Comments on: Reaction to President Isaias Afwerki's interview

By: Samson

Samson — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 10:19:32 +0000

Thank you Amanuel.

As I continue to read more comments from both Eritreans and Ethiopians (they all sound Amahar), my hopes are growing by the day. The day has come for all of us to live in peace and all the hatred and mistrust is behind us.

One thing I have not seen so far is though – reaction from our bothers and sisters from Tigrai. This should worry us. I hope am wrong, but it appears that the woyane click has sucesseded in convincing the Tigrians that their survival depends on Woyan’s stay in power.

Dear brothers and sisters from Tigrai,

The border war has created bitter hostility and mistrust between you (more than any other Ethiopian) and those of us in Eritrea. We both need to move forward and let the healing start. Like many Eritreans, part of my family are currently living in Mekele and Adigrat. I have not seen them for over 10 years and I miss them so much. I know for a fact they have no hatred for any Eritrean and they are sad by the fact that they can no longer visit the said of the family in Asmera.

This is a personal appeal to those brother and sisters from Tigrai to reach out and be part of this crucial moment and a turning point in our joint sad and painful history. Don’t let the experience from the bitter border war hold you back – we suffered, paid heavy price and lost our loved ones. Despite the horrible memories we have and the pain that was inflicted on our people for the last 11 years now, we Eritreans are prepared to move on and you should join us.

It is time to let go – let us not be hostages to our history and damage the chance of the future generation to live in peace.

Peace to everyone

By: umustbe

umustbe — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 05:04:23 +0000

hi bros,
It's really an interesting interview for those Ethiopians who have bad view on Eritrea. Because they were the hostages of distorted history which meles and the tigray ethnic groups deliberateley did to shift their concentration to stay for along time in power.Now the the secret is unveiled, make your mind, see which one is the right way.

I appreciate the initiation took by the brothers to interview president Isaias.

Good relation for Eritrea and Ethiopia.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 04:59:21 +0000

wow, i am lost for ward. jusst too happy to see some progress between the two brotherly people since 1998. As an Eritrean, i am already starting to feel as though the wounds are beginning to heal, regardless of wayeens intervantion if the people of eritrea and the people of ethiopea come together and discused about our problems we will cometo a metual understanding that will benefit as both.

May God bless the two brothely countries with peace and harmony.

By: fetawi selam

fetawi selam — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:50:21 +0000

hello dear comenters

I am an eritrean follower of this beloved web site. I am really more than happy to see eritreans and ethiopians to be engaged in this constructive step foreward, thanks to the here journalists who brock the bridge and managed to go on the clean roads of asmara, enter to eritrean governmental palace and interviewed the president. It was really wonderfull, amazing and exposed all the truth that ethipians were not aware of that. We as eritreans may not love isayas, but for other reason which is our local issue., but we appriciate him as far as the ethio-eritrean issue, ethiopian unity and ethioian-eritrean bilateral benefits are concerd. Thanks you ethiopian heros for making the tention to be improved by asking and exposing how isayas really look ethiopia and exposed the weakness of his parasites woyane when the exact time comes. but I did not understan why isayas was too late to tell ethiopians who exactly are the woyane…. if it were in such manner ethiopians may be able to rid off from woyane before all this destruction happened and we all loss…. even now thanks dear heros…..thanks

By: Ambabi

Ambabi — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 04:29:48 +0000

Wawoo! If realy Ethiopians realized the position of Eritrea and engaged in a positive way then things will be settled soon. We do not need to warry about the Weyane any more. The ppl of Ethio will swallwo the eveil instantly for weyanes are few in number. My fellow Ethiopians you need to do now some thing. Get organized support your rebels know them and let them know you too. Hellp them moraly and finantialy so that weyane can be brought to justice. Above all have a tangeble fueture relations with all neigbors. Promiss your ppl and write in your constitution that Ethiopia will never invade any nation be it Eritrea or Somalia. Promiss not to fool again by foriegners make your neighbors your friends first and the west second as long as they respect your friendship with your African brothers. It seems to me you gusy are in very good start let God help all of us to end all kind of atrocities.

By: Solomon

Solomon — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:18:03 +0000

Glad we are talking:
Just like the others who expressed their happiness with Elias and Shileshi, I am happy that we are talking too. It took us 18 years to mature but at 18 – we are ready to think what is needed to be done. We know hate is not the answer and we also know that we cannot live with our neighbors as enemies. We are attached at our hips and we like it or not we have to dance together even when we do not even like our neighbor’s music. But if we decide to talk, then we can have a music that we both like and dance to the tune for a long time to come.
As an Eritrean who was born and raised in Ethiopia, I am always challenged by my Ethiopian friends how I can claim to be called Eritrean. I have tried my best to express to them that becoming an Eritrean does not mean hating Ethiopia. But they hardly accept that argument. Thinking of it, I may have the same feeling if I am an Ethiopian. But, I always wondered if we had a chance to switch positions and if I become an Ethiopian would have I accepted my friends as Eritrean at all? I also wondered, would my friend love or hate Ethiopia? It is a question I always ask my friends – but since they are Ethiopian – they cannot picture themselves been Eritrean at all – and their answer is always the same. I do love my friends and I also want to give them a credit for accepting me for who I chose to be. In fact – as much as they argue with me regarding been Eritrean – it also surprises them that I stuck to my identity and they seems to admire that. In fact – they always wondered how we all Eritrean think the same way – or they talk how they loved their Eritrean neighbors and so on. They also tell me that they never knew the difference between Eritrean and Tigrian before – but now they know who is who. You open your mouth and they tell you who you are.
Well – it took as 18 years to tell each other that we care for one another and it should not take another 18 years to show it. The PIA interview was long but right on the dime and I should give him the credit for starting this new movement. I always told my friends on of the reasons why some Eritrean don’t like the PIA is because he tells you straight up whether he like you or not, he is not good in diplomacy, and he does not like to bend for the west. I am sure now my friends have a firsthand experience what I was talking when they heard him unedited interview he made with Elias and Shileshi. He talked from his hart and he meant it. In contrast, Ethiopian leaders base their diplomacy to fit the international diplomacy and that way of communication was accepted by the Ethiopian silent majority but it seems it is over now. Eritreans are not war mongers but peace loving people who inspire to control their own destiny not prescribed to them.
Over years we heard a lot and i have some to refresh our memories. Lies we were told and the truth we refused to hear are as follows.
To mention few:
1. Derge told us Eritrean war was an Arab war – and we believed them
2. Derge told us “Shaebia” had one month left to be destroyed – and we believed them again
3. Derge told us – they will fight till one man is left on Ethiopia – and we taught Mengistu was a hero
4. Derge told us – that if Eritrea is to become independent – Ethiopia will be dead – and we taught so
5. Weyane told us – Badme is Ethiopian – and we trusted them
6. Weyane told us – Eritrea is an aggressor – and we agreed with them
7. Weyane told us – Ethiopia won the war – and we celebrated it
8. Weyane told us – the court gave Ethiopia Badme – and people went out dancing
Now Weyane is telling us the war was not about Badme and they want to sit down and talk!!!!! WHAT?

In Contrast:
1. Issayas told US that the war was not about Badme and we did not believe him
2. Issayas told us that this issue will be resolved in court in 1998 – and he did not make any sense to us THEN
3. PIA also told us Weyane will never accept the court ruling way before verdict – and we taught he was up to something
4. PIA also told us to be self reliant is the best policy and we laughed at him
5. PIA also told us that going to Somalia was not good idea and we marched to death
PIA is not god and he will pass away just like any one of us. But comparing to Weyane, I have more respect to him even though I don’t agree with everything he does. And hope, he will change and wish that he hands over power to the new generation peacefully and willingly. We want to see Eritrea beyond him.
What I want to illustrate above is how we were taken by Weyane’s PR statements, news briefs and so on to the point that we were hostage to what is going to happen in Eritrean. How the “no war no peace” will break Eritrean army and government, and how Weyane will be the regional superpower. Superpower made Rumsfeld and Cheney.

Pentagon War Device:
Not to get you bored – I will take you to another topic that fascinates me and I always wonder if this device is still working. Few years ago there was an interesting program developed by Pentagon for 10 million dollars and this program was supposed to predict where the next war will occur. If this was done to make the right choice for US military and other government agencies, that would have been great. But – this program was created for the ordinary people to gamble just like a horse race. If your prediction is correct then you will be able to make good money. I am bringing this issue to light to reflect that our destiny is captured by few individuals, multi national organization, and intelligence organizations to make sure their personal “Interest” supersede our – “Eritrean-Ethiopian” interest. Can you imagine if this program was released for a commercial purpose, what would be the consequence? I can picture a gambler doing everything to make sure that a specific country goes into war at a specific period of time. Or just like the stock, the gambler would have been allowed to sell short and rip the benefits. I am glad that it was stopped by the US congress but it still bothers me how one could think of such a device that will bring the world into becoming a hell. I am still wondering if the people who created it are still using it behind the scene. Can you imagine a person can feed the desired variables in the program and create a buzz that a specific country will go to war and before it happens the US military will be in action? Can you imagine? I am not able to find a link on this – and if anyone could please post it.

Minority Report:
This also reminds me of Tom Cruise movie “Minority Report”. On it, the state uses physics to predict and identify a criminal before the crime is committed. I am talking about the criminal does not even know that he/she will commit the crime but the state physics could detect the specific person will commit a crime and the state punishes the “future criminal” ahead of time. It was an entertaining movie and I enjoyed watching it. But think of a device that could predict a war way before it happen. Who controls the variables and who contributes to the variables to begin with? Interesting!!!!
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0181689/plotsummary
This brings me to another question “who really created the 1998-2000 war”? Was this war made by Eritrean and Ethiopian leaders who love to get their people get killed, or did the war have hands of the masters of war makers? I am puzzled by it. When I heard both countries went to war – I almost died out of surprise. I had to defend Eritrea by all means but it never crossed my mind that I hated Ethiopia. Yes the war was between two loving people but I knew then that the war was not made by the people against the people – it was cooked and boiled inside an embassy but used a cover of Badme to start it. It also reminds me of Ethiopian election and how the opposition was fooled to believing the embassies to represent them? The opposition taught since they stand for democracy – the embassies in Addis will support them. They got it wrong. American foreign policy was straight with no ambiguity and it states like this. American does not have friends but interest. No more explanation is needed. If you trust them – you are most likely to be burn cause 99% of the time our interest is not in the best interest of the respective country.

A quote:
It is said that the former US ambassador to the UN Jeane Jordan Kirkpatrick has once said that she prefers “a dictator that will allow her to exploit the country natural resources that a nationalist who will not allow her”. And for me PIA is the nationalist and Meles is the dictator.

Hope and light at the end of the tunnel:
I am hopeful that we will overcome this period of time and live a life where we Eritrean and Ethiopian march hand to hand to eradicate poverty, bring peace and stability to our region and fight our enemies who tirelessly create divisions among us. We will be able to share knowledge and share resources because we are brothers and sisters and a family of GEEZE and if we look back we have a lot in common than a difference.
MAY GOD BLESS THESE TWO NATIONs
BRING HAPPINESS TO ALL OF US
DREAM LIFE AT HOME AND NOT BEEN REFUGEE

By: Guenet

Guenet — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 11:52:17 +0000

I disagree. While I fully support the peaceful approach of all people to live together in peace and harmony, I am so surprised that the comments given by all of you is one and the same.Glory to Isaias the great, and how Eritreans knew better while we Ethiopian idiots were so stupid not to realise the importance of living in peace together. Give me a break, who will oppose to have peace and prosperity? Who understand better that, than the Ethiopian and the Eritrean people who suffer so much under tyrants like Mengistu,Meles and Isaias?. Who can speak better than us about Ethio-Eritrean solidarity in times of hardship? We don`t need your interview to understand that. Of all people,Isaias has no moral authority to give us a lecture about any subject, let alone about peace and democracy.The war monger Isaias is no better than Meles. He better shut his mouth.And you guys,think twice.There should be a diversity of opinions in any given idea. That is what
enriches a healthy and productive dialogue. One guy says something,and all of you agree with him and heap him with admiration and support.
Long live Ethiopian and Eritrean people. To hell with Meles and Isaias.We don`t need those dictators who are on our back since almost 2O years now. We deserve better.

By: Geremew

Geremew — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 18:27:42 +0000

The main thing is let us respect each other and work for our common good. Take it out the mentality "if I do not have Assab I do not agree" Think how can I use Asseb. Own it or not at the end how you going to use it. If I can get it peacefully I do not have to go to war. Let all be civil to each other and what got gave us is plenty if we know how to use it.

By: Eritrawi

Eritrawi — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:06:23 +0000

First and foremost I would like to thank my boyhood friend Amanuel for his excellent analysis. I am encouraged by the honest responses to his article.

Now starts the hard work, every patriotic Ethiopian in the diaspora has to roll up his/her sleeves and start working to realize this vision of shared future for our people.

People may ask, how can I contribute to realize this vision? First people should start talking to each other, organize meetings, set realistic agenda in those meetings and always remember those of us living in the diaspora have a lot to contribute but also understand our role in this upcoming struggle to end the nightmarish Woyanne regime.

There are already Patriotic Ethiopians fighting Woyanne tooth and nail in every conrner of Ethiopia, the Ethiopians in the diaspora can play a big role in helping these patriotic organization coordinate their efforts to craft a clear political program to confront the Woyanne evil.

Yes there will also be impatient individuals who would want instant results, that is a recipe for disappointment, waging a coordinated struggle against Woyanne is not as easy as it seems. Inside Ethiopia they have the resources they need to scuttle a disorganized opposition, thanks to the huge support they get from their sponsors. No matter how much support they get from their sponsors, the Woyanne clique can't stand in the face of an organized and disciplined opposition.

Woyanne's main tool for survival is division among their opposition, they know how to manipulate weaknesses and disorganize the opposition, so unity of purpose is a must. Ethiopians in the diaspora should stand firmly with the Patriotic Ethiopians who are paying the sacrifices and do their part within the principles of the Patriotic Ethiopians in Ethiopia proper.

This is the kind of unity of purpose that will spell the demise of this nightmarish regime and the dawn of freedom and shared prosperity of the Ethiopian people. President Isayas has opened the door and now it is up to the rest of us to make this vision a reality.

By: Ghion

Ghion — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 06:31:58 +0000

What an article!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will save this article and the interview for my yet-to-come son/daughter so that they know some time in history a leader from Eritria came to our rescue and touched my heart in the process.

God blees the President and the writers/journalists who paved the way to his Palace.

I have never been to Eritra but one day I will go there, drink tella, dance with thier sweet music and talk to their beautiful ladies!!!!!!!!!!! with peace, love and respect!!!!!!!!!!

By: Fasil Hailu

Fasil Hailu — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:54:57 +0000

The people of Eritrea are lucky to have a man of integrity and honest president. President Isayus reminds me of our historical visionary leaders such as Aste Tewdros and Aste Yohanes.

I hope to see president Afeworki to unite the Habesha peole under one country and take the new united Ethiopia into new era.

Thank you President Afeworki. You are brave and great visionary leader.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:49:19 +0000

My admiration first goes to Elias Kifle and Sileshi Tilahun and now to Amanuel Biedemariam. President Isaias Afwerki has set the stage for us. It's up to us, both Ethiopians and Eritreans, to pave the way to a peaceful destiny, and live together peacefully.
God bless both people!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 04:39:09 +0000

PIA has delivered a strong message which change the status qua between the two brother people but it is a coffin to the nail for the woyane.There has never been a strong message than the interview which cover everything , and able to change the attitude, feeling , anger , desperation between the two groups but also become a unifying message to all parties except headache for Woyane. Woyane seems to stand alone right now and naked, after the interview.

TPLF is trying every thing to create animosity between the two nations by spreading venom through its channels, and officers. The recent symptom is that aboy sebhat is baffling about bringing back asseb, but he was telling us he was the defender of eritrean independence and wants to become a pope more than the priest.

The aiga forum is lamenting and telling us how PIA works to destroy ethiopia and writing everything which could tarnish the name of eritrea. Now no one is interested to listen to their endless lies, and flip and flop.

The other dangerous venom is being spread through the 'Reporter' , discrediting the returning of the eritrean property , claiming that those eritreans are going to channel money back to their country, and disputing that there are some ethiopians who are looted their property.

Unlike the now golden people most of Eritreans got their wealth,through hard work, they put their sweat as a result not only benefited but also contributed to the development of the country. Many eritreans has serve ethiopia selflessly there are a lot to mention like Abrham deboche and moges asgedom, in addis, zerai, derse in Rome, Aman Andom, in somalia, you will find many officers in navy, airforce, and also contributed a lot in most technical expertise due to their experience with Italians, they have also served in different minstrial level and advisors during derg and hailselasie, but in both regime the eritreans are treated equally as ethiopians, except leaving some sentiment, as a result the opportunity in ethiopia and hard work the eritreans have moderate wealth compared to most people but their wealth is not in millions like today golden people, mainly in the field of construction, automechanic, machine shop and some business, so eritreans deserve their wealth returned but the reason why the woyane decree the return of property to the eritreans is not because they are willing but they want to create some hatred between eritreans and ethiopians, and try to attract many Eritreans so that to deplete the human resource in Eritrea.

Many cadres of the tplf are not happy because they are the one who control most of the properties of eritreans, houses ,builidngs , factories, and garages.Reporter has been used as a mouth piece of TPLF to instigate animosity between people by claiming ethiopian property, in this case the eritrean government has did a good job in letting all business owners of ethiopians in Eritrea to sell their property by giving amble time.

But the eritreans are not fool any more they may collect what is left of their property but are not interested in investing, because now there are a lot of ethiopians who can do the investment so give them a chance for its citizens and no one is fool to trust woyane, because they can decree any law similar to terrorism law the one they used to incriminate the opposition party.It is not the property that matter for the eritreans,but the feeling of deported, separated from their families, and all the emotional attachment has created a lot of damage, some of the deportee in fact suffered a lot of damage due to anger and frustrations even some of them passed away due to this the majority become again successful by investing in Eritrea , uganda, kenya, sudan, and south africa,so there is no need to invest again in ethiopia. But it is

Now woyane has been in full fear, i am not surprised Meles wet his pant, because he went crazy ginbot 7, opposition , bertukan , PIA etc, their deed is going to haunt them.

Even this is a good example for the supporters of the Junat, and cadres, they amassed the property of eritreans but now even in the presence of their regime is going to lose and it is not far for every TPLF to be in court for their deed.

Any body can see the effect of the interview in meles click so PIA keep on doing what you have started

By: Peace

Peace — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 02:37:04 +0000

Excellent analysis!!!
Nothing can be added…..

By: Mengis

Mengis — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:53:25 +0000

Amanuel has expressed his point of view very eloquently. I could not have said it better myself. I fully agree with his comments. This is a new begging, let us open our minds and hearts. We must listen to each other narrow our differences to make the future better for our children and the generations to come. His excellency President Isais Afwerki is a visionary as well as selfless leader. Under his guidance the vision will come to fruition. I am fully confident, if we continue on the path of common goal and understanding we will have the people of Ethiopia and Eritrea live in peace and unity.

God Bless!!!

Mengis
Washington, DC

By: Lee

Lee — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:09:53 +0000

Well-written analysis! Elias Kifle's visit to Asmara is as historic and ground breaking as Nixon's visit to China, which put the two countries on the path of peace and cooperation for decades to come.

By: Asmarino

Asmarino — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:54:16 +0000

Hi Amanuel, I always read your articles and learn a lot, and this one is a a masterpiece. Eritrea is lucky and blessed to have sons and daughters like you and thank you for your service to your beloved people, and humanity at large. Now i want to challenge our Ethiopian intellectuals to come up with similar articles that will educate and bring both peoples together. As for brothers Elias and Sileshi, thanks a million and next time when we meet in Asmara the beer is on me. Peace and love for Ethiopians and Eritreans.

By: Meseret Dubale

Meseret Dubale — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:54:55 +0000

President Esaias is a great leader who can bring harmony and peace not only between Ethiopia and Eritrea but also to the whole region aswell. I hope his dream transformes in to reality soon. We Ethiopians like one muscian had said it for a while 'We had stringed and restring our inistruments, but the music we intend to sing had remained unsung. Now our tune got heard so is our music.Woyanes would get off with disgrace.

By: HASSAN [from Mogadishu]

HASSAN [from Mogadishu] — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:41:33 +0000

I totally agree with Daniel and, above all, with the writer Amanuel Biedemariam.
Getting rid of THE-LOCUST-IN-ADDIS is not the big point. It is the unity of Eritreans and Ethiopians [if possible Somalia] which is at stake here. At this point in history, President Esayas would definitely agree to bring these together in federation or so. IT WON'T TAKE HIM ANOTHER 40 YEARS TO DO THAT. PLEASE LET US BUG HIM TO UNIFY US UNDER THE HORN. Unlike the woyane propaganda, Conditions are way better for him and time is to his advantage to do that. HE CAN MAKE HISTORY. I agree with the idea that he should not have let the woyane take power in 1991 where he could have been to be a leader of the whole Ethiopia. That would have helped to work towards a peaceful Somalia and better yet unifying it with Ethiopia and Eritrea. May Allah [God] open his heart towards this blessed objective.

By: Daniel

Daniel — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:23:46 +0000

I totally agree with the writer. I am an Amhara and I 1000% support Mr. Esayas' presidency in 4 Kilo. I will fight [literally] for that to happen if President Esayas declares that more openly to the people of Ethiopia who live in Ethiopia.

By: Haile

Haile — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:18:33 +0000

I studied in Asmara University. I know the people very well. Believe me! Eritreans are very humble, honest and nice people. DO NOT MESS WITH THEM AND EVERYTHING RUNS SMOOTH. I like the people very much. Those four years I spent in Eritrea are the best of times I ever had so far. I now live in the USA but nothing beats Asmara & Addis Ababa. After hearing the interview with President Esayas, I am getting prepared to visit my love [Asmara] after 23 years. As soon as I hit Sembel [Air Port], I am heading to Villagio, Aba-Shawel, Compeshtato, etc. I hope I would meet those friends and people I met some 23 years ago. Hope all those kiosks are still there. I can not wait. Anyone there who knows W/O Korem in Villagio; the "Tella Bet" or "Sewa Bet"? I can not wait to have a sip with the Minilik Tasa like I used to. Anyway, I am glad that my dream started to take shape in real life. I have always wandered why Esayas Afeworki did not jump on the opportunity of governing the whole Ethiopia in 1991. Anyway, I have two points:
1st = if he allows us [Ethiopians] to use Eritrea as a base to exterminate the lice in 4-Kilo [he promised that], then we do not mind to be ruled by him forever.
2nd = nobody cares who is the ruler of Ethiopia so long as we stay UNITED IN PEACE. It is not a time to long for Democracy. It can be achieved through time. Our stability and unity comes first. LET US ETHIOPIANS PUSH President Esyas TO START TO FIGHT FOR UNITED ETHIOPIA.

By: Chilo

Chilo — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:34:10 +0000

Penetrating analysis and candid.

By: Amsale Tariku, Washington DC.

Amsale Tariku, Washington DC. — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:05:15 +0000

I watched all 5 part interview of the Eritrean president Issias Afewerk with an Ethiopian media with tears rolling down my face; tears of joy. During the entire time all I could think was about my best friends, whom I grew up with, loved and cared for as my own blood brothers and sisters, and although they were born and raised in Ethiopia from Eritrean parents, they were rounded up and forcibly deported to Eritrea by the racist weyane junta. The grief of a sudden loss of my best friends had never left me for the past 8 years, and I prayed to see a day when I could see them again. The events unfolding in front of our eyes seem to confirm to me that day is near. There was much injustice and crimes against humanity committed by the weyanes, and I hope to see them face justice and pay for their crimes. We Ethiopians and Eritreans are more than able to co-exist in peace and harmony as good neighbors and I'm seeing the evidence of that in recent developments between the two people.
I would like to thank Elias and Sileshi for their patriotism and commitment in creating an opportunity for Ethiopians and Eritreans to enter to a new era of lasting peace, stability, mutual respect, cooperation, and facing our common enemy weyane together. Weyane finds itself with one leg in the grave and another on a banana peel, and the interview with President Issias Afewerk has put the last nail in wyane's coffin.

R.I.P. weyane !

Peace, love and prosperity for both Ethiopans and Eritreans.

Signing off…

By: JJ

JJ — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:43:42 +0000

We have been victims of pride so far. We wanted it our way. We did not care about the other and here we are at the bottom of the planet at the end of the day. It was all about ego brothers and sisters that we lost too much together as Eritreans and Ethiopians. Bad as it was, the worse is to continue through the same destructive path. Time to check out the ego and be down to earth for the sake of humanity. This bliss should however be inclussive in order to work. Love can not be founded on the grounds of hate. Watch out your move. Make no mistake mistaking the Tigreans for today's leaders of Ethiopia. Make no mistake taking the weyane rank and files for their mischevious leaders, for the Tigreans are also as wounded as the rest.

By: Saba

Saba — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:42:35 +0000

Good article and well said. I have no more to add.

By: compassion

compassion — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:30:04 +0000

I believe we had to go through division, killing one another and mistrust before soul searching on the extent of damages we inflicted against one another and start to listen, learn and open the heart for love and compassion. Eritreans and Ethiopians deserve to live in peace and to help one another. One can not do it without the other. We need to accept eachother as we are and to feel each other's pains in order to heal the terrible emotional wounds of the past because of misunderstanding the real thing that stood between us. The time is here for good intentions but it is upto us to seize the opportunity and take advantage of it. I think Eritrean ports are unreachable for the haters who want to snatch but at the finger tips for those who love.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 08:58:10 +0000

This article has given us 'food for thought' and it shows the level of maturation and growth in Isayas's personality. of course, the courage and the initial thinking entering into this dialogue admires Elias Kifle and others who went to Eritrea and interviewed the president. I agree with Elizabeth Kubler-Ross's 'stages of grief' as it helps us to think about the loss and separation as well. Even if, let's assume, we reach to repairing the damage, there is always loss; the would, the scar on both sides shall remain. things can never be the same again, trust, relationship of any kind. However, this stage of acceptance and reparation, I would say, should be in a very mature way and develop to the capacity to explore all the good and bad.

By: Awoke

Awoke — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 08:45:02 +0000

This article needs to be translated in to Amharic and distributed to all Ethiopians to read. thanks

By: New Chapter

New Chapter — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 08:30:24 +0000

Eritreans, thanks to its selfless & visionary leadership, have shown true grit & determination of unwavering stance against not only the weyane chiefs but also its foreign masters who finance, prop up & give diplomatic cover/license to terrorise its own people & the wider region causing mayhem.
Ethiopians have now need to unite including with the millions of forgotten poor tigrayans, and reciprocate.

God bless Africa & its people.

By: Deksiss

Deksiss — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 07:15:40 +0000

Now we have a very clear idea of all the past and the present. It is high time to see the future. How do we coordinate our actions? For sure we don't want to wait another 18 years to liberate our selves from the ethno-fascist junta. It is time to TEGBAR

Always with EPPF

By: Dandew

Dandew — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 06:50:55 +0000

A very good summery! Indeed, the interview has enabled me to have a totally different and optimistic view on the future of the two people. We are there to live in peace, repect under rule of law together forever. We can't just care less to one another.
The count down for the days of Woyane has started.

My Eritrean brothers and sisters, please know that we Ethiopians love you so much and care about you.

I am already dreaming about the day when I will be landning at Asmara intn'l airport to visit my brothers and sisters and my history in the north.

Cheeeers,

By: Observer (TeAzabi)

Observer (TeAzabi) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 04:02:27 +0000

Well said, Amanuel.
As an Eritrean, I too was overwhelmed with joy to see Ethiopians and Eritreans engaging in constructive discussion, thus paving the way for a healthy relationship between the two people. A relationship based on mutual respect and mutal benefit. I know that such a noble gesture is already giving the TPLF Thugs a headache and sleepless nights. That's why they're bringing up the Asab issue in a futile attempt to divert people's attention from the core source of the problem – The ethnocentrist, tribalist policy of the Weyane regime that brought pain and misery to Ethiopia in particular and the whole East African people in general. And, from what I can deduce based on the commentaries I've read from most Ethiopians is that the Woyane propagana machine that has been churning lies after lies for almost two decades to serve the interest of a few will soon cease to exist for the people came out of the darkness and have finally chosen to listen to the voices of truth. The truth which had been hidden from them by the Weyane Junta. Peace and Rain to both the Peoples of Eritrea and Ethiopia!!!

By: berhanu

berhanu — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 03:54:27 +0000

Keep up the Good work. there is time for every thing, the time is now to unite Ethiopians for one goal. that goal is freedom. God bless Ethiopia and true Ethiopians where ever they may be fighting for mama Ethiopia.

By: Yosef Hailu

Yosef Hailu — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 03:15:03 +0000

Thank you for the article. You said it all. We must look forward. Ethiopians and Eritreans are one people. We must take the wonderful opportunity given to us by our brother President Afeworki. Thsi is the first time we heard from him and I am begining to believe in him. He is honest and a man of principle.

Long live people of Ethiopia and Eritrea!

By: Mamo

Mamo — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 03:07:46 +0000

The avenue is open and the genuine opinion of Ethiopian and Eritrean brothers is starting to flow honestly and genuinely.

Viva Mama Ethiopia

By: Ted

Ted — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:53:46 +0000

Well said. This pIA interview is as great as ADWA victory against fascists. A turning point in our history, a jump start we needed after our denial….grief… and acceptance. The time is ripe, and the sky is the limit. This man is one for the book. He showed us the light beyond TPLF, beyond himself but to generations to come.His job is done, it will be up to us from now on to materlize it!!! I am not worried Ethiopia being strong, he said,
"Therefore, Eritrea will give Ethiopians all the means at her disposal to strengthen the position of Ethiopians. The President assured Ethiopians, this is not a stand taken for political expediency, rather it is a principled long standing policy because Eritrea can not live in a vacuum."
He knows, as visionary he is, strong Ethiopia is a good friend to have next door for his people in-trust up on.
Go Ginbot 7, think Asmara, kill TPLF!!!
Regards!!!

By: Habtamu

Habtamu — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:59:15 +0000

This is probably the best article I've read about Ethiopia-Eritrea relationship in a long long time. Thanks bro.

By: Solomon

Solomon — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:37:11 +0000

Well said !!! bravo !