CUD does not approve proposal on formation of unity government: Lidetu
Addis Ababa, 8/8/2005


Central Committee member of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), Lidetu Ayalew said CUD knows nothing about the so-called new proposal CUD and the United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) forwarded to Prime Minister Meles Zenawi calling for the formation of a coalition government in Ethiopia.

Lidetu made the remark on a Tele-conference conducted by the Ethiopian Review and Tensae Radio on Sunday.

Lidetu said he had no idea about how the UEDF forwarded a proposal calling for the formation of a coalition government with the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). "But, Lidetu said, as far as CUD is concerned, no such idea has been forwarded.

Lidetu said he learnt about the so-called proposal from newspapers, adding the said proposal was not endorsed by the leadership of CUD, rather it was forwarded by Dr. Berhanu Nega.

Responding to a question on whether the proposal document bear the name and logo of CUD, Lidetu said he had enquired to know if a decision of such nature were made in his absence, but in the presence of other UEDP-Medhin representatives, adding, he found out that no decision was made at any time concerning the issue.

Lidetu said corrective measures should be immediately taken as such procedures could invite problem within the rank of CUD.

Lidetu said it is not appropriate to demand the formation of a national unity government at a time when the overall results of the election are not yet known.

Lidetu said, so far the Council of CUD has not passed a decision to propose the formation of a national unity government as a way out of the present stalemate.

Lidetu said he believes such unilateral action is potentially problematic and inappropriate and that it should immediately be corrected. Currently, efforts are being exerted on the part of UEDP-Medhin to correct such acts.

Concerning the recent call made by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi for the leadership of CUD and UEDF to pursue only a peaceful and legal path, Lidetu said CUD should not in any way react [to such call].

That is because, Lidetu added, the Prime Minister has made such a call in his capacity as Chairman of the EPRDF.

The call was forwarded only for Dr. Berhanu Nega and Dr. Beyene Petros, who are executive committee members of CUD and UEDF, respectively, and not officially presented to the CUD.

The CUD executive committee member said if opposition parties felt threatened by the Prime Minister's demand and opt to decide against the interest of the people, they would make a historic blunder, that would pull the popular struggle over a decade backward.

Accordingly, Lidetu said, no one is going to give weight to the Prime Minister's demand. "The decision-maker in our strategy is none but ourselves; and it is time for us to get stronger than ever to coordinate the struggle."

Asked how far his position is acceptable on the part of CUD leadership, Lidetu said he is very much certain that it is the position of UEDP-Medhin, and that he do not believe that CUD's position would be any different.

"As this position is very much important to the people, the CUD and to the current struggle, I do not believe that CUD will pass decisions other than this," Lidetu said.

"I think, anything short of this decision will in the short time help decide on the who-is-who of the people in the struggle," Lidetu said.

Asked if CUD, after official declaration of final election results by NEBE, will take the case to the court, Lidetu said he personally believes that taking the case to court will bring more political bankruptcy, and thus is unnecessary.

Taking the case to the court while the outcome could certainly be anticipated will be another round of bankruptcy, he added

Email: shirdons@yahoo.com

City: Washington DC

I THINK THERE ARE TWO CUD'S:- LIDETU CUD AND DR. BIRHANU CUD. IT IS FUNNY!

Guys cant you litsen to VOA or germany radio? there is one CUD.

Email: destian@ethionet.et

City: addis ababa