First of all, I would like to thank you and others for being concerened about my health and your readiness to support me financially with the expense to cover the cost of treatment of my legs. I also thank you for trying to encourage others to do the same.
Yesterday I saw on Ethiomedia page an advertisement titled “Negaso account now open for donation” (Ethiomedia). The announcement by Ethiomedia before yesterday about Seatle meeting was O.K. but the advertisement or announcement of Ibsa Gidada’s bank account yesterday was not proper for two reasons:
First, I sent this account to people who asked me to send them an account through which they can send me their support for my treatment. I sent the account as personal and private means and not for publication. I did not have the permision from the owner of the account to have it published in the media. This is a private account and one does not normally publicize private bank account in the media. If at all, one has to ask the permission of the owner before doing so. And I did not have the permission nor did Ethiomedia have the permission.
Second, in Germany residents have to be legally registered as a fund raiser and register officially the account for fund raising for which the government officials give permission and are obliged to survey, control and check the accounts and the fund raiser person or association. In this case the account for fundraising was given without the permission of the German government. As the owner is living in Germany and is obliged to respect German law, he can have legal problem and I do not want this to hapen. That is why I am asking Ethiomedia and other Websites and newspapers to immediately withdraw the announcement of Bank account for fund raising to support me in the treatment my legs.
I know and understand that the announcment was done in good spirit and faith to help me. Yet some good intentions could create problems if not done carefully. I therefore request Ethiomedia and others to withdraw immediatly the announcement of the Ibsa Gidada’s bank account.
Thank you very much,
Negaso
Editor’s Note – Ethiomedia has pulled out the private bank account from its report, and apologizes for any inconvenience that may have caused. In the meantime, the goodwill that has surfaced among Ethiopians anywhere to raise the fund for medical expenses should continue.
Ethiopians should step in to help him out at this time of his need. What way can Ethiomedia help? Can you open a financial account on your site where wider readers could contribute? The amount of the required money is just nothing. It only needs a good coordination to make it happen. Please help.
Organizers said volunteers who would like to help the former head of state but wouldn’t be available for the Friday meeting may pledge by phone calling Kirubeal at 206-372-0734.
Dr Negasso was a former member of the ruling Meles Zenawi regime but pulled himself out after equating Meles Zenawi with former dictator Mengistu Haile-Mariam over brutal human rights violations.
