“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” –Margaret Mead
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Giuliani’s Firm Lobbied for Bill Considered Threat By ERIC LIPTON and RUSS BUETTNER (NY Times) WASHINGTON, Dec. 3 — Although Rudolph W. Giuliani is campaigning as President Bush’s staunch ally in the war on terror, his law office has lobbied Congress on behalf of legislation that the Bush administration calls a threat to antiterrorism efforts in the Horn of Africa. Mr. Giuliani was not personally involved in the lobbying last year on behalf of the company’s client, the American wing of a dissident Ethiopian political party known as the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, leaders of the group said. But the firm, Bracewell & Giuliani, used Mr. Giuliani’s name in its pitch to win the assignment, and his clout was a reason it landed the job, said Seyoum Solomon, an Ethiopian-American from Maryland who helped negotiate the deal. “He is a popular Republican, a good friend of the president and he might have some influence on the State Department,” Mr. Solomon said to explain the hiring decision. The legislation sought by the dissidents proposes restrictions in American aid if Ethiopia does not agree to share power with opposition parties and take other steps promoting democracy. As part of its work, the Giuliani group set up a meeting at the White House last year at which the administration was urged to consider the viewpoint of a consortium of Ethiopian political parties that included Mr. Solomon’s group, as well as a more militant rebel organization. The Ethiopian effort demonstrates the complications Mr. Giuliani confronts as he simultaneously runs for president and remains a name partner in a law firm that lobbies in Washington. He is the only Republican candidate who remains engaged in business pursuits. The Bush administration supports the government in Ethiopia as a bulwark against terrorism and has characterized the legislation as a liability in that effort. <<Continue>>
Democracy Versus Zenawi’s Power : The Case of Ethiopian Society and HR 2003 November 27, 2007 — The real prospect of HR 2003 (Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007) becoming a US law is making the Ethiopian ruling party very nervous. Consistent with the nature of an oligarchic regime, it perceives democracy as a threat to its very existence. Thus, its multiple approaches, at home and abroad, to try to quash HR 2003 in the US Senate should come as no surprise to anyone. In Ethiopia, Seyoum Mesfin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, is attempting to appeal to the nationalistic sentiment ofthe society by portraying the bill as the United States Congress’s attempt to “neo-colonize” Ethiopia. Such a desperate and reckless allegation by a high-level party official might have potentially ignited an anti-American sentiment throughout the country. However, thanks to the ruling party’s immense unpopularity, the Minister’s political demagoguery will have little or no impact. Such twisted allegations by a high-ranking official of the ruling party show the extent of their willingness to alienate Ethiopian society against the U.S. government to preserve the ruling party’s own power.<<Continue>>
Ethiopian Americans Look Forward to Under the leadership of Congressmen Donald Payne and Chris Smith, the United States House of Representatives unanimously passed HR 2003 (Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007). In doing so, they demonstrated their unequivocal support for democracy and human rights in Ethiopia. HR 2003 is mutually beneficial for both Ethiopia and the United States’ interest in the Horn of Africa. The bill is critical toward building a long-term capacity in fighting terrorism. By pushing for human rights, democracy and stability in Ethiopia, the bill will benefit not only its 70 million citizens, but also work to influence positive outcome in neighboring countries.<<Continue>>
Ethiopians now can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the House of Representatives unanimously passed HR 2003, the Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007. The vote sent a powerful message that a democratic and economically viable Ethiopia can only be a true and durable ally to the United States. It also put the Ethiopian regime on its guard to change its abhorrent human rights record or face the consequence. <<Continue>>
An Ethiopian Commission of Inquiry report last month found that 193 people were killed in post-election violence in 2005. Some members of the commission who have defected said security forces used excessive force and even committed massacre. But the final report submitted to the Ethiopian parliament said security forces did not use excessive force. Democratic Congressman Donald Payne is a member of the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations. He talks with VOA English to Africa reporter James Butty about a briefing he and other members of congress are sponsoring today (Thursday) on human rights in Ethiopia <<Continue>>
Human rights measure resisted in U.S.By Gus Constantine An effort to call Ethiopia to account on its human rights record was side lined in Congress be fore it adjourned for the midterm elections, with some supporters of the bill blaming Dick Armey, a former House majority leader turned lobbyist. <<Continue>>
Sanctions on Ethiopia Stalled in Congress New America Media, News Analysis, Donal Brown, Nov 07, 2006 SAN FRANCISCO – Politicans in Washington are balking on legislation to promote political justice in Ethiopia out of concerns over terrorists finding haven in the horn of Africa.
Dennis Cardoza for Congress (CA - 18)
Amy Klobuchar for US Senate (MN)
Keith Ellison for Congress (MN - 5)
Rep. Mike Honda (CA)
California CA-11
The Ethiopian Americans Council (EAC) is currently focusing on major states like California, Minnesota, Texas, Washington-Seattle, Washington-DC, Virginia and Maryland in mobilizing the eligible Ethiopian American voters to make their voices heard in the November election. EAC encourages registered voters to tell Congressional Candidates that the passage of HR5680 is the single most important agenda for the Ethiopian American community.Continue>>
In the spare moments before the lunch rush and then later before the dinner crowd arrives, Mesfin Mekonen, manager of the Reliable Source restaurant, works a second, unpaid job: lobbyist. Mekonen, who moved to the United States from Ethiopia in 1972 at age 20, is the Washington representative for the Ethiopian-American Council, which is trying to add the Ethiopian diaspora to the list of prominent ethnic lobbying groups.Continue>>
"Protecting the Democratic rights of the Ethiopian People:Reflection and Next Steps" "A Forum for the Future" The Ethiopian Americans Council (EAC) Town Hall Meeting In Los Angeles (July 2nd 2006)
Hon. Gomes's Speech Part-I Audio Hon. Gomes's Speech Part-II Audio Honorable Ana Gomes Head of the 2005 European Union's Observer Mission to Ethiopia and member of the European Parliament,
Mr. Gregory Simpkins A Professional Staff Member for the U.S. House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operation and adviser to the Chairman on Africa policy.
Ms Menna Demessie
Prof. Al Mariam 's Speech Audio Professor Alemayehu (Al) Mariam Professor in the Department of Political science at California State University, San Bernardino and a defense attorney. "Engaging Ethiopian Americans in U.S politics: Awakening a Sleeping Giant"
Dr. Milkias Paulos "The Role of Civil Society in Promoting Democracy and Human Rights in Ethiopia."
"ኢትዮዽያ ሕዝብ የዲሞክራሲ መብት መጠበቅ፤ ትላትና እና ቀጣዩ እርምጃ” "Protecting the Democratic rights of the Ethiopian People:Reflection and Next Steps" Sunday July 2nd 2006 09:00AM Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Press Release June 17, 2006 A Forum for the Future "Protecting the Democratic rights of the Ethiopian People: Reflection and Next Steps"
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Ethiopian Americans Council (EAC) P.O. Box 28597 San Jose, CA 95159 e-mail: EthioAmericans@walla.com ©2004
Ethiopian Americans Council
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