Harassment of politicians in Ethiopia concerns US

May 3, 2006 (WASHINGTON) — The State Department expressed concern on Wednesday over “increasing harassment and intimidation” of opposition politicians and their supporters in Ethiopia.

“Opposition extremists as well as ruling party cadres and government officials have been responsible for these unacceptable actions,” State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said.

He called on all Ethiopian parties within and outside the country to respect the rights of Ethiopians to express peacefully their opinions and to participate in the democratic process.

(ST/AP)