Gross Distortions

I just read an ION report that you posted on your
website without bothering to verify whether it has any
factual basis. It is a long time since I read any
issue of ION. I have not realized that they have
started specializing in fabrications.

The report cites my name in connection with mediation
efforts between the Ethiopian government and the
opposition. I would like to put the record straight
and I trust you would inform your readers accordingly.

1. While it is true that I was at the center of the
“Voice for Peace”, which tried in vain to mediate
between the EPRDF and the opposition in the wake of
the 2005 elections, that initiative stopped in
September 2005. I have not been involved in any
mediation efforts since then.

2. I do not know of any conflict with the “Citizen’s
Charter Group” that is mentioned in the report.

3. I went to Paris some two weeks ago to attend a
UNESCO meeting on Higher Education, not for a meeting
with the persons mentioned, the second of whom I don’t
even know.

With kind regards,
Bahru Zewde (Prof.)

“Fabricated News”

Dear Ethiommedia Editor,

I strongly request the Ethiomedia Editor to publish my following statement and reinstate the truth.

The ION published an “information” in its December 19, 2006 issue stating that Last week, this last person ( Bahru Zewde) went to Paris for a meeting with Professor Mammo Muchie and Tecle Zerihoun from UNESCO, among other persons.” I read the fabricated news with surprise and indignation. It is not only far from the truth, but also damaging to my person and my reserved position as staff member of a United Nations Agency, the UNESCO. I was more surprised to learn that Ethiomedia too has relayed the “news”.

The truth is as follows:

Professor Bahru Zewde and Professeur Mammo Muchie were attending “The 2nd International colloquiem on research policy for Higher Education” organised by UNESCO from 29 November to 1st December 2006.

UNESCO Ethiopian staff members get together every month for a friendly dinner. They invite at each gathering one known Ethiopian residing in Paris or visiting Paris for an informal friendly dinner, as matter of hospitality in true Ethiopian tradition.

Learning that these two Ethiopian researchers were in town for the said conference an invitation was extended to them to join the group on Thursday 30 November.

It is on this occasion, not convened by me and with the attendance of other Ethiopian UNESCO staff members, that I had a dinner with two researchers.

To turn this event around and report that I participated in “negotiations” between pro and contra intergovernmental Ethiopian intellectuals” is pure invention.

It’s unfortunate that the Ethiomedia had to relay such allegation prior to checking with the individuals concerned. Such mishap is, in my humble opinion, detrimental to its credibility.

Kind Regards,
Tecle Zerihoun