Ethiopians in Oklahoma hold a protest rally at Inhofe's office

ETHIOPIAN-AMERICANS and FRIENDS of ETHIOPIA in
OKLAHOMA For H.R. 2003

First Week Peaceful Protest at Senator Inhofe's Oklahoma City office Successful

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - On Tuesday, November 13, 2007, Ethiopian-Americans and Friends of Ethiopia in Oklahoma for H.R. 2003, held a successful peaceful demonstration in front of Senator James Inhofe's district office in Oklahoma City. Local TV stations and international media such as Associated Press covered the peaceful demonstration.

The purpose of the demonstration was to protest Senator James Inhofe's opposition to H.R.2003, the "Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007″ In a statement that Senator James Inhofe made on the Senate floor on October 17, 2007, he stated;

“… In Ethiopia, recently, I met with Prime Minister Meles, his wife. I met with members of the Parliament and with all the individuals there who are trying to do a good job. While there, I saw first hand their democratic progress and commitment in fighting terrorism….…..In spite of all these successes, in spite of what we have talked about and the significance of Ethiopia, I think we have to oppose H.R. 2003….This resolution's idea of encouraging and facilitating is to impose restrictions and ultimatums. These punitive actions could damage the bilateral relationship between the United States and the Government of Ethiopia, as well as derail progress Ethiopia has made in furtherance of democracy and supporting human rights.”

Senator Inhofe went on to say, "I hope when it comes to this side, if it does come in this form, that we will be able to resoundingly defeat it. I look forward to being in Ethiopia in about 3 weeks. I will certainly hope that I don't have to go over there after having something like this pass the Senate."

The senior Senator from the State of Oklahoma was referring to a visit in Addis Ababa with Prime Minster Meles Zenawi - that Parade Magazine identified as one of the Worlds Worst dictators.

A delegation representing the peaceful demonstrators presented a letter with backup documents that documented the recurring human rights abuses in Ethiopia to Senator Inhofe’s district office Director. The delegation comprised of Ethiopian-Americans, and native-born Americans underlined the importance of H.R.2003 in the struggle for human rights, freedom and the rule of law in Ethiopia. The delegation stressed that they were very concerned about Senator Inhofe’s continued opposition of the Human Rights bill.

The District Director stated that Senator James Inhofe did not, at this present time, put a "hold" on H.R.2003 and that Senator Inhofe as well as his staff will be doing further research on H.R.2003. The delegation requested that Senator Inhofe put out a statement stating that he did not put a "hold" on the bill and discussed thoroughly the reasons Senator Inhofe should support H.R.2003 when it came to the Senate Floor.

After exiting Senator Inhofe's office, the delegation reported to the crowd the result of the meeting; commitments were made from the energized crowd to continue to engage Senator James Inhofe to garner his full support in the passage of H.R.2003 from the U.S. Senate.

As promised, Senator James Inhofe put out a short statement later on in the afternoon confirming that he has not put a hold on H.R.2003 at this time. Senator Inhofe’s quote on not currently having a hold on the bill is as follows:

“I do not currently have a hold on the Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007 as it is still being considered in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and has not yet been reported in its final form.”
-U.S. Senator James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.)

In light of today's successful campaign towards Senator James Inhofe, Ethiopian-Americans and Friends of Ethiopia in Oklahoma for H.R. 2003 commit to continue engaging Senator Inhofe so that he will give his full support to the human rights bill. Ethiopian-Americans and Friends of Ethiopia in Oklahoma for H.R. 2003 urge all who have successfully supported the November 13 effort to continue to call, fax and e-mail Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) , Senator Trent Lott (R-MS) and Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) until Friday, November 16, 2007.

Ethiopian-Americans and Friends of Ethiopia in Oklahoma for H.R. 2003, thank everyone for the support that was given to the Oklahoma campaign, without the united action of everyone the effort would not have shown the success seen today.

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ETHIOPIAN-AMERICANS and

Submitted by dj on Mon, 11/19/2007 - 7:59pm.

ETHIOPIAN-AMERICANS and FRIENDS of ETHIOPIA in OKLAHOMA For H.R. 2003
For Immediate Release:

-----Media Event - Tuesday, November 20, 2007 Event----

Contact: Mr. Muluneh Zeleke, 405-314-4560

What: WEEK TWO of Peaceful Protest at Senator Inhofe’ s OKC Office

When: Tuesday, November 2007 - 12:00 Noon

Where: In front of Sen Inhofe’s OKC office: 1900 NW Expressway Suite 1210/50 Penn Place

Why: 1) On-going campaign to create awareness among constituents of Senator Inhofe about H.R. 2003, the “Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007”

2) Ask constituents, to continue to petition Senator James Inhofe, to give his full support to the Democracy and Human Rights Bill: HR 2003.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – “I was sorry to learn of your opposition to H.R.2003, the “Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007.” I know you have a strong personal tie to Ethiopia and that you have been charmed by the personable Prime Minister Meles Zenawi (as have I). I believe, however, that H.R.2003 is sound legislation in holding the feet of the ruling TPLF to the fire to live up to its rhetoric about what you refer to as a positive democratization process… I hope you will reconsider your position on H.R.2003 and join your colleagues in the House of Representatives in striving to promote democracy and human rights in Ethiopia. By not standing in the way of Senate concurrence in this significant foreign policy initiative, you will be serving your constituents well. Please let me know if I can provide you with any additional information about the current situation in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa.”

-- Open letter from OSU Professor Ted Vestal to Sen. James Inhofe, November 13, 2007

(author of “Ethiopia, A Post-Cold War Africa State”)

“…in Ethiopia, in reality it (HR 2003) focuses only on shortcomings while blatantly ignoring the unprecedented progress the country has made…While I agree that the violence and intimidation that took place in the country after the 2005 election was an unnecessary use of excessive force, the Government of Ethiopia has taken significant steps to regain a democratic process that is fair and respectful of human rights…I believe the bill takes the wrong approach by placing demands on a friend and ally that has made obvious advancements in democracy and human rights.

I hope when it comes to this side, if it does come in this form, that we will be able to resoundingly defeat it. I look forward to being in Ethiopia in about 3 weeks. I will certainly hope that I don't have to go over there after having something like this pass the Senate.”

- Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK), U.S. Senate, October 17, 2007

“…and has visited the nation four times. He’s very involved in the country and knows the leadership of that country very well. He’s not just doing this from Washington, D.C. He’s actually been there and seen it and knows the issues of that country."

- Mr. John Collison, Senator James Inhofe’s District Director,

Associated Press, November 13, 2007

Ethiopian-Americans and Friends of Ethiopia in Oklahoma for H.R.2003 invite fellow Oklahomans, who support Democracy and Human Rights in Ethiopia to join the on-going effort to engage Senator Inhofe, by participating in the peaceful rally. hr2003.org/

If you are unable to attend the peaceful protest, please hand deliver this press release, fax and/or call Senator Inhofe and ask him to give his full support to HR 2003.

Senator James Inhofe

Washington, DC Office: (202) 224-4721 (tel); ( 202 ) 228-0380 (fax)

453 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING, WASHINGTON, DC 20510-3602

Oklahoma City, OK Office: (405) 608-4381 (tel); (405) 608-4120 (fax)

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