Kinijit for Unity and Democracy

June 23, 2007

Today, June 23rd 2007, in accordance with the directives given by the Kinijit party executive

committee, the newly elected members of Kinijit International Council held its first meeting and

deliberated on important matters. The meeting was held in Silver Spring, MD. and will continue

tomorrow it finalize the basic structural foundation.

After a brief introduction of members of the council, Dr Bezabeh Demissie and Major Admasu Melaku,

Central Committee members of Kinijit reiterated the need to set aside any differences and work

together in unison to support and advance what the party stands for. Dr Bezabeh ad Major Admasu also

outlined and clearly explained the responsibilities and duties of the council set by the executive body

of the party. They then invited each member to introduce himself / herself to members of the Council.

All members of the Council fully agreed to follow the directives Kinijit Ethiopia implemented.

The brief introductory session was then followed by electing a commission that will manage the

election and set the guidelines for electing the officers of the council. The election proceeded using a

secret ballot in an open and democratic manner. The following officers were elected to conduct the

day to day activities of the council along with five additional standing committees to make up the

executive body.

1. Dr Taye Woldesmiate Chairman

2. Dr Almaz Zewde 1st V. Chairman

3. Ato Getachew Wana V. Chairman

4. Dr Aklog Birara Secretary

5. Ato Mesfin Mekonen Foreign Relations

6. Ato Seleshi Telahun Public Relations

7. Ato Mamo Yihune Organizational Affairs

8. Ato Yared Tibebu Research and Planning

9. Ato Assefa Dereseh Treasurer

10. Ato Negash Gabre Audit and Inspection

Out of the 23 council members, six were not present.

The Council agreed to invite more members from the different sectors for the society in the Diaspora.

The inclusion of women and the youth to participate in the political activities and the Council is

essential for the success of our struggle.

Dr Bezabeh and Major Admasu applauded and thanked the previous KIL leaders for their tireless efforts

and urged all of them to join hands with the new officers to support our leaders and thereby advance

the causes of our people.

Later, the new leadership, headed by Dr Taye Woldesmiate, took over the floor and laid out some of

their views on how to proceed to the next level. The meeting was adjourned after agreeing to meet

the next day to once again deliberate on issues of organizational structure, division of labour, and

other pertinent matters related to the newly formed council.

Kinijit International Council