The petition underscores the fact that the recent move by the TPLF/EPRDF regime in Ethiopia to ban the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists’ Association (EFJA) is a culmination of its long-standing practice of muzzling the free press to further silence the voices of dissent. Such and other undemocratic measures by the regime continue to be impediments to establishing democracy in Ethiopia.

The United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) is encouraged to see some members of the United States Congress taking a remarkable step to pressure the regime of Meles Zenawi to reinstate EFJA. Such a commendable action will for sure help in assuring the continuous existence of the free press, which is essential for the emergence and deepening of a viable and vibrant democratic and pluralist system in Ethiopia.

UEDF urges Ethiopians and friends of Ethiopia to call and ask your representatives in the US Congress and Senates, whose names are not in the list, to sign the petition. Freedom of press is fundamental to the existence of democracy in Ethiopia. More than ever, the existence of independent press is critical for the future of the country and a genuine democratic order.

Here are the names of the distinguished members of the United States Congress who have signed the petition:

• Hon. Michael Honda, 15th Congressional District of California
• Hon. Zoe Lofgren, 16th Congressional District of California
• Hon. Eddie Bernice Johnson, 30th Congressional District of Texas
• Hon. Donald Payne, 10th Congressional District of New Jersey
• Hon. Sheila Jackson-Lee, 8th Congressional District of Texas
• Hon. Vic Snyder, 2nd Congressional District of Arkansas
• Hon. Barbara Lee, 9th Congressional District of California
• Hon. Trent Franks, 2nd Congressional District of Arizona
• Hon. Bob Filner, 51st Congressional District of Southern California
• Hon. Gregory W. Meeks, 6th Congressional District of New York
• Hon. Lane Evans, 17th Congressional District of Illinois