Thursday, October 09, 2014

A demonstration in Washington calls for an investigation into Ginbot 7 activities in the US

(Oct 09, 2014, (mfa), (Addis Ababa))--Ethiopians and Ethiopian Americans in Washington demonstrated in front of the State Department on Tuesday (October 7) to express support for the excellent relations between Ethiopia and the United States. In a press statement they commended the progress being made in Ethiopia and its peace and stability.

They also criticized the activities of few elements in the Ethiopian Diaspora apparently bent on trying to derail relations between Ethiopia and the US, and in particular the actions of the group who stormed the Embassy of Ethiopia in Washington on September 29 and threatened the personal security of diplomats and employees.

They said they were concerned that these people had publicly announced their intention to harass and intimidate government officials, diplomats and their families, and members of the Diaspora they regarded as supporters of the government. The statement said those responsible for the attack on the Embassy should be brought to justice.

The threats and intimidation made by members of Ginbot 7 and its media arm, ESAT, against American citizens and Ethiopians resident in the US as well as visiting officials and diplomats should be investigated. The Ethiopian Embassy should be properly protected against such attacks. Ambassador Girma Birru said last week that around 15 people had been involved in the incident at the Embassy.

Those involved were a few members of political parties or supporters of Eritrea, apparently upset by the successful outcome of recent discussions between the leaders of Ethiopia and the United States on boosting cooperation in the areas of trade, peacekeeping and fighting terrorism.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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