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Joint Statement By Oromo
Liberation Front, (Olf) High-ranking of members of OLF and ONLF leaderships has held a meeting on May 3, 2005 on issues of common concern. The meeting was held at a time when the so-called 3rd Ethiopian national and local elections are imminent. After a thorough discussion, the two sides reassessed their relationships and previous bilateral cooperation and the current situation in Ethiopian Empire state as well as the Horn region. Common understanding was reached on all outstanding issues. Hence the following joint statement is issued. On the Re-assessment of Previous Relationships and Cooperation1.That the Joint Points of Consideration, which has been reached on June 2002 was comprehensive, and is still timely and holding. 2.It is realized that Joint Points of Consideration was successfully implemented in accordance with the plan and its objectives. The fruits and success thus obtained has obviously paved the road for future efforts in the national liberation struggle and will become a cornerstone for the forthcoming cooperation. 3.That Oromo and Ogadeni community in the Diaspora had a number of joint demonstrations against the perpetual oppressions and human right violation in Oromia and Ogaden. They also jointly held meetings and seminars to enhance the already existing cooperation between the two peoples and expose the unprecedented human rights abuses meted out by the TPLF/EPRDF regime. 4.Despite the continuous instigation of conflicts between Oromo and Ogadeni peoples, TPLF/EPRDF regime failed to disrupt the brotherly relation that exist between the two nations. The meeting decided that this cordial relations and cooperation in organizational and peoples level should be strengthened and promoted to a higher stage both in magnitude and depth. On the Up Coming ElectionsOur two organizations time and again made clear that any election under a despotic rule, such as TPLF/EPRDF, will never be free and fair, and will not bear fruits that could resolve the core problem at the root of the endless crisis in the Empire State. What fair election could be held where 90% of the population are enslaved and held bondage. Due to the lack of necessary conditions this bogus election will not be fair, like those before it, and the ruling party –TPLF/EPRDF – will be the winner and the usual exploitation of resources, corruption, violation of human rights, oppression and denial of people’s rights of self-determination will continue. Therefore, we urge the international communities and democratic and peace loving countries to rather focus on resolving the core problems at the heart of the crisis in Ethiopia which are, in a nutshell, colonialism, marginalization, the political oppression, cultural humiliation and economic exploitation of the majority by a very small minority. On the Human Rights Situation1.Observing the heinous crimes and human rights abuses being perpetrated by the regime against our two peoples in general and on students in particular, 2.Realizing mass arrests, detention without trial and extra judicial killing, kidnappings and disappearances are common in Ogadenia and Oromia, 3.Witnessing that our peoples are under continuous fear and terror, that their properties are confiscated under the pretext of supporting OLF/ONLF, and denied any relief and development assistance given by donor organizations We therefore condemn the crimes committed against our people and students and call upon human rights organizations and donor organizations to expose the crimes against our people and review the assistance they give to this regime. Ethio-Eritrean Border Conflict and the Destabilizing Behavior of TPLF/EPRDF1.Realizing that during the past two wars between the two countries the major sacrifices were the youths of oppressed peoples in general, and ours in particular, 2.Observing that enormous human and material resources were wasted in a war ignited by the irresponsible regime in Ethiopia, 3.Witnessing the reluctance of international community and powerful countries of the world in the implementation of international law and the rulings of the Border Commission regarding the disputes between the belligerent countries, 4.Saddened by the prevailing atmosphere of war between the two countries at this moment, and concerned about the possibility of this already volatile region being further destabilized by another destructive and protracted war, 5.Observing that under the disguise of anti-terror operations the TPLF/EPRDF regime is meddling in the internal affairs of neighboring countries and assuming the role of a guardian of “democracy” and acting as de facto regional power, 6.Convinced that the main objective of the regime is to destabilize neighboring countries so as to create weak governments that it can twist at will. We call upon the international community, peace loving countries, individuals and organizations to take the situation seriously and press for the implementation of international border rulings between the two countries. We also urge the international community to focus its energies and resources on seeking a comprehensive political solution that takes into account the intra-state and inter-state dimensions of the conflicts in Ethiopia as well as the Horn region. Calls We call upon our peoples: 1.Not to listen to the TPLF call to participate in this hideous war intended to fulfill TPLF/EPRDF agenda of destabilization and diversion of attention. 2.To rally behind our liberation struggle, strengthen and promote the cooperation and relationship among them inside the country and abroad. 3.To defy the regime and rise up against the oppression and the crimes of the regime to regain their freedom and inalienable rights. 4.To be watchful against the old tactics of divide and rule system of the regime. 5.Not to take part in this unjust war, in whatever form it might be, and not participate in this destructive and fruitless war the TPLF/EPRDF perpetuates. We call upon the neighboring countries to muster their efforts and voices to forestall the continuous aggression of Ethiopia to its neighboring countries as their obligation and promote peaceful co-existence amongst them, and to assist the Oromo and Ogaden peoples in their struggle for their inalienable rights to self-determination and democracy. Appeal 1.We appeal to the international community as a whole, and to the United Nations (UN), European Union (EURO), African Union (AU), in particular, to use their influence to exert pressure upon the Ethiopian government to respect human and political rights of peoples and nations, abide by the law and give up the expansionist policy and destabilization of neighbors. 2.We appeal to the international donors to note that the assistance they give to this regime is used to violate the human rights of the peoples in the country. It’s also used for military purpose to suppress people’s aspirations for freedom and democracy and to threaten its neighbors. Therefore we urge you to reassess and review your policies in the face of the fact that in its long tenure of 14 years the regime has failed to deliver on all its promises- peace was promised, an endless war is the result; reduction of poverty was promised, the escalation of poverty is the outcome; democracy was promised, dictatorship is what is being practiced; devolution of power was promised, power is still concentrated in one office and one person- the Prime Minister’s and Mr. Meles. How many more resources need to be squandered before you stop supporting a failed regime? How many more could you crop up an untenable system of minority rule over majority? Victory to the Oppressed Peoples! The Oromo Liberation Front(OLF) The Ogaden National Liberation Front(ONLF) May, 2005 More ONLF News
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