Ethiopian ruling party denies opposition accusations

Oct 13, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) — The Ethiopian ruling coalition denied statement by an opposition party saying government coercing its members. It also renewed its commitment for dialogue with opposition forces.

Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) has reaffirmed its readiness to enhance the country’s multi-party system. It also reiterated its firm stance to advancing the negotiations with opposition forces. The Front said it will not shy away in the face of baseless arraignment and finger-pointing.

In a statement it issued on Thursday 12 October, EPRDF said it followed closely the press statement issued by the United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) on Wednesday, 11 October concerning what it described as current issues.

The UEDF urged the ruling EPRDF to stop what it called coercive tactics against its members.
“The pressure being put on civil servants that are members and supporters of the opposition parties to sign up as EPRDF members to retain their jobs must stop immediately,” it said in a statement.

“EDF in its statement played blame game by throwing allegations and claims, all of which do not hold water as seen in light of the current realities in the country”, the EPRDF said in a press statement.

“EPRDF in recent months has had a series of dialogues with a number of political parties including the UEDF towards engendering cooperative spirit between and among the Ethiopian political spectrum, which is well remembered by the entire Ethiopian people. During dialogues,” the statement said, the parties involved gave joint statements at the end of every session concerning agreed upon points.

During its 6th organizational congress, EPRDF emphasized on its resolve to working with opposition political parties as long as stick to the legal and peaceful path.

“The allegations the UEDF made in denial of the realities may go beyond showing the level of maturity in the party to negatively affect the process,” it said.

EPRDF holds 327 seats in the 528-seat Ethiopian parliament against UEDF’s 40.

The ruling party was criticised by the West for two bloody crackdowns on opposition members who protested against the results of last year’s contentious parliamentary elections, saying they were rigged. The government denied that allegation.

An ongoing treason and genocide trial against opposition leaders has also drawn censure from rights watchdogs and Western governments, and led some European donors to cut direct aid to Addis Ababa.

(ST)