The Interview with President Isaias Afwerki has not been posted yet because it is being translated to Amharic and Tigrigna. The translation takes time since it is a 4-hour presidential interview, and that it needs to be accurate. Once ready, the interview will be posted without any editorial change. The full English version will also be posted. Until then, see below photos from our trip to Eritrea.
(l. to r.) Ethiopian Review publisher Elias Kifle, Sileshi Tilahun of EPPF, Eritrea Information Minister Ali Abdu and President Isaias Afwerki inside the Asmara Presidential Palace, May 15, 2009
(l. to r.) Sileshi Tilahun, President Isaias Afwerki, and Elias Kifle in front of the Asmara Presidential Palace May 15, 2009
Ethiopian Review publisher Elias Kifle touring Asmara, May 13, 2009
good job!!!! you are doing your part for peacfull Eithiopa and Eritrea. We need to come to understanding that peace/respect is the only way!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
I see President Isayas afewrki more and more like the only one hero in our common region. People tried to demonize him and i was like something must be on this point. By more analyzing the situation and his unconditional visions, i can tell you i´m more than impresssed. If we are honest to ourselves, nobody can deny which hardship he is going through for his vision. If his vision is good or bad is a matter of opinion. I find it´s good.
I see President Isayas afewrki more and more like the only one hero in our common region. People tried to demonize him and i was like something must be on this point. By more analyzing the situation and his unconditional visions, i can tell you i´m more than impresssed. If we are honest to ourselves, nobody can deny which hardship he is going through for his vision. If his vision is good or bad is a matter of opinion. I find it´s good.
President Isaias is one of the few African leaders who is standing up against the westerners who want to dictate African leaders what to do and what not by offering carot and stick. The carot and stick trick does not work with Isaias and his vision is for all Africa to be self reliant and for the leaders to be able to negotiate with other leaders with respect and mutual benefit – not like a beggar and a donor where the donor tells the beggar when, what and how to do things in his/her own country.
His motto are self reliance, food security and respect for Africa. Those of us who live in Western countries know how people in the west look at us down because we wait for their food assistance year in year out.
Couple days ago a man who works with me who is very eduated man and I were sittin side by side at a company party and I was enjoying ice cream after lunch; he said to me ” DO YOU HAVE ICE CREAM IN ETHIOPIA ? ” I was stunned by his question. I told him “I guess you need to read more books or go visist some African countries because I cannot answer your question by saying Yes or no ” – you see this are the type of people our leaders are not standing up.
We need leaders who think about prosprity and respect of their countries rather than their own benefit by stealing money from the donation they get in the name of food assistance and so on.
Viva Ethiopian and Eritrean peaceful existence!
We are brothers and sisters, we are neighbours who should live in peace and harmony…..we should not wait for the United Nations or any Western country to come and make peace for us……..we have to do it our selves and we need leaders who have such a vision.
elias you did a good job .. i cant wit to see the whole interview, i hope you write more about your thought or your impression of the people, country and the city of Asmera
the last picture attracted my attention.
a day will come Elias will be free to tour addis too.
but the area he is touring looks deserted,it is probably a residential area.the roads also look terrible,probably the result of economic suffering as a result of woyane’s policy and the west’s bias and lack of investment.
a bright new future will come for the people of ethiopia and eritrea.
Great job Elias! We need more! more photos and ofcourse the interview!you are a true patriot who puts his money where mouth is! This is woyane’s worst nightmare coming true.
The picture speaks a lot. I am not that comfortable Elias with Issayas but for sure this will drive TPLF nuts.
As Issays started talking with Ethiopians this may be the beginning of the end of Weyane. W all know that TPLF would not been in their current position without Shabia. They will be removed with the help of shabia and that why the end is near…
It’s time to update Elias Kifle’s Wiki of this unprecedented picture coming out of Eritrea! Convicted of treason in abstentia by the desperate woyane regime in Ethiopia, and sentenced to life in prison,Elias makes this courageous trek to Eritrea, undeterred by the threats and intimidations of Woyane who filed for his extradition with the U.S. Government. ER is a nightmare to woyane who blocked the website in woyane’s “Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia!
i am still waiting to hear isayyas before i made my mind.
as far as the fotos concerned he(isayyas and his officials seem to be calm and have confidence in what they are doing so far but beyond that i would like to keep my judjment on hold to the next step…),but i am 100% sure that the TPLF will lost their temper as they USUALLY DO EVERY MAY 15.
I am hopefull, in the near future Eritreas and ethiopias can march hand on hand to their desired capital without fear. Keep up the good work we are all one and of the some. The damage done by Weyane will be there for some time but it will heal gradualy. “hope, you will see the invinsable and touch the insitable and achieve the imposibe hope” Let as all carry on the momentum and peace will rain in no time. After peace prosperity, because both countries are endowed with natural resource provided we develop it and gurd them jeolesly from the hayina of the west. Peace to all.
Bravo Elias!
When one day our two countries become one … Elias will be our unified country’s greatest hero.
You took the shortest distance between the hearts of two dignified people. How is it possible that one can be so brave! And I looked at your pictures, you look very honest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can already smell the breath of fresh air and taste the idea of living side by side with our kins to the north. Great job Eli. To use Neil Armstrong’s jargon when he set foot on the Moon in July 1969, you are doing a small step on your part that would be engulfing the entire region soon in a jiant leap forward for peace and harmony. We do not need the Western crapolas to gain what is justifieably ours. We have brains and intellect, there is no reason why we can not live in peace augumenting each others’ needs.
Viva Eritrea and Ethiopia! Two nations inspeparable in action!
Dear Elias,
Thank you for meeting East Africans hero, Isayas Afeworki and lets hope the ginbot 7 leaders also will meet Isayas. Ginbot 7 and EPPF should united and support the freedom fighters such as OLF, ONLF and other secessionist groups. I am Ginbot 7 member
I am proud of you, ER and Elias, you walked over the death trap of fear mongers and EX-TPLF thugs and came out shining!!!!BRAVO!!! How many other jouranilist can say that, none.
Go G7
Cheers!!!
It is good that Ethiopians and Eritreans talk to each other. This should be people to people. Dictators of any kind should have no place. Dictators created the war and all the havoc in the Horn of Africa. To assume that either the president of Eritrea or the prime minister of Ethiopia understands the value of peace is simply to live in a dream world. Still, I will gladly wait to hear what Isaias has to say about peace and normalizing the relationships of Ethiopia and Eritrea.
It’s humbling to see our true Jegnoch journalists interviewing one of the bravest(if not the only) visionary leader of contemporary Africa in his own cribs. Our jegnoch journalist aren’t allowed to set foot in their own country as a result of the racist Chiraq weyane. Elias, you have made history. We will live in peace and harmony with Eritrea once we chop chiraqun weyane, the cancer, out of emeye-ethiopia.
Nkruma of Ghana and lubumba of DRC are the only other leaders with pretty similar vision as Esayas. These visionary leaders were destroyed by the neo-colonial imperialist plots. Esayas is in the contemporary so not only Ethiopia but Africa people need to seize this chance.
Elias, you are the real deal hero! Let now the the apartheid Wayane eat their crooked hearts for the bright future of the both peace loving and blood brothers people of Ethiopia and Eritrean gate peace and prosper seem to be opening wider and wider! In all this no doubt history will surely be kind and fond of you! What a vision, elias!! This is the shortest route to ending the apartheid Wayane rule of Ethiopia! Long live the brotherly people of Ethiopian and Eritrean!!
This crooked Wayane guy by the nickname of Gedu is stealing people’s identities to post his/her frustration crap in here! Please Elias or someone should do something about those losers, ban their ip for they have nothing to substance to say or offer!
Elias You are a man, Enjoy the trip in Eritrea, Nice weather, beatiful city with amazing people, I wish I would be there, I am waiting to watch the interview an learn more about this coacoroch woyane regime and how to get rid of them. You got the right solution Elias by interviewing their master which is now their nightmare, I appreciate your sacrfices & effort to let Ethiopian people about these cancer people.
Thanks again
Long live Ethiopia as well as Elias.
Mu.
Fantastic, unlike the woyane leader look that very simple president, he or his wife they don’t own any company by starving and stealing his people. We need a man like him. Thanks Elias for your dedication.
Elias has done one of the most remarkable services for the Ethiopian people in the name of Democracy. I am proud to have the chance to participate in Elias’ news outlet.
Elias..!! You are my HERO! Well done… If we have two or three more individuals like Elias, we could have done with WOYANNE long time ago. keep it up. there are million Ethiopians who will follow your step. Thanks Brother… you make my day. keep it upp…!!!!
thank u elias and i would like to thank president isyayas too.he is a great leader and never compromised eretiran interst for the west but our meles’ is puppet for westerners.
The sight of an Ethiopian in Eritrea should not have been that surprising, I’d have thought. Apparently it is. On my part, as a gesture of goowill and out of respect to the ordinary, decent Ethiopian, I will take my partner to an Ethiopian restaurant, which I have been boytcotting since the recent war broke between the two countries.
Elias, I think you will be remembered as a bold and pragmatic visionary Ethiopian who contribute so much to tear Woyanne’s lying walls down! Our Eritreans brothers and sisters need to know the only thing that stand between our peace and prosperity is the mafia Woyanne! Long live the brotherly people of Ethiopia and Eritrea! Thank you Elias for opening the gate of peace and it is time we work with our blood brothers Eritreans to get rid of the apartheid Wayne once and for all in a short time!
Years ago when I visited Asmara, then part of Ethiopia, it was ennobling to see along the streets those green palm trees, the beauties of the city itself, still standing there, showing their graceful movements as if they were dancing with the wind. The streets of Asmara were then neat and full of vibrant people, the muezzin in the minaret of the Mosque calling its members for prayer, the Orthodox Church bell ringing every Sunday morning for worship, the merchants exchanging their merchandizes with one another, the vendors selling beles, and other variety of fruits, and the school children walking fast to be in their classrooms on time – Asmara was indeed an orderly city and the envy of the world.
But as Elias’ picture of Asmara shows, at least partially, the streets of Asmara look neglected and abandoned; however, I admire the way President Isaias Afworke presented, not the deteriorating conditions of the streets of Asmara, but himself to the two Ethiopian journalists as a simple, common, and ordinary man without wearing western ties and without surrounding himself with heavily armed bodyguards. According to the picture, I find him charming, engaging, and serious about what kind of questions Elias might have prepared for him. As some people say: “Appearance is deceiving,” my positive view about him may change when I hear him answer Elias’ well-prepared questions. So, I have to wait and see.
Do you by any chance happen to have video of your time and tour in Asmera or overall in Eritrea or other parts? I think that would be great to see, and somewhat of an educational thing for those of us, who don’t know much of Eritrea, except what propaganda tells us to think. Perhaps, by showing us these pictures (Pictures are worth a thousand words as they say), perhaps these pics tell us that Peace is possible as long as leaders of Eritrea are willing.
As an Ethiopian and of Afar Origin, I still think with all my heard and mind that the land from Asseb to south of Massawa belongs to Afar People or overall to Ethiopia. I know most Tigray people agree 100% with Meles, but anyway, they are only 4% of population just like Afars! Our day will come for unity with Eritrean, Djibuti Afars and be the true Ethiopian Afars we all are.
Otherwise, good start and impressed by your sense of guts, courage, thinking outside the box and political skill…you obviously are a talented man, a lot more than people think!
As journalist, such thing should be norm not a matter of bizzarity. In any case well done and keep up the good work to establish good neighborliness between the needlessly separeted people in the two sisterly contries. As for the president of Eritrea, that is an indication and attitude he has towards Ethiopian people, if their leadership open their arms he is and always been on the Ethiopin people side, his past speechs and action can say much about his freindly desire with Ethiopians on equal and fair terms.
Well it is good to see you guys are appriciating what Elias is doing. Now is your turn to do your part and hlep him out to take further steps. If the result is going to be good and beneficial to both ppls then your co-operation is needed.
speaking of pictures, I excpect pictures showing the different developments around the city Asmara, showing daily life of the haves and not haves as well as what Eriterian are proud of so far.
What did the 30 years of freedom struggle gave them? Isaias that is it!
I like to see something different after the so called colonization.
It was during the rainy season/winter vacation. I and my neighbourhood as well as school friend (grown up together thinking his family is mine and mine family is also his), invited by his Aunt to spend vacation with her. We both were finished grade 11.
He and I travelled by ourselves by plane from Bole International and arrived in Asmara. His aunt, her husband, the children and their friends came to the airport to welcome us. During the rainy season, Asmara is warmer than Addis and it gets not as much as such heavy and daily rain as Addis and other Ethiopian places in the highlands do. That was the best time to spend time there.
During 7+ weeks stay there, I didn’t have even a one second feeling that I was different than the people in the city and the family I was stayed. The food, drink, tradition, custom and in general everything was the same I know and grown up with. It was a 100% similarities in all aspects of life and 0% differences.
To make the story short,
When we returned back to Addis, we took a bus. The aunt was with us taking care and treating both of us equally as we were her nephews and sons the same time. It was the end of Augusts. People; that was the time I really did come in contact with the Ethiopia natural beauty. Everywhere and everything was green. The highland was covered with different kinds of flowers, every valley was filled with water, and water everywhere, all along were different kinds and many Animals and although they were doing in a primitive way, farmers were busy with their job.
We passed through Gonder and spent 2 days in Bahir Dar. We visited the city and the surrounding. I still have no word how everything was beautiful. Everywhere green, green, green, water and animals as if it was telling the people it was the reflection of Paradise on earth.
Then we enjoyed travelling through and we spent one night in Debre Markos. I still remember the hardest rain and the horrifying lightning and tender I ever witnessed at that night. Then the next day in the late afternoon we arrived Addis.
To make the story short;.
When I and my friend were in Asmara, we didn’t feel we were somewhere doesn’t belong to us. When we returned back to Addis, we felt the same. The aunt also didn’t feel she was in someone’s country, but as a new person to the city.
The sad point is that after some years, my best friend who was born in Addis and lived throughout his life there feeling 100% home, was forcefully deported with his family and the rest to Eritrea. They told him he was not belonging to Ethiopia. When I heard about what happened to him, his family and others, I really felt sad and sick. I still couldn’t believe what happened back then to him and others. After returned to Eritrea, two of his sisters immigrated. He got sick and with in weeks he died. His mother also died with in a year after his death because of she was unable to coup with the whole situation. As I heard not long a go, the father whom I loved, respected and treated me as one of his children also has died.
Imagine: if the things happened to them happens to you and your family right now or in the future. Someone comes today unexpectedly and saying to you; go back to a country you never been born and grown up there. what do you feel? Even if you was born and grown up there, it is difficult to go back by force without having resources to start a life there. It is another version of Hitler’s action against the Jewish.
The point is that the Ethiopian and Eritrean people are one people living in two places. If Ethiopia gets a govt cares about her and the citizens, Ethiopians and Eritrean can live in two places as one people (the Habesha). President Issayas can play decisive roles to bring this phenomenal happening in reality.
Peace b/n Eritrea and Ethiopia is more real and easier than I thought. As an Eritrean, I am pleased to see all this positive and encouraging feed back here for Elias’ initiative. The future is more promising, lets work together to make this happen by supporting to the peace loving individuals and people in general.
I am Tigrean/Ethiopian. I can not tell you how much I appreciate your effort Elias. I also can not tell you how sad I feel that we Ethiopians have been foold by the TPLF/EPRDF/WOYANE or what ever you want to call our government. Thank you Elias for bringing us that much more close to peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Thank Kubur president Isayas for being honest and open mind. I hope we see Meles in jail.
Job well done Elias and I can’t wait to see the interview. Wayanee your days are numbered and the people of Ethiopia and Eritrea will eventually live in peace.
I am glad Ethiopian Review asked and Issaias agreed for an interview. To understand each other’s viewpoints, we need to lay our questions to each other, or talk, or dialogue. There is a need for that.
Remember, all things are not going to be solved by this interview, but we have to start somewhere. From Eritrea(ns’) side, we want Ethiopia(ns) RESPECT our collective decision to establish a politically independent country.
If you ACCEPT that honestly, the sky is the limit to our cooperation and growth side by side or together. That is very important issue for us. No matter who Eritrea’s president is, or what political system we might develop in the decades to come, please RESPECT our desire to have a separate government of our own.
Provided that we come to the same understanding on that point, then our common goals will integrate us. Keep that in mind, please.
Well done Elias! I believe the interview of PIA with ethiopian review will give a clear picture of Eritrea’s committment for peace and good neighbourness to our region in general and particular to our brothers and sisters Ethiopians. In my opinion the sole way to forward African countries is the idea Eritrean is implementing of self-reliance and cooperation. The vision of Eritrea’s selfreliance and cooperation had begun to bring result in our region before the border with woyane erupted. We Eritreans wish to have a good relationship with our neighbours based on mutual understanding and respect.
and very much like the idea that we Ethiopians should respect the territorial integrity of Eritra and their hard earned freedom (I read this lines from a comment on ER and i lke it!!!!!).
Assab could be the symbol ofpeace, respect, love and understanding b/n the two nations and its importance/use shoud only be seen from this perspective.
Hello brothers and sisters, I want to share with you the following which I copied from an interview president Isaias gave to KENYAN jornalists.
We need leaders who thnk like this in Ethiopia and whole Africa. Please read it your self —
———————————————————
Stating that the vision of the African founding fathers has been eroded following decolonization, President Isaias pointed out that the OAU which came into being to advance the lofty vision has become a hopeless mechanism instead of striving to fulfill the aspirations of the people of the continent.
In this regard, President Isaias cited two factors that are responsible for such a state of affairs, namely neo-colonialism and self-centered African leaders who advance their own vested interests at the expense of fellow citizens. The President noted that the majority of the leaders betray the cherished principles of their respective countries and become servants and champions of colonialism. He further indicated that the money and resources of their countries valued at billions which they have deposited in their personal accounts in the banks of western countries amply demonstrate the corrupt and despicable behavior of the African leaders.
You left the following important peace of that interview in regards those worthless African leaders. President Isaias, who has been called as a “brutally honest” by some diplomats, is also very measured, bold, direct and his words are prophetic. One has to listen from his mouth and read his speeches and interviews fully, not the “summarized”, “here and there quoted”, or “dilutely translated” ones, and be then judge. Don’t let people tell you about him. You will see that he never puts political or diplomatic niceties and tells like it is. Above all, he practices what he preaches and that is why his people at home and in diaspora love and adore him.
————————————-
Moreover, President Isaias explained that the parities wishing to see Africa
exposed to adversity and at the same time provide the facilities for
depositing the sum of money amounting to 6 to 7 billion belonging to the
self-centered leaders on the one hand, and try to maintain a foothold in
Africa under the guise of humanitarian mission on the other. He pointed out
that if at all justice and the rule of law are to prevail, first and
foremost every African leader should make public his/her personal bank
account and that there should exist accountability which equally applies to
those parties depositing the personal financial assets of the leaders. In
this respect, the President emphasized that corruption is one of the main
manifestations of treason on the part of African leaders against their own
people, and hence economic development should primarily be measured in terms
of incorruptibility and sense of justice of both the people and the
leadership.
If the interview was in Amharic, it would have been a big big plus, especially in the eyes of “the center” in Ethiopia.
Where the majority live. It was a very big missed opportunity. It would have dented greatly, if not wiped
out completely, peoples suspicion of Isayas.
(l. to r.) Sileshi Tilahun, President Isaias Afwerki, and Elias Kifle in front of the Asmara Presidential Palace May 15, 2009
Ethiopian Review publisher Elias Kifle touring Asmara, May 13, 2009
BIG UP ELI! WOYANE TERBEDEBDE !
[Reply]
May 19th, 2009 at 12:17 AM
Dear Elias,
ethiopia need HERO like you.Hero is not only fight and die
for his country.You are our HERO. God Bless you.Ethiopia le zelalem yale Woyane tenure!
[Reply]
May 19th, 2009 at 12:19 AM
Elaise -You are a man with balls!! Result-oriented and a doer!!
[Reply]
May 19th, 2009 at 12:37 AM
good job!!!! you are doing your part for peacfull Eithiopa and Eritrea. We need to come to understanding that peace/respect is the only way!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
[Reply]
May 19th, 2009 at 12:48 AM
Still looking forward to see the interview. Keep it up Elias. God bless you.
[Reply]
May 19th, 2009 at 1:21 AM
viva Elias , we love you. Down with the fascist regim of weyane. Long live Ethiopian and Eritrean frendship!!!!!!!
[Reply]
May 19th, 2009 at 4:24 AM
I see President Isayas afewrki more and more like the only one hero in our common region. People tried to demonize him and i was like something must be on this point. By more analyzing the situation and his unconditional visions, i can tell you i´m more than impresssed. If we are honest to ourselves, nobody can deny which hardship he is going through for his vision. If his vision is good or bad is a matter of opinion. I find it´s good.
[Reply]
May 19th, 2009 at 4:34 AM
I see President Isayas afewrki more and more like the only one hero in our common region. People tried to demonize him and i was like something must be on this point. By more analyzing the situation and his unconditional visions, i can tell you i´m more than impresssed. If we are honest to ourselves, nobody can deny which hardship he is going through for his vision. If his vision is good or bad is a matter of opinion. I find it´s good.
[Reply]
May 19th, 2009 at 4:35 AM
Benatih Elias lib atiskel, post the interview
[Reply]
May 19th, 2009 at 4:57 AM
it is okey.i will wait for the next step.
[Reply]
May 19th, 2009 at 5:43 AM
“the interview will be posted without any editorial change” if it is true BRAVO ELIAS.
[Reply]
May 19th, 2009 at 5:44 AM
እኔ እንደምመለከተው ከሆነ አቶ: ኢሳኢያስ አፈወርቂ በጣም የረኩ ይመስላሉ:: የናንተ አቀራረባቺሁ ይሆን? ,መልካም ጅምር ነው::
ኤልያስ የጋዜጠኝነት ሞያውም ያን ይመስላል ይልመድብህ:: ሁሉን ኮንነን እንዴት እንዘለቀዋለን አጋጣሚውንም መጠቀም ያጫልና::
መልካም ሥራ ነው::
ወርቅሰው1
ከ(ሰሐሊን)
[Reply]
May 19th, 2009 at 6:34 AM
waiting for the posting of the interview
[Reply]
May 19th, 2009 at 6:40 AM
Very,very Great job! Keep up doing Good.Ofcourse,You are Ethiopian hero of our time.Hero! Hero struglling narrow minded hayena tribalist!
[Reply]
May 19th, 2009 at 7:45 AM
President Isaias is one of the few African leaders who is standing up against the westerners who want to dictate African leaders what to do and what not by offering carot and stick. The carot and stick trick does not work with Isaias and his vision is for all Africa to be self reliant and for the leaders to be able to negotiate with other leaders with respect and mutual benefit – not like a beggar and a donor where the donor tells the beggar when, what and how to do things in his/her own country.
His motto are self reliance, food security and respect for Africa. Those of us who live in Western countries know how people in the west look at us down because we wait for their food assistance year in year out.
Couple days ago a man who works with me who is very eduated man and I were sittin side by side at a company party and I was enjoying ice cream after lunch; he said to me ” DO YOU HAVE ICE CREAM IN ETHIOPIA ? ” I was stunned by his question. I told him “I guess you need to read more books or go visist some African countries because I cannot answer your question by saying Yes or no ” – you see this are the type of people our leaders are not standing up.
We need leaders who think about prosprity and respect of their countries rather than their own benefit by stealing money from the donation they get in the name of food assistance and so on.
Viva Ethiopian and Eritrean peaceful existence!
We are brothers and sisters, we are neighbours who should live in peace and harmony…..we should not wait for the United Nations or any Western country to come and make peace for us……..we have to do it our selves and we need leaders who have such a vision.
[Reply]
May 19th, 2009 at 8:11 AM
elias you did a good job .. i cant wit to see the whole interview, i hope you write more about your thought or your impression of the people, country and the city of Asmera
[Reply]
May 19th, 2009 at 8:38 AM
Post the english version immediately with out editing!
I will not belive you if you post it late, may be you are doing some editings
[Reply]
May 19th, 2009 at 8:49 AM
I know this place. Agadu and photo Geventus area.I like the place.
[Reply]
May 19th, 2009 at 9:57 AM
the last picture attracted my attention.
a day will come Elias will be free to tour addis too.
but the area he is touring looks deserted,it is probably a residential area.the roads also look terrible,probably the result of economic suffering as a result of woyane’s policy and the west’s bias and lack of investment.
a bright new future will come for the people of ethiopia and eritrea.
[Reply]
May 19th, 2009 at 10:11 AM
Great job Elias! We need more! more photos and ofcourse the interview!you are a true patriot who puts his money where mouth is! This is woyane’s worst nightmare coming true.
[Reply]
May 19th, 2009 at 10:19 AM
The picture speaks a lot. I am not that comfortable Elias with Issayas but for sure this will drive TPLF nuts.
As Issays started talking with Ethiopians this may be the beginning of the end of Weyane. W all know that TPLF would not been in their current position without Shabia. They will be removed with the help of shabia and that why the end is near…
[Reply]
May 19th, 2009 at 10:24 AM
It’s time to update Elias Kifle’s Wiki of this unprecedented picture coming out of Eritrea! Convicted of treason in abstentia by the desperate woyane regime in Ethiopia, and sentenced to life in prison,Elias makes this courageous trek to Eritrea, undeterred by the threats and intimidations of Woyane who filed for his extradition with the U.S. Government. ER is a nightmare to woyane who blocked the website in woyane’s “Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia!
[Reply]
May 19th, 2009 at 11:12 AM
well
i am still waiting to hear isayyas before i made my mind.
as far as the fotos concerned he(isayyas and his officials seem to be calm and have confidence in what they are doing so far but beyond that i would like to keep my judjment on hold to the next step…),but i am 100% sure that the TPLF will lost their temper as they USUALLY DO EVERY MAY 15.
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May 19th, 2009 at 11:53 AM
I am hopefull, in the near future Eritreas and ethiopias can march hand on hand to their desired capital without fear. Keep up the good work we are all one and of the some. The damage done by Weyane will be there for some time but it will heal gradualy. “hope, you will see the invinsable and touch the insitable and achieve the imposibe hope” Let as all carry on the momentum and peace will rain in no time. After peace prosperity, because both countries are endowed with natural resource provided we develop it and gurd them jeolesly from the hayina of the west. Peace to all.
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May 19th, 2009 at 12:06 PM
Bravo Elias!
When one day our two countries become one … Elias will be our unified country’s greatest hero.
You took the shortest distance between the hearts of two dignified people. How is it possible that one can be so brave! And I looked at your pictures, you look very honest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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May 19th, 2009 at 12:15 PM
I can already smell the breath of fresh air and taste the idea of living side by side with our kins to the north. Great job Eli. To use Neil Armstrong’s jargon when he set foot on the Moon in July 1969, you are doing a small step on your part that would be engulfing the entire region soon in a jiant leap forward for peace and harmony. We do not need the Western crapolas to gain what is justifieably ours. We have brains and intellect, there is no reason why we can not live in peace augumenting each others’ needs.
Viva Eritrea and Ethiopia! Two nations inspeparable in action!
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May 19th, 2009 at 12:36 PM
Dear Elias,
Thank you for meeting East Africans hero, Isayas Afeworki and lets hope the ginbot 7 leaders also will meet Isayas. Ginbot 7 and EPPF should united and support the freedom fighters such as OLF, ONLF and other secessionist groups. I am Ginbot 7 member
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May 19th, 2009 at 12:53 PM
I am proud of you, ER and Elias, you walked over the death trap of fear mongers and EX-TPLF thugs and came out shining!!!!BRAVO!!! How many other jouranilist can say that, none.
Go G7
Cheers!!!
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May 19th, 2009 at 1:45 PM
It is good that Ethiopians and Eritreans talk to each other. This should be people to people. Dictators of any kind should have no place. Dictators created the war and all the havoc in the Horn of Africa. To assume that either the president of Eritrea or the prime minister of Ethiopia understands the value of peace is simply to live in a dream world. Still, I will gladly wait to hear what Isaias has to say about peace and normalizing the relationships of Ethiopia and Eritrea.
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May 19th, 2009 at 2:39 PM
It’s humbling to see our true Jegnoch journalists interviewing one of the bravest(if not the only) visionary leader of contemporary Africa in his own cribs. Our jegnoch journalist aren’t allowed to set foot in their own country as a result of the racist Chiraq weyane. Elias, you have made history. We will live in peace and harmony with Eritrea once we chop chiraqun weyane, the cancer, out of emeye-ethiopia.
Nkruma of Ghana and lubumba of DRC are the only other leaders with pretty similar vision as Esayas. These visionary leaders were destroyed by the neo-colonial imperialist plots. Esayas is in the contemporary so not only Ethiopia but Africa people need to seize this chance.
African people unite.
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May 19th, 2009 at 2:40 PM
Elias, you are the real deal hero! Let now the the apartheid Wayane eat their crooked hearts for the bright future of the both peace loving and blood brothers people of Ethiopia and Eritrean gate peace and prosper seem to be opening wider and wider! In all this no doubt history will surely be kind and fond of you! What a vision, elias!! This is the shortest route to ending the apartheid Wayane rule of Ethiopia! Long live the brotherly people of Ethiopian and Eritrean!!
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May 19th, 2009 at 2:44 PM
This crooked Wayane guy by the nickname of Gedu is stealing people’s identities to post his/her frustration crap in here! Please Elias or someone should do something about those losers, ban their ip for they have nothing to substance to say or offer!
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May 19th, 2009 at 2:52 PM
Elias You are a man, Enjoy the trip in Eritrea, Nice weather, beatiful city with amazing people, I wish I would be there, I am waiting to watch the interview an learn more about this coacoroch woyane regime and how to get rid of them. You got the right solution Elias by interviewing their master which is now their nightmare, I appreciate your sacrfices & effort to let Ethiopian people about these cancer people.
Thanks again
Long live Ethiopia as well as Elias.
Mu.
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May 19th, 2009 at 3:00 PM
Fantastic, unlike the woyane leader look that very simple president, he or his wife they don’t own any company by starving and stealing his people. We need a man like him. Thanks Elias for your dedication.
Yuel
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May 19th, 2009 at 3:05 PM
Elias has done one of the most remarkable services for the Ethiopian people in the name of Democracy. I am proud to have the chance to participate in Elias’ news outlet.
God bless you Elias
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May 19th, 2009 at 3:14 PM
Elias..!! You are my HERO! Well done… If we have two or three more individuals like Elias, we could have done with WOYANNE long time ago. keep it up. there are million Ethiopians who will follow your step. Thanks Brother… you make my day. keep it upp…!!!!
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May 19th, 2009 at 3:27 PM
thank u elias and i would like to thank president isyayas too.he is a great leader and never compromised eretiran interst for the west but our meles’ is puppet for westerners.
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May 19th, 2009 at 5:44 PM
The sight of an Ethiopian in Eritrea should not have been that surprising, I’d have thought. Apparently it is. On my part, as a gesture of goowill and out of respect to the ordinary, decent Ethiopian, I will take my partner to an Ethiopian restaurant, which I have been boytcotting since the recent war broke between the two countries.
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May 19th, 2009 at 6:07 PM
Elias, I think you will be remembered as a bold and pragmatic visionary Ethiopian who contribute so much to tear Woyanne’s lying walls down! Our Eritreans brothers and sisters need to know the only thing that stand between our peace and prosperity is the mafia Woyanne! Long live the brotherly people of Ethiopia and Eritrea! Thank you Elias for opening the gate of peace and it is time we work with our blood brothers Eritreans to get rid of the apartheid Wayne once and for all in a short time!
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May 19th, 2009 at 6:22 PM
So the interview was in English because Isayas doesn’t speak Amharic?
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May 19th, 2009 at 6:42 PM
the interview please Elias I want to hear prisdent Isias’s famous up front in your face answers about the WOYANES .
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May 19th, 2009 at 6:57 PM
Well done!!!!!!!!!Elias , do what you think bring change, you are doing your best. We have to learn from you
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May 19th, 2009 at 7:24 PM
well that is Elias, welcome home!
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May 19th, 2009 at 7:29 PM
Years ago when I visited Asmara, then part of Ethiopia, it was ennobling to see along the streets those green palm trees, the beauties of the city itself, still standing there, showing their graceful movements as if they were dancing with the wind. The streets of Asmara were then neat and full of vibrant people, the muezzin in the minaret of the Mosque calling its members for prayer, the Orthodox Church bell ringing every Sunday morning for worship, the merchants exchanging their merchandizes with one another, the vendors selling beles, and other variety of fruits, and the school children walking fast to be in their classrooms on time – Asmara was indeed an orderly city and the envy of the world.
But as Elias’ picture of Asmara shows, at least partially, the streets of Asmara look neglected and abandoned; however, I admire the way President Isaias Afworke presented, not the deteriorating conditions of the streets of Asmara, but himself to the two Ethiopian journalists as a simple, common, and ordinary man without wearing western ties and without surrounding himself with heavily armed bodyguards. According to the picture, I find him charming, engaging, and serious about what kind of questions Elias might have prepared for him. As some people say: “Appearance is deceiving,” my positive view about him may change when I hear him answer Elias’ well-prepared questions. So, I have to wait and see.
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May 19th, 2009 at 8:23 PM
Hey Elias,
Do you by any chance happen to have video of your time and tour in Asmera or overall in Eritrea or other parts? I think that would be great to see, and somewhat of an educational thing for those of us, who don’t know much of Eritrea, except what propaganda tells us to think. Perhaps, by showing us these pictures (Pictures are worth a thousand words as they say), perhaps these pics tell us that Peace is possible as long as leaders of Eritrea are willing.
As an Ethiopian and of Afar Origin, I still think with all my heard and mind that the land from Asseb to south of Massawa belongs to Afar People or overall to Ethiopia. I know most Tigray people agree 100% with Meles, but anyway, they are only 4% of population just like Afars! Our day will come for unity with Eritrean, Djibuti Afars and be the true Ethiopian Afars we all are.
Otherwise, good start and impressed by your sense of guts, courage, thinking outside the box and political skill…you obviously are a talented man, a lot more than people think!
Impressive!
Good luck Mr. Elias Sir!
…I can’t wait for the 4 hour interview!
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May 19th, 2009 at 10:02 PM
Elias,
As i have said before, you have the blood of Meisaw Kassa, libe-mulu inde-Anbesa!!.
One and only one Jegna!!!, I admire your guets!!. I wish there are few more like you.
Yes, you are Ethiopia’s hero!!.
Long live mother land Ethiopia!!,
Death to chigaram Woyanie!!!
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May 19th, 2009 at 10:10 PM
As journalist, such thing should be norm not a matter of bizzarity. In any case well done and keep up the good work to establish good neighborliness between the needlessly separeted people in the two sisterly contries. As for the president of Eritrea, that is an indication and attitude he has towards Ethiopian people, if their leadership open their arms he is and always been on the Ethiopin people side, his past speechs and action can say much about his freindly desire with Ethiopians on equal and fair terms.
Thankx
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May 20th, 2009 at 12:49 AM
Well it is good to see you guys are appriciating what Elias is doing. Now is your turn to do your part and hlep him out to take further steps. If the result is going to be good and beneficial to both ppls then your co-operation is needed.
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May 20th, 2009 at 1:14 AM
speaking of pictures, I excpect pictures showing the different developments around the city Asmara, showing daily life of the haves and not haves as well as what Eriterian are proud of so far.
What did the 30 years of freedom struggle gave them? Isaias that is it!
I like to see something different after the so called colonization.
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May 20th, 2009 at 1:24 AM
elias. you have done your job. Finish Meles the stupid dog.
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May 20th, 2009 at 7:23 AM
Elias what a fantastic job !! but am dying to hear the interview can you please post it as quick as possible.
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May 20th, 2009 at 8:41 AM
I still remember it
It was during the rainy season/winter vacation. I and my neighbourhood as well as school friend (grown up together thinking his family is mine and mine family is also his), invited by his Aunt to spend vacation with her. We both were finished grade 11.
He and I travelled by ourselves by plane from Bole International and arrived in Asmara. His aunt, her husband, the children and their friends came to the airport to welcome us. During the rainy season, Asmara is warmer than Addis and it gets not as much as such heavy and daily rain as Addis and other Ethiopian places in the highlands do. That was the best time to spend time there.
During 7+ weeks stay there, I didn’t have even a one second feeling that I was different than the people in the city and the family I was stayed. The food, drink, tradition, custom and in general everything was the same I know and grown up with. It was a 100% similarities in all aspects of life and 0% differences.
To make the story short,
When we returned back to Addis, we took a bus. The aunt was with us taking care and treating both of us equally as we were her nephews and sons the same time. It was the end of Augusts. People; that was the time I really did come in contact with the Ethiopia natural beauty. Everywhere and everything was green. The highland was covered with different kinds of flowers, every valley was filled with water, and water everywhere, all along were different kinds and many Animals and although they were doing in a primitive way, farmers were busy with their job.
We passed through Gonder and spent 2 days in Bahir Dar. We visited the city and the surrounding. I still have no word how everything was beautiful. Everywhere green, green, green, water and animals as if it was telling the people it was the reflection of Paradise on earth.
Then we enjoyed travelling through and we spent one night in Debre Markos. I still remember the hardest rain and the horrifying lightning and tender I ever witnessed at that night. Then the next day in the late afternoon we arrived Addis.
To make the story short;.
When I and my friend were in Asmara, we didn’t feel we were somewhere doesn’t belong to us. When we returned back to Addis, we felt the same. The aunt also didn’t feel she was in someone’s country, but as a new person to the city.
The sad point is that after some years, my best friend who was born in Addis and lived throughout his life there feeling 100% home, was forcefully deported with his family and the rest to Eritrea. They told him he was not belonging to Ethiopia. When I heard about what happened to him, his family and others, I really felt sad and sick. I still couldn’t believe what happened back then to him and others. After returned to Eritrea, two of his sisters immigrated. He got sick and with in weeks he died. His mother also died with in a year after his death because of she was unable to coup with the whole situation. As I heard not long a go, the father whom I loved, respected and treated me as one of his children also has died.
Imagine: if the things happened to them happens to you and your family right now or in the future. Someone comes today unexpectedly and saying to you; go back to a country you never been born and grown up there. what do you feel? Even if you was born and grown up there, it is difficult to go back by force without having resources to start a life there. It is another version of Hitler’s action against the Jewish.
The point is that the Ethiopian and Eritrean people are one people living in two places. If Ethiopia gets a govt cares about her and the citizens, Ethiopians and Eritrean can live in two places as one people (the Habesha). President Issayas can play decisive roles to bring this phenomenal happening in reality.
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May 20th, 2009 at 8:47 AM
PEACE
We love you, our Ethiopian brothers and sisters. One people two countries, hopefully in the long run ONE PEOPLE ONE COUNTRY.
God bless you.
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May 20th, 2009 at 9:41 AM
good job elias
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May 20th, 2009 at 10:18 AM
Peace b/n Eritrea and Ethiopia is more real and easier than I thought. As an Eritrean, I am pleased to see all this positive and encouraging feed back here for Elias’ initiative. The future is more promising, lets work together to make this happen by supporting to the peace loving individuals and people in general.
Peace will prevail.
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May 20th, 2009 at 1:14 PM
Dear Elias,
we appreciate all your efforts!KEEP IT UP.
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May 20th, 2009 at 1:28 PM
i know what you are trying to do here. but to bring peace b\n this two countries you can’t be biased.
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May 20th, 2009 at 1:48 PM
I am Tigrean/Ethiopian. I can not tell you how much I appreciate your effort Elias. I also can not tell you how sad I feel that we Ethiopians have been foold by the TPLF/EPRDF/WOYANE or what ever you want to call our government. Thank you Elias for bringing us that much more close to peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Thank Kubur president Isayas for being honest and open mind. I hope we see Meles in jail.
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May 20th, 2009 at 2:08 PM
Job well done Elias and I can’t wait to see the interview. Wayanee your days are numbered and the people of Ethiopia and Eritrea will eventually live in peace.
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May 20th, 2009 at 3:32 PM
Dear Ethiopians
I am glad Ethiopian Review asked and Issaias agreed for an interview. To understand each other’s viewpoints, we need to lay our questions to each other, or talk, or dialogue. There is a need for that.
Remember, all things are not going to be solved by this interview, but we have to start somewhere. From Eritrea(ns’) side, we want Ethiopia(ns) RESPECT our collective decision to establish a politically independent country.
If you ACCEPT that honestly, the sky is the limit to our cooperation and growth side by side or together. That is very important issue for us. No matter who Eritrea’s president is, or what political system we might develop in the decades to come, please RESPECT our desire to have a separate government of our own.
Provided that we come to the same understanding on that point, then our common goals will integrate us. Keep that in mind, please.
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May 20th, 2009 at 4:42 PM
Well done Elias! I believe the interview of PIA with ethiopian review will give a clear picture of Eritrea’s committment for peace and good neighbourness to our region in general and particular to our brothers and sisters Ethiopians. In my opinion the sole way to forward African countries is the idea Eritrean is implementing of self-reliance and cooperation. The vision of Eritrea’s selfreliance and cooperation had begun to bring result in our region before the border with woyane erupted. We Eritreans wish to have a good relationship with our neighbours based on mutual understanding and respect.
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May 21st, 2009 at 1:11 AM
cant waite to hear the interview…………
and very much like the idea that we Ethiopians should respect the territorial integrity of Eritra and their hard earned freedom (I read this lines from a comment on ER and i lke it!!!!!).
Assab could be the symbol ofpeace, respect, love and understanding b/n the two nations and its importance/use shoud only be seen from this perspective.
peace
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May 21st, 2009 at 3:20 AM
Hello brothers and sisters, I want to share with you the following which I copied from an interview president Isaias gave to KENYAN jornalists.
We need leaders who thnk like this in Ethiopia and whole Africa. Please read it your self —
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Stating that the vision of the African founding fathers has been eroded following decolonization, President Isaias pointed out that the OAU which came into being to advance the lofty vision has become a hopeless mechanism instead of striving to fulfill the aspirations of the people of the continent.
In this regard, President Isaias cited two factors that are responsible for such a state of affairs, namely neo-colonialism and self-centered African leaders who advance their own vested interests at the expense of fellow citizens. The President noted that the majority of the leaders betray the cherished principles of their respective countries and become servants and champions of colonialism. He further indicated that the money and resources of their countries valued at billions which they have deposited in their personal accounts in the banks of western countries amply demonstrate the corrupt and despicable behavior of the African leaders.
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May 21st, 2009 at 9:12 AM
Mengistu:
You left the following important peace of that interview in regards those worthless African leaders. President Isaias, who has been called as a “brutally honest” by some diplomats, is also very measured, bold, direct and his words are prophetic. One has to listen from his mouth and read his speeches and interviews fully, not the “summarized”, “here and there quoted”, or “dilutely translated” ones, and be then judge. Don’t let people tell you about him. You will see that he never puts political or diplomatic niceties and tells like it is. Above all, he practices what he preaches and that is why his people at home and in diaspora love and adore him.
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Moreover, President Isaias explained that the parities wishing to see Africa
exposed to adversity and at the same time provide the facilities for
depositing the sum of money amounting to 6 to 7 billion belonging to the
self-centered leaders on the one hand, and try to maintain a foothold in
Africa under the guise of humanitarian mission on the other. He pointed out
that if at all justice and the rule of law are to prevail, first and
foremost every African leader should make public his/her personal bank
account and that there should exist accountability which equally applies to
those parties depositing the personal financial assets of the leaders. In
this respect, the President emphasized that corruption is one of the main
manifestations of treason on the part of African leaders against their own
people, and hence economic development should primarily be measured in terms
of incorruptibility and sense of justice of both the people and the
leadership.
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May 21st, 2009 at 3:59 PM
good job
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May 21st, 2009 at 5:06 PM
THE LION OF NAKFA- PRESIDENT ISAIAS AFEWERKI HOPEFULLY WILL ONE DAY LEAD UNITED AFRICA.
hOPE IN THE NEAR FUTURE YOU WILL BE GIVEN A HERO WELCOME IN ETHIOPIA.
LONG LIVE LION OF NAKFA
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May 21st, 2009 at 9:01 PM
If the interview was in Amharic, it would have been a big big plus, especially in the eyes of “the center” in Ethiopia.
Where the majority live. It was a very big missed opportunity. It would have dented greatly, if not wiped
out completely, peoples suspicion of Isayas.
Good day.
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May 22nd, 2009 at 11:40 PM