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(Aigaforum, Jan 06, 2007): - Tegadalay Siye Abraha held a meeting yesterday to a full house comprised of people from diverse political persuasion and age. After discussing his unjust imprisonment, his inability to convene meetings in Addis and thanking his audience, Siye spent a great deal of the time discussing on Ethiopia’s problem. Siye said Ethiopians problem complex as it is, the solution can only be found within. In a sort of preachy mode he spoke of changing the self, the hatred within us, he points his observation that people in Diaspora can’t even gather together and worship God and that is no way to make change. He spoke of how the Diaspora with all the asset of democracy is not using it wisely. He observed that there is a lot of radio stations but are not put to a better use. He spoke of the need to break the barrier, to develop the habit of listening to each other, make an effort to know the issues of the other party, the need for each to speak as individual, as citizen instead giving each other a label and extension of party affiliation. Siye admitted that the path he started is uncharted territory with no blue print, but that he starts things to the finish and for a result. He noted that the Ethiopian “Menchakanet” (stubbornness) is a great asset but should be channeled for good thing not for Zero Sum Game. Siye stated his belief in the right of nation and nationalities, that nation and nationality is a reality in Ethiopia and does not help denigrating it. But he also believes that Ethiopia is not basket of nation and nationalities, but a product of interrelation of nation and nationalities that created a psychology called Ethiopwiawnet. He believes that discussion about economy and power is a luxury. The priority should be making sure the constitution is respected and the institutions to build democracy are in place before speaking about power. He did not hide his enmity to Shabia, and that Shabia is the horn’s Taliban and Afhabet- shabia’s torabora. He stated that though the holding of the referendum was the right thing to do it was not done in such a way that it upholds the national interest of Ethiopia. And once the Ethio-Eritrea war started he wanted to finish it in such a way that Shabia was no more a threat, though he had no intention of raising the flag in Asmara. He stated that Ethio-Eritrea relation should be based on mutual benefit and called for people to people discussion between the Ethiopians and Eritreans. He warned Shabia not to think of invading Ethiopia and he stand remain as before in that eventuality. He stated that Ethiopia was fighting terrorism before 9/11 and that he is not against fighting terrorism but is against the strategy taken to do so. Comparing Somalia with Iraq, he stated he knew it would be easy to go into Somalia but was worried about being bogged down afterwards. He compares going into Somalia kicking a dog with your leg. He stated that exactly where Shabia wanted us to be and blamed the ruling party for taking the bate. In an answer to a question he stated while taking a national stand he does not want Tigray to be pushed. He asked to be aware of Tigray psychology where any accusation will bring the Derge’s atrocities. He stated that what ever he does will not be at the expense of the People of Tigray and despite accusations the people know him since childhood. On personal bases he believe his was imprisoned on charges of corruption because his erstwhile friends know his stubborn nature and knew he will come after them with reason. He believes he was made an example for all who think of defying the ruling party. He stated that his brother is in prison when people in the same circumstance are freed and pleaded the audience to help him free his brother. He stated that he does not want Meles to go to prison to learn from his mistakes and held no grudge on him though he believes he has gone after his family as a vendetta. Aiga forum was admonished by its readers for doubting Siye. Readers say he will not betray and join the chorus of CUD. Aiga readers got it right. Siye is bad news for the opposition – an opposition that is all about zero-sum game. The worry was not with out bases. The opposition is used stripping the dignity of those who deserted TPLF forcing them to renounce their past, say sorry and repent. There was an expectation for Siye to walk the same path as was reflected by an aged gentleman question where he thanked Siye for coming to Ethiopiawinet and now considers Siye Ethiopian and the others of mixed blood Tigray-Tigrigne UnEthiopian. (He also asked about the land taken to Tigray and the expansionist policy of TPLF). Siye stated that Ethiopianwinet is in his blood and it is not something anybody gives him or takes it away! He stated people in the room are from different political persuasion, from EPRDF to Dergue’s WPE, and this is not a time to take stoke of the past (Hesab Mawerared) but move forward. Siye proved he is no prisoner to parade as prodigal son. Siye has shown that any disgruntled member of the ruling party does not have to go through the humiliating rite of passage designed by the relic opposition. Siye seems to have come with the motto – no retreat no surrender. Surveying the pal talks, it is easy to see that extreme opposition gotten more than they bargained and are angered that they got neither sorry nor repentance. |