Ethiopians in Norway call off their hunger-strike
By Girmay Berhe
April 7, 2004

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OSLO - Ten Ethiopians who were on a 9-day hunger strike called off their protest Monday evening after drawing enough support from the Norwegian society that their cases may receive fair decisions from the Norwegian authorities.

Samson Asrade, one of the Ethiopians who launched the hunger strike, said he sees the chances of receiving fairness with guarded optimism.

Speaking to Norwegian TV NRK, Asrade said: "We conveyed our message and now we wait for the reactions , added he to the national TV NRK. It is a wise choice, we are relieved."

Kjaersti Ryan of the Norwegian Support Group behind the Ethiopians, on her part said it was tough to be responsible for a group on a hunger-strike. "Glad that it has come to an end," she said.

Starting Monday April 6 the Ethiopians have no right to stay in the camp.

NORWEGIAN SUPPORT: REPORT DATE APRIL 4, 2004

A Slovaer-based group that has been following the Ethiopian asylum seekers situation in Slovaer is spearheading a campaign to publicize the plight of Ethiopians who are on hunger strike for the 9th day.. On Saturday the Support group led by Kjersti Ryan and Linda Lillevik sent an appeal to all Norwegian political parties and an open letter to the prime minister of Norway.

An appeal to the host Norwegian Government and Political parties by Slovaer support group is hoped to produce positive results for the Ethiopian Asylum seekers.

Monday April 5 goes the deadline for the Ethiopians who were on hunger strike to vacate their camp: To observe the Norwegian law the Ethiopians have decided to vacate the camp and live on a tent. About 70 Norwegian citizens on Monday demonstrated in front of the Camp to support the Ethiopians. On Saturday the Support group led by Kjersti Ryan and Linda Lillevik sent an appeal to all Norwegian political parties and an open letter to the prime minister of Norway. .