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Washington Update
1. As a part of ongoing efforts to keep American political bodies informed of developments in Ethiopia, and especially of the importance of international support for democracy and human rights, Engineer Halu Shawel, President, CUD, and Mesfin Mekonen met recently with Senate staff. The briefing included a discussion of the Meles regime’s refusal to create conditions for free and fair local elections.
There is growing interest in the Senate in introducing H.R. 2003, or alternative legislation to accomplish similar goals. There is also, however, determined opposition from a handful of senators. Because Senate rules make it very difficult to enact legislation over the objection of even a small number of senators, continued work with members of both parties is needed to make progress.
Following a recent Senate hearing on U.S. policy toward the Horn of Africa, there is concern in the foreign policy community about the direction of U.S. relations with Ethiopia and its neighbors. Concerns focus on the possibility that the instability and violence that occurred in Kenya in the wake of a failed election could be replicated in Ethiopia if the Meles regime continues to suppress legitimate political opposition.
2. Ethiopian Americans should continue to contact their elected representatives to express their support for H.R. 2003. They should thank members of the House who co-sponsored the bill, and ask them to speak encourage their colleagues in the Senate to introduce and pass the bill. Mention the economic hardships that Ethiopians are enduring – eight million people will need food assistance this year – and ask that the U.S. support economic policies that will help all Ethiopians.
Mesfin Mekonen KIC |
