Ethiopians and Eritreans in London hold historic meeting

The U.K. chapter of Ethiopian People's Patriotic Front (EPPF) held a historic meeting in London Sunday, January 24 where for the first time Ethiopians and Eritreans came together under one roof to discuss about their common interests.

The public meeting was called in line with a resolution passed by the October 2009 EPPF conference that was held in the field, which calls on chapters to organize people to people meetings around the world. The October conference was attended by EPPF executive and central committee members, and representatives of chapters from the U.S. and Europe.

EPPF UK Chapter executive committee member Alemayehu Mengesha opened Sunday's meeting with a brief welcoming speech. Ato Ayele Angelo, former member of Kinijit Central Committee, delivered the keynote address. Representing the EPPF U.K., Ato Sileshi Tilahun talked about the organization's aims, current activities, Ethiopia -Eritrea relations, and the upcoming elections in Ethiopia.

Other guest speakers included Dr Wondimu Mekonnen, a prominent Ethiopian civil rights activist; General Tamene Dilnesaw, former Ethiopian ambassador in Israel and military attache in the former East Bloc countries; LiqeMemher Abebaw Yigzaw, a senior Ethiopian church scholar, and Wzr. Sabra Mohamed, a community activist. They delivered a message of support to EPPF.

EPPF meeting in London, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010

Representatives of the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), Ato Mustefa Abdella; the Sidama Liberation Front (SLF), Ato Betenan Hotesu; and from the Eritrean community, Dr Bereket Fesehatsion and Ato Seyoum Tsegai, delivered solidarity messages during the meeting. OLF representative could not attend the meeting due to a schedule conflict, but sent a message of solidarity in writing to EPPF-UK.

Sunday's EPPF meeting in London was broadcast live around the world via Ethiopian Review's newly opened paltalk room. The room will be opened every Sunday from 3:00 – 6:00 PM Eastern U.S. Time.

The EPPF Washington Metro Chapter will hold a similar meeting in February. Details will be posted shortly.