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Gratitude to the Highly Esteemed House
of the US Congress
By Robele Ababya October 5, 2007
I was overwhelmed with indescribable
joy by the historic news that the revered House of Representatives of the US
Congress has unanimously approved the “Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability
Act” ( HR 2003).
October 3, 2007 will no doubt be remembered as a day on which universal
principle triumphed over political expediency to seal firm enduring
relations between the peoples of the United States and Ethiopia. This is a
day that gave birth to a genuine trust based on time-tested values of
freedom and liberty so that the two nations bonded in that trust can forge
ahead to fight and vanquish extremism and terrorism that are enemies of
their shared core values.
Ethiopia is a land of cultured and brave people where Great Religions of the
world - Judaism, Christianity and Islam - have lived side by side for
centuries to the envy of the global community. There is everything to gain
for the USA in securing friendship of the people of Ethiopia known for their
piety, tolerance, rich culture and unflinching loyalty to their friends. I
am immensely delighted that the House, to the chagrin of despotic rulers,
decided to take these Ethiopian core values – that are in concert with those
of the people of USA - into account in approving HR2003 without objection.
I foresee that the names of Honorable Congressman Donald Payne and Honorable
Congressman Chris Smith shall be written in history books for Ethiopian
school children to read and pay tribute to these two champions of human
rights. I would add that the House of Representatives of the US Congress has
unanimously shown to the international community that democracy is no longer
a mere password for tyrants in sheep’s closing to get access to the treasure
vaults of the western industrialized countries to get money in the form of
direct budget support to buy arms with which to kill innocent citizens. I
strongly believe that the Bill will immensely contribute to national
reconciliation when it becomes law. I therefore entirely disagree with the
complaint of Meles that the passage of the Bill by the House is a result of
a vendetta by one man; I contend that his unfortunate accusation amounts to
disrespect for the intelligence and integrity of the Members of the House.
On my part, I am fully satisfied that moral victory in favor of the
oppressed has been achieved even at this stage of the Bill.
In closing, I wish to express that Speaker Pelosi and Honorable Lantos have
also won my deep respect and appreciation for their role of leadership in
the passing by the esteemed House of this monumental “ Ethiopia Democracy
and Accountability Act” that has dealt a mortal blow to habitual liars and
thugs who have been paying generously to a powerful lobby - at the rate of
US$ 50, 000 per month from government treasury of one of the poorest
countries in the world - in a shameful attempt to stop HR2003.
I seek no favors and fear no one in expressing my deep gratitude to the
House once again.
Long Live strong relations between the peoples of the USA and Ethiopia!!!
Most respectfully,
Robele Ababya
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