Leaders fly home brushing off Zenawi’s threats

-Kinijit distances itself from AFD

 

By Selamawit Fikre / November 17, 2007

In spite of a concerted propaganda campaign by the Meles regime, which has threatened to press another Draconian treason charge against leaders of Kinjit for openly supporting HR2003 during their two-month working tour in the United States, the First Vice President, Birtukan Mediksa, has proved once again that she defies fear with determination for the lofty causes of her party by being the first to return home.

At a press conference the leaders convened at ETN’s premises in Virginia on Thursday, just a day before Bertukan flew home, Judge Bertukan Mideksa and members of her delegation expressed their unwavering desire to continue their peaceful struggle amongst their people. Judge Bertukan said that they committed no crimes whatsoever and have no reason to fear to go back home. The other delegates also took turns to brush off the regime’s propaganda and intimidation. Dr Berhanu Nega emphasised that Kinijit supports HR2003 as it demands the full respect and implementation of the Ethiopian constitution, which has never been respected by the regime.

In response to a question on the Alliance for Freedom and Democracy, the leaders of Kiniit distanced their party from the alliance. They told journalists that Kinijit shared neither a common agenda nor strategy with any political forces that have opted for armed struggle like the ONLF. They underlined that Kinijit would only pursue peaceful struggle as a means to bring about radical political and socio-economic changes in Ethiopia. According to them it was the Diaspora that formed the alliance while they were in jail.

With regard to the complications on registering Kinijit as a political party, the leaders explained that Kinjit was formed when the four parties decided to legally dissolve themselves and merged as a unified political party. Bertukan said that a common understanding has been reached with the group led by Ato Temesgen’s group. According to the delegates, the rift in Kinijit will be resolved at a general assembly of the party to be convened in Addis Ababa in the near future.

They also called on the regime to end its military intervention in Somalia and demanded a speedy withdrawal of Ethiopian troops from the troubled nation.

Concening the standoff between the Meles regime and its former ally EPLF-led government in Eritrea, the leaders stressed need for a lasting peaceful solution, which must include democratizing both nations that suffer under tyrannies.

The leaders declared that their mission in the United States was a resounding success. They disclosed that they were able to raise over $300,000 without counting pledges. They expressed their deep gratitude to Ethiopians who welcomed them with warm hospitality wherever they went.

• VOA and Deutsche Welle's report's on Kinijit press conference