By Kirubel Tadesse: Capital
Dr. Yakob Hailemariam, a former UN prosecutor and one of the key figures of the former Coalition for Unity and Democracy Party (CUDP) during the May 2005 elections, stated that reconciliation between the Hailu Shaul and Birtukan Medkisa’s group is not only a likely option but a must ,considering the consequences if talks fail.
In an exclusive interview he gave Capital, Dr. Yakob said that he is hoping for reconciliation because what is at stake is the future of Ethiopia and there isn’t anything that shouldn’t come before the interest of the country and the people. Talking about the current state of the political process in Ethiopia, Dr. Yakob explained to Capital that twenty five million people, who voted for the former CUDP, have been disfranchised because of the decision of giving ‘CUD’ label to an individual who doesn’t represent the party.
Explaining about the international diplomatic community’s role in the May 2005 election, Dr. Yakob said that they did they best they could. “Perhaps they couldn’t do much, after all this is a sovereign country and in fact, at one point, the P.M had said ‘Uncle Sam can go to hell’” added Dr. Yakob,” I think they did their best but the government was adamant that it wouldn’t give on any of its positions or to any negotiation.”
Further explaining the role of the European Union and the American government, Dr. Yakob stated that he believes that the European Union did the best under the circumstances. “As it is to be recalled, after we were arrested, they demanded the unconditional release of the detainees which Amnesty International classified as political prisoners. They even applied some sticks,” said Dr. Yakob,” the Americans from the beginning made it very clear that the legal process should be expedited and that the trial should be undertaken quickly, knowing the kind of the courts we had.”
Further pointing out the American role,” The Americans of course, are out to protect their own interest and definitely this preceded our right to being released. They didn’t demand our unconditional release like the Europeans,” stated Dr. Yakob,” One of the pillars of the foreign policy of the American government is protection of human rights and they didn’t meet that obligation. They sacrificed the protection of human rights in Ethiopia to their interest in fighting terrorism. So the Americans were, right from the very beginning looking out for their interest at our expenses. Even it was no obligation with out compromising their interest; they could have made some dents in the protection of human rights and in the release of political prisoners. I don’t think Americans have been faithful to their creed when it comes to Ethiopia. “
Ambassador Vicki Huddleston, the US Ambassador to Ethiopia during the May 2005 election, told Capital that at the time she felt that the US and the European Community had done everything possible to bring the two sides together.
“Suspicion and public posturing overcame the negotiations with the return of Hailu Shawel,” stated the former acting Ambassador,” In retrospect both sides needed more time, more patience, and above all a greater willingness to compromise.” Ambassador Vicki added that her objective was to support the Government of Ethiopia in finding a way forward that would allow the Opposition to have a voice in governance and prepare the way for both more political space and economic growth.
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