Woyanne ambassador in London, Berhanu Kebede, responds to this report that was posted on Channel 4 and Times Online. Read below what he writes. What a scumbag!
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Times Online
Sir, From the outset, the Ethiopian Government has put on record the extent of the current food shortages and has been working along with partners to resolve the problem (“Ethiopia accused of hiding famine”, Sept 18). There are longstanding institutional mechanisms established by the Ethiopian Government; Ethiopia’s Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Agency, UN bodies and bilateral partners continuously monitor the humanitarian situation in Ethiopia and report to the international community.
The article contradicts the statements made by Sir John Holmes (UN humanitarian representative) who, during his recent visit to Ethiopia, voiced his appreciation of the Ethiopian Government’s response to food shortages and the comprehensive approach it has taken to address the problem of pockets of malnutrition in our country — we offer short-term food and other provisions to address the immediate humanitarian problem, and are implementing long-term development strategies to address the structural dimension of the problem.
The article gives the impression that relief agencies are not operating in the Ogaden, but the regional government there is working with more than 30 agencies to provide food and medical assistance.
The Western media cannot be more concerned than the people and government of Ethiopia are about the people of the Ogaden who are our brothers and sisters and whom we want to see prosper.
Berhanu Kebede
Ethiopian Ambassador to the UK