Ethiopia’s Zenawi says opposition CUD accountable for the violence

Nov 4, 2005 (ADDIS ABABA) — In an interview with the Ethiopian Radio and Television Agency on the current situation, Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles said the CUD is accountable for the violence erupted in the city.

The attempts by leaders of the CUD to divide the people along ethnic lines and create social isolation have failed, Zenawi said.

Political protests spread from the capital to other parts of Ethiopia Friday, leaving four people dead and 11 wounded after a week of bloody clashes between demonstrators and police, the official television reported.

The peaceful celebration of the Eid Al’ Fetir holiday by the Muslim community indicated the failure of the violent attempts of the CUD, Meles said.

Though CUD leaders had tried to agitate residents of the Addis Ababa city to join their violent acts, their attempts have failed, he said.

Prime Minister Meles answered questions raised concerning the CUD leaders who have been put into custody, the current situation and other related national issues.

Ethiopian government arrested on 1 November CUD leaders, some journalists, teachers association leaders and other associates of the party to be in prison.

Ambassadors from 21 countries that donate large sums of money to Ethiopia issued a statement expressing concern at the violence, calling for an urgent investigation and recommending all political detainees be either charged or released.

European Union chief election observer Ana Gomes sent an urgent appeal to E.U. governments and the Commission to act to end the “bloodbath.”

“Stop the killing of Ethiopians who dare to believe that democracy is possible in Ethiopia,” she said in the letter distributed to press agencies.

(ST/ENA)