ESFNA update: Hard talk with journalists

The Ethiopian Sport Federation in North America (ESFNA) took the $300,000 from Sheik Mohamed Al Amoudi with no string attached to it, Ato Dawit Agonafer, ESFNA’s president told journalists in a press conference yesterday at Stadium. In a press conference attended by more than 20 journalists, Ato Dawit Agonafer said ESFNA takes donation from any body, but not allow being hand-twisted. More »

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ESFNA update: join hands to get rid of Zenawi, Prof Daniel

“We have to join hands and get rid of Meles Zenawi before Ethiopia is totally disintigrated.” Professor Daniel Kinde told the audience yesterday at Ethio-Sudan Border Committee meeting in Washington Marriott. Dr. Daniel Kinde presents an assesement of the the role being played by Meles Zenawi to totally destroy the Nation. He presents a step by step move to destroy Ethiopia. “Meles has committed three major crimes,” Dr. Daniel said. “He will justice for trason, genocide and embezzselement”. He finally proposed for establishment of committtes to investigate and file documents. Several speakes have presented their views on the land given to Sudan at the meeting. Today, people will gather at the Woyanne embassy in Washington DC to protest the Woyane secret land deal. (Pictue by EMF: Ethiopianism feeling is highly reflected among the youth at the stadium.)

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ESFNA calls Journalists for press conference

The Ethiopian Sport Federation in North America (ESFNA) invites all journalists for a press conference at RFK Stadium on Thursday, July 3, 2008 at 3:00 PM. Journalists are expected on Thursday at media booth # 101. The press conference is aimed at the ongoing criticism against the Sport Federation following the controversial $ 300,000 grant money from Sheik Al Amoudi and other issues. The press conference is scheduled by the request of journalists. For further information, please contact the PR Head, Fassil Abebe at 323-351-7215 or Dawit Kebede 678-437-5597

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ESFNA update: event reminder

» An Event to Honor Gen. Legesse Teffera, Trinity Church - July 2, at 8:00PM.

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Muluneh Eyoel joind G7 movement

According to the weekly amharic Awramba Times, Muluneh Eyoel, former general secretary of CUDP has left Ethiopia and joind the G7 movement. Read the story, and Andargachew Tsege’s interview in PDF, here.

Read also Alert by Human Rights Watch: Government Prepares Assault on Civil Society, pdf

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ESFNA update: game cancelled to protest jail of Teddy

01 july 2008 - The soccer game between journalists and artists which was scheduled for Thursday at the RFK Stadium in Washington DC was cancelled, the coordinator of the game Dawit Kebede said. The main reason according to the coordinator is the incarceration of artist Teddy Afro who is supposed to play by the artists’ side. “We don’t feel good playing game as our friend is unjustly imprisoned.” An artist told EMF. Journalists are also bitter this year as they didn’t still get a press pass for a reason they do not know yet. “It looks a vendetta for our critical reporting against ESFNA on the money case.” One of a journalist said. The yearly traditional game between journalists and artist at ESFNA had attracted thousands and was a fun among Ethiopians. High numbers of people were expected in DC to watch the soccer tournament but on Monday the number was extremely small.  (Picture by EMF. Many people were wearing a T-Shirt read Free Teddy Afro.)

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ESFNA update: big name weak organization

Picture by EMF: ESFNA’s 2008 special guests, the fourth from left Abenet Gebremeskel, representing Sheik Al-Amoudi.

ESFNA’s festival is opened yesterday with extremely large numbers of Ethiopians who are gathered from all over the world. The opening ceremony is below expectation and the organization is extremely poor. Journalists are unable to get in to stadium as before because the organizers have failed to issue a press pass to journalists for a lame reason of technical problem. Earlier, this large organization, which brings all Ethiopians togather,  has been criticized by the media for taking money from EPRDF affiliated millionaire Sheik Al-Amoudi. “If you have money you will be a special guest of honour”, Critics say who saw Abnet as guest of honour. ESFNA didn’t mention this earlier.

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DLA Piper and ESFNA

By Yilma Bekele (28 June 2008) Some days more than others it is becoming hard to wake up being an Ethiopian. It seems like there isn’t anything good about it. Today was one of those days. First to hit me was a report from Brussels. My fellow brother, Dr. Berhanu, was making a presentation regarding the current situation in our country. I do not have a problem with that. It takes an Ethiopian to speak about Ethiopia. My problem is with the people who were sitting across the table from him. As diverse as we are there is no way you would mistake them for an Ethiopian. More…

Grand meeting in Washington, DC - July 5

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4.6 million urgently need food aid, UNICEF

Also today:
» ONLF controls the town of Shilaabo, Eyewitness
» Gondar Mutual Association of Seattle on Land deal
» Ethio-Sudan Border Affairs Committee, Reminder
» Ginbot 7 Dimts Issue Nr.7, Amharic newsletter
» Awde Special Issue Nr. 9, Amharic newsletter

GENEVA (AP) — The U.N. Children’s Fund says 4.6 million Ethiopians need food urgently because of drought. UNICEF’s deputy executive director says 75,000 children are suffering acute malnutrition.

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Woyane is represented by DLA piper at the EU hearing

26 June 2008 (Brussels) The European Union parliamentary hearing was held in Brussels yesterday on ever worsening political and human rights situation in Ethiopia , EMF source said. Dr. Berhanu Nega, Mayor-elect of Addis Ababa, and leader of G7 movement presented his well prepared report at the hearing. (Picture: left DLA lobbyist, right Dr. Berhanu and Ms Ana at the hearing) More »

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