President Isaias Afwerki and Ato Mekuria Woldu, an official of the Ministry of Information, holding a private meeting with Elias Kifle of Ethiopian Review and Ato Sileshi Tilahun of EPPF before an interview
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ASMARA — President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea gave a 4-hour interview on Friday afternoon to eppfOnline.org, the official website of Ethiopian People’s Patriotic Front (EPPF), and Ethiopian Review.
The interview was conducted by Elias Kifle of Ethiopian Review and Ato Sileshi Tilahun, head of EPPF International Committee’s organizational affairs and eppfOnline.org.
Before the interview, President Isaias and Ato Mekuria Woldu, an official of the Ministry of Information, held a 40-minute private discussion with both Elias Kifle and Sileshi Tilahun.
Elias Kifle of Ethiopian Review and Sileshi Tilahun of EPPF interview President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea, May 15, 2009
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Video of this historic interview will be available shortly. More details and photos will also be posted later.
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FORUM | 186 Comments
Well done Elias, we are proud of you. I can’t wait to listen to it.
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May 15th, 2009 at 6:24 PM
WAAAAW Elias,
That is great! The Weyanes and other anti-ER were saying that you were bluffing about the interview with President Isayas.
They were ridiculing ER saying “President Isayas would not give interview to ER”, and you shamed them, as you always do.
Great job. I can’t wait to watch the interview.
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May 15th, 2009 at 6:46 PM
This is good start. Let Ethiopians and Eritreans work together and rid off Weyane, and then work for economic development.
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May 15th, 2009 at 7:07 PM
Good move elias can’t wait to hear.
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May 15th, 2009 at 7:07 PM
Weyane will get sleepless tonight :)
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May 15th, 2009 at 7:13 PM
Good job Elias kifle and Sileshi Tilahun. We are proud of you.
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May 15th, 2009 at 7:20 PM
The time is to walk the walk and the time to talk the talk is over! Dr. Birhanu and Tsegie are marching frward with this result oriented maxim! Eliase is wa ahead of his time…the need to have solid relationship with Eritrea is key to support sustain an armed struggle against tyrants in Addis. Now selling this result oriented stratgy is not that hard anymore because Elaise has the capacity to envision the future of the struggle to overthrow the butchers in Addis!
Eliase,according to my information,Weyanes get nightmares when genuine Ethiopians like you venture into establishing relationshp with the Eritrea. The reason is simple: because they know fully the benfits of establishing good relationship with Eritrea was key for them to conquer the Derg soldiers. That is why, the weyans spread an intense propoganda in villifying , reducling and calling names anyone who tries to establish relations with Eritrea. However, those weyne tricks are expired and now ime is to strengthen the EPPF and Ethiopian review is playng the leading role..kudos eliase..
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May 15th, 2009 at 7:28 PM
Well done Elias. You made history.
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May 15th, 2009 at 7:52 PM
Bravo Elias Kifle!! I am proud of you taking this historical initiative to clear up the situation between the leadership of the Eritera and the freedom fighters of Ethiopia! I am sure things has changed over time between the Eritrean President and our peace loving peoples of Ethiopia. Let us find a common ground among us to eradicate the woyanne minority junta! The biggest tumor of the Horn of Africa is The Meles and Co. dictatorial rule sucking the blood of the people in the region like Ethiopians, Somalians, Eritreans and etc… Let’s stand together to eliminate the Meles’s circle once in for all.
Again thanks Elias!
We shall wait to comment on the interview
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May 15th, 2009 at 8:00 PM
Well done it is how it starts to change the situation. Let every one know who wants what and how. Ethiopian is in desperate need of new government who respect not only the ppl of Ethiopia but the entire region.
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May 15th, 2009 at 8:03 PM
Thinking outside of the box is what the current situation in the Horn demands. Elias deserves credit for his courage and journalistic integrity.
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May 15th, 2009 at 8:05 PM
ato Elias balsasat president esayas ke Ertrea nesanet wedih yhen yahil rejim yehone interview le mejemeria gize bemestetachewna erswom endisaka bemadregwoejig tilk yehone misgana yigebawotal.ato meles siyatatlunina siyawardun le ethiopiyawyan yalachewn niket be agazi tajbew yalefirhat cheflkew bebarnet eyegezun 18 amet honen.enterview bizuwochachinin liyasdest yemichil yeselamna yetehadso dildiy endemihon tesfa alegn. ftenu!
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May 15th, 2009 at 8:11 PM
This is great news for all people of Eritrea and Ethiopia. Waiting to hear what was discussed.
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May 15th, 2009 at 8:16 PM
Indeed Historic.
I can’t wait to see the video.
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May 15th, 2009 at 8:41 PM
As I have declared more than once before, the National question in Ethiopian has been duly answered. The people of Eritrea raised arms long time ago to take back what was unlawfully snatched from them and they have won that war in a fair fight. They are a sovereign state now since 1993 and we should all respect that. All other residual issues such as access to sea lanes should be negotiated with this sovereign state on equality bases. Any past relationships should be used only as a reference not as a past territory or property. I know that there are quite a few Ethiopian who are not willing this reality and who took as a very bitter pill to swallow. Some of you may even try to tell me that Mr. Isaias and his followers were getting a lot of both material and diplomatic support from other nations. All I can say is good for those that did just that. But it shows how intelligently he used all his resources to sustain the battle against all odds and gained independence. I don’t give any much weight to the contributions of ‘Ted Bundy’ from Adwa. EPLF were already in full control of more than 90% of Eritrea even before 1990. I still have copies of Time Magazine and other Western news papers from the 1980′s and 90′s that showed EPLF in control of Massawa and other large towns in Eritrea not let alone the countryside. They had grasped their realities very well from the outset and used all their meager resources very well. ‘Ted Bundy’s’ march into Addis in May 1991 was only the ice on the cake for Mr. Isaias and his troops. So some of you fools must learn how to accept defeat and accept Eritrea as a full fledged sovereign state.
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May 15th, 2009 at 8:43 PM
You did it Elias! The woyanes are shitting everywhere now. I’m pretty sure other Ethiopians will follow your footsteps soon. if woyanne used Eritreans help to topple the mengistu regime. it is clear that eppf will succeed very soon with help of popular uprising all over the country and with help of Eritrean brothers. as you heard on the news the woyannes already starting to panic in Gonder and Gojjam. if a person with a right mind approved woyanes rule IN ETHIOPIA, i say he is a damn fool.
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May 15th, 2009 at 8:49 PM
What a good news Elias. I’m proud of you. You are a real son of Mama Ethiopia. Hope we have a lot of crougious people like you and see beyond the horizon.
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May 15th, 2009 at 8:52 PM
Elias, it is my nature that I don’t praise mortals nor do I glorify them; this time, however, I applaud your courage for crossing the Atlantic Ocean and interviewing the most feared, quiet, proud, and internationally unknown leader, a leader who hates to run his country by a donated money from the western nations.
Your journey from America to Asmara to meet Isaiah Afework and to hear what he has to say about Ethiopia and Eretria is like the journey of Queen Sheba from Ethiopia to Jerusalem to visit Solomon and to learn from his wisdom; the only difference is that you didn’t take with you large quantities of gold and precious stones. As Solomon answered all the difficult questions Queen Sheba presented him, in the same way, did President Isaiah answer all your questions? I hope he did.
My advice to you is don’t try to go to Ethiopia to interview that monster, Dictator Meles Seitanawi, the uncivilized Woyanne leader; in case you go to interview him, the first question he would ask you is what ethnicity you are.
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May 15th, 2009 at 8:58 PM
Elias, it is my nature that I don’t praise mortals nor do I glorify them; this time, however, I applaud your courage for crossing the Atlantic Ocean and interviewing the most feared, quiet, proud, and internationally unknown leader, a leader who hates to run his country by a donated money from the western nations.
Your journey from America to Asmara to meet Isaias Afwerki and to hear what he has to say about Ethiopia and Eretria is like the journey of Queen Sheba from Ethiopia to Jerusalem to visit Solomon and to learn from his wisdom; the only difference is that you didn’t take with you large quantities of gold and precious stones. As Solomon answered all the difficult questions Queen Sheba presented him, in the same way, did President Isaias answer all your questions? I hope he did.
My advice to you is don’t try to go to Ethiopia to interview that monster, Dictator Meles Seitanawi, the uncivilized Woyanne leader; in case you go to interview him, the first question he would ask you is what ethnicity you are.
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May 15th, 2009 at 9:16 PM
What guy you are Elias. You are really true political science grad. You are not biased, unlike Nazereth,abugheda and Ethios-media web sites.You are always try to spread the truth what is going on the other side despite smearing the country(Eritrea) as well as Isayas Afwerki in the name of so called free speech and artificial democracy.
Well done Elias!!
You are great!!
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May 15th, 2009 at 9:30 PM
good job er
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May 15th, 2009 at 9:49 PM
Elias
You are real and pragmatic. Yewere sewe aydelehem.
My comment will be later. Thank you.
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May 15th, 2009 at 10:03 PM
Congratulation Ethiopian Review. This is fantastic indeed. I am looking forward to see the interview. Long live Ethiopia. Long live Ethiopian-Eritrean friendship.
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May 15th, 2009 at 10:12 PM
mr elias , we saw you last time at dulls international airport , but this time try to hide!
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May 15th, 2009 at 10:31 PM
elias, jegna Yeyegna Lidje. Yo are real hero, for doing this to the extent. We love you man!
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May 15th, 2009 at 10:38 PM
elias,you have a great vision for ethiopia.may God bless you and ethiopia a country that you truely love.
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May 15th, 2009 at 10:49 PM
Elias,
You are the best. The alliance with Eritrea is strategic in our effort to get rid of TPLF.
TPLF used Eritrea to come to power. So they know very that the road to power in Ethiopia usually goes through Eritrea.
But Meles & TPLF have conveniently forgotten the past, biting the hand that fed them for so long. Now they demonize Eritrea. If Eritrea was good enough to propel a rag-tag band of Tigrians to power, why wouldn’t be good enough for patriotic, pro-democracy Ethiopians.
What I like about Isaias and the Eritreans is that, unlike the Woyyane, they have self-respect. They have not sold their soul to the devil for the almighty dollar.
They have not allowed themselves to be paid by good old USA and Israel to kidnap and torture fellow Africans in secret prisons worse than Guantanamo. They have not allowed themselves to be paid to invade, kill and maim our Somali brothers and sisters.
Meles Zenawi and company will eventually be brought to justice for the thousands of people they imprisoned, tortured and killed within Ethiopia itself. Killings in Gambella, Oromia region, Amhara region, Gambella and Addis Ababa and many more will not simply disappear. Woyyane leaders will be held accountable.
Of course I don’t agree with everything Eritrea does. But alliances are not about agreeing on everything. They are about being open-minded and keeping once eyes on the prize — in this case the demise of Woyyane and the dawn of freedom in our beloved Ethiopia.
Elias — keep up the good work.
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May 15th, 2009 at 10:50 PM
i think you got the solution for ethiopia.you are the man
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May 15th, 2009 at 10:52 PM
i hope you will release the video asap
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May 15th, 2009 at 10:56 PM
GRET JOB ER I CAN’T WAIT TO WATCH IT
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May 15th, 2009 at 11:42 PM
This what we were waiting for. You did it. The foundation for the super bridge to connect the two people has indeed been laid. Keep up the good work. Wanyanes will be suffocated to death without a major combat.
cheers
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May 16th, 2009 at 12:00 AM
Elias you did a great job!!Elias i know how much you love our country. every Ethiopian opposition group they have to learn from you no talk do practice just like you did.
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May 16th, 2009 at 12:03 AM
I cannot wait to listen to the interview too. We can over throw Woyane and live in peace with our neighbours. We can learn a lot from President Isaias. His motto is Self Reliance, say no to hand outs and those Western leaders who want to tell us what to do, what to eat and so on then they call us names like beggars. We can work hard and feed our own people.
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May 16th, 2009 at 12:18 AM
Elias knows how to solve the problem of Ethiopia and started doing the right thing. Good job Mr. Elias.
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May 16th, 2009 at 12:22 AM
Dear Mr. Elias Kifle,
I’m pleasantly surprised to see a major & very popular Ethiopian media outlet, willing to committ it’s professional talent, resources & time, extending olive branch, reaching out to hear the Eritrean side, instead of spreading the commonly usual rotten old blind hatred,
Besides the 50 years war-drums, never in my life time did I ever see, a candid, open, honest & earnest Ethio-Eritrean discussion on the causes & effects of our mutual demise.
I wish there were more Elias Kifles in the last 50 years of Ethio-Eritrean endless wars. Instead of shopping arms to wipe each other out, we could have been exchanging ideas, hearing each other out & resolving our differences peacefully, saving many Ethiopian & Eritrean lives & treasure.
I’m gratful for the Ethiopians who visited & interviewed the Eritrean President & thankful for the President for his time, respecting & honoring the Ethiopian reporters & seizing the opportunity to build bridges with Ethiopians.
ER: Keep up the great job.
Thank you,
Lijam
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May 16th, 2009 at 1:21 AM
All Ethiopians get ready to bury these primitive low life weyane once and for all. You can do it if u have the unity and respect among each other. Long live Eritrean ppl, and long live Ethiopian ppl. After all we are brothers and neighbors.
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May 16th, 2009 at 1:26 AM
I hope you have asked him where he stands in regards to Asab….
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May 16th, 2009 at 2:18 AM
Elias wanda neh batam gobaz lamnkbat yamtsra.
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May 16th, 2009 at 2:24 AM
I am glad to witness this historic interview and read what most of you Ethiopians are saying. The people and country of Eritrea, always tried to work and live in peace with the people of Ethiopia and other neighboring countries. It is time now for Ethiopians in Diaspora to say enough is enough and get rid this war criminal regime that is always hungry for blood to kill Ethiopians, Somalis and Eritreans. As for the interview, I cannot wait to hear what our beloved President has to say. Thank you for this interview. Long live the people of Eritrea and Ethiopia. Sooner or later the weyanes will pay for their sins, the crimes against humanity.
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May 16th, 2009 at 3:34 AM
Elias, thank you for being such a visionary and tearing down Wayane’s house of lies walls once and for ever!! You are leaving historical imprint that no one can take away from you!! I just can’t wait to watch the interview!!!!! Long live the peace loving people of Ethiopia and Eritrea!!!
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May 16th, 2009 at 3:54 AM
BRAVO ELIAS!!!
YOU MADE MY DAY!
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May 16th, 2009 at 3:58 AM
i cant wait to hear this.welldone ER.
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May 16th, 2009 at 4:02 AM
Elias,
I was one of those who were turned-off due to some of your previous radical remarks.
I say now thumbs up! You did a great job. I am impatient to listen the interview. Lime most peace seeking Ethiopians, I have a couple of points that I would like to hear from President Isayas, about his vision and objective to work with the Ethiopian people.
There is no any reason that the people of the two countries won’t come together through dialog and mutual understanding. I am sure that the people of the two countries will prosper if we remove the cancer which has been invading Ethiopian for the last 18 years.
Western people have shown us time and again that they are worthless in the struggle to get out of Ethiopians from the genocide regime in Addis Ababa. We would ask our Ertrian brothers and sisters to join us in this struggle and let the Western donors (aka feeders of genocide regime) go to hell once and for all. We Ethiopians and Ertirians together can be sefl-sufficient in a very short time without the assistance of hypocrite western donors provided we combine our forces to remove this cancerous regime in Addis Ababa!
Again, Thumbs Up Elias!
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May 16th, 2009 at 4:18 AM
What? R u expecting anything good from Shabia? Don’t u know that it is Shabia who mentored the TPLF traitors in power today? I can’t expect honey from flies. It is not to discourage u but am very ashamed of u Elias.
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May 16th, 2009 at 4:37 AM
GOOD WEYANE WILL BE OUT SOON Hope you will release the video SOON PERFECT DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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May 16th, 2009 at 4:40 AM
ብራቮ ኤልያስ
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May 16th, 2009 at 4:42 AM
Good job!Elias
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May 16th, 2009 at 4:58 AM
This is a begining of a great thing. One day soon, Ethiopia will have a geat leader like Esaias..
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May 16th, 2009 at 4:59 AM
I join all others in Congratulating ER for taking the first and courages step in bringing the news from “The Horse’s Mouth”. Instead of making our stand about Ethiopia and Eritrea by relying on recycled lies, we can make an informed decisions based on facts. I am also waiting eagerly to hear the interview.
Happy 18th,indepenece aniversary to Eritrea!
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May 16th, 2009 at 5:03 AM
Elias, You have made my day, even my night …. and my days ahead …… Berta ….. Ginbot 7 also should follow this route ………
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May 16th, 2009 at 5:20 AM
The issue at hand is really slavery and beggary mentality currently widespread in the Ethiopian political arena. Ethiopia has everything except intelligent leaders in power.Hence every effort which may have impact on bringing the unity of the Horn should always be welcome.
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May 16th, 2009 at 6:21 AM
Elias! You have showed your great determination to bring Change in Ethiopia. Who sponserd your travel and stay in Asmara?
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May 16th, 2009 at 6:51 AM
Great!!! May God help us to eradicate this “Nekersas-Woyanne” and live with peace!
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May 16th, 2009 at 6:54 AM
you did good job Elias, I hope he answered all the question what we(Ethiopian) have been waiting for. I also hope to see what is Issaias plan about the future of the country. Do you see anything that Eritrea is doing such great things? Elias, i hope you have recorded all what we hear from the Eritreans. If it is true, that is something we have to learn from them. Work hard!!!
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May 16th, 2009 at 7:00 AM
I can’t wait to learn more about your visit to Essayas and the interview. No rush for any judgment.
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May 16th, 2009 at 7:12 AM
Elias,
You have taken a great step not only for yourself but also for us all Ethiopians. Your progressive thinking is not only a talk but also a reality. I wish there are more of you out there. Thank you for making us proud and this day will be remembered as a day that made us all think outside of the box.
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May 16th, 2009 at 7:36 AM
the US state department just gave a press release warning Asmara.Elias as a US citizen why don’t you play a positive role even though you are entitled to your opinion and actins till you cross the line and become a terrorist.
Asmara is distablising force force.the end of woyane now is the end of Ethiopia as we know it.May God the Almighty open the eye of Elias Kifle.
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May 16th, 2009 at 7:41 AM
Elias,
This is crazy!
This is treason!
You are never welecome in Ethiopia.
Woyane will not lose power till you die.
goog luck.
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May 16th, 2009 at 7:46 AM
All,
I have one question to ask to all Ethiopians and Eritreans. If we have live with white neighbors in USA or Europe, How hard is for us to live as neighbor back home? Let not see on the past we have a lot of thing to do together for upcoming generation and feed our self.
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May 16th, 2009 at 8:32 AM
What a great initiative! Our wish is this will be the beginning of the long awaited peace between the brotherly people. But there is no doubt whatsoever it is the beginning of the death of woyane. I can’t wait to see the interview.
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May 16th, 2009 at 8:38 AM
good job as a real journalist, would you interview PM Meles Zenawi like this?
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May 16th, 2009 at 9:06 AM
TRULY HISTORICAL!!
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May 16th, 2009 at 9:14 AM
What a magnificent job Elias !! history is on making, the time where by the two brotherly people to work together for the betterment of the horn seems to be approaching faster than expected. the panic alarm has gone off on the woyanie camp on may 15 2009. the beast of the horn, the un civilised, racist and back ward tribal regime from dedebit is now wounded deep in its bones. it won’t be too long now before peace restores it self on the two heroic and God fearing people of Ethiopia and Eritrea.
Elias Kifle, controversial or not in the modern Ethiopian politics, you never missed pressing the right battens on the right time. may God bless you for that.
Long live the solidarity of Ethi – Eritrea !!
May the almighty God help the people of horn to get rid of the blood sucking western empire and its dog woyanie !!
May woyanie the tribal junta would be the last western slave on the horn.
Finally happy birth day Eritrea. and long live Ethiopia.
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May 16th, 2009 at 9:40 AM
Bravo Elias
Keep it UPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!
Many Thanks for trying to bridge the brotherly and sisterly people of the two side of the Mereb River .
Berta Wondme !
Remain Elias as always !
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May 16th, 2009 at 9:55 AM
Do every thing possible to annihilate Woyane and capture all the living main Wyanes and bring them to justice. I will assure you that the Ethiopians are vigilant and waiting to wipe out the criminal/tribalist TPLF.
Ine
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May 16th, 2009 at 9:57 AM
Ice cold shower for meles and his friends and good beginning for peace loving peoples of Ethiopia and Eritrea.
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May 16th, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Elias ,I really admire you for sitting down with the greatest leader in east africa !
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May 16th, 2009 at 10:26 AM
Asmarino says
welcom to Asmara Ato Elias & Ato Sileshi !!
Cheers !!
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May 16th, 2009 at 10:51 AM
Bravo Elias. you deserve respect from all freedom fighters.
I AM AWAITING THE INTERVIEW.
DELE LETHIOPIA HEZEBE!!
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May 16th, 2009 at 11:09 AM
This intreview will have a significant positive impact between the people of Eritrea and Ethiopia. In fact, I don’t mind being on the record saying that this interview will play a major role in expediting the fall of Weyanes.
Weyanes’ days are numbered.
ER,
Job well done!
The optimistic
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May 16th, 2009 at 11:11 AM
Waluwa, I wouldn’t expect eritrea to give us Asab, let us be real. Let us have neighborly love between the two peoples without expectation of getting Asab
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May 16th, 2009 at 11:23 AM
Proud of U, ER and Elias
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May 16th, 2009 at 11:25 AM
This is a welcome addition to the growing contact and mutual understaning of Ethiopians and Eritreans.Every where in the diaspora, individuals, groups and whole communities of the two brotherly people interact in a friendly and respectful manner,despite the increasingly venomous propaganda of the hate merchants.These days,mixed marriages are not a rare occurence as they used to be. The historical, cultural, economic and blood ties of Ethio-Eritreans are too strong to withstand any temporary set backs, such as the last bitter war of 1998-2000.
Bravo Elias and Sileshi! You have shown great courage, maturity and vision by illuminating the way towards a peaceful co-existence and future prosperity of the two coountries.
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May 16th, 2009 at 12:02 PM
Waluwa, sry but Asab is Eritrea and there he still stand. What for answer do you need, he stands there and you can see him. As a naighbour, Eritrea is ready to give you an access but you as a naighbour also have to accept the indennpendent nation Eritrea. Let us make biz for the sake of our economy, war can lead us nowhere.
ER- Respect for the interview. I hope some of us will learn out of it.
Well done!
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May 16th, 2009 at 12:18 PM
The only solution to solve the plight of most our people is to face and fight relentlessly with the language the tyrant understands ,there have been so many demonstrations appealing to other countries to put pressure on . The fact of the matter is historically there is no government willing to put up with those appeal , it is only the people themselves ,the victims ,the one who suffers are the once that can bring about change. It is we, who should use all means at our disposal tackle and battle it out. I seems People like Elias kifle knows and are in the right direction to gather the viable opposition and struggle.
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May 16th, 2009 at 12:20 PM
Without building bridges there can be no peace. Our common interets are strategic and beyond the lifetimes of one or other regime. The weyanes are counting their days, there are major and common challenges faced by both our countries that will be up to the next generation to address. Let us start the dialogue and put back the drainning and destructiv dogma of hate and all its justifications and start addressing these questions in order to survive the next millenium no matter what the history might throw at our region and continent. Let us talk and exchange ideas. Let this be the begining. It is a good begining Elias.
Tesfa.
Peace.
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May 16th, 2009 at 12:25 PM
Great job ER!
It’s time to get rid of these minority bandits of ethnic belief with no identity who betrayed Horn of Africa, to do the dirty job of the West.
At one time, they are “Tigraians”, burning Ethiopian flag, when the going gets tough, and on the other hand they are “Ethiopians”, when there is an opportunity, for maximum looting.
At one time they are friends of Eritreans while on the other hand ethnic cleansing Eritreans.
They used Eritreans of vision to come to power, pretending Ethiopians, and when they thought they had full control they used innocent Ethiopians’ blood to advance their Abay Tigrai agenda, to claim Assab. When this failed, they used Americans, in the name of fabricated “War on Terror” against Somalians, to gain diplomatic support in their “Rule of the Jungle”. They implanted ethnic hatred among Ethiopians so they will never be challenged.
These leeches have to be dismantled the way they came to power, not thru the Internet or the fake ballot box but thru real measure, with all ethiopians involved, with the help of their creator, Shaebia.
Let peace shine in Horn of Africa so our lives will go smoother, in this critical times of the 21st Century!
dil leChiKun hizboch!
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May 16th, 2009 at 12:32 PM
Miraculous!This guy-Elias’s a man of intellect as well as vision.By this very interview the content of which to be seen soon as promissed by the writer himself,he made a breakthrough in the cold-ice relations of Ethiopia and Eritrea.
Opposition politicians of all stripes are left behind in policy making,while Elias and Sileshi came to the forefront.
For all intens and purposes,however,we’ve to see the entire content of the INTERVIEW.We can make our judgement afterwards.
I know the beautiful city of Asmera-Combistato and its visinity.I had been in many of the hotels and restaurants.But I had no opportunity to visit the beautiful resort harbout city,Massawa.It’s a tourist destination.
I mentioned this,among others,to show that many Ethiopian tourist could have used this facility had the leaders of the two countries been farsighted,had love for the peoples of the two countries.
Because of their arrogance behaivour and stubborn policies,the war on Badme and other locations raged and consumed the lives of 120,000 soldiers.As if that is not enough,the stalemate on the border conflict’s not yet broken.
The proxy war in Somalia has also compouned the problem,and currently seems to get more complicated.The U.N,in my opinion,should intervene to avoid more blood shed.
The Somalis piracy’s also a regional and international problem that revolves around the two Horn of African countries.It must be nipped in the bud by the collabarative work of the great and the Horn of Africa countries.
To make the long story short,I’m highly pessimistic that the multi-faceted problems in the two countries can be resolved if Essais and Meles stay in power.Both countries need democratic political systems,democrat leaders.Refusal to receive international aid amidst poverty shows simply lack of wisdom and neglect to the sufferin of ones own people.
I’ll continue my comment after the 4-hour interview.
Have a grea day,Guys!
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May 16th, 2009 at 12:35 PM
Good job.
I hope president Afewerki’s answers will convince some Ethiopians that anything and everthing Eritrean is not bad for Ethiopia and that Eritrea is not necessarily Ethiopia’s #1 enemy. I also hope that this interview would not be the only and last one. More close interaction between Ethiopians, Eritreans and Somalis for that matter may help lessen mistrust and enmity that prevailed so far. Conflict and hatred among us has been the practice all alone and has not gotten anywhere but bloodshed, misery and medieval living standard. It would ,therefore, make sense to experiment regional rapprochement and cooperation to safe lives, lift ourselves from abject poverty and allow ourselves to live with dignity.
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May 16th, 2009 at 12:41 PM
well done. ethiopians and eritreans should stand together aganist the foreign agents and the terrorist group TPLF. This is really a good move. we,ethiopians and eritreans have so many things in common.we should put aside our differences and stand shoulder to shoulder to topple our common enemies. that are westren agents like bereket,melese andd sebhat.
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May 16th, 2009 at 1:01 PM
ER,
It’s a breakthrough to journalism as compared to other media outlets regarding Ethiopian affairs.
When I saw the first time the face of Mr. Elias on ETN-Tv, I could confirm that Mr. Elias was a patriotic person loving his country Ethiopia and our neighbours.
His expression as well as his body language was telling me how he was deeply immersed in Ethiopian nationalism.
A nationalism, in favour of all people living on that country irrespective of ethnic, clan, religion, party affiliation, etc.
I hope more news will come out, when we watch the video and the content of the conversation.
Viva ER
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May 16th, 2009 at 1:05 PM
Great job, Elias!
You are really superb and the one who understands in detail about the enemy of Ethiopia (TPLF). You are such a great person with high courage to do every thing to bring down the tribalist junta. I hope many will follow your initiative and become clear about nature of that regime so that we have to point every effort to overthrow the tyranny from Ethiopia.
GL
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May 16th, 2009 at 1:09 PM
Dear Elias,
I applaud you for this courageous and bold move. I know you are a class on your own. This is an eye-opener for all of us, friends and foes alike, to look beyond our immediate interest. For so long, we’re blinded by our ego, rigid ideology, and narrow-politics. We have spent much of our precious time fighting one another on irrelevant matters that doesn’t serve any good to the Ethiopian people. Now is the time for open, smart and fresh outlook to extricate Ethiopia from the dangerous situation it finds itself.
Insanity, as they say, is doing the same thing again and again, and expecting a different result. We live in a time, more than any other time in the history of Ethiopia, where we need to forge a smart alliance and craft knowledge-based, very well researched strategy to outsmart Woyane in all fronts. Unless we do that, we’re not going to achieve the freedom we’re yearning for long. I sincerely believe Elias’ move is part of this greater smart and open strategy towards achieving that grand and noble cause, i.e., the freedom of the Ethiopian people. I can’t wait to hear the full interview.
Those who do not stomach this bold move are either Woyanes or are those who are still shackled by their own narrow dogma.
Yours.
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May 16th, 2009 at 2:01 PM
in short good job!!!
to kill woyane
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May 16th, 2009 at 2:39 PM
Elias,
You did a very great Job. Ethiopian review is a source of information for many of us.
Keep it up the good Job!
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May 16th, 2009 at 3:15 PM
Good move, I hope the interview will repair the peace and development relation between the two people that has been damaged by woyane.
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May 16th, 2009 at 3:16 PM
i am proud of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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May 16th, 2009 at 3:24 PM
Elias;
You traveled to a country/government where no alternative media outlet is observed. It must be the only country where ideas opposing the givernment are 100% banned.
I’m sure you have learned a lot to avoid any idea contrary to your stand. That is why you posted only the support and admiration to you.
I, therefore, congratulate you to learn and practice the “Esayas doctrine” in no time.
By the way … i understand why it took you so long to post the video.
Observer
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May 16th, 2009 at 3:26 PM
Hi Sileshi
I’m very proud of you and i can wait to see the vidio I
hope we will have a good relation with Eritrean for the future well done god bless you
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May 16th, 2009 at 3:42 PM
Great job guys. Instead of guessing about the stand Eritrea when it comes to Ethiopia, Somalia It’s better to hear it from the leader himself. Now for the first time Ethiopians that see and hear this will understand that Eritrea only have good wishes for our Ethiopian brothers and sisters and hope they will fight like Eritrea outside powers that try to in slave our people and economy. We shall fight and win together. Victory to the people of
Ethiopia & Eritrea and we shall overcome these dark days.
Love & Peace to Eritrea & Ethiopia
Seme Eritrawi
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May 16th, 2009 at 3:44 PM
wondeful, can’t wait to see the video
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May 16th, 2009 at 4:07 PM
Elias what u have done is something that goes beyond the reality we have today, i think can really be the restart botton for a new era in wich eritrean and ethiopian people can see each other as brother and sister once again
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May 16th, 2009 at 5:00 PM
Ones weyane mafia are eradicated from the face of the planet the beautiful people of Ethio-Eritrea and as well as the rest of the horn of Africa will co-exist with much more mutual respect, interest, benefits, and above all peaceful environment. The “border of shame” that slaughtered and distroyed both nation will be dimilitarized zone and replaced with peace loving people. God bless Ethio-Eritrean people and it is my prayer the whole weyane mafia family rotten in the prisons they built themselves!
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May 16th, 2009 at 5:05 PM
according reliable sources,mobile phones outside addis all disconnected by weyane. Too much tension in the Northern Ethiopia. It seems EPPF is advancing now and many ethiopians are flocking to join EPPF army.
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May 16th, 2009 at 5:22 PM
Good job.The Weyane understands one thing and one thing only-Force.
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May 16th, 2009 at 5:46 PM
This is a big blow to woyane. The job of Woyane, Aiga and Ethiomedia is to keep Ethiopians and Eritreans apart. Because that is the only way they will keep Ethiopia hostage. Now it is undoubtly clear that Ethiopians and Eritreans, somalis and other East Africans have actually a common enemy. It is time to work together towards a common interest. One thing Ethiopians should know that Eritreans are reliable friends and they have a track record of keeping their words. They supported the south sudanse, even when woyane used the case in 1998 to build its alliance with the sudanse government. The Eritreans helped the south Sudanse to have a place to leave without asking nothing for return. When the somalis were abondoned even by the Arabs the Eritrean government stood with them in their difficult time even risking itself to be included in the terror list. Given the track record there is no reason to think that the Eritrean goverenment will betray the Ethiopians. By the way Eritreans and Ethipians are more related than any other people in East Africa.
Good job Elias.
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May 16th, 2009 at 6:11 PM
Had there been one hundred people as brave and as hard working committed Ethiopians as Elias kifle and Sileshi Tilahun in today’s Ethiopia, the Woyannie tribalist gangs would have been history.
A very smart Ethiopian called Elias and the Ethiopian Review (ER)” a General with two divisions of army”, no wonder the Woyannie Tigraians had charged Elias Kifle with “treason punishable by death” after the 2005 election fiasco in absentia, during which the Woyannie Tigraians committed genocide on innocent Ethiopians.
Keep up the work
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May 16th, 2009 at 6:16 PM
am proud of you as always Elias!! wende ye Ethiopia leji
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May 16th, 2009 at 6:20 PM
Journalism is gathering information for the sake of revealing the truth to the people. I believe that is the true intention of the word.
You did one step forward by interviewing President Issaias. I am sure a lot of people will realize the truth and grasp a better understanding of what Eritrea and Ethiopia should be as neighbors. As I am, I am sure many people will watch the entire interview and are waiting anxiously.
May peace and prosperity be to both; the people of Ethiopia and Eritrea.
Elias, You are commended for doing your job and you deserve it.
Thanks, John
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May 16th, 2009 at 6:37 PM
Elias! The ice breaker… BRAVO! You did it again. Woyanes will piss today after this. I can’t wait to see the interview video. congratulation. the problem today is there are only few brave and courageous journalists and politicians like Elias today. ood work keep it up…!!!
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May 16th, 2009 at 7:09 PM
Weyane starts crying @ aigaforum before the interview released. Elias you are a nightmare for those bastard woyanes. Good job brother Elias. Keep it up.
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May 16th, 2009 at 7:45 PM
Comment #29 (Waluwa), Please go get a life and leave us alone. Your question is silly at best and downright stupid at worst.
Elias,
Thank you for your effort and really attempting to bridge the two sisterly countries. I don’t want to say anything about the character of President Isayas for I am sure many will say nothing but good about him. I simply want to congratulate your efforts and I do not have an illusion that the way to go is to work together and we can do it and let us do it.
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May 16th, 2009 at 7:54 PM
First of all thanks for Ethiopian Review as well as EPPF
for relentless effort they made always to expose WOYANE regime. Then thanks for Eritrean Government for allowing us interviewing them about general issue and who better know woyane better than President Esayas, and the relationship they have with us. I really eager to watch the interview hopefully soon. We are more and more unite both countries respecting each other but first and atmost we have to get rid off this coacoroch woyane regime.
Long live ETHIOPIA.
M.
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May 16th, 2009 at 8:56 PM
Dear Ethiopians & Eritreans:
We Eritreans and Ethiopians have socio-economical and political common problems, so let’s work together to solve those common problems, face our challenges and meet the expectations instead of focusing in our differences and finger pointing to each other. Certainly, us in any civilized society we have different views on certain issues, however those differences shouldn’t stop us form cooperating, working together and respecting each others sovereignty and integrity.
We have to be visionary’s to create and build stable, peace, prosperous region and the People of Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, Sudan and Eritrea to live in Harmony, Peace, Love, Respect and work hard to raise their families and build their wealth like any other part of the world. This was and is the vision of Eritrean Struggle, this is the Vision of Eritrean People, we as a Nation and People of Eritrea believe that we have to be in charge and be responsible for our own independent destiny. Hence, now Eritrea is playing its modest role to realize this vision.
Therefore, We Ethiopians and Eritreans are not enemies but we are one big family so it is our duty as a generation to engage, participate and be active in realizing and be part of this vision and think forward and learn to be FRIENDS; we have to think beyond fall of Weyan’s and hatred. Today, the geographical borders we have might not be import in the coming generations or years from now.
I just want you to think for a moment and try to consider the huge opportunity cost lost in the past 50 years by the conflict between these two sisterhood counties. Do you think the Ethiopian or Eritrean people gained by these endless conflicts and confrontations? Could you imagine the money and resources we spent for weapons to destroy each other? …. It is billions of billions of dollars. And now think the other way, could you imagine if we could spend and invest for the past five decades theses billions of dollars & resources build our economy such as our infrastructures, hospitals, schools, universities, privet companies…. I don’t think it’s hard to imagine what kind of economy and life standard the Ethiopian People could have at this time-day and age. If those money were invested properly, I believe today we might not have seen or witnessed a single citizen of that region dying of hunger. I could imagine that Ethiopia could be the main economy engine of the region with all its resources and talented People, being fountain of Wisdom, Prosperities and earn its highest position in the region and by in large in the world. Instead it seam to me (you might disagree with my thinking) that the Ethiopian leaders (regimes) during the past 5 decades have never learner from each others wrong policies. So it is up to us to bring change for the better and stable life in the region and bring Ethiopia to the position where it belongs, lead the region to the right direction, however to earn its position & respect, I believe Ethiopians should work hard to do their homework’s. On the other hand, I believe Eritrea is working hard in doing its homework’s and offering its humble help and goodwill for its neighboring people; so anyone with good intentions and common vision should use these great historical opportunity to realize our common vision.
This is my first time to visit Ethiopian Website and I do apologize in advance if I offended or hurt anyone else’s thinking or feeling or political affiliations unintentionally.
Elias please keep up the excellent work; I believe this is the first iceberg breaking interview and a good step to know each others values and thinking means to find and explore more common ground to work together for a common goal beyond the horizon.
With all my Respect to all Ethiopians and Wishing You all the best in Your Endeavors!.
And to My Eritrean People, I would like to congratulate you with Our 18th Anniversary of Independence Day. We the People of Eritrea are Honored and Privileged to have a GREAT – VISIONARY leader President Isaias Afewerki.
Wedi Afowerki allow me to wish you good health and let God provide you with his Blessing & Wisdom to lead our Country to the right direction. God Bless You!!
With the same token, let God provide our Leaders in the Region Wisdom & Blessing to lead their People to Stability, Peace and Propriety. God Bless Everyone!! And God Bless our Region!!.
I am looking forward to see the interview.
Mengis
(Wedi Er)
Awet N Hafash
Zelalmaoi Zkri N Sweatna
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May 16th, 2009 at 9:00 PM
This is really a bad news for mercenary weyanes.President Essyas is a man of honor who is and has been the great leader of Eritrean nationalism.He loves nationalists especilly African nationalist groups that stand against neo-colonialists and imperialists.He has mske it clear that he is never the enemy of any nation or people for that matter Ethiopians,sudanese.somalis etc.His vision is by working together and respecting each others sovereignity we can come any obstacles and prosper.He is never a tribalis,opprtunist,narrow minded,extremist religious or nationalis.He has never been a tool of any powers be it Arabs,jews or europeans,and indeed Bushites.
Not like the psycopath and worthless mercenay Meles Zenawi that leads the weyane an organization that stands for nothing and is a group of people who are hired by foreign powers and present noone except their big bellies or plainly hodamotches President Essayas represents Eritrean nationalism and pride.
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May 16th, 2009 at 10:35 PM
I congratulate the two brave Ethiopians , Elias and Sleshi , for the job well done! I have always believed that Eritreans are principled and that they are not traitors like the Wayanes. I have always believed that the Ethiopians and Eritreans can work together towards improving our existing conditions.
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May 16th, 2009 at 10:44 PM
Great Elias !!
Great !!!
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May 16th, 2009 at 10:58 PM
Dear Elias,
For what ever reason you interviewed, I would like to appreciate you and President Isayas. Look how Aiga has paranoid by your piece of news. Ethiopia Will Prevail.
Texan
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May 17th, 2009 at 1:42 AM
it is really amazing to see Eritrean and Ethiopian solving their problems by themselves. where ever we go we are brothers. let me tell you something you guys, I’m Ethiopian living in the USA,i have a lot of Eritrean friend her with me. they respect and love Ethiopian than any other kind of people and we Ethiopian do the something, some other African people supreme with our love, they say “hey you Gus fight each other but you still love ……etc” This implays that we are so closed people than any other part of the world …. so please let’s live in peace,love and work for a better development.This is a historical event, thanks a lot Elias, you did great job!!!!
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May 17th, 2009 at 1:48 AM
We, the ppl of Ethio-Eritrea , it’s about time to sit & discuss Our differences to understand each other. I admire the true journalizm In action… Above all , thanks a Million to the One & Only servant Of the truth the Lion Of Nakfa to make this historic Interview Possible.’If ur Neighbour is sick u’ll be Infected too.’ so Peace in the Horn of Africa.
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May 17th, 2009 at 2:55 AM
I can’t wait to listen the interview. My comments will follow later. For now well done Elias.
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May 17th, 2009 at 3:46 AM
Bravo Elias!
By doing this interview with Isayas Afewerki, you have laid a solid foundation for mutual respect and understanding between Ethiopians and Eritreans.
Keep up the courageous work and Woyane will be no more in a few years if not months. The Ethiopian Army has already started to rebel against the racist Woyanes.
Viva Ethiopia!
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May 17th, 2009 at 5:10 AM
GRET JOB ER I CAN’T WAIT TO WATCH IT….
the last way to hant weyane is now!!!
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May 17th, 2009 at 5:43 AM
Well done Ethiopianreview
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May 17th, 2009 at 6:15 AM
GREAT JOB ELIAS!YOU ARE CREATING CONDUCIVE ENVIROMENT TO IMPROVE RELATIONS BETWEEN BOTH PEOPLE.I REALY APPRECIATE YOUR EFERT.
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May 17th, 2009 at 6:45 AM
Whatever it takes to topple the dictator meles seitanawi I will support stronglly!!
Bravo Elais!! Good job!!
I am very eager to listen the interview!!
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May 17th, 2009 at 8:30 AM
Great Job,
Elias you made it.
The best job in your life bringing the two brotherly
peoples of Ethiopia and Eritrea together.
Elias this would be the best historical moment.
May 17, 2009
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May 17th, 2009 at 8:38 AM
great move good job please be fast i can’t wait to hear
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May 17th, 2009 at 9:26 AM
GOOD JOB Sir ELIAS. WOYANNES, UR TIME IS UP. LONG LIVE ETHIOPIA
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May 17th, 2009 at 9:27 AM
it is truly great what u have done guys, we the people of eritrea and ethiopia, we r waiting for peace and i hope this should induce for further such kind peogress. colina .
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May 17th, 2009 at 9:53 AM
Jegna Ato Elias, you heard the heart beat of true Ethiopians and Eritreans, i am sure you will uncovered the truth covered by dust of weyane and its donors,i am sure you will open bridge of peace b/n the innocent peoples of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Good work indeed!!!!
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May 17th, 2009 at 10:00 AM
I have mixed feelings about talking with Issayas Afeworki. But I can see this as the greatest threat to the TPLF. The more the Eritreans and Ethiopians are talking this would drive the Weyanes crazy no question about it.
Elias you now found the biggest weapon of mass eradication of the TPLF
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May 17th, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Dear Elias, you click the jump starter of unity of the two people, you really tried the way forward to accept and being accepted.
I wish u all the best.
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May 17th, 2009 at 1:07 PM
Hi Biniam, you sound a bite paranoia, this is an interview carried out regarding horn of Africa. No one asked President Issaya to run regim change on Ethiopia. Biniam I doubt you are Eritrean.
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May 17th, 2009 at 1:25 PM
Where is the interview? Post it please!
I would like to hear his stand on Woyannes, sharing Assab with Ethiopia, reunion with Ethiopia, supporting opposition parties like EPPF.
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May 17th, 2009 at 1:40 PM
Good job Elias to be able to help widen the lens of many. Woyanne is on the run and this might also be a good opportunity to show ERITREANS WERE THE GET KEEPERS AND DEFENDERS OF Ethiopia but leaders screwed up. Thanks Elias we need many more courageous Ethiopians like you. I can not wait to see Isays’s response to all the questions.
BEST
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May 17th, 2009 at 2:01 PM
Well done Elias, truly very courageous achievment.
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May 17th, 2009 at 2:15 PM
good work! well done guys I hope we will see the vedio soon.
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May 17th, 2009 at 2:19 PM
Good job, aiga forum and ethiopiafirst are bullshiting about it. Those woyanne websites are jealous of you because you are brave to do this interview.
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May 17th, 2009 at 2:36 PM
Elias,
This is seriously good job. If there is anybody who understands the woyanne mindset, it must be Iasayas. I am waiting for the interview.
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May 17th, 2009 at 4:33 PM
wow this is historic… you are the kind of person ethiopia needs. you are on the right path.
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May 17th, 2009 at 4:39 PM
Eritrea is the only country in the world supporting Ethiopian opposition parties. So I also take my hat off for Isayas Afeworki. tell me any country who supported Kinijit and others?
Eritrea TV is transmitting Kinijit and EPPF news directly to Ethiopia. They hosted EPPF patriots by giving them basic support and food. We are so weak that we are even unable to utilize it. So you must be smarter. Only Weyanes talk bad things about Eritrea. Weyane used shabia to march into Addis so why cant do the same? Only weyanes are opposing Eritrea now.
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May 17th, 2009 at 5:23 PM
This is indeed a good start.The interview will I hope arouse a lot of common questions that need to be addressed. Our region demands that.
Congratulation for this exposure.
Fano
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May 17th, 2009 at 9:06 PM
Though I disagreed with Eritrean independce in 1991, I have come to grips that it is time to mvoe on and we have to find a way to live side by side with Eritreans. To me, Eritea’s stand against western powers is to be admired. If anybody can help us depose the TPLF, it is the Eritreans along with our real opposition groups. I hope this is the beginign of a long road towads mitually respect and trust between Ethiopians and Eritreans.
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May 17th, 2009 at 9:59 PM
Hi Elias. I would like to say thank you for your usual professional contribution to the Diaspora as well as to the oppressed people of Ethiopian. Having said that I want to hear and evaluate the whole context of the interview then I can say “yes you did it.”
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May 17th, 2009 at 10:54 PM
Elias, I did not know what kind of strings you pull off to have an interview with the present day Nkruma, LUBMUBA, and Malcolm X but I have to pay respect for your bold move. Elias, how did you find Asmara and the people of Eritrea? Please tell us. Thank U.
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May 18th, 2009 at 2:10 AM
Great Job Elias
I am very amazed and pleased about the Good job you have done.Both Eriteans and Ethiopians are destained to live together as brothers and sisters,Our only and last problem is the inferior,backward TPLF TIGRAY,Lets Push hard and eradicate them.
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May 18th, 2009 at 2:51 AM
Dear Editor:
Wonderful job. I had been asking myself that why a single Ethiopian journalist would not come here and ask our president so that Ethiopians of all walks life would understand us eritreans: we have never been against Ethiopians except for the bloodsucking leaders, like meles who has tarnished Ethiopia and Ethiopians with famine and begging. I don’t mean our president is all-correct and infallible but at least dares to speak in the face of the enemies of Africa and its people thereby try to provoke correctice measures on the part of the enemies. He advocates african unity, self-reliance, cooperation among poor peoples like us, Ethiopians and eritreans. The once flamboyant region(football, technology…), east Africa is lagging behind others in every aspect because of leaders like meles.
Anyway, wonderful!
Haile
asmara
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May 18th, 2009 at 4:03 AM
Elias pls post the interview!!! I am just refreshing the site every hour
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May 18th, 2009 at 5:24 AM
ድንቅ ጥረት ነው: የሚደነቅ: እውነት ግን የምትፈልገውን ሁሉ ተይቀህ ተመለሰልህ ?ወይስ መመለስ የሚፈልገውን ብቻ እንድትጥይቅ ሆነ ለማንኝኣውም ከቃለምልልሱ በሁአላ የምናየው ይሆናል ::
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May 18th, 2009 at 5:56 AM
Would you please post the interview? I am desperate but do also understand the time value of information!
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May 18th, 2009 at 6:56 AM
well done. can’t wait to hear the interview
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May 18th, 2009 at 7:24 AM
Hi both Elias and Shileshi;
I know mr Elias From Ethioipa Review meg since 1994 and I adimre you always your free mind.I as an Eritrea I believe and hope we all are the some and the only our problem is Woyane.
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May 18th, 2009 at 7:32 AM
wedi Lijam,
what are you talking about dude?
one of your classmate in AAU :-)
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May 18th, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Elias, it is a job well done!!
This is the beginning of closeness to our blood brothers Eritrean and the end of the blood suckres weyanes.
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May 18th, 2009 at 11:13 AM
Good job Elias! I am Eritrean and i always adimer elias’s stand for being honest for himself and ask what he belives is true. We all should be honest and focus on the current issue try to solve our diffrences in a constructive way than distorting history and truth for self interest. Assab Assab Assab???? why Assab, Ertreans never ask about Abbay river. Assab,Massawwa belongs to Eritrea.
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May 18th, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Elias:
This must be one of your lifetime accomplishment. Such a historical moment! Regardless of what you ask and what Mr Presidant Isaias answered, the gesture by itself is good enough.
I have a greater hope for Ethiopia via Eritrea than any other Ethiopians. THe only way we can get raid of Weyane is that if we work close to Eritrea. President Isaias created Weyane and he is the only one knows how to destroy them as well.
THank you Elias. Thank you Mr Presidant
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May 18th, 2009 at 11:23 AM
hey Elias i was just wondering if u and Esayas Afewerki are related cause you guys kind of look alike. just a question
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May 18th, 2009 at 12:32 PM
Elias where is the beef? Great job. I am eagerly waiting to hear what Isayas has to say to some questions we all Ethipians might have. viva Elias!!
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May 18th, 2009 at 1:32 PM
Couragious journey to the Land that caries the ‘antidot’ to Ethiopia’s chronic ailment of ‘peace’ under ‘Meles and Siyoum’ clique in TPLF. President Isayas has stood tall among his African peers for his ‘statemanship’ and currently represents the hope of Africa and Ethiopia, despite the conventional wisdom artificially created against his statures, by Meles’s TPLF in Ethiopia and the Military Junta.
I salute the ground breaking move from Both sides, Primarily for President Isayas for allowing this and making himself available for questions from Ethiopia; Secndly,for Elias Kifle and Ethiopian Compatriot for taking the task of the interview. Great Job!!! It is symbolic and we hope to see decisive raproachment between Eritrean people and Ethiopian opposition groups that are getting ‘famous these days’ to remove the cancer of peace (TPLF) from the Horn of African political landscape once and for all.
I wish personal well being for President Isayas and the State of Eritrea and Sucess for all struggling Ethiopian opposition forces, inside and outside.
Thanks
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May 18th, 2009 at 1:48 PM
By now a could be retired professor once told us:
“In the beginning of 1960s, then young Issayas was living in Addis. He was just a handsome young habesha from next door. I know him very well. We used to walk, talk, eat, drink and play together. When I heard he became part of ELF and then TPLF, I still was thinking he will be always one of us no matter what. Because we knew, he has our habsesha mind and heart.
I believe it was in 1988; he being agreed to discuss the Issue between Eritrea and Ethiopia in a peaceful and benefit to both ways, indicates that still he is one of us. I’m sure; Ethiopians can make a long lasting and useful deal with Issayas than any one from TPLF. TPLF are… And the story continued…”
And we were very interested to hear.
I’m sure, if he is genuine and wants a long lasting solution to Ethiopia and Eritrea for real, President issayas can do a lot about it. Instead of dividing Ethiopians in Eritrea the way the meles criminal game is doing in Ethiopia based on Ethnicity, he could bring them all united under one Ethiopian flag to confront woyane. But the story we are hearing about how Ethiopians in Eritrea are treated based on Ethnicities, gives Ethiopians very big reservation about the Eritrean govt. Instead it is telling us that President Issayas does support the woyane stile of destroying Ethiopia with Ethnicity and kilil. .
The eritrean govt must act differently than the woyane criminals are doing against Ethiopia, which is divide and weaken to rule them as slaves. The Eritrea govt has power and possibilities to bring all Ethiopians together under one flag to confront woyane with united stick and determination. Those refused to unite under one Ethiopian people agenda need to be stopped their activity based on Ethnicity. The day we see this happening, will be the day all Ethiopians will embrace president Issyas with heart and mind.
I’m sure if he wants to do really the real job, all is in his hand and very simple to do so and achieve the goal. Other than that, it is just a joke and game for nothing. We have to stop playing games while we know what is for real and what is just for game. We have to be genuine and consistent.
What president Issayas has to understand is that no matter what, the Eritrean issue will be solved only when the Ethiopian issue is solved. Remember: 80.000 Illegally and inhumanly deported Ethiopian by woyane because of their Eritrean origin are still Ethiopians and they have 100% right to be Ethiopians including their children. Their issue also must be one of the main agendas. President issayas and other Eritreans have to understand also that Ethiopians have more feeling, trust and togetherness with him and other Eritreans than the criminal and anti Ethiopia and Eritrea woyanes that are consuming to death while committing crimes against the innocents.
The Assab issue is/and will not be the case to disrupt. Who is benefiting from it right now? No one. Instead Ethiopia is paying hundreds of millions of Dollars to Djibouti for port service. If we both as one Habesha people know how to be smart for our benefit, that money will be for Eritrea and Ethiopia benefit based on agreements. Eritreans could live, work and make a good life in Ethiopia all over the country. Be smart. The Assab issue is not a problem but a solution bringing us together to benefit together all sectors; not only the port. No matter what, Ethiopians will remain the closest family to all Eritreans. You have to see the seen and act that way. You are the one keeping woyane on power for 18 years as you were the one brought them to the palace. Back then they were behaving as animals more the domestic once. Right now they are behaving like wild animals all over the country killing, eating and destroying everything. They are living a restless and fearful life, if they call it life. To me they are living in hell with dead soul.
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May 18th, 2009 at 2:07 PM
Elias, you’re a trailblazer, one of a kind, you’re starting a whole new relationsship between the two brother peoples. Gosh, yene wondim!
It is wailing that I’m hearing from the woyane camp of misfits?
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May 18th, 2009 at 2:28 PM
Lijam,
Did you really say the following, or you and the keyboard did not agree?
“I wish there were more Elias Kifles in the last 50 years of Ethio-Eritrean endless wars”
If this is what your wish is, then you wouldn’t have lived the good 50 years you already lived. Please make a better wish!
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May 18th, 2009 at 2:37 PM
Great job Ethiopian review.
As an Eritrean, I commend you for having a courage to do what you just did and many readers may agree or disagree but from my point of view, what distinguishes President Isaias from others is, the Courage he has, the integrity, the decisiveness, his vision to his country and to his people and the whole Africa and East Africa in particular needless to say that the president telling the world as it is not as what they want to hear can only be achieved if someone has the guts to do so.
What Elias just did and has is the Courage and decisiveness to travel to Eritrea and conduct an open interview with President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea. Excellent Job Elias and all I can say is, this is a professional journalism. Some people may think Ethiopian Review was able to conduct an interview because of their past history Naming President Isaias a man of the Year but believe me any Ethiopian ordinary citizen can travel to Asmara and meet the president.
I hope to see Free Ethiopia and the demise of the Evil Weyanes so that Eritrean and Ethiopian people can live in peace and harmony.
Habtom
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May 18th, 2009 at 2:55 PM
I am very eager to hear Esayas speaking in Amharic.
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May 18th, 2009 at 3:44 PM
Elias, u are really my hero. u did a great job. As far as we need to remove Woyanne, the key is with President Isaias
Looking forward to the content of the interview
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May 18th, 2009 at 4:05 PM
Ere meche naw post yemetadergew? bzu zaw metebeku selechen!
we’re anxiously waiting for the video,please post it Elias!
thank u!
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May 18th, 2009 at 6:07 PM
Where is the interview Elias. We are waiting and checking for it every second. I hope soon
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May 18th, 2009 at 6:23 PM
Congra yagere ljoch, Thanks a lot for Elias and Sileshi.
Bertu yagere lijoch. This interview will for sure expose the real behavior of this cancer regime of woyane and their agenda, We already know for the past 17 years about this regime. Elias you are a man God bless u, now this regime get heart attack, as we know when they hear Eritrean president, for them it is a nightmare.
Long live Ethiopia with out this minorty regime of woyane.
Thanks again ethiopian review and eppf.
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May 18th, 2009 at 6:56 PM
DEDICATED TO TEDDY AFRO
Thank you for everything that Elias Kifle and Ato Sileshi Tilahun have done. I want to dedicate this video for the illegally arrested TEDDY AFRO. There is nobody who can explain better the situation about this regime than the President of Eritrea. They have harmed our country and killed our peaceful protesters and have arrested a lot more. This regime must be dismantled and we need to do everything to achieve this. This interview will help us to better understand the relationship between our country and Eritrea and also the hidden agenda of the woyane regime. I am eagre to watch this video and hope it can enlighten us.
Down with the woyane regime. Long live Ethiopia.
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May 18th, 2009 at 7:53 PM
As I have declared more than once before, the National question in Ethiopia has been duly answered. The people of Eritrea rose arms long time ago to take back what was unlawfully snatched from them and they have won that war in a fair fight. They are a sovereign state now since 1993 and we should all respect and accept that. All other residual issues such as access to sea lanes should be negotiated with this sovereign state on equality bases. Any past relationships should be used only as a reference not as a past territory or property. I know that there are quite a few Ethiopians who are not willing to accept this reality and who took it as a very bitter pill to swallow. Some of you may even try to tell me that Mr. Isaias and his followers were getting a lot of both material and diplomatic support from other nations. All I can say is good for those that did just that. But it shows how intelligently he used all his resources to sustain the battle against all odds for more than 30 years and gained independence. I don’t give any much weight to the contributions of ‘Ted Bundy’ from Adwa given to the Eritrean fighters in the 70’s, 80’s and up to May 1991. EPLF were already in full control of more than 90% of Eritrea even before 1990. I still have copies of Time Magazine and other Western news papers from the 1980′s and 90′s that showed EPLF in control of Massawa and other large towns in Eritrea not let alone the countryside. They had grasped their realities very well from the outset and used all their meager resources very well. ‘Ted Bundy’s march into Addis in May 1991 was only the ice on the cake for Mr. Isaias and his troops. So some of you fools must learn how to accept defeat and accept Eritrea as a full-fledged sovereign state. And then deal with it accordingly. I think that is what Mr. Elias exactly doing. He seems to understand and accept the fact that Eritrea is a sovereign state recognized by the entire world and stands in clear and steadfast opposition to Ted Bundy from Adwa. Way to go Mr. Elias!!! God Bless!!!!
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May 18th, 2009 at 9:59 PM
If he believe in one Ethiopia, that is good. Other than that, it is just a joke and game for nothing. We have to stop playing games while we know what is for real and what is just for game. We have to be genuine and consistent.
What president Issayas has to understand is that no matter what, the Eritrean issue will be solved only when the Ethiopian issue is solved. I totally agree with this statement.
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May 18th, 2009 at 10:03 PM
I am touched by the above comments. we People (eritreans/ethiopians) could live in peace and unity, and one day (only time will tell) we can unit and become boarderless.
Dear Ethiopians, I assure you PIA and Eritreans would like to see united Ethiopia, not only Ethiopia, but Sudan and Somalia, too. This is the stand of the Government of the State of Eritrea. We prosper with peaceful neighbourhood.
Ethiopians should see this historic interview as stepping stone for further co-operations and fight to overthrow woyanne.
Long live Ethio-Eritrean relationship.
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May 18th, 2009 at 10:25 PM
Hey guys,
I fully understand your eagerness to see the video. But, please be patient. Elias is visiting many places like Massawa. As you can imagine the red carpet has been rolled to him. I am just as eager as you guys are to hear the interview, because if what I read in Shabait.com is any indication, I believe all the Weyane instilled fears in us will soon vanish for good. I really believe President Isaias what ever he says. He is an honest and honorable man who is being demonized by the Western media for refusing to be another African leader at the service of the neo colonialists. If this interview would bring the two peoples together for mutual benefit [win-win situation] and without any animosity, then the trip would have been all worth it! Long live the inseparable friendship of the Ethiopian and Eritrean people. Nobody can make us enemy. We are our worst enemy. Time to stop that nonsense!
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May 18th, 2009 at 10:42 PM
Elias please post it, we are very eager to see the vid
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May 18th, 2009 at 11:38 PM
Dear Elias, as you are wellcomed to our country, all Ethiopians are also invited to Eritrean as we are not only neighbours but brothers ans sisters. What ever happens in the political high above the clouds, who ever comes in power in both countries, we are two nations living side by side in respect and honest. The regime in Addis has to know this and cant not play gimmics agains both people.
The presidet of Eritrea has been targeted by the regime in Addis together with his masters elsewhere. Eritrea is a some in size but big in moral and dignity. Ethiopia is big and rich in natural resources and will be bigger and proud if not for the bloodsucker and anti unity TPLF regime.
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May 19th, 2009 at 2:28 AM
Democracy, good gevenance, multi-party system. free movement, free economy, geometricaly dividen of regions,, no tribal region as imposible in reality real, free pres/tv-radio,free court, free military/police etc can be ACHIEVED ONLY IF WE DEFFIT WOYANE AND WE ERTERIAN AND ETHIOPIAN CREAT A UNITED TRANSITIONAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRED BY ISAIAS AFEWERKI.WITH DYNAMIC PARTY PROGRAM AN ERITRIAN CAN BE PRESIDENT OR LEADER ….OBAMA FROM AFRICAN 50% BLOOD IS RULING USA. Elias there is no a heroic and good history of Ethiopia with out the work of her son Eriterian ,,,Zeray Deres,,Moges asgedom ,, Abraham Deboch, Aman Andom etc
WE be united under democracy and build our country from cost to cost,,, We save our economy etc,,,,
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May 19th, 2009 at 5:30 AM
The twisted- minded,evil Woyanes expelled Eritreans and told the Ethiopian people that they were the enemies,and the gullible Ethiopians went along with them and cheered such cruel act of Meles and Co.and encouraged to unleash
the most senseless war betweem the brotherly people of Eritrea and Ethiopia. After all said and done, Eritrea
was vindicated through an international court and was awarded the land Woyane used as scapegoat to invade Eritrea. While Woyane refuses to respect the verdict the atrocities continued on the poor masses of Ethiopians. Meles’ bogus “democracy” election and vote went awry as he massacred over 193 people in day light in Addis Ababa because people dared to question his honesty. As we embark into an era where Ethiopians finally seem to recognize the difference between Shaebia and Woyane, they find an open invitation from the Peace seeking and far-sighted leadership of Eritrea. Woyanes days of lies and pretentions seem to be nearing an end as they are being enclosed from all directions. Gone are the days where woyane would use Eritrea as a scapegoat to create war and hostility between the two peoples inorder to rally support for his criminal leadership. Woyanes fears are being realized now, that the common enemy here is not Eritrea but Woyane himself. The united voice of ethiopians and Eritreans in the world stage should now be loud and clear against the anti-Peace lying evil Woyane who is only good for creating divisions and conflicts and using false pretexts inorder to fulfill his selfish evil agenda.
It is good to see Ethiopians finally come to such realization. Elias Kifle’s close encounter with the President of Eritrea and Eritrea herself would channel
the truth to the rest of truth seeking Ethiopians and the world that Eritrea is a Peace loving, Peace seeking country.
As we wait for the interview, I admire Elias Kifle for this unprecedented event. Long live the peace loving peoples of Eritrea and Ethiopia! Down with the Evil Woyane!
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May 19th, 2009 at 9:02 AM
Wellcome ye Agere ligeElias and Sileesh to wonderful land Eritrea .I born and raise in Ethiopia and I would like this two land be one some day.
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May 19th, 2009 at 9:51 AM
Wow, I am astonished by all those good comments. I always thought the Ethiopians hate and mistrusted Eritreans. During the Eritrean Army struggle I remember as a young fighter when we capture soldiers we used to give them food that we ourselves can’t afford to eat, and treat their wounded appropriately. I used to say, what is this? Those people came to kill us but instead we feeding them our week portion (Mesharf)? My Battalion leader, may God bless his soul, used to tell me “menjus, ezAn dea mesaken entay gerem, dey tegediden tsmeta eyen, mizian tsili yeblnan, tsibah nigho meriat netsa miskonet eko yehwat ena”. Roughly translating, “Those haven’t done any, they came here forcefully, we have no animosity toward those poor solders. After independent those will be our brothers.” Yet I did not buy his excuse at that time. Perhaps I was too young to understand the EPLF leadership’s broad vision. When the war started again in 1998, all I said was. Thanks for the brotherly; I completely dismissed what my battalion leader said then. Because through my own experience I have never met any Eritrean that have ill wish toward Ethiopia and Ethiopians, yet I have seen some Ethiopian still want war with Eritrea, and keep talking about Assab. The sad part of it is that they don’t know Assab was almost free of charge to Ethiopian until the TPLF abundant it and gave to the Ethiopian people an empty promise of capturing Assab. But I guess most Ethiopians learn their lesson that the TPLF said all those things to prolong it’s stay in power. Eritrea separated from Ethiopian doesn’t mean Ethiopia lost access to the sea, it will always have Assab and massawa to us it for import and export with mutual understanding and good brotherly friendship. Finally my admiration and gratitude goes to Mr. Elias Kifle and Mr Silesh Tilahun for taking this historical initiative and clarify things among the brotherly countries. It is no one, absolutely no one to tell to the Ethiopia peopole about Eritreans stand point in regard to the Ethiopia than the Ethiopian journalist themselves. I strongly believe that the president will be candid about his position and beliefs in regards to Ethiopian. I am sure the TPLF are in state of panic at this time. It shouldn’t surprise anyone if they come up with fairy-tale
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May 19th, 2009 at 11:08 AM
I was waiting to see the interview. Where is it then? Please post it. ‘Yemin Lib Manteltel New?’
We waited too long. Please post it.
Fitawrari
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May 19th, 2009 at 1:48 PM
This is truly a historical moment of our life time where an Eritrean President and Ethiopian Journalists seat together in a room to discuss about the common interest of the TWO countries. I think the GOOD LORD must have said already enough is enough of killing each other and LOVE and peace must prevail over this region, where as outside forces must be silenced from here on forward so that the TWO nations can feed their hungry children. It is time to put down our weapons and start using our mind and pens to allow our people to learn, think, develop, and create what others have created to have a better life for the coming generation. It is time to build hospitals, roads, bridges, schools and so forth so that we can fill our belly our selves. Enough to begging and start to instill self respect in to the mind of our coming generation and stop the flood of migration where one loses his or her self worth and self respect.
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May 19th, 2009 at 4:13 PM
Elias, My hat is off to you! and I am proud of you to go that extra mile to find the answers to what? who? where? how? and why?
I can’t wait to here the interview brothers!
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May 19th, 2009 at 11:07 PM
it is the hope of thiopia and eritrea
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May 19th, 2009 at 11:18 PM
Selam all:
What Elias and colleagues are doing is a big contribution in the re-establishing of the process of building a true relationship between the two nations.
In this regard,to declare that “The Sky is the limit” as PIA has said, is only possible when the TPLF regime and its tentacles( useful tools of foreign neo-colonialists) are totally uprooted from Ethiopia and the Horn region.
Those who love to talk about history have to live by it now in words and deeds. Then it is possible to make REAL history of lasting cooperation among peoples.
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May 20th, 2009 at 3:01 AM
Thank you for your efforts and we hope this will open a new chapter for Eritrea and Ethiopia. In this unprecedented action, you have made us realize that there is still hope for us all to leave in peace.
It is refreshing to read the posting from both Eritreans and Ethiopians and one can see except for few, people have realized that our destinies are enter twined and we gain nothing from war.
I hope President Isaias has managed to respond to all questions as it is important for Ethiopians to understand that Eritrea and its people are not enemies of the Ethiopian people.
With regard to the Asab issues, few yet representative messages on the important of the sea outlet for Ethiopia. In peace, there is nothing we cannot achieve. All that is needed is mutual respect and the genuine desire to live in peace.
Our real and common enemy is POVERTY!
Fana
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May 20th, 2009 at 8:33 AM
Dear Elias,
Could you please tell us when you’ll be posting this interview? we’re waiting and checking every second in vain.
thank you for all your commendable work!
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May 20th, 2009 at 11:04 AM
we really appreciate the interview by ethiopian review as this is one step forward in re-constructing the bond between this historically bound people. Due to the conflict between the two governments, not the people, we are separated, but the president really outlined all the situation. we as Eritreans criticize Isaias on many issues, but we also appreciate him on some issues like this. so feel proud ethiopians and eritrean on what elias did.
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May 20th, 2009 at 2:32 PM
Hi there you said that the interview video will be soon available, we are still waiting where is it then? Please post it.
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May 20th, 2009 at 2:37 PM
thanks der elias you are the best of all web. may be woyanne members know that their end is coming. I am waiting to see the interview video.
From Germany
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May 20th, 2009 at 3:25 PM
This is truly refreshing to C the TWO nations discussing about issues that would allow them to start develop the same system of government and in return would allow the people of the two nations to start the NATION BUILDING PROCESS. It is time to say the outside forces enough of the system of perpetual poverty that was going on for the last 50 years and time to make the people of the TWO nations aware of the injustice that was being carried out for the 50 years. Nation building will require leaders that are self less enough to lead a country to where the people of Eritrea and Ethiopa can no longer depend on any outside forces to feed their people. Yes the time has come for the WEAYNE to step down and allow the people of Ethiopia start the work of building their roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, and all others by them selves. Yes Ethiopoa has the sons and daughters with great potential that can do many more if only a leader brave enough and self-less a rises TODAY to lead the people.
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May 21st, 2009 at 12:28 PM
Elias crossing the Atlantic ocean and Mediterranean sea to interview H.E Isaias Afwerki , is simply refreshing!!!
Courageous and patriotic people do go the distance to bring an everlasting peace and justice to their people, and now i just want to thank you for NOT BEING just another “journalist” who rather blame all the problems of horn Africa on Eritrea rather than thoroughly studying the issue.Thank you for taking the first step to bring an end to the blood shed between the two people and i hope your efforts bring Eritrean and Ethiopians closer.
And also i wanted to thank you for the beautiful video clip you’ve posted about Asmara!!
I hope to see the interview soon.And for those of us who don’t understand amharic, i hope you’ll have it in English.
God bless Eritrea and Ethiopia
Dahlakislands
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May 21st, 2009 at 7:11 PM
God bless Elias. You have done a great job for the people of Ethiopia and Eritrea.
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May 28th, 2009 at 1:58 PM
I appreciate you so much– good work . we need to do every possible options to get ride of Weyane.
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January 11th, 2010 at 7:48 AM
I have observed the interview given by the Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki.
There is nothing wrong with the ethiopin review as some critics say.
It is very good chance to listen to Isaias and evaluate his opinion on different issues. Whether it is genuine or not, time will tell.
One thing is for sure. Isaias looks more innocent than Melese Zenawi. The arrogancy of Melese Zenawi itself closes the door for right observation. Melese is the” I know everything man”.He has a very serious attitude problem let alone his policy.
thanks for Ethiopin review web
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June 1st, 2010 at 2:29 PM
i hope you will stay wher you are.
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January 13th, 2012 at 12:42 PM