Ethiopia’s CUDP MPs divided over how to deal with ruling party
Feb 18, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) — The opposition CUDP MPs elected in May 2005 are still divided and unable to adopt a common position over how to structure themselves in the House, and to deal with the ruling party.
One of the problems pointed out by about 89 parliamentarians, who have recently joined the 547-member parliament, was that the division and rift amongst themselves had prevented them from trying to form a meaningful coalition. “We are CUD electees and yet we can’t face the EPRDF as CUD since CUD is no longer recognized by the government. We are expected to form another party,” said Samson W. Senbet, an MP who is among 52 of CUD electees represented by Temesgen Zewdie.
Asked if his group would raise the issue of CUD leaders in prison, he said this was their prime objective. As far as the eight preconditions set by the CUD for not joining parliament are concerned, he said it was difficult for his group to raise these issues as he and his colleagues joined parliament as peoples’ representatives as opposed to CUD electees.
The other minority group led by Tesfaye Challa and Ali Abegaz told The Reporter that it distanced itself from the majority as it was not sure of their solidarity. “If members regain solidarity and strength we will join them to start dialogue with EPRDF,” Ali Abegaz said.
Asked to comment on possible negotiation with EPRDF, the pro-Lidetu EDUP-Medhin said it was finalizing its preparation to start dialogue with government after the end of the one-month parliamentary recess. Mesfin Ayalew, public relations head of the party, told The Reporter that EDUP-Medhin was preparing itself for talks as it had already received formal invitations from the EPRDF. He, nevertheless, indicated that EDUP-Medhin sought separate and new discussions with the government representatives of UEDF and OFDM did not want CUD or EDUP-Medhin electees to join the round of talks, which they started recently.
It is to be recalled that Prime Minister Meles Zenawi had invited CUD MPs to either join the UEDF and OFDM or request separate talks with the government.
(The Reporter/ST)