The opposition alliance voiced its objections over the “propaganda” that surrounded the collective pardon, which the regime said it granted after the 38 signed a document admitting mistakes.
“We have chosen to overlook the government propaganda and not to respond in kind because it would serve no purpose other than poisoning the spirit of reconciliation that we, the elders, and the Ethiopian people in general would like to see prevailing,” the statement said.
“We have chosen to look forward to a bright future, because we believe that this approach will provide us a sound foundation for the success of our struggle for democracy,” it added.
The release of the 38 after nearly two years in detention came after intense international criticism over the sentences and was welcomed in Ethiopia as a step towards political reconciliation.
The ruling alliance of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi won the majority of seats in the 2005 parliamentary polls but the opposition claimed it was robbed of victory by widespread government-sponsored fraud.
