JOS volume 14 Number 1 (2007).pdf - Oromo Studies Association

US Support for Democratization in Ethiopia
man tights abuses and setbacks in the democratization process,
Charge d'Affaires Huddleston commented to rhe press
on 5 January 2006 rhat the United States was disappointed
when several ofthe twenty Humvees that it had sold to Ethiopia
had been misused to "disperse demonstrations" As a result,
she announced the United States had cancelled future
sales of Humvees to the Erhiopian army She added that Washington
asked the government to drop criminal charges in absentia
against five Voice of America employees who were
among a gtoup of 131 opposition leaders and journalists accused
of plotting a coup. Huddlesron said Washington would
like ro see the evidence against opposition leaders and urged
that they have free access to their lawyers and families, as well
as a speedy trial At the same time, she said the United States
would nor cut aid to Ethiopia, which remains a key ally on
counterterrorisffi,,30
The State Department press spokesperson followed this
with a strong statement that the United States "remains gravely
concerned by actions of the Government of Ethiopia in the
cases of opposition, civil society, and media leaders, including
five staff members of the Voice of America, charged with
capiral offenses." He called on the government to ensure a
fair, transparent, and speedy trial for those charged, and to
charge or release promptly those who remain detained without
charge The United States looks to the government to provide
the political space for a vibrant opposition, independent
media, and robust civil society to operare in the country The
statement concluded by noting that Ethiopia is a valued partner
for the US."
Assistant Secretary Frazer visited Addis Ababa in January
According to Ethiopian government accounts, her meeting
with Meles included an exchange of views on the prevailing
situation in Ethiopia and particularly on ways to enhance
democracy and ensure the supremacy of the rule of law in the
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