Ethiopian American Council urges support for rights bill

Dear Ethiopian Americans,

Leaders of the Ethiopian opposition parties will be released from prison and will be allowed to resume their political activities if HR 5680 passes in Congress. The political conditions in Ethiopia will change for the better.

Between now and November 7, you can approach Congressional candidates in your district to tell them to say Yes to HR 5680. The bill is predicated upon the premise that a democratic Ethiopia would minimize the chances of being a breeding ground for terrorism and less susceptible to penetration by terrorist groups, that a politically strong and economically viable Ethiopia can be a dependable and durable ally of the United States, and that a stable, prosperous and democratic Ethiopia would be in a much better position to serve American interests in Africa as well as in the Middle East.

The bill also seeks ways and means of establishing a mutually beneficial relationship by strengthening Ethiopia’s civil, economic and political sectors.

If enough support is generated for the bill in the House, the Majority Leader will bring it to the floor of the House for vote when Congress comes into session.

It is worth quoting the Honorable Congressman Chris Smith of New Jersey, “Each day we delay in passing this legislation [Ethiopia Freedom, Democracy, and Human Rights Advancement Act of 2006] is yet another day that political party officials, human rights activists, journalists and even children remain behind bars without a strong, legislative statement by our government.”

The Ethiopian Americans Council (EAC) is currently focusing on major states like California, Minnesota, Texas, Washington-Seattle, Washington-DC, Virginia and Maryland in mobilizing the eligible Ethiopian American voters to make their voices heard in the November election.

EAC encourages registered voters to tell Congressional Candidates that the passage of HR5680 is the single most important agenda for the Ethiopian American community.

The Ethiopian American votes can make a difference in the November election especially in States where Ethiopian Americans are heavily populated. Vote for a candidate on the basis of his or her strong commitment for HR 5680.

Remember, HR 5680 means so much to so many Ethiopians who are languishing under the totalitarian regime in power. It reassures millions of Ethiopians that this great nation, the United States of America, stands firmly by the side of the people who are yearning for peace, democracy, and the rule of law.

Please take action now and let Congress know that you want HR 5680 to pass!

Ethiopian Americans Council.

– Ethiopian Americans Council (EAC) is a national organization devoted to serving the Ethiopian Americans community in the United States. EAC mission is to empower the Ethiopian Americans community through political awareness and encourage the participation of the Ethiopian Americans in the American political process.