UEDF addresses Ethiopians in Dallas
By UEDF-Dallas Support Committee

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DALLAS, Texas - The United Ethiopia Democratic Forces (UEDF) support group in Dallas recently hosted a public meeting addressed by Lt Ayalsew Dessie, UEDF vice secretary, and Dr. Taye Woldesemayat, chairman of Ethiopian Teachers Association on June 20th 2004 at Hotel Santa Fe. The meeting pulled a record turnout of Ethiopians in the Dallas and the surrounding areas.

The objectives discussed were:

• The political situation of Ethiopia.
• The activities of the civic organizations and their role in the democratization process of Ethiopia.
• The activities of UEDF and the role of the general public for the fulfillment of the agenda and objective of the UEDF.
• The means of peaceful struggle as a vital tool to unseat the Weyane/EPRDF regime.
• The role of the Diaspora Ethiopian community in the democratization process of the country.

Lt Ayalsew Dessie briefed the participants about the current political situation in Ethiopia and the danger the country and the people are confronting. He emphasized that the democratic, social, economical, cultural, political situation of the country is deteriorating day after day. He said that it is high time for all Ethiopians to come together to save our country and establish a democratic Ethiopia. He also explained the different ethnic conflicts in the country are an intended action of the Weyane/EPRDF government. He also said that the sovereignty of the country and our national interest is getting compromised by EPRDF against the public will.

He highlighted that the independent of the judiciary, freedom of expression, freedom of association, freedom of movement, freedom of participation in the politics of the country etc. are under attack by the Weyane /EPRDF.

He briefed the activities of UEDF for the past ten months and some of the problems surrounding in its activities. He also explained thoroughly many questions raised by the participants regarding UEDF. He emphasized that free and fair election and its ingredients should be in place for establishing a democratic and popular government in Ethiopia.

Dr Taye as a leader of a civic organization explained the plight of the Ethiopian teachers, students and the future generation. He strictly criticized the cost sharing policy of the government, uncontrolled privatization of education and the commitment of Weyane for the establishment of a phony teachers association.

He denounced the closure of the bank account of ETA, the imprisonment of thousands of teachers, the closure of the ETA branch offices. He also denounced the imprisonment and the dismissal of students from school for raising a democratic and legitimate concern. He said the education policy of Weyane is proofed to be a failure. He said 16 million children who are supposed to go to school couldn’t make it because of the education and the cost sharing policy of Weyanes.

He urged Ethiopian to remain together and to be realistic rather than empty rhetoric. He said we shouldn’t be trapped by the divide and rule policy of Weyane and advised to come together to support UEDF in all means. He advised the participants to be tolerant and discuss about Ethiopia and the establishment of a democratic country where there wouldn’t be discrimination on nationalities, language, religion and etc.. Dr Taye has been imprisoned for 6 years at the weyane prison. He also explained his experience in prison to the audience. He also mentioned inhumane treatment used to deteriorate his psychological strength and personality. Despite all the tortures he said he still firm in his stand as a leader of a civic organization. The assassination of Ato Assefa Maru by Weyane security forces and the exile life of Ato Gomoraw have been elaborated.

The meeting has been followed by different question and answers which reflected a good understanding is developing among the different political groupings. All has been discussed in a very attractive and calm atmosphere. There have been different opinions from the participants. There was also a moving poem and speech by participants directed towards the establishment of commitment and tolerance among Ethiopians, the different political groupings and civic organizations.

Finally, the participants of the meeting expressed their commitment and determination to support UEDF. The participants also spoke well of and promised to offer moral, material and psychological support for the Ethiopian Teachers Association. The sacrifice of the EFJA and other civic organizations and Ethiopians in all corners for the democratization of Ethiopia has also been applauded by the meeting.

The chairman of the UEDF support group in Dallas Mr. Seyoum Yohannes also briefed on the activities of the committee since its formation. He also called upon the participants to play a role for the establishment of a peaceful, democratic society and government in Ethiopia. He also emphasized the support group is open for any body who want to contribute.