Flag flies high in San Jose

By Geresu Bonkie | September 8, 2006

SAN JOSE, California - The Ethiopian flag flies high along with the U.S. flag when the Ethiopian Week is observed in San Jose, Calfornia from September 6 to September 13, 2006.

The Ethiopian flag was raised for the first time last year at the same time at the then newly opened city hall, in downtown San Jose. The Ethiopian flag is the first foreign flag flying at the heart of the Silicon Valley City Hall.

It is well known that the flag of Ethiopia became the basis for the Pan-African colors. The Ethiopian National flag symbolizes the honor and beauty of our nation. Green represents the fertility of the country, yellow the religion and love and respect found there and the red the lives sacrificed in the protection of national integrity. Ethiopia is one of the oldest countries in the world with a long history, tradition and culture.

In just a few days, Ethiopians are preparing to celebrate Ethiopian New Year, September 11, 2006. But not this time with joy and happiness. Instead, with sorrow and grief due to lack of democracy, good governance and rule of law in the country added up with drought in the past and the flood which killed hundreds and displaced thousands in recent weeks.

SAN JOSE, California - The Ethiopian flag flies high along with the U.S. flag when the Ethiopian Week is observed in San Jose, Calfornia from September 6 to September 13, 2006.

For over one year, there is not any type of investigation or inquiry conducted by the self-appointed Ethiopian government to the killings of hundreds of innocent citizens after last years May 2005 National Election. Duly elected representatives of the people and the elected mayor of Addis Ababa, journalists, teachers and many more innocent citizens are still languishing in prison and concentration camps. False and framed up charges of treason is brought against the elected leaders and all free-press and media closed. Most of pro-Democracy websites operating outside Ethiopia are blocked by the government.

It is very sad to see that currently, our country Ethiopia is run by an illegal government, a self-crowned dictator, surrounded by world class criminal gangs who are above the law. We Ethiopians appeal to world leaders and all peace loving people of the world to stop the reign of terror in Ethiopia and to exert pressure on the Ethiopian government to release all prisoners of conscience in the country and to abide by the rule of law.

Thank you City of San Jose and those who initiated the idea recognizing our country and people. This is an idea initiated and organized by people who have dedicated their lives to peace, democracy and harmony among peoples. We concerned Ethiopians residing in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, on behalf of our country and people we would like to pay tribute to the City of San Jose for their vision and commitment to friendship among peoples of the world and for keeping the tradition to continue.

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The writer could be reached for comments at gb3650@yahoo.com.