No one would steal votes and walk away free: Ana Gomes
By H.R. 5680 Task Force
June 28, 2006
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| The Honorable Ana Gomes, Member of European Parliament |
WASHINGTON DC - The Honorable Ana Gomes on Tuesday told an audience of Ethiopian Americans at Capital Hilton in Washinton, DC that no one would steal votes and walk away free - a stern warning to the ruling party in Ethiopia that it would be held responsible for the crimes it committed to stay in power.
Speaking through cheers and flowing applause often accompanied by a standing ovation, Ana Gomes, a European MP won the hearts and millions of Ethiopians when she - as head of a 150-member strong EU delegation, spoke against the injustices and crimes perpetrated by the Meles regime.
"The advancement of HR 4423 to the next level by winning bipartisan US Congress support shows a growing US support for Ethiopia's struggle for democracy and justice," Ana Gomes said. "The EU's stand coupled with the US support shows Ethiopia's struggle for the rule of law is gaining momentum."
Earlier, Representatives Donald Payne of New Jersey and Michael Honda of California sponsored a briefing for Ms. Ana Gomes. According to HR 5680 Task Force.
In a recent speech, Ms. Gomes stated:
In the May elections one year ago, the voice of the Ethiopian people was loud and clear: they wanted change. But the current rulers of the country did not care to listen and it is why the democratic will of the people of Ethiopia remains unfulfilled. The Ethiopian people have been, therefore, betrayed by those who continue to govern in their name without their proper mandate. ( Source: Ethiomedia )
It was widely expected that Ms. Gomes’ briefing hosted by Congressmen Payne and Honda would enable Members of Congress to gain an accurate understanding of the massive, and systematic crackdown on dissent, the repression and infringement of human rights in Ethiopia and the critical situation of opposition leaders who remain in arbitrary detention (Ethiopia Freedom, Democracy and Human Rights Act of 2006) in the United Sates Congress.
“We are grateful to both Representatives Payne and Honda for hosting this briefing event for Ms. Gomes,” said Berhanu Alemayehu, Ph. D., (Cong. Payne’s constituent, Ethiopians and Ethiopian Americans of Northern Jersey).
We call on everyone who stands for democracy, the rule of law and human rights in Ethiopia to call on their Representatives to support HR 5680.
(For more information, E-mail: helppasshr4423@yahoo.com , Tel #: (310) 599-0200)
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Additional reporting by Muluneh Yohannes has been added to the report.
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