By Solomon Bekele
I just finished discussing the matter with both Abebe Belew and Elias Kifle. Elias promised he would write a disclaimer immediately. Let us wait and see. However, in the event, he is not forthcoming with his promise; the following will be my statement.
“I was surprised to read a statement in Ethiopian Review with respect to my quitting Kinijit. It is totally a fabrication of some individual or individuals trying to stir division and animosity within the Kinijit family. I did not give any kind of interview to any media outlet including Ethiopian Review or Elias Kifle indicating that I am quitting kinijit or the movement to bring about democracy in Ethiopia. I regret that my name was invoked in such smear tactic to achieve disunity and confusion in the Diaspora and further mud the struggle. I have requested Elias Kifle to have the courage and follow the ethical standard of professional journalists and to write a disclaimer indicating the article is based on unfounded story and rumor.
I trust that he would do just that for the sake of the Diaspora which deserves the truth. This is not the time to spread false and baseless rumors, that will divide us and create great distrust between the leaders and the Diaspora. I have great admiration and faith in the leadership of Engineer Hailu Shawel and the people I work with. I have no earthly idea that motivates such blatant false rumor unless it being instrument of disunity. I urge Ethiopian Review staff to adopt ethical and professional standard regarding Ethiopian political struggle. I here by request Ethiopian Review to recant the erroneous and misleading statement it distributed this morning.”
____________________________
Note from ER Publisher
It is good to finally hear from Ato Solomon Bekele himself. The conflicting information that we have been hearing about Ato Solomon’s role in the Shaleqa gang of thieves has now been cleared up. He is definitely one of them.