Prime Minister Meles says U.S. bill is “not fair”

Addis Ababa, 4 October 2007 - Speaking to local & international journalists during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Prime Minister Meles said the bill in U.S. is unfair and unproductive. 

Meles asserted that the bill does not care about human rights and democracy saying other countries that have shortage of these values are not being pressured while his government is scrutinized. Referring to Congressman Donald Payne, who initiated the U.S. bill HR 2003, Meles said “if he was interested in human rights and democracy, he should have looked at Eritrea first.”

However, with uncertainity, he stated that the bill will not harm his government’s alliance with the United States. "I don't think it will affect the relationship between ourselves and the U.S.,” Meles said, and argued that the bill “is not fair.”

On the other hand, the Prime Minister condemned the sponsors of the bill claiming that “It is a reflection of the vendetta of a congressman.” Meles said his government has "excellent relations" with America but argued that it is "a two way thing" and he "hopes it will stay like that." HR 2003, the Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007, was passed by Congress this Tuesday. 

Source: Jimma Times