from manipulating foreign hands. The overwhelming participation and the willingness of these brave delegates to come and listen to each other's concern have already signaled success and registered the legitimacy of the conference and inclusiveness of the process through which the delegates were selected. To his credit, the Chairman of the Reconciliation Conference, Mr. Ali Mahdi Mohamed, in his spirited and moving inaugural speech of the conference, set both the tone and tenor of the conference by emphasizing forgiveness and tolerance. Following suit, representative clan elders are daily voicing their communities' narratives of pain and victimization and other elders from other clans are listening with empathy. Nothing of this sort could have been imagined a year ago when many leaders were expressing their anger and pain with gun fire, killings and vengeance.

Those opposed to the conference, despite having been invited publicly and privately, disingenuously base their opposition to the conference on several bad arguments. For example, they insist that that the conference should have a political reconciliation thematic format, instead of the current topic of community reconciliation, conveniently forgetting that the TFG and its charter came into fruition as a result of the Embgathi political reconciliation conference of 2002-2004. They also discount the fact that there has been a 17 year civil war that had a communal and tribal dimension to it and which unfortunately pitted clan against clan with some ugly consequences, not to mention the mistrust index that it has considerably raised. As the majority of the political antagonists of the past 17 years are under the TFG tent, it was imperative to have a national reconciliation conference that brings all the traditional leaders with moral authority and also to hear/listen and share diverse narratives of pain, suffering and victimization so that the Somali public can visually and psychically place these feelings in a human context.

As it is, the conference has already produced significant results and is moving forward, to the chagrin of the opposition supporters, who are circulating lies around the world. The Hawiye, and Darood clans have already admitted committing unjust and blatant atrocities against their fellow brothers and sisters, and clans victimized by the civil war had the fortitude and sagacity to forgive their victimizers. Yes, this conference was about reconciliation among clans and sub-clans and it is working so far. They have also agreed to strike
out the sentencederogatory misnomer "OTHERS", an Arta creation, from the Somali clan identification system and discard it in parentheses,the dustbin of history. It is a step in the right direction that could lead to a genuine reconciliation process to move the community forward. Needless to say this conference wouldn't have materialized without the support of foreign troops, including Ethiopian and Ugandan troops, protecting and guaranteeing the safety of the conference at any cause.

The opponents of the conference/TFG also posit that the conference should not have been held in Mogadishu but in a neutral venue because Mogadishu is a city controlled by the Transitional Federal Government troops. It is impossible to find a more neutral place to hold a national reconciliation meeting for Somalia. Let us for a moment reflect on the last 14 reconciliation conferences; they were all held outside of Somalia and yet many critics, rightly or wrongly, blamed the host countries for lack of neutrality and held them responsible for the collapse of the respective conferences. Mogadishu is the symbol of Somali unity and there is no suitable place other than Mogadishu to be the venue of a conference of
this notice! -->magnitude if the ownership of the conference outcome has to have a Somali imprint.

This is the first reconciliation conference that is held inside Somalia and ordinary Somalis have been given the opportunities to express their opinion and feelings. It might not be perfect, but it is the first face-to-face meeting in which the representatives of the victimizers and the victims are participating on a relatively equal capacity. Contrary to the previous ones, there will be no individuals, tribes, foreign countries, or international NGO and UN officials who will be manipulating the agenda as well as the outcome of the conference. Additionally, the organizing committee, conscious of the fact that it had initially been handpicked by the government, skillfully pre-empted the critics and sought legitimacy from the conference participants at the outset. After the inaugural celebration, Mr. Ali Mahdi Mohamed and his committee asked the participants to choose independent organizing members so that the TFG will have no influence on the conference outcome, or that there will not be even any appearance of influence. The participants reciprocated this goodwill gesture by unanimously re-confirming Mr. Mahdi and his committee members to lead the conference. This was a move to demonstrate the seriousness of the meeting and defy the critics who have labeled Mr. Mahdi and his panel in the organizing committee for not being independent.

The opponents of peace also argue that Mogadishu is not safe, but the question is who is behind all the Mayhem and the indiscriminate killings? Is it TFG, or Ethiopians or Ugandan troops? The irony here is that Ethiopians and Ugandan troops are doing everything in their capacity to keep safe while the pseudo-nationalists are orchestrating attacks against innocent Somalis to generate fear and desperations. It is our considerate opinion that at a minimum about 80 to 85% of the Somali public supports the TFG institution because they feel that it is an institution that can be corrected and strengthened over time. Within the Somali Diaspora, support for the TFG and the national reconciliation conference has grown, especially after the recent visit of the Prime Minister to the United States as well as the tour in North America of the Deputy Speaker of the TFG Parliament, Hon. Prof. Mohamed Omar Dalha, who time and again eloquently and convincingly reminded his audiences in many cities that the road to peace lies on dialogue and mutual understanding and on the support of the only institution we have, the TFG.

We hope the conference to address the major conflicts of Somalia and we pray for its success. We believe that any conflict should and must be resolved through dialogue. We also believe that a stable and strong Somalia is an asset to all ethnic Somalis in the Horn and will also contribute to regional security. We finally urge the peace loving Somali public to support the on-going reconciliation conference and the efforts of the TFG towards a comprehensive settlement of the Somali crisis. By doing so, we will usher together a glimmer of hope and reject anarchy, violence, instability and chaos.

We have no other choice today but to support, empower, and hold accountable the only viable tool for change, the Transitional Federal Government.

——————————————————————————–

LIST OF SIGNATORIES

1) Dr. Ali Said Faqi, (Ph.D), MI (USA)

2) Avv. Abdurahman Hosh Jibril, ON (Canada)

3) Dr. Ali Bahar (Ph.D), Texas (USA)

4) Ahmed Jama Hamud, (P.Eng), ON, (USA)

5) Jamal Hassan, Ottawa, ON (USA)

6) Sagal Ali Jama, ON (USA)

7) Abdulhakim Mohamud Faqi, VA (USA)

8) Eng. Abdulkadir Ali Abdi (Xuurka), Columbus, Ohio (USA)

9) Dr. Abdiweli M. Ali (Ph.D), NY (USA)

10) SheikhNur Abukar Qasim, MN (USA)

11) Eng. Abdulkadir Khalif, MN (USA)

12) Avv. Yusuf Said Samatar (Bardacad), Boston, (USA)

13) Yasin Maah, Stockholm, (Sweden)

14) Abdi Hashi Seed, ON (Canada)

15) Nasir Abdi Baale, Toronto, ON (USA)

16) Eng. Mohamed Ahmed Gilao (Tennis), ON (Canada)

17) Abdalla Hired, NY (USA)

18) Abdi Goud, Connecticut, (USA)

19) Avv. Nurto Hagi Hasan, ON (Canada)

20) Eng Mohamud Dhafuuje, ON (USA)

21) Prof. Mohamud Siad Togane, Poet, QC (Canada)

22) Suldaan Abdulkadir Galbeyte (Ex), ON (Canada)

23) Prof. Abdihamid H. Mohamed – Nederland

24) Prof. Abdulqadir Ismail- Manchester, (UK)

25) Eng. Jeilani Sheikh Hussein, OH (USA)

26) Eng. Rashid Guleed, IL (USA)

27) Asha Abukar Qasim , MN (USA)

28) Said Ahmed Salah, VA, (USA)

29) Abdisalaam Haji Mohamud Dheere, London, (UK)

30) Aden Abokar, Columbus, Ohio (USA)

31) Prof. Dahabo Farah Hassan, Toronto, ON (Canada)

32) Caaqil Mohamoud Ali Jimale (Koogaar) AZ (USA)

33) Haji Mohamoud Ghedi Aw Hilowle MN(USA)

34) Abdifatah Maroyare, Toronto, ON (Canada)

35) Mohamud Jama Hamud , MN (USA)

36) Ismail Gaafow, ON(Canada)

37) Prof. Mohamed Siad Togane, ON (Canada)

38) Avv. Hareedo Ibrahim Boolis, Somali Ambassador to South Korea

39) Saido Awad Muse, VA (USA)

40) Col. Mohamud Qaali Gacamey, MN (USA)

41) Sarman Ramses, VA (USA)

42) Ahmed Sharif Ahmed, VA (USA)

43) Muse Kulow, ON (Canada)

44) Bashi Hosh Jibril, ON (Canada)

45) Osman Ali Omar Sheegow, Seattle, WA (USA)

46) Suldan Said Faqi, Columbus- Ohio (USA)

47) Abdullahi Mohamed Sheikh, NC (USA)

48) Muse Ahmed Abdirahman, ON (Canada)

49) Yasin Mahamud Yusuf (Karani), Stockholm, Sweden

50) Dr. Liiban Abdullahi Farah (Medical Doctor), L.A. California (USA)

51) Jeilani Ahmed Adda Munye, GA (USA)

52) Safia Giama Cagmadhige, Cairo, (Egypt)

53) Omar Warfa, Toronto, ON (Canada)

54) Naima Xayle, Toronto, ON (Canada)

55) Eng. Cabdulqadir Mohamed Abow, ON (USA)

56) Prince Osman Fatah, San Diego, California (USA)

57) Abdiaziz Abukar Baafo, MI (USA)

58) Malaq Mukhtar, MI (USA)

59) Mohamed Haji Dhagax, San Diego, California

60) Omer Jamal, Minneapolis , MN

61) Mohamed Abdi Gacmocadde, Virginia-(USA)

62) Ali Alio Mohamed, Columbus- Ohio (USA)

63) Bashir Gardaad, Montreal, Quebec (Canada)

64) Mohamed Omar Faqi, Columbus, Ohio (USA)

65) Mahdi Shakiib, Atlanta, GA (USA)

66) Sheekh Shabaab Sheekh Mumin, Minneapolis, MN (USA)

67) Ahmed Mohamed (Ahmadey), San Diego, (California)

68) Jeilani Mayow- Rochester, MN (USA)

69) Hassan Shire Sheikh, Kampala, (Uganda)

70) Yusuf Mumin Maio'- London, (UK)

71) Col. Abdi Daad, Ontario (Canada)

72) Col. Abdirahamn Ahmed Yare (Maan), Toronto, ON (USA)

73) Liban Hassan Abdi, Phoenix, AZ (USA)

74) Halima Farah, Denmark

75) Hussein SH. Abdulqadir, NC (USA)

76) Hassan Yusuf, VA (USA)

77) Amin Abu Hadi, Ohio (USA)

78) Safi Abdi, Dubai, (UAE)

79) Prof Mohamed Jibril (USA/Minnesota)

80) Haji Hussein Jimale MN (USA)

81) Abdulle Hassan Nuurow , MN (USA)

82) Dr. Ibrahim Mao Osman (Ghandi) California (USA)

83) Osman Mohamed Sheikh, MN (USA)

84) Sheikh Ali Hussein Jaras, MN (USA)

85) Abdirizaq Jamac Janagale, Alberta, (Canada)

86) Adan Abdulle Howle, Alberta, (Canada)

87) Abraham Koshin, Alberta, (Canada)

88) Hassan Siad Togane, MN (USA)

89) Sheikh Hassan Ali Alassow, MN (USA)

90) Haji Abdi Mouse Maahaay,MN (USA)

91) Mas'uud Sheikh Amir, MN (USA)

92) Ahmed Mohamed Afrah (Shutul), MN (USA)

93) Caydiid Ali Hassan, MN (USA)

94) Dayib Sheikh Ahmed, VA (USA)

95) Ali Isse Ahmed, MN (USA)\

96) Abdirahman Mussa (timadheere), Toronto, ON (USA)

97) Eng. Osman Ali Ahmed (Dheere), Toronto, ON (USA)

98) Mukhtar Mohamed Ahmed (Katiitow), MN (USA)

99) Abdulqadir Omar Ahmed, MN (USA)

100) Abucar Yusuf Hassan

101) Adan Abdi, Islamabad, (Pakistan)

102) Shukri Tohow Mohamed, MN (USA)

103) Madina Hussein Jeyte, MN (USA)

104) Hawo Mohamed Abdulle, MN (USA)

105) Macallim Ahmed Halane, MN (USA)

106) Abdiaziz Omar Hussein, VA (USA)

107) Abdiaziz Osman Sheikh, VA (USA)

108) Abbas Abdi Maxaad-Isse, VA (USA)

109) Shukri Giama Cagmadhige, Bosasso, (Somalia)

110) Falhad Ahmed Mohamoud, VA (USA)

111) Mohamoud Mudey Hassan, MN (USA)

112) Ali Muhudin Mohamed, MN (USA)

113) Jibril Mohamoud Jilao, NE (USA)

114) Gargaar Mohamed Hassan, Economist, Columbus, Ohio (USA)

115) Abdulkadir Abdullahi Jama, Agriculturist, Columbus, Ohio (USA)

116) Dr. Abdifatah Khalif .H. Farah, Oral Surgeon, Columbus, Ohio (USA

117) Ali Yusuf Dirie, Agriculturist, Columbus, Ohio (USA)

118) Mohamoud Mohamed Ali, Engineer, Columbus, Ohio (USA).

119) Ali Maollim Mouse, TN (USA)

120) Faantoy Omar (Faanka), VA (USA)

121) Shamso Nur, MN (USA)

122) Mohamed Omar Karani, MN (USA)

123) Yasin Abdi jire ( Wiilwaal), (Sweden)

124) Abdikhalaq Mohamoud, (Nederland)

125) Fuad Ibrahim (Fuju) , (Nederland)

126) Hilal Muse Nero, (UK)

127) Jama Warsame, London (UK)

128) Adam Moblen, Naples (Italy)

129) Abdinur Bashir, Naples (Italy)

130) Abdiqani Mohamoud, (Italy)

131) Yasin Mahi Moalim, Nederland

132) Jani Dheere, Stocholm- (Sweden)

133) Abdirashid Issa Ugas, On, Canada

134) Asli Jama Badwi, On, USA

135) Khali Mahdi Abdi, ON (Canada)

136) Abdikarim abdulle (Garweyne) London, UK

137) Abdullahi Farah (Dihal) IL, (USA)

138) Abas Mohamed, VA (USA)

139) Abdirashid Hassan Hirsi, ON (Canada)

140) Mubarak Dhiidhaco, ON (Canada)

141) Mohamed Abdullahi, London, (UK)

142) Samatar Abdullahi, WA, (USA)

143) Ibrahim Ahmed Ali (Shaash), Bonn, (Germany)

144) Dayib Mohamud Sheikh, DC (USA)

145) Eedaad Hassan Mire, MN (USA)

Abdirahman Warsame
Send your comments to :
TERRORISM FREE SOMALIA FOUNDATION tf.sf@hotmail.com

no to hr2003

« Return to Revision History.


Visitor Comments Comments Feed for This Bill

EthioSun

July 27, 2007, 11:42pm (report abuse)

The Ethiopian dictator (Zenawi) has been enjoying long the status of official bogey man to the Bush administration under the pretext of fighting terrorism in the horn when it is very clear that brutal dictators such as Zenawi are the root causes of hatred against the US every where.

The US congress and senate must demonstrate the principles of democracy by supporting the bill that cuts funds to the dictatorial thugs in Ethiopia along the travel restrictions against those who are involved in mass killings and torture. The US must know that inevitably and surely the Ethiopian people will topple the brutal dictators. It must be also clear that the congress action today will be important to impact the potential bitterness and hatred that may arise towards US in the future if the US continue to back the Ethiopian dictators.
EthioSun

Abebe Tassew

August 5, 2007, 10:34pm (report abuse)

This is really a much needed bill. it helps Ethiopia become more democratic, and protect the human rights of the people. All Ethiopians regardless of their politics should support it.

Teddy

August 5, 2007, 11:59pm (report abuse)

This bill is useless. It stands for one party and against 7 - 8 other parties in ethiopia. someone told me this useless bill was removed long time ago, why is it still here??

Balcha Aba-Nebso

August 6, 2007, 12:08am (report abuse)

This bill aspires to better enable Ethiopia to play a leading role in participating with the United States and other countries in fostering stability, democracy, and economic development in Africa.

Berhanu Dinku

August 6, 2007, 1:03am (report abuse)

This bill tells the Ethiopian dictator to think million times before he is continuing what he has done before. The bill will help the dicator to do a better job for the betterment of Ethiopia and Ethiopians. And if he does continue like before, the bill stats prcisely what the dictator will faces.
I hope the bill will be amended and signed and the copy will be send to our friend in Ethiopia. Then and only then the dicator gets the point how the Americans are serious about democracy, rule of law and human rights situation in the world in general and in Ethiopia in particular.

Wondimu Mekonnen

August 6, 2007, 4:23am (report abuse)

This bill is crucial to bind the future relationship between The USA and Ethiopia. The regime in power in Ethiopia is brutal, which is a fact. Sooner or later, Ethiopians are going to get rid off the tyrant. The USA should calculate on that and bank on the people rather than the dictators who may be soon replace. The bill should make sure to establish a guideline for the future and enduring relationship between the two countries. It should be the law that would govern the leaders of the United States, never to baby sit any dictator any more in Ethiopia.

Betty

August 6, 2007, 6:14am (report abuse)

It is very important that the bill is passed.It sends messege loud and cristal clear that US will not send blank check of tax payers' money to corupt and brutal regims in Africa to suppress their own people.

BIRI YAYA

August 6, 2007, 6:37am (report abuse)

Ehiopia and the US have everything to gain from the passage of this crucial Bill. It is a Bill that would add to respect for Ethiopia/Her citizens' fundamental rights by pressing the unrepresentative/repressive TPLF/EPRDF regime to cease attacking the social fabrics of Ethiopian nation. The outcome would be openning up an avenue for the rule of law based and consented to governance as opposed to the current situation of an all-out war against Ethiopians and our civic organizations.

It would help to stop national and regional crises and enable us refocus on addressing the real needs of our people. The US would be liberated from financing a reactionary, PR disaster and non-cost effective repressive regime(TPLF/EPRDF)!

Therefore, I endorse the passage of the HR 2003!

Getachew Alemayehu

August 6, 2007, 6:46am (report abuse)

The multi-faceted and all round support given by the American Administration to the current regime in Ethiopia have been unprecedented. This is despite gross human rights violations and brutal repression by the regime. In contrast, a section of the American Congress has been striving to support democratisation in Ethiopia. They have been working towards the passing of a human rights bill that would help the Ethiopian people in firming up their aspirations for peace, human rights and democracy. Success in the passing of HR 2003 would be a historical milestone in this effort, which to an extent would redress the abandonment of Ethiopian aspirations for fringe American interests in North East Africa. The passing of this bill will be a substantive warning to all hues of dictators that have continued to set obstacles to the establishment of peace, stability and development in Africa.

Hareg

August 6, 2007, 8:51am (report abuse)

The Bill is a corner stone for Ethiopia's basic Human Rights. It is a vihecle for advancement of democracy, independence of the judiciary and independence of the press. It promots stability, democracy and economic development to say the least. I believe anyone with a right mind cannot oppose the pass and implementation of this Bill.
It is unfortunate that the Bush Administration heeds to Tyrant Zenawi's misinformation than over 75 million Ethiopian people's entreaty.

Professor Mammo Muchie

August 6, 2007, 9:52am (report abuse)

Today, it is not much to demand that the rule of power come direcly under the rule of law. The HR 2003 bill serves to support the realisation of a democratic system in Ethioia. The best gift of the US Congress to the Ethiopian people is not only money or technology, but above all passing the HR 2003 by ignoring all the lobbyists and special interest groups such as the so- called mediators.Those who wish to come to power must know above all it is even more important to come out of power lawfully and with civilised conduct without throwing the country, the people and the nation into chaos, risk and uncertainty. Only a democratic system can create the necessary foundation for making bread, peace, railways accessible to all by a comprehensive transformation for all the people from the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean.

kaba bizu

August 6, 2007, 3:06pm (report abuse)

america in the name of terrerism is providing melese with arms and the logistics to silence the struggle of the ethiopian people for freedom ,and human rights .many peiple have died and put to prison for the rule of law via hr 2003.what has the ethiopian people done to the americans .why are the shimagiles betraying our demands for the rule of law and accontabillity thru HR2003 inactment .mr bush did not honor his words in that he said to those who are in tyranny and fighting for freedom ,he said,he will always be behind them.where is your support now .where is the moral and values of american leadership.what happened to america .HR 2003 which is all about human right and accountability must win and bring melese to the rule of law.ethiopia will definetely be free from melese and 70 million ethiopians are judjing america and its future relationship with the ethiopiann people . we need the help of the american people now.

Yeneneh

August 6, 2007, 9:09pm (report abuse)

This is a critical Bill which his honorable chris smith saw the need for once he met with the Prime Minister after he falsely claimed his party won the elections.
It is for the betterement of all ethiopians.
As we have seen Meles continues his reign of terror in Ogaden and still in Addis the teachers union is being harassed arrested and tortured.

Ashagre

August 7, 2007, 8:58am (report abuse)

Why kill a bill that calls accountability and democracy in place. How long does the people of Ethiopia and the region has to wait for the dictator EPRDF govenmenmet using the money he is begging from donors to destroy his people and the oppositon ?

E Tilahun

August 7, 2007, 11:03am (report abuse)

This is timely and important document can help Ethiopians to be free from the jaws of TPLF. HR 2003 no doubt it is an instrument for the development of Democracy in Africa and it will be a lesson for such dictator ruler in the world how US low makers support for democracy and the rule of low

ALEMAYEHU

August 12, 2007, 5:23pm (report abuse)

THIS BILL WILL BE THE MODEL FOR AFRICA. USA SHOULD'T SUPPORT ANY AFRICAN GOVERMENT WITH OUT ACCOUNTIBILTY & POLICY ALSO REAL RULE OF LOW. PLEASE PASS THIS BILL

TG

August 12, 2007, 5:31pm (report abuse)

This is really an important bill to establish safe and democratic society in Ethiopia.It helps Ethiopia become more democratic, and protect the human rights of the people. All Ethiopians regardless of their politics should support HR 2003. God Bless Ethiopia!!!! Please all Ethiopians you have a moral obligation to support this bill.

Yaman Galam GURU

August 12, 2007, 5:39pm (report abuse)

To US Congress:

I know you ain't stupid but you need to be constantly reminded that if that African dictator indeed is/was:

(1) a former gorriella leader

(2) was a former or current communist (Zenawi happens to be a communist. Hint: What are formerly known as communists have now a new name "revolutionary democrats".

(3) was in power as a country leader (dictator) for more than 15 years (forget election for now)

and/or

(4)that dictator claims to represent a particular ethnic or tribal group (remember: Meles never denied representing minority group in Ethiopian called Tigryan (TPLF)...all you have to do to prove this is ask him)

Then, hey, you need to ouest him.
Hint: Listen to what CUD, OLF, ONLF and other opressed people leaders and Ethiopianists tell you. Support AFD (OLF, ONLF, SLF and ONLF under their common umbrella AFD should be fully supported!!!!)

hailu

August 12, 2007, 5:41pm (report abuse)

i can't see why any one would stand againest this bill

Berhanu T.

August 12, 2007, 5:58pm (report abuse)

HR2003 is a very useful tool to bring democracy in Ethiopia against the dictatorial regime of Meles Zenawi. The current regime in Ethiopia is the worst in Africa. So HR2003 is the hope of Ethiopians to let democracy florish in Ethiopia.

Arenet

August 12, 2007, 7:06pm (report abuse)

Justice is boarderless. What we lack in Ethiopia is jutice. The world need to unite to guard the basic humanrights are respected. HR2003 is an important bill and timely. Let the U.S. take the lead in standing for human rights and justice.

yohannes

August 12, 2007, 10:16pm (report abuse)

The Ethiopian people deserve to be respected as human beings. Freedom everywhere including Ethiopia.

Bitwoded

August 13, 2007, 1:13am (report abuse)

H.R.2003 is very crucial to Ethiopian.
Zenawi may release thousands of prisoners today so as to run away and to protect himself from falling under the democratic trap of H.R2003.because,he knows more than we do that, if H.R2003 passes, he will never and ever can make Ethiopia, his concentration camps and terrorize Ethiopians.
Zenawi is doing all his best against H.R.2003 in order to survive his undemocratic institutions.
Because he knows that, as long as these undemocratic institutions are existing he can take his usual revenge against innocents Ethiopians tomorrow after tomorrow.
So, passage of H.R to 2003 and supporting the bill is the questions of death and life for Ethiopians.

Mekonnen

August 13, 2007, 1:44am (report abuse)

The bill is all about human rights and accountability.I don't know how anyone who believes in human rights and accountability for wrong actions is againist this bill.I full support the bill.

yikerbelen

August 13, 2007, 1:47am (report abuse)

The passing of bill HR 2003 is very crucial not only for ethiopia , but also for usa in the long run. USA must think about it's future national interst, instead of dancing with bloody dictator against the interst of innocent ethiopia's ppl.USA can not fight and win terrorism at the end of the day with out the full involvement of an entire ethiopia's ppl. Whether USA likes or not we, ethiopians will punish and free our ppl from his repressive regime, but USA will not have any acceptance with in ethiopia's ppl. USA is sharing melese's crime against the peace loving ethiopia's ppl. So USA has still time to think and do it's share to put the foundation of democratical system in ethiopia.

Behyley

August 13, 2007, 1:59am (report abuse)

The Passing of the bill will have a profound effect on Ethiopian Democracy and will alleviate the suffering of its people. I will as well have a impact on the peace and stability of the Horn. I therefore support the passange of the Bill

Abel

August 13, 2007, 2:21am (report abuse)

I don't see any use of this bill. We will solve our problem by ourselves. We don't need your hands in our internal afairs, dear Americans. We are a free people and we don't need to be governed by your "laws". We will fight for all our problems ...... please take your hands off our shoulder.

Thank you,

Abraham

August 13, 2007, 3:38am (report abuse)

I do not understand why the Ethiopian government is lobying against this bill, any one who is really interested in democracy and freedom of the people should support the bill.

Abraham

August 13, 2007, 3:42am (report abuse)

I don't understand why Zenawi is against this bill, I urge the US adminstration to come to its sense and help pass this bill if what they say about democracy is true

Junter

August 13, 2007, 3:45am (report abuse)

This bill designed by some enmies of Ethiopia,to colonize Ethiopia.
Those indivdauls behind this Bill are aimed to destroy good relation
of Ethiopia and America.All Ethiopians except those less than 100 indivduals disagree on this Bill.
from Leipzig Germany

Fikre Hizb

August 13, 2007, 3:51am (report abuse)

I support this bill because it would give a chance to the Ethiopian people to live in an open and democratic country, in which everybody is under the law. This bill will also strengthen the very bad image of USA, which is seen by many ordinary people as a supporter of dictatorship and injustice in Ethiopia. It is a good thing for the betterment of the relationship of Ethiopia and USA after the time of the dictators. A friend in need is a friend in need.

Mamo Getu

August 13, 2007, 4:00am (report abuse)

promoting and supporting Democracy should be NUMERO UNO American policy,all most all political problem has been caused by wrong an and baised American forgien policy,now in one Global world we want to see America stands with the respect of human right and democracy,supporting Zenawi is like supporting Hitler or Mussoloni,we shall deserve better it's our God given right as an Ethiopian I urge the American Congress to show respect to the Ethiopian people by supporting HR20003 STAND AGANIST IT IS A CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY.

Kassa Hailu

August 13, 2007, 4:27am (report abuse)

This bill has to pass for one simple reason that Zenawi is lobbying against it. Dictators never stand for democracy and rule of law for which Zenami is giving a self testimony.

Abay

August 13, 2007, 4:47am (report abuse)

Failure to pass this bill would be one more testimony to the frequent allegation about US foreign policy: it tends to be short-sighted and the concern for human rights is mere rhetoric. There is no longer any dispute about the notorious human rights record of the Ethiopian regime. Why drag your feet to pass a very sensible and straightforward bill that holds such a regime accountable? The very fact that the bill has met fierce resistance from the Ethiopian regime is proof that this is a much needed bill US aid can buy!

Mulugeta

August 13, 2007, 5:05am (report abuse)

I do not think that the people of USA is like Melese they know what is cooking and will do the right thing.

Ephrem

August 13, 2007, 5:32am (report abuse)

Why Meles & Co are against HR2003, the purpose of which is only to realize democracy and the rule of law in Ethiopia.
The USA should demonstarte that they are with the 70 Million people of Ethiopia by supporting their dreams of building a democratic nation a reality not the tyrant and his 100 followers

Degu

August 13, 2007, 5:47am (report abuse)

The people of Ethiopia, though proud and independant need a real help from all the humanity in this world to avoid tyranny and build Democracy.
And this bill is one piece of the help

Abel Mekuria

August 13, 2007, 6:01am (report abuse)

HR2003 is in favour of the Ethiopian people and American peoples mutual interest. The bill is for human right and democracy !!! I don't understand the reason to be against humanity therfore every reasonable person support it.

Gedelgibu

August 13, 2007, 6:10am (report abuse)

Injustice any where is a threat to justice every where !!!
H.R. 2003 would encourage and facilitate the consolidation of peace and security, respect for human rights, democracy, and economic freedom in Ethiopia.
Therfore I indorse the passage of HR2003

Jonas

August 13, 2007, 6:43am (report abuse)

This bill is just normal one which
reminds every one to respect the right of every human being,or to show and to teach for the once who dont know it.I dont understand even one who is against.

sgeremew

August 13, 2007, 6:44am (report abuse)

1.this bill will be the model for africa.2.it is very important thatthe bill is passed.3.the bill is a corner stone for ethiopias basic human rights.4.this bill is not dictator ethiopian government.

Birhanu Abate

August 13, 2007, 7:07am (report abuse)

The HR2003 Bill is the best the USA can offer to the ETHIOPIAN PEAPLE so that ,EQALITY,UNITY,CONISTITUSIONAL DEMOCRACY,and ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT can be a reality in ETHIOPIA in the new ETHIOPIAN 2000.

Billu Yelef

August 13, 2007, 8:14am (report abuse)

The bill is all about human right and accountablity, why do you think Meles is against it? come on - this is not rocket science. Ohio guy.

Yemado Seuw

August 13, 2007, 8:33am (report abuse)

It is a good wakeup call for all dictators, this bill is about Democracy, basic human right and freedom. I still do not understand why Melles and his supporters spent mony and time to stop this Bill. Those days are over, if you kill or you give green light to kill you can't walk free, Mr Street Smart.

Solomon

August 13, 2007, 9:13am (report abuse)

These bill shows how congress man Donald Payen is so miss informed by former miltary junta operetives and some missguded ethiopians.

Omer semeter

August 13, 2007, 9:17am (report abuse)

it's high time for American Congerss,TO PASS OR NOT TO PASS THE BILL, those who are for I salut them those who stand against the bill history will judge them for the inhuman and barbaric action ! support HR20003!

Getachew

August 13, 2007, 10:08am (report abuse)

It is embarassing for a great country like USA to be identified with such unpopular and uncivilized government of Ethiopia that kills his peacful citizens in the streets of his capital in this 21st century. So, to be a friend with such a government means that USA endorses what the government of Ethiopia is doing. So, passing HR 2003 would help the people of Ethiopia in getting justice while the USA would again get her image as a caring country as used to be.

abeselom

August 13, 2007, 10:10am (report abuse)

Americans and Americans of Ethiopian origin have the right to know that their tax money goes not to kill or oppres the peoples of this old nation. It is as simple as that. God bless Ethiopia

Molla Maru Gubena

August 13, 2007, 10:45am (report abuse)

The first and important objective of the bill is HUMAN RIGHT AND DEMOCRACY so why on earth Zenawi & co. fear to listen the Music?for the last 16 years they managed to cheat the West specially USA it took 16 years to learn the real nature of Zenawi's dictatorial regime to the US Congress, very sad learn from the mistakes you are commiting it cost the world a lot by supporting HR 20003 you might improve your image in the developing nations,Ethiopia a country of 80 million become miserble and sad under Znenaw's minority regime it's a shame for the American Law makers to support a child killer regime. VIVA FOR HR 20003 VOTE FOR IT FOR THE SAKE OF A DYING NATION ! THANK YOU

haile

August 13, 2007, 10:45am (report abuse)

it seems like the previous genocidal ethiopian government supporters & cadres who immigrated to america and europe are trying to regain their power by bombarding their new home countries with lies and propaganda.

I am for this BILL

August 13, 2007, 11:03am (report abuse)

This bill saves ethiopia from sliding back from the democratization process it was trying to have. The bill encourages people to involve in the democratic process and make the government accountable for its actions and empowers the people at large. I AM 100% FOR IT AND SUPPORT IT !! MAY GOD BLESS ETHIOPIA.

Yeheg Sew

August 13, 2007, 11:05am (report abuse)

This is an important bill and would help Ethiopia to respect HR.

KASAHUN ASSEFA ZEWDIE

August 13, 2007, 11:13am (report abuse)

HR 2003 IS PREPARED BY PREVIOUS GOVERNMENT SUPPORTERS ANYWAY I DON`T SUPPORT THIS BILL I BELIEVE ETHIOPIAN PROBLEMS ARE SOLVED ONLY BY ETHIPIANNS

wersema roble

August 13, 2007, 11:13am (report abuse)

to honerable usa congres woman & men, its hard to judj hr 2003 by collecting coments, becouse, eritrean commentetors are more that ethiopians, i see them, in our demos, chat rooms, web sites. the eritrean embassy in western worled are mobilizing there nationals, to take part in all anti ethiopian action. so i my self i dont think hr2003 as help full to the poor people of ethiopia. lets not forget, president carter pushed the derg to join the east block. pls. dont make the same mistake again.

Tamrat

August 13, 2007, 11:17am (report abuse)

This bill calls for democartic Ethiopia, and I read it and support it 100%.

Abebaw K

August 13, 2007, 11:18am (report abuse)

This Bill, if passed, will give the Ethiopian people an iron-clad guarantee that their precious lives will not be taken or their human Rights grossly violated by any vicious tyrant.The Ethiopian dictator's vehement opposition against this Bill is proof that it is good for people of Ethiopia. It is a priceless gift that Congress can give to our Nation.

tesfa

August 13, 2007, 11:19am (report abuse)

Let alone in the present divided plitical atmosphere of ethiopia, the US will not hesitate to pass such a bill for it's own interest when it feels so. Afterall the bill has nothing to help Ethiopians except punishing them when the US feels they are againist its interests. So, we Ethiopians, do not want to support such a bill that regrets us. Our policial difference will be solved only if we recognise respect and consensus among us. We have already see the evils of external interferences. So, thanks US congress, but NO FOR YOUR BILL!

Mohammed Abubeker

August 13, 2007, 11:27am (report abuse)

The rule of law Human right and democracy are a much needed but rare commidity in Zenawi's government a blind support for TPLF rulers from Ameriac would breed a lawlessness in the horn of Africa,the simple example is Ogaden it's a fact not a fiction zenawi turned the region to an other Darfur just because we stand for our democratic right just for rejecting the baised and narrow policy we want to be our own Master but Zenawi sent admins from his Tigray pary in order to exploit the natural resources of ogaden way? ONLF commited for democracy and human right to fight TPLF narrow barbaric and inhuman regime with other Ethiopian brothers and sisters, we DEMAND the withdrawal of TPLF soldeirs and we support HR 20003 and help the ogadenian people to establish peaceful conflict free horn of Africa.

jo

August 13, 2007, 11:28am (report abuse)

I think it is shame and dispecable to beg congress to pass any bill agianst ethiopia. espically it is inatied by the disprao, who are just sulfsh and do not have any concern to the ordnilry ethiopian. those guys who is running the country, they did not come to congress to make change in there country. they gave their life, spent decay fighting agiantst durg with thier pople. they didnor escpe to usa or other countris to perusue thier privaite life. if any one relly think about ethiopian people, he or she can go to his or her county and struggle to make a differnce in the country. do not cary infront of white house. the bottom line disopra movement basiclly it is a means of generating income for those lazy ex drug member, those do not gut to work in the gas station, 7-11. or to these people who commited and crime can not return to ethiopi while the current gove is in power.

Leulseged Merja

August 13, 2007, 11:30am (report abuse)

This bill is all about human rights, freedom and accountablity. Every human being should support it.Only inhumane dictators oppose such bills. God bless Ethiopia.

Daniel

August 13, 2007, 11:31am (report abuse)

The bill will put the meles regime on notice and help offset the jenocide on the making.

Rahel

August 13, 2007, 11:32am (report abuse)

Is Ethiopia the colony of USA? What is wrong with these block people? You can't run your own country with out yes or no of foreign government’s permission? Shame on you the so called Diaspora Ethiopian. You brought upon yourself slavery to live.

Samuel Belew

August 13, 2007, 11:32am (report abuse)

It does not serve the US interest and it will not improve Human rights in Ethiopia. This is purely a work of the Mengistu cadres, remnants of the old regime.

Olorro

August 13, 2007, 11:39am (report abuse)

You need to know one thing crucial. Who is in diaspora among Ethiopians? and who stands the present Ethiopian government for?Those in the diaspora are generally those who got chance to leave Ethiopia through scholarships, business, family reunion and other meanses. That is to say most of them are those that were favored by ex-governments of Ethiopia. The wost time Ethiopia had was the Mengistu time, where thousands of villages were bombarded, hundreds of thosands of people were killed on streets in broad daylight, all the economy was feeding the war in Eritrea Tigray and other places etc.Did the present Ethiopian diaspora alert you these horrible situations at that time? The answer is NO. Why not then and why now? If you answer this question you will get all the secret.The only thing you can gain up on passage of this bill is not the accomplishment of those in it but only deteriorated relationship between the US and Ethiopia-period.

Abiti

August 13, 2007, 11:44am (report abuse)

Meles, as a human being and a leader of a country, what is wrong with this bill? Why Meles fight this bill begging money from USA tax payers in the name of the poor and paying back USA lobbist? If USA belives in the grassroot of peace source, one of them is this bill. Allow this bill to pass, USA will save money of the tax payer's by stop paying for current affair dramam makers for their servivals. Keeping the interest of the Ethiopian people is the ultimate solution of the keeping the interest of the USA people. Keeping the interest of the gangester is not and will not be the solution for keeping the interest of the American's!

Kiros

August 13, 2007, 11:47am (report abuse)

This bill is very important for all Americans, African Amererican ingeneral, and Ethiopian-American in particular, who are paying taxes every day, month and year. We do that for the good of the country, for human right thru out the world and also to help Dimocratic countries not DICTATORS. We have to ask them to pass this importat(HR2003) bill unconditionally.

Eyasu

August 13, 2007, 11:55am (report abuse)

The contents of the bill are basic and should be implemented immediately by the government of Ethiopia.

I personally don’t want any other country’s congress or parliament to pass any kind of bill on another country’s issue unilaterally. This is a sovereignty matter.

Even though the western countries do a lot off donations towards countries like ours, I believe they should give due respect to this poor countries and their people. DONATION SHUOLD NOT BE USED AS A TOOL INORDER TO IMPOSE ONE’S INTERST.

We Ethiopians have a rich culture. We love and respect others but we do not want to be disrespected by any body else, EVEN AMERICA.

Shame on the so cold Ethiopian scholars in the Diaspora that are for this bill!

Prof. Stanely Densh

August 13, 2007, 11:59am (report abuse)

The chemistry of those who are for this bill are: old guards, those who have personal egos, enemies of the States like Shabia elements, crowd-followers who haven't and can't even read the bill, victims of the propoganda of the Vocal diaspora, etc.
The bill won't be passed, take my words, for the simply reason that there is no way Ethiopia can be dictated from Capitol Hill or EC headquarter.
In case it will be passed it will simply be a color on the ever changing face of the vocal extremests.
This group is a shame to Africa in general as Ethipia is a symbol of freedom not that of seeking an external force to dictate internal affairs.
As the Excutive arm of the US has said it repeatedely, Ethiopia's internal process will bear fruit in pave the way for democratic transformation.
Otherwise, fellow Ethiopians are simply selling out themselves for nothing.

TESFAYE

August 13, 2007, 11:59am (report abuse)

HR2003 IS A DISASTER!!!!!!
IF ANY THING IT IS A POLICY THAT
WILL SUBJUGATE THE SOVEREIGN NATION
IN TO A SUBSERVIENT ONE. WE ARE FREE NATION AND THUS WISH TO REMAIN FREE; AND THAT ALSO NEEDS
UNFLINCHING STRUGGLE AGAINST THOSE
WHO IN THE NAME OF DEMOCRACY AND
POWER MONGERING WANT TO SELL OUT THE RIGHT OF OUR NATION AND ITS PEOPLE.WE WILL SERVIVE WITH STRUGGLE AND WILL NEVER GIVE UP BECAUSE OF FEW DISGRANTLED DIASPORA DREAMS.

Teddy

August 13, 2007, 12:01pm (report abuse)

I whole heartedly support this bill. Any body can tell why the regime in Ethiopia is tratened by this bill. It goes against the grain of this regime. If the regime is as democratic as it wants us to believe why should it be treatned by it. It only requires it to be what Meles says it is. Hopefully the bill will pass. And I am sure it will be to the benefit of both the US and the Ethiopian people and puts on notice all the dictators around the world. And America's prestige will be Ellivated around the world.

Ghirma

August 13, 2007, 12:02pm (report abuse)

This bill is for the resuscitation of DERG. It is dead and must remain burried. The sponsors of this bill are opposed to the vast majority of Ethiopians who had been oppressed under previous regimes. Ethiopia will never regress to the rule of the few who who want to impose their will upon the Ethiopian people.

Feven

August 13, 2007, 12:03pm (report abuse)

Dear Congress man, STAY AWAY FORM ETHIOPIA'S BUSINESS!

The contents of the bill are basic and should be implemented immediately by the government of Ethiopia.

I personally don’t want any other country’s congress or parliament to pass any kind of bill on another country’s issue unilaterally. This is a sovereignty matter.

Even though the western countries do a lot of donations towards countries like ours, I believe they should give due respect to this poor countries and their people. DONATION SHUOLD NOT BE USED AS A TOOL INORDER TO IMPOSE ONE’S INTERST.

We Ethiopians have a rich culture. We love and respect others but we do not want to be disrespected by any body else, EVEN AMERICA.

THIS MOVE IS NOT FOR THE BETTER RELATIONSHIP OF BOTH COUNTRIES!

Natty dread

August 13, 2007, 12:11pm (report abuse)

If there is anybody who is dumb enough to think that America's froreign policy on Ethiopia will be influenced by the reminants of the old regiem must wake up because as a host nation, America knows damn well who the people are behined this "bill". And as for us Ethiopians, we know them by name one by one.

Missy

August 13, 2007, 12:14pm (report abuse)

People that support this bill must be remnants of derg and Saebia, the enemy of Ethiopia. Some of the Diaspora scholars do not know what is going on in Ethiopia. They should visit the country and witness what is going on in Ethiopia today. Seeing is believing. People are busy to change their lives in every corner of the country. They do not have time for Diaspora politics.

unted alem

August 13, 2007, 12:17pm (report abuse)

not only HR2003 to be aöölyed to TPLF creaminals ,,,we need them to go soon to world"s coourt tribunal HAAG,,, US/EU must show the way for cruel PM Meles to Haag court very soon....then we can creast Transitional government with all who are inside and outside Ethiopia !!!

Zewde

August 13, 2007, 12:17pm (report abuse)

I think America should start putting on trial the many Derg official lurking in the US cities.... This bill is typical of their attempt to stage a comeback.

Wonji

August 13, 2007, 12:18pm (report abuse)

I urge America to pass this bill w/c is critical in the application of democracy and respect people's right and then paves a way for peace and developent.

Hareg21

August 13, 2007, 12:30pm (report abuse)

Professor Muche say it all above "The best gift of the US Congress to the Ethiopian people is not only money or technology, but above all passing the HR 2003 by ignoring all the lobbyists and special interest groups such as the so- called mediators." if America want to support Ethiopians, proof it! Support this bill

Gere

August 13, 2007, 12:31pm (report abuse)

Please understand that, all the people who want to sell Ethiopia under the cover of HR2003 are the very dergist or beneficiaries of the previous marxist regime

Desta

August 13, 2007, 12:35pm (report abuse)

What is the purpose of giving aid if it is used to supress/kill the people. Need to pass the bill, H.R 2007 so that TAX payers many is used for the objective it is intended for

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