In a statement it sent to ENA, the Ministry said on Saturday that driven by personal emotions and benefits to impose one's own will on others, the "HR 2003," which was drafted by the pressure of some members of the American Congress and which is currently forwarded to the US Senate for endorsement, is a clear indicative of meddling in the internal affairs of a sovereign nation unfairly and with no account of the realities on the ground.

Among those forces who are bent on collaborating with some of the major Congress members working for the endorsement of this bill (H.R. 2003) are the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), who are operating under the coordination and support of the Eritrean government, it said.

On the other hand, the leadership of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) party, who have traveled to America after being released from prison on clemency from the Ethiopian government and people, are totally involved in activities towards the endorsement of the same bill.

The statement further said the government, the public, investors and developmental partners are exerting maximum efforts to enhance the endeavors for development, peace and democratization towards attaining the Ethiopian renaissance.

This being the reality on the ground, however, it is regrettable that the deceitful activities of destructive forces to impede the ongoing efforts are faced sometimes, it said.

It is known that currently, Ethiopia and the American government are working ever closely on several issues of mutual interest.

The bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries are also becoming ever stronger, the statment said.

Thus, the bill is of no value for the relationship and mutual interest of the peoples of Ethiopia and the US and should be condemned by all and at all levels.

It said the Ethiopian government would like to urge all forces and their followers, who are working behind the draft bill "HR 2003" to hold themselves back from such destructive activity, which is against the sovereignty of the country and its national interest.

R-3:59-4:39 PM

E-5:30-5:45 PM

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