The community, which has worked in recent years to add its voice to the list of influential ethnic lobbying groups, backs H.R. 2003, a measure authored by Rep. Donald Payne (D-N.J.) that directs the State Department to support democracy in Ethiopia and restricts assistance for security efforts until the country releases political prisoners and meets a series of other benchmarks.
The House Foreign Affairs Africa and Global Health subcommittee, which Payne chairs, passed the bill last week. The full committee is expected to mark up the bill on Tuesday.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said the decision to pardon the prisoners was unrelated to efforts in Congress to pressure his government.
“The Ethiopian government isn’t willing and is unable to be run like a banana republic from Capitol Hill,” he said. His government has worked closely with the Bush administration on counter-terrorism efforts in the region.
Human-rights activists and congressional backers of the Payne bill welcomed the news that the government had pardoned 38 of the country’s top political opposition leaders. But Tom Lantos, the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, indicated the bill would still move forward.
“At least 36 more activists remain in detention because they either refused to sign a required letter of remorse or because they signed the letter but their cases remain undecided,” Lantos said.
Washington DC mayor proclaims Sept 12 as Eth Millennium Day
Washington D.C. — Mayor Adrian Fenty of Washington D.C. proclaimed September 12, 2007 as the “Ethiopian Millennium Day”. In recognition of the multiculturalism and diversity of the Ethiopian Community in Washington D.C. Mayor Fenty called upon all of the District’s residents to join him in this special recognition.
Spearheaded by the Committee for the Celebration of the Ethiopian Millennium (CCEM), the effort of getting recognition and proclamation from this important city has been going on for months. As a hub of thousands of Ethiopians,
Washington D.C. is the heart of the Ethiopian Diaspora and Mayor Fenty recognized that the Ethiopians in his city give his District its distinct ethnic flavor.
Based on CCEM’s five-day long Ethiopian New Year celebration from September 8-12, and that of other groups, the Mayor said, “Members from Ethiopian American Communities and Community Based Organizations will organize lectures, exhibitions and cultural programs”. In its five-days long Millennium celebration, CCEM is in high gear preparation to hold its multifaceted symposium, photograph and art exhibition, cultural and contemporary musical gala and a day of “March for Democracy”, calling for Peace, justice, and Progress for the people of Ethiopia in the coming Millennium.
Less than two months away, the Millennium celebration in Washington D.C. is gaining momentum. And, Mayor Adrian Fenty’s recognition comes off the hill of a successful dinner held on July 13, 2007 at the U.S. Congress. The Honorable Donald Payne (D–NJ), representatives from the office of the Honorable Chris Smith (R–NJ) and Honorable Mike Honda (D–CA) and many Ethiopians representing the Ethiopian American community in DC Metro are attended the successful dinner at the Rayburn House of Representatives building. CCEM is working on and expects subsequent resolutions and proclamations regarding the Ethiopian Millennium from members of the US Congress, mayors and governors of various cities and states.
UPDATE: The Committee for the Celebration of the Ethiopian Millennium (CCEM) expects thousands of Ethiopians—young and old–to come to Washington D.C. from September 8 – 12, 2007. CCEM is working tirelessly to make the occasion very especial. Please visit us at www.2kethiopia.com for program details and information.
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Phone: 240-460-3579 or 202-386-3037
Fax: 952-746-1983
Web: http://www.ethiopianmillennium2000.com
Address: 1115 U street N.W
Washington D.C. 20009
