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Blaming Al-Jazeera or Others will not solve Ethiopia’s fundamental problems

Written by A. KEBIRE
Wednesday, 30 April 2008
Recently it has been reported that Ethiopia cut off diplomatic relations with Qatar due to Al-Jazeera’s coverage on the Ogaden situation. Regarding this issue I recently read an article on Walta (The pro-TPLF government website) blaming Al-Jazeera, titled “Qatar’s Al-Jazeera Propaganda targets Africa, Ethiopia.” This article, filled with falsehood and biased assessment forced me to give this brief reply. First, let me make it clear, that it is not the intention of this writer to defend or advocate for Al-Jazeera TV. It is unnecessary to do this for Al-Jazeera has proved itself that it is highly reliable news institution. It is very efficient, competitive and fair for those who have been ignored and marginalized by the Western press for too long. It is not surprising that the US and other western nations would not love al-Jazeera at all! The writer unjustly accuses Eritrea of being behind Al-Jazeera’s coverage of the Ogaden atrocities by Ethiopia. This coverage, which lasted over a week and detailed the horrible crimes committed by the TPLF (Ethiopian) regime over the defense-less Ogaden (Somali) people, has infuriated Ethiopia so much that it has cut off diplomatic relations with Qatar. This is strictly between the two governments, and Qatar has replied. It has expressed astonishment and elaborated that Ethiopia’s accusations were, “baseless and without truth.” What’s worse, unwarranted and irresponsible is, accusing Eritrea for the cause. What leverage if any, does the government of Eritrea has over Al-Jazeera? Eritrea has never been a sponsor or conduit of terrorism. There are no proven facts to support these allegations. The Eritrean government has given ample clarification on this point. Eritrea’s historical stand against terrorism is clear and principled. Eritrea has been a victim of terrorism itself. It has been fighting consistently against terrorism. Its historical stand can be traced since the early 1990’s. It was based on pragmatism, and necessity of survival as a victim, not following fashion or for ulterior motives in order to win favors from the US or other Western powers. This fact is known to all, including US administration officials and others, unless they choose to ignore or distort it for their own interests. Eritrea’s relations with the Arab League or others, is the internal affairs of Eritrea and has no relationship with the issue at hand. The points mentioned in the article mentioned are so absurd that it would be a waste of time to answer them. (Eritrea chose to use Arabic in its passport? So what? Does this make it a terrorist sponsor? How illogical can you get?) On the other hand Ethiopia’s record under the leadership of the narrow clique of the TPLF shows a consistent policy of state sponsored terrorism. Its atrocities inside Ogaden and now in Somalia are well known and strongly condemned all over the world. The superbly documented and narrated week long reportage on Ogaden by al-Jazeera exposed the TPLF regime for what it really is. A US supporter minority clique disseminating instability and carnage in the horn. The issue is not whether ONLF did this or that, but a genuine plight of atrocities over the innocent population of Ogaden by Ethiopia. No one will be confused or fooled by Ethiopia’s attempts or its so-called “writers” by distorting and fabricating facts to suit its purposes. The solution is either for the TPLF to mend its irresponsible and illegal ways, which is highly unlikely. Or face the consequences. Blaming Al-Jazeera, Eritrea or others will not solve the fundamental problems of Ethiopia! A. KEBIRE Asmara
Last Updated ( Monday, 12 May 2008 )