DR BERHANU NEGA COMES BACK WITH A VENGEANCE. SO WHAT ELSE IS NEW?

Washera_2000

December 2007

"We face a government with absolute disregard for human life and human rights, emboldened to extremes with every passing day and posing a grave risk to our struggle. Let us put aside our childish squabbles within our party, align ourselves with all democratic forces and move forward to persuade our people with the superior power of our democratic principles." Dr. Berhanu Nega

Dr. Berhanu Nega's interview on Ethiopian Current Affairs Discussion Forum (Pal talk) on Dec 3, 2007.

When I have a few hours to spare, I like to listen to what prominent politicians of our country have to say. At the top of my list are PM Meles Zenawi, Dr. Berhanu Nega, W/t Bertukan Mideksa and Ato Hailu Shawel, not necessarily in that order. I believe that these individuals are among the few influential voices that have a large audience in the present day Ethiopian Diaspora politics. As a result, I feel very strongly that providing an English translation of some of their interviews or public addresses, will help to broaden the understanding of audiences and help in our animated discussions, as well as to providing a permanent hard copy to refer to.

I have had issues with Dr. Berhanu's statements, ever since his first speech in Washington, D.C. Despite his apparent dedication to democratic principles and individual liberty, I find many contradictions in his statements and utter lack of respect for the Ethiopian government. At a minimum, he will loose the good will of some of these government officials that he plans to work with. At worse, he may well be in violation of his terms of release from Kality prison. It does not take a rocket scientist to infer from his recent activities that EPRDF thinks of him as damaged goods. So why make it worse? As you read along, please make note of the highlighted comments and enjoy the humor at my expense lol

Q (Endellibu): Our guest today is Dr. Berhanu Nega, "Laelay Mikir Bet abal" and mayor-elect of Addis Ababa. Thank you for accepting our invitation to be with us today.

Dr. Berhanu: Thank you very much. I apologize for not making your past repeated invitations. At the outset, I would like to make it clear to you that my comments today are as Berhanu and not as a leader of any organization or member of Kinijit.

Q (Endellibu): Thank you very much. That is how we made the introduction too. What was the feeling of the struggle like in Ethiopia after you came out of prison? What about the movement abroad? What were your observations like during your tour abroad?

Dr. Berhanu: As you may know, after EPRDF reneged on the terms it agreed on with the Elders Commission about our release, after going about a propaganda campaign of malicious character assassination for over ten days, after performing acts akin to cheap shots of a hooligan and convinced that our political career was effectively terminated, the reception we received from the people both at home and abroad was a clear indication of their firm belief in the principles of democracy. Far from being discouraged and feeling defeated, we witnessed their resolve to uphold the Kinijit ideology and their desire to advance these principles unabated. We were also made to believe that we are well equipped to lead a steady, deliberate and legitimate movement of higher moral value. As is well known, although the new controversy inside Kinijt has thrown cold water on the people's desire for freedom and democracy, I am convinced that the Ethiopian people are going to continue the struggle until they see the fulfillment of their aspirations.

(Washera:I should mention that, even as we speak, Dr. Berhanu Nega, W/t Bertukan Mideksa, Dr. Hailu Araya, Ato Gizachew Shiferaw and Ato Biruk Debebe have been suspended by Chairman Hailu Shawel!)

Q(Endellibu): What is the present state of affairs inside Kinijit. This thing inside Kinijit is new. We used to think that all Kinijit leaders were democrats. But what we are witnessing these days is contrary to that belief. Is it a moral dilemma? Can you tell us the situation inside Kinijit now?

Dr. Berhanu: This issue is more than a moral dilemma to me. It is an indication of a moral decadence along the same lines of those who are bent on the desire to destroy the movement at any cost. This deep seated anti-democratic behavior is very embarrassing and humiliating to us all. It is also a shame and a dishonor to the struggle. I will not be surprised if the people are disturbed and puzzled by it and even questioned their decision to vote for Kinijit in the first place. I myself was disgusted by this act. I have no better words to describe such a political struggle based on a run of the mill lie and aspersions, other than to say it is very embarrassing indeed!. In the end, I hope that the people will transcend such sleazy gossip and have the strength and fortitude to forge ahead with the democratic movement.

There are many problems with our struggle. This should not come as a surprise us. There are those who would like to fan and spread lies about our movement. Many political groups benefit from this situation. But as you well know, the main beneficiary of this, and the practitioner of politics by malicious tactics is EPRDF itself. While we are embarrassing ourselves by throwing mud at each other, EPRDF is bombing our neighborhoods, it kills, it maims, and it rapes our people. Wrapped in this mess, we do not even have time to demonstrate against such atrocities of EPRDF. It is indeed a very very sad and shameful act.

Q (Taye – Machew-Calgary): The struggle for democracy and rule of law has turned into name calling and disrespect, all the way from the top leadership to the average member. Several issues have been raised about your remaining behind to do fellowship. Can you tell us more about it?

Dr. Berhanu: This is no secret. Following my speech at The New School in New York and my award for fellowship, I gave an interview to German Radio. I explained at the time that the fellowship that would last for a semester was for time to write, to think and to contemplate. I mentioned at the time that I will start my fellowship as soon as we finished the North American Tour of duty. I am very happy about this opportunity and feel it is ever more important to do it. As you know, Kinijit is in the middle of in-fighting and petty disputes. We have to figure a way out of this mess so as to move forward with our democratic struggle.

What should our strategic direction be? Does this direction need to be changed? We have never had a chance to sit down, think, contemplate and map out any strategy about all these issues. So, I believe that the opportunity to have time to figure out our future direction for our democratic struggle is ever more important. Some have asked me to go home instead and help solve the in-fighting inside Kinijit. Let alone me, I would strongly advise others to get the hell out of this mayhem and move on to the important task of our democratic struggle. Those who desire to squander their time in trashy tittle-tattle should be left alone to drawn in it. Those elements that stand for democracy should look away from this crap and focus on the principal enemy, EPRDF, to bring it to the negotiating table for a democratic resolution of the crisis we are in. If this does not happen, we have to think about our alternatives. Our task at hand should be to think about these options and to have the people and the organization in place to do the task. We should not waste our time and resources talking about daily aspersions from insolent people or cheap talk about what Abayneh said or what Kebede said. For me, this is not a worthwhile struggle and we should walk away from it and focus on our main objective.

Q (Endellibu): Shouldn't all this mess be handled by Kinijit? Doesn't Kinijit have the organizational structure to handle this problem? How else can we move forward?

Dr. Berhanu: I don't know how many of you are aware of this. But for this issue to be handled according to the party by-laws, you have to get a majority of the Kinijit leadership to meet and decide what to do. What we are hearing is that, one group has already formed its own body and is moving in a different direction. How can you assemble these groups together and resolve this controversy? Unless we find a quick way to sort out and wrap up this problem, we could sit here for weeks and months waiting for a Kinijit quorum to be reached. There are groups bent on preventing any kind of democratic decisions to be passed by Kinijit. We are witnessing the actions of a group willing and capable of causing significant damage to the movement. This is the time to ponder over what direction the democratic movement should take. We should not be tools for their antics and obstacles meant to impede our progress.

Q (Taye-Machew): As noted in your famous presentation in Washington, D.C., at the beginning of the tour, you strongly believe that we can overthrow EPRDF through peaceful struggle. Others disagree with you and call this idea of trying to bring EPRDF to the negotiating table as a weak and wimpy position. Can you elaborate on this?

Dr. Berhanu: Let me answer it in two ways. First, that is why we need time to think about it all. That is exactly what I want to do and that is what I am gonna do. Second, I don't know which part is called wimpy. If they are referring to peaceful struggle as a wimpy struggle not strong enough to affect governments, all you have to do is look at the astonishing accomplishments we had in 2005, much more than even armed struggle can do, and how it stunned EPRDF. Now, this does not mean that it is a religion, that we have made a vow to abide by just this one tactic. In fact, what I am suggesting is that we should re-think this whole modus operandi. We have to sit down and think about a new strategy. Will a government, that has stolen votes, and smashed the opposition by force, be willing to relinquish its sovereignty by the ballot box? What kind of pressure will force it to go for true negotiations? If it doesn't, do we have a means of compelling it to do so? These are issues we have to raise, debate and arrive at strategically more appropriate options after some serious thinking. We have to stop throwing mud at each other and instead, think like an organization or a coalition of similar minded movements who are deliberate in their actions. That is how we are preparing ourselves. So, I don't know what aspect of this strategy they considered wimpy.

Q (Taye-Machew): We have heard that you have been invited to address a meeting in Lisbon, Portugal on issues of Human Rights in developing countries. In what capacity are you going there? We have also heard that PM Meles Zenawi will be at the meeting too. What do you expect from this meeting?

Dr. Berhanu: There are two meetings in Lisbon. One called the EU-Africa Summit, is a meeting between African leaders and European leaders. Side by side with this, because of the presence of these leaders and better press coverage, Amnesty International holds a meeting on issues of Human rights, universal rights and good governance. This is a one day meeting and I was invited to address the situation in Ethiopia. I will be talking about the worsening Human right situation in Ethiopia, how shameful the violations are and how dangerous the entire region will be if the European nations and others turn a blind eye to Meles government. I will point out that such inaction in the face of flagrant human right violations could turn the region into a hot bed for war and permanent instability. I hope to impress on these leaders the gravity of the situation and call upon them to put more pressure on PM Meles and reconsider their policy toward the Ethiopian government. (Washera: is this the EU equivalent of HR2003?).

Q (Gureza): Considering the sad state of affairs inside Kinijit now, what would the situation be like if Woyane had not stolen the elections in 2005 and Kinijit was in power? Will the situation with Kinijit scare away other parties or organizations who would like to form coalitions to replace the Woyane regime with a democratic one? Will the Ethiopian people look at such coalitions and debates with suspicion?

Dr. Berhanu: The first question is like what foreigners call "trick question". What would you do if you were in power, is a difficult question to answer. If all these same shady characters were in power, would they do things differently, because of the position of power that they will be in? There are responsibilities and institutional obligations that come with power. How much these institutional obligations will deter the unethical conduct of these characters is difficult to say. I do understand your skepticism, though. Any one who is witnessing the present state of affairs will no doubt be apprehensive and fearful, and second guess the rationale for their previous decisions.

Mircha 97 (2005 elections) was not only about overthrowing Meles. It was a democratic question and focused mainly on building the institutions of democracy. These democratic principles include the belief that no one is above the law, that all are ruled by the law of the land and that all respect this law. These principles emanate from democratic institutions and from democratic individuals. I fail to understand how anyone who disavows these democratic principles will fight to bring about democratic institutions. Have you heard any substantive issues being discussed by these people? The only issue is, about respecting decisions made by democratic institutions. It is really, really, really difficult to believe that people who do not respect these democratic principles, will go out and build democratic institutions. Democracy is not about our individual beliefs. Democracy is about accommodating the various beliefs of individuals (Washera: Except the EPRDFites whose ideas cannot be respected) and creating a fair and just society. Under these democratic principles, any one should be allowed to bring their beliefs to the people, accept and be ruled by the one that the people choose. Those whose ideas were unsuccessful, should accept their defeat, prepare for the next election and in the mean time, be governed by the victorious idea. But, any one who does not abide by these principles cannot be expected to bring about democratic change, just because he wants to overthrow Meles or hates him or calls him Woyane. (Washera: That includes you, I presume?) I do not believe that there is any one in this day and age, who will fall for such foolish jokes. I do agree with you that this kind of behavior will make it very difficult to make coalitions among parties. By the same token, I think we have gained a great deal from this experience. We are better prepared to build democratic institutions. Democracy will not bring individual beliefs any closer. But it will allow Christians, Moslems, Animists all, the right to practice the religion of their choosing, while creating a system where all can agree to live together in one country. From here on, any organization that exists or is created has to have clear and transparent principles and agree and abide by these democratic principles. Those who agree to form coalitions just to overthrow EPRDF, will not have learned their lessons.

Q (Kinfu-on-line): There is a political stalemate inside Kinijit that has prevented it from doing its job. This gridlock inside Kinijit has incapacitated the ability of its leaders from focusing on their opposition. How is it possible to resolve this problem? You have used strong language today, but what is the solution? Does this problem predate your imprisonment or is it a new development? Do you regret the formation of Kinijit by the coalition of the four parties?

Dr. Berhanu: Let me start from the last question. I do not regret the formation of CUD. That decision, with all its weaknesses and problems, has moved the democratic struggle in Ethiopia several steps forward.

The mess inside Kinijit has consumed our day today conversations. Our daily talk has become who said what to whom. It has completely paralyzed our organization and our democratic struggle. That is why I believe we need to think of a radical solution for this problem. Which is, those with democratic principles should be left to move on with their struggle. If there is any resolution of their differences at all, they should be told to stop the insult, lies and name calling. This does no good to them or to the politics. They are mature and elderly people. Let each side map out and teach its plans to overthrow EPRDF and build their respective institutions. Those on this side of the aisle, who believe in and stand for democratic principles and rule of law, alongside with other forces with similar values, should move forward with the struggle. This really purely idiotic nonsense of name calling and verbal punches has to stop. Trying to bring these opposing forces together like the old CUD is a useless and unnecessary endeavor. I don't think it will move the democratic struggle one foot forward. Some time in the future, which I doubt, once every one has gone his way and things have simmered down, may be we can try to regroup and talk. But now, instead of going out and demonstrating about our opposition to the raping of our Ogaden people and their oppression by EPRDF, we have been completely shut out and excluded. This state of affairs cannot be allowed to continue. Those of us who stand for democratic principles have to start thinking further. We have to move forward and not be mired down by this worthless struggle. Enough already! We just cannot go on like this anymore.

Q (Kinfu): In your Chicago NPR radio interview, you alluded to how EPRDF has divided you into three groups and how he is playing one against the other. You seem to have placed all the blame on EPRDF. The question is where did the problem arise in the first place?

Dr. Berhanu: I want to say something. Mostly, the discussions, dialogues and debates that go on inside an organization are very captivating and pleasing. It is an ideological difference. Do you see these kinds of differences of opinion these days? Not one. For the last four months, we have been bickering over issues that have no substance. Why was I not received at the airport, is the main complaint. It is astonishing to hear this as an issue from a leader who belongs to an organization that wants to build democracy in Ethiopia. We consider it an honorable act to discuss our differences in the open and go our separate ways when we disagree. The truth will come out eventually. There is a communication gap now. I don't get it when they say we are divided. For me, Kinijit is one. What our people want and what we promised is to introduce a democratic system that bases its belief on individual right and respects group rights. There is no other way, but to advance these principles.

Q (Harari): What is Kinijit's stand on the issue of Ethnicity? The fear spread by EPRDF is that, if Kinijit takes power they will take away the ethnic-based rights of the nations and nationalities. What is your take on this?

Dr. Berhanu: This is definitely not a debatable issue in Ethiopian politics nowadays. Because, Kinijit believes that the way we build a democratic system is by basing it on the rights of the individual. These rights include freedom of expression, the right of assembly, and freedom of association to express one's opinion in an organized way, etc. Does Berhanu have these rights? It means Berhanu, as a male adult, as an economist and as a religious person, has the right to meet, organize and disseminate his beliefs to others. Others can propagate their ethnic-based politics any which way they want. I can say I disagree, but I cannot prevent them. To organize, you need people. You cannot tell them to organize with this ideology or with that something. So the rights of Nations and Nationalities or the question of ethnicity becomes irrelevant. People can organize in any form; disseminate their ideas to any one, and share resources and so on. You cannot stop that. They can organize under shared values, economic needs or professional relationships. One should choose based on what one thinks is right and better for him/her and not based on his/her ethnic origin. Eventually, I believe that, when these democratic principles get a foothold, ethnic-based politics and ethnic-based organizations will fade away. Therefore, under the present circumstances in Ethiopia, people are organized under ethnic-based beliefs. That is fine. We will come in with a better ideology-based organization and compete. Let us all agree to present each our view point and abide by whichever one the Ethiopian people choose. If I choose to go Oromia Kilil and compete, I should be able to do so without being asked to speak Afan Oromo. If you do that, you infringe on the freedom of the Oromo people too. Ethiopia is a nation of one ethnicity. For all of us to live together in harmony, we have to respect and defend each and every one of these rights. Any one who respects group rights, but not individual rights is a liar. The democratic ideals of Kinijit provide for the real answer to this dilemma. Nationalities rights are not respected because you cheat them, like EPRDF does, by saying to them self determination up to secession. What we have now learned is that, there is one tool that EPRDF wants to use to stay in power. That tool is to divide us and have us fight with each other. The challenge that faces all democratic forces is to be aware of this conspiracy and unite to figure a way for our democratic principles to triumph. I am done!

Q (Milach): The American State Department was one of the forces that provided direct help for EPRDF to ascend to power. At the time Mr. Cohen told Mr. Meles that they will give them a 'soft' landing. Ever since that time, we have at no time seen the State Department condemning or denouncing Mr. Meles' administration. During the killing of 193 people, the United States asked only for restraint on all sides. What is your comment on that? What kind of pressure do you think we should put on the State Department? How can we make the State Department turn away from Meles administration? Or is this some thing we should expect from the next Kinijit meeting?

Dr. Berhanu: The question about what to do change American foreign policy is important. I see two ways of doing that. The first thing to do is to organize ourselves and force this government and show to others that it cannot continue like this and that it will put the country into more instability and chaos if it continues like this. So primarily, it will be the result of our struggle that will influence the US government. The second point is to realize what the priorities for America are when it comes to poor countries in Africa. Primarily, it is not related to democracy or human rights. It is a power balance issue. Which power is it that we can work with to keep our interests? We have to show the US government that all these mess that it is drawn into in that part of the world can create a worse and unstable situation. They are looking for an alternative to the situation in the Horn. We believe stability can come to that region if all the different parties inside the country work in tandem and cooperation. We spend a lot of time fighting among each other rather than fighting with EPRDF. So, I don't think they yet believe that there is an alternative force to replace the present one. That is why we have to do our home work. First we have to unite and put pressure on this government. Second, by our unity and force we have to show the US government that we are a viable alternative. (Washera: Viable alternative, my foot! what are you smoking?) It is only when we do this that we can replace that force.

Q (Baliwe): Will your book have a sequel to include things that were left out? Things like party politics before kinijit. Some people show around a picture of you having a good laugh with Tamrat Layne and Meles Zenawi, to accuse you of complicity with Woyane and saying that you are not a genuine member of the Kinijit struggle. This can confuse some traditional individuals. What do you have to say about this?

Dr Berhanu: I love having pictures taken with any one, even you. These are recent charges. Do these people think they are talking politics? During my visit to Los Angeles, I was told about an elderly Ethiopian by the name of Moges, who was running around and posting these pictures all over the place. That is supposed to indicate that I am Woyane! I am sure it is as good as presenting any photograph, say that of Ato Hailu Shawel with Mengistu Hailemariam, and accusing him of being a Derg member. He has at least worked a little with Derg. (I only had champagne and a good laugh with them!) It is the same kind of political mudslinging that EPRDF does, rather than looking at Ato Hailu's present political arguments. This is really disgusting.

The picture was taken in 1991, when I went back to Ethiopia with my father and was invited as an observer at the conference of the Transitional government. In fact, I was refused admission and held at the airport for over two hours before they told me I had to observe this conference and took me there. (Washera: Those two hours felt like I was in Kality prison and I did not even have my I-pod at the time. I was forced to go to the conference rather than going to my family with my dad). We were sequestered and were not allowed to live except to go to the conference every day for six or seven days (Washera: Not enough time to write a mini-book). On the last day, there was a big party and I think the picture was taken by this guy called Mohammed who came from the US. At that time, they were inviting people to make short speeches and, I am not bragging about this, but I was asked by Ambassador Berhanu G. Krisotos to give the closing speech. (Washera: I think it is called bragging) I said to him "If you want me to make a short speech I will. But, let me tell you what I am going to say. I do not believe in the position you took on Eritrea. If this is a live broadcast, I will make it public and innumerate my reasons. In fact, I will make it my central argument and say you cannot say the Ethiopian people have no business with the cessation of Eritrea. I will argue that it concerns them and that we have to find ways of reuniting her with Ethiopia. If you let me express this opinion, I will make a speech." He said no way thanks you and moved on to talk to others. That is the context of the pictures.

But, move ahead and think of it this way. Let us say that I thought EPRDF was good at that time. By the way, I wrote two or three times, commenting on their political and economic policies. But, let us say I supported them and after a while, I changed my mind and said they were useless. Does this change of mind make me a Woyane?. What are we saying here? This shows disrespect for people. To show these pictures and say that Berhanu is absolutely stupid like them and think the people will believe it, is the highest form of disdain and snub to the people. So don't fall for this kind of cheap talk. They say the same kinds of things about Andargachew and Berhanu Mewa. You do not hear them tell their history. One should be measured by his present position or opinion. (Washera: Let me see if I get this. So, it does not matter what we did or say last year, last week or even yesterday? What matters is what we say today?)

On the question of writing about AEUP, EUDP-MEDHIN and other parties, what am I going to write about some thing that I don't know? Why don't they write about it? Why should I be blamed for their laziness? If I want to, I could spend a lot of time to do an extensive study and research, go to different libraries to get material, interview people and write it, like what any scholar would do. But that is not my interest. My interest is to write about the things that I have already started.

After finishing my book in prison, I started to write about "Law and Politics in Ethiopia" in collaboration with another individual. Actually, what we wanted to do was unique. There is no government like EPRDF that uses the law as an instrument of aggression and oppression rather than use it for people who seek justice. We wanted to explore this further and looked at five cases to demonstrate our contention. These cases were the Seye case, the Mechana Tulema case, OLF case and the case of Dr. Asrat. We took these cases and decide to apply our hypothesis that the new approach of these leaders is to use the law as a cover for their human right violations and killings so as to continue to get aid from the Western world, unlike the outright transgression of previous third world dictators. In the past, coup d'etats happened by military might. Nowadays, coup d'etats happen by the order of election commissions and election boards. This was created by the new world order. So, my interest is to explore this and write about in my second book. I am glad to have this limited free time to do this. We had written about 150 pages while we were in prison. But they took away that material when we came out. My main objective is to reconstruct that and no desire to write about AEUP. (Washera: No wonder Kality was a great research institution for you, rather than a prison to contemplate over your role in the 2005 debacle. You did not bother to mention even once, how you were released. You never said a word about why you apologized to the government before your release. I bet you have already broken half a dozen or so of the vows you entered into as a condition of your release. Never mind the erosion of your credibility ever since you came out of Kality. Some day, the Ethiopian people will know the truth and I hope you will openly apologize for the deaths that happened on your watch).

The problem started to manifest itself toward the end. As you know, when Ato Hailu, on his own personal decision established a new organization called KIC (Kinijit International Council), the people who joined him were the same people who disagreed strongly about it while we were in prison. Among the people condemning the Chairmanship of KIC were people like Abayneh. It is amazing to me that these people now turn around and talk about KICs existence and its progress. You know, at a certain level, the reason we dissolved KIC and KIL when we came out of prison was to save Ato Hailu some embarrassment. Since every one knew that it was a wrong decision made by Ato Hailu, we felt it would lead to even more unnecessary situations and decided to dissolve them and organize them in a new format. It is really very embarrassing to see those people now talk about KIC. I can't understand how people change their minds like this. (Washera: Good doctor, remember your prescription? "One should be measured by his present position or opinion". They are just like you!)

Regarding the reception when I go back home, the question is where and by whom. There will be those who will give me a good reception and there will be others who will not. So, that is life. (Washera: I pray to God not another time in Kality. I am sick and tired of the thought of another book by you)

Q (Baliwe): I think the danger Kinijit faces now is whether to put the Kinijit manifesto into practice or not. There are two groups who have taken sides on this issue. It is true that after Kinijit was established and until the leaders went to prison, there was a fast progress made in the struggle by both groups. After that, they were not seeing each other eye to eye. But then, you had twenty plus months in prison together. At that time, were you not able to identify those anti-democratic forces and at a minimum prepare yourselves to take action after you came out? Also, what kind of reception do you expect from the Ethiopian people on your return?

Dr. Berhanu: What kind of stand can you take in prison? You may not know that we were in different zones in prison. We have been having many dialogues in our respective zones and no such division was obvious at that time. In fact, we have had many discussions with some of these people and had agreed on many issues and taken similar positions. Once they came out, some of them started talking about organizational loyalty. What I am ashamed of and sad about is how things have changed toward loyalty to individuals.

Q (And Lenatu – Zegnet): I read in your book "Ye Netsanet Goh Siqed" I read how difficult it was to bring Kinijit toward unity. How do you see the present problem in relation to that? Will you go back home after four months to continue to fan the democratic fire that you have started with your friends or as the rumors say, stay here?

Dr. Berhanu: You mean beyond the four months? As far as I know, my plan is to use these four months to do some thinking about the direction of the struggle, arrive at some clear directions, discuss it with my friends and then continue the struggle. Don't doubt that one iota!. We have to fight the forces that are destroying our country and any other undemocratic forces. This is not a national question. It is more personal and one that each of us has an obligation to fight. As I have said before, I am doing this struggle for myself. I am not doing it for the freedom of the Ethiopian people. I want to be able to live freely. I will do anything I can for that freedom. I will not sit quietly when such a rotten and callous bully of a government does everything that it wants to do. I will do whatever it is that I can and I will continue to do that. So, don't even have a question about that. Also, I do not have to give my word to any one. This is something I promise myself to do.

We have had problems uniting Kinijt, no question about it. I have put it clearly in that book in the way I understood it. What is happening now could be a reflection of what was going on then. There are many similarities, no doubt about it. Both have as their basis, the interests of an organization rather than the values of democracy. Essentially, they were and are saying they are bigger and better. It is inherently and deeply undemocratic. That was and is what is going on.

Q (Gibregeb): The situation in Ethiopia does not allow for Kinijit to move around freely and preach its ideology and recruit embers. What kind of a transparent organization is in place to shape the opinion of the Diaspora using the Kinijit ideology and to recruit members?

Dr. Berhanu: As I have tried to respond earlier, these are some of the questions that have to be well thought about and clear directions devised. I hope to use this opportunity to give this question a final answer. I hope that my friends and those in Addis Ababa will use every loophole and every opportunity to continue the struggle. And I hope Kinijit will make all these things clearer with time.

Q (Mumca): The Kinijit name is popular and Woyane likes it. Many have emerged to cripple this name including EPRDF. There are rumors that the Kinijit name may be changed and some Kinijit leaders and you yourself have said some thing to that effect. Since there is power in this name, if anything were to happen and the name were to be changed, would it make a difference?

Dr. Berhanu: Like I said earlier and in many speeches in the past, to me the name Kinijit means nothing. For me, Kinijit is the belief. It is the ideology. It is the strength of its tenets. That is why the Ethiopian people followed it not for the name. It is not like there are no better prettier names out there. Me, my friends and the respected citizens of our community who believe in a strong democratic struggle, do not for a second believe that a name change will have any effect on the political movement beyond a temporary confusion. If we don't, we are giving EPRDF considerable power. Nowadays, it is EPRDF who decides what the name should be. It can give it to Ayele Chamisso or whoever else, whenever it wants. It is this kind of reckless government we have that has the audacity to do these things.

So, are we going to waste our time fighting to get the name back from Ayele Chamisso or are we going to stick with our faith, give that faith a name and move on with our struggle? We have to push that faith. Those of you in the Diaspora should understand this easily. If you remember, when the Israeli Likud party had a problem with the name, the Sharon group broke away and formed a new party called Kaduna. Some 45 of the leaders went out and told the people about their principles and their new name and asked for their vote. In a matter of two or three weeks they run their campaign and won. That is how we have to look at it. Otherwise, it will be giving too much credence to the deception and sabotage of MeEAd (AEUP). So, those of you who are aware of this should know better. Even if we don't get our Kinijit name back, our stand for democracy, and the path we follow together with other democratic forces will make us succeed in Ethiopia. What the Ethiopian people want is democracy not organizational performance. I believe that there is a trusted democratic force in place, which has proved its credibility and ready to lead the people.

Q (Korojo): I think we have a difficult task ahead of us to help this democratically shrouded dream of the people, this Kinijit movement to surge ahead. When I look at the situation after the visit of the Kinijit delegates to North America and Europe, I see a clear-cut position taken by the Diaspora in North America. The European side does not have a clear stance and will be inconsequential unless they reorganize and move foreword. So far, the Diaspora movement seems to be seen as a second tier force. But if the situation at home continues to deteriorate and detentions continue, I think the Diaspora force can play a decisive role if it is very well organized and prepared. What is your take on this?

Dr. Berhanu: I have no doubt that the Diaspora Ethiopians can make an enormous contribution to the movement at home. As you said, when things get worse in Ethiopia and detentions continue, the Diaspora force can play an even more significant role. No question about that. There is hope if our goal is the democratic principles we espouse. If the Diaspora is to be organized in the name of Kinijit, they should organize democratically from the ground up. Kinijit has passed some resolutions. From now on, any group that organizes in support of Kinijit has to do it democratically from bottom up. All officials should be elected and not appointed. That precept has been clearly communicated by the delegates to the supporters, both in North America and Europe. Those of you who are members of these support organizations should elect competent leaders who embody the spirit of Kinijit. But we will fight those who do things as they want.

At home or abroad we have a responsibility not to stand by when we see democratic principles trampled with.

Q: (Atse Tewodros): What is with Ato Hailu Shawel and Dr. Taye Wolde Semayat? How did they meet? We know Dr. Taye was not a Kinijit member. But now, they seem to be sharing the same blanket. Please tell us the truth that is giving us a heart ache.

Dr. Berhanu: You remind me of a saying. All the forest animals got together and asked a monkey why she was so ugly. Her reply was, I hate being beautiful. I wish I knew what got them together. I really don't know (laughs). Some say it is the fight between me and Ato Hailu that caused their union. If that is so, then it is probably Berhanu that did it. How do people make these kinds of political decisions? I don't know. It is bizarre. Let us just leave it at that.

Q: (Mingizem Kinijit): Some three or four people are fighting for ownership of Kinijit. It is common knowledge that Woyane is doing this. Isn't this issue of the name taking a long time to resolve? If there are plans for a name change, what is being done about it?

Dr. Berhanu: My own belief is that we should not spend too much time on the issue of the name. We need to assemble our support quickly and take an immediate action. We should not allow it to drag any longer. To spend months or years in the court of law fighting to get the "Kinijit" name is to hurt the movement. The situation in Ethiopia is very fluid. We need to give directives appropriate to the situation. To leave it in a limbo like this is not good.

Q: (Harari): Another issue that comes up when we talk about Nations and Nationalities is about using the local language as the working language for that region. There is a feeling that Kinijit is coming along to take away that right. If a serious constitutional change is contemplated in the future, how does Kinijit plan to go about it? Is it going to have a referendum or a way where people participate in the process?

Dr. Berhanu: If you look at the premise I mentioned earlier, we believe in individual rights. Both the culture and the language have to be respected even at the individual level, let alone at the group level. No constitution can prevent him from doing that. The individual has to decide what benefits him, what is in his best interest. He talks with his neighbors and to the community at large, to decide what language to use for the education of his children. So, Kinijit has no policy to affect change in a negative way when it comes to language. Outside this, there is a major policy difference with EPRDF that they don't want to talk about. In our new program we have decided to advocate for the use of Oromigna as a second national language. This is a direct result of the respect and honor that Kinijit has for the different ethnic languages of the country. In fact, we believe that our children will benefit from learning these two languages from childhood on. We believe this will cement our unity and make us one. We should not pay attention to the empty, vicious and destructive propaganda of EPRDF that accuses Kinijit of trashing ethnic languages. EPRDF wants this country to be partitioned, wants us to bite each other, want to scare people away from Kinijit telling them to defend themselves. The futile and embarrassing practices of EPRDF, especially since the 2005 elections and as we were going to prison, should be strongly opposed and condemned. Since Kinijit is not alone in its struggle for democracy, we should talk to our friends and family members of different ethnic groups and sensitize them about the need to struggle together.

Q: (Kinijit Zelalem): As an economist, how do you see the figures given by EPRDF about a 10% economic growth and other indicators of growth? Every time we call back home, the talk is about a serious financial crisis. How do you see this 10% economic growth in the face of such abject poverty?

Dr. Berhanu: To respond in short, it takes a lot of study and statistical analysis to get to the truth of the figures. These figures are not reliable. These figures are purposely manipulated and what is worse, the World Bank and IMF do not have their own statistics and use these figures with only minor adjustments. We have addressed this problem numerous times in the past. The truth is we have no alternative figures to go by. But if these figures are true and if the Ethiopian people are content and living comfortably, why is there double digit inflation for the first time in Ethiopian history, more than 23%? There is no question that the economic condition is under a serious strain. There is no doubt that this is extremely hurtful to the poor and the fixed income group. The question I pose to EPRDF is, if the economy is so robust and if the people are so content, they must be happy with it; why don't you come forth for elections with out fraud? Why do you cheat? Why do you resort to tricks of a charlatan?

About people who use slanderous or x-rated language in public: Don't worry about people like that. More than any one, they are disgracing themselves. It shows their stupidity and lack of etiquette. They are panic-stricken, they are lazy, they cannot think, they are rude. That is why it is easier for them to resort to name calling and use of foul language. We have to leave these behind us as we advance our ideals of democracy.

Q (Inkoppa): How does Kinijit plan to utilize the manpower from religious organizations whose philosophy to protect and fight for human rights is along the same lines as that of Kinijit?

Dr. Berhanu: Some times, there are a lot of lessons we can learn from our respective unique history. I truly believe that religious organizations have a strong moral obligation to oppose oppression of universal human rights. Religious organizations preach against killings and oppression of any kind. Religious organizations should be at the forefront of such a struggle. No question about it. They should do it. The situation in our country is very sad. They are supposed to take the moral high ground and teach their membership and congregation. I have said this two or three times in the past. A time in Ethiopian history that resulted in loss of respect for religious organizations was during the time of the Red Terror. Noe of these leaders came out in protest when all those killings of young men and women was happening and when all that shedding of blood of our people was taking place. I have pointed this out directly to these religious leaders, Catholics, Protestants and all, at a meeting in May 2005, barely two weeks before the killings began. I was with Ato Merera, when we asked them to extricate themselves out of the historical scar, further warning them of the impending danger of criminal acts and killings and imprisonments. I begged them to approach the government and to warn it to do no harm. We asked them to protect our society's moral fabric. It is time gain to plead with them to do the right thing. Not only religious leaders, we believe in working with all democratic forces that can join the struggle and move forward with us.

Q (And Lenatu): The principles of Kinijit which are transparency, accountability and democracy appear to now be embraced by such parties like EPRP, Gasha Le Ethiopia and Harinet Tigray, established by Ato Gebru Asrat. What is your opinion about this?

Q( Green-Yellow-Red): Although Kinijit is a coalition of four parties, it is not the parties per se that grabbed the attention of the Ethiopian people. It is the participation of educated Ethiopians like you. I just wanted to raise the need for an urgent action.

Dr. Berhanu: This is the last question I hope. I am glad we are getting to the end of this session. What a relief! It is just like what is going on in your pal talk rooms (laughs).

I can assure you that the present day struggle has to have democratic principles such as, equality under the law and political equality. All organization should have these basic principles. The other opinions should be articulated and brought to the people to choose. The only thing we have to agree on is that after we take our different opinions to the people, we all accept whoever the people choose. If we do this, we will be able to surpass the divisive trap of EPRDF and learn to work together. We will thus be able to rally around a huge popular democratic movement that will force EPRDF to surrender and come to the negotiating table. This is what we have to work on together. (Washera: I presume that does not include EPRDF and its millions and millions of members?)

From now on, together, we have to condemn human right violations anywhere. We have to go out on protests together. We have to show our concern for the Ogaden people, the Oromo people, the Tigrai people, and to all those oppressed people whose thirst for democracy has not been quenched. We have to do this not in words but in deeds. It is the sense of unity and solidarity that comes out of such collaborative efforts that will keep that country undivided. That is why we have to go back. That is why we have to struggle. There is no question about this.

Those who think this is just cheap talk or gossip; those who think politics is chicanery; those who have no ability to think about an idea that they can advance to convince people; those who come out in the open to talk to people, listen to other people's ideas and do not have the ability to process the merits of these ideas, but instead resort to name calling and insinuations should not surprise us. They don't know any better. My plea for those of you who say you stand for democracy, those of you who stand for the democratic movement, is to avoid such filth and extricate yourselves from that kind of company. Any one with ideas should be able to have a discourse of idea. Listen to him. If you have differences, debate him. If you have questions ask him. If you have disagreements, stick by your truth and don't give in. Beyond that, do not answer rude talk with rudeness; don't lower yourself to their level. Don't go there. Such people work better with EPRDF, because they are the same. They eliminate those that they don't like. They stamp out ideas they don't agree with. They disgrace, insult, lie and deceive. This is what EPRDF does. It kills, imprisons and tortures its opponents. So, please don't give answers to these people. Don't go there. Elevate yourselves. Argue ideas with ideas, but do not resort to immoral acts and behaviors.

(Washera: Amen! may the best man/woman with the best ideas win!)