News

“War on terror” not an excuse for violent acts: Congressman Rangel

Congressman Charles Rangel
Congressman Charles B. Rangel

In a letter dated November 22 and addressed to US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Congressman Charles B. Rangel, 15th Congressional District, New York, said the worsening situation in Ethiopia was marked by the government committing violent acts, including “use of lethal force, random searches, indiscriminate beating and massive arrests.”

Congressman Rangel called on the Secretary of State to outline the steps the Department is taking to stop the violence in Ethiopia.

Following is the full text:

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
U.S. Department of State
2201 C. Street NW
Washington, DC 20520

Dear Secretary Rice:

On June 13, 2005, your Department issued a Press Statement condemning, “the violence and unnecessary use of excessive force in the continuing election-related violence in Ethiopia. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of those who have died. Reports of numerous arrests and detentions have increased tensions. We urge the government to respect the rule of law, international principles of human rights, and due process with regard to those arrested or detained. The United States looks to the opposition parties to abide by the rule of law, to respect their commitment to end the violence, and to ask their followers to remain calm.”

Since June 13, 2005, the violence over the contested election in Ethiopia has not only continued, it has worsened. According to the Voice of America (VOA), on November 6, 2005, the United States and the European Union called on the Ethiopian government to end “lethal force, and free jailed opposition leaders after a week of violence that had killed 46 people.”

While the United States and British ambassador each called upon both political parties to desist from further violence, it is quite clear from VOA dispatch that the unlawful and violent acts, including use of lethal force, random searches, indiscriminate beating and massive arrests by government security forces, are being committed by the government of Ethiopia.”

The government of Ethiopia depends on its donor countries to exist. The United States, one of its largest donor countries, can use its influence to stop this refutation of Democracy in Ethiopia now. It is not acceptable for a country to be excused from its commitment to democracy because it pledges to the “war on terror.”

Please respond by outlining the steps the Department of State is taking to stop the violence in Ethiopia.

Sincerely,

Charles B. Rangel
Member of Congress


ETHIOMEDIA.COM – ETHIOPIA’S PREMIER NEWS AND VIEWS WEBSITE
© COPYRIGHT 20001-2003 ETHIOMEDIA.COM.
EMAIL: [email protected]