Dear readers: Keste Debena is another Eritrean Newspapare that together with its sister Eritrean publications are making history by smashing the chains of censorship and screaming loudly for freedom of expression. We salute all the Free Voices of Eritrea. We salute all the brave and honest writers.
Keste Debena
Issued Monday, June 11, 2001
[Translated to English by Awate Research Unit] Open Letter of General Oqbe Abraha June 11, 2001 I saw my name mentioned in the Saturday, June 9, 2001 issue of Hadas Ertra (No 167), in an article that appeared under the heading of Special Court: Its Rulings in Four Cases. It [the article] continues The Special Court, after investigating the case against the accused, Mr. Tekeste Tesfatsion, who was a member of the Red Sea Trading Corporation (09) and who, after being demobilized, was given illegal access to trade on the basis of commission by the then-senior managers of 09, Mr. Oqbe Abraha and Desu TesfatSion Because the information mentioning my name and provided on behalf of the Special Court is deficient of truth and incomplete and defames my name, I wish to make my answers known as follows and ask for an official response: First of all, I wish to make it known that I did not give nor is there truth to the claim that I gave Mr. Tekeste Tesfatsion illegal access to trade with 09 on the basis of commission. What I know about the aforementioned Mr. Tekeste Tesfatsion is that, at the time he was working with Daniel Yemane with 09, in a meeting attended by Desu Tesfatsion [as well], we discussed their work assignment and concluded that they should resume the [same] responsibilities they had while they were combatants: to work with Red Sea Trading Corporation. I had no knowledge that they were demobilized. If there is evidence that ascertains this, I would like it to be presented to me. Secondly, if, as stated, an investigation was conducted, why was I not asked to provide information [regarding the investigation]? If he is talking about me, how is it that an investigation was conducted and criminal behavior established without taking my side of the story into consideration? Nobody has notified me anything regarding this matter. What has been made public mentioning my name is void of truth and defames my name; to allege criminal behavior without considering the other side is illegal and my rights have been violated. Because I pursue legal means, I will, even now, continue to seek redress legally. In the past, at the National Assembly, I had itemized my rights, which have been violated. Namely: (1) I have the right to know my accuser and what I am accused of; (2) I have the right to defend myself, relying on truth and the law, in an independent court of law so I wont be condemned for wrongs I did not commit; (3) Until my accused and the accusation is known, I have the right and the duty to serve my government and my people. Moreover, the act of freezing has induced mental stress which is a violation of my human rights; (4) As a member of the Cabinet [of Ministers] and [National] Assembly, it is my view that those were the appropriate forums to discuss and respond to the allegations. If this cannot be done, then the case should be addressed in an independent court weighing justice and evidence; When I presented my case to the Central Committee (I will not concentrate on what transpired at the National Assembly so as to focus on the current issue), it [the Central Committee] took my case into consideration and decided to establish an institution that will investigate the matter and look into my rights, which have been violated. While I awaited for the implementation [of the Central Committees decision] and was inquiring about the time it is taking to do so, the announcement of the Special Court to incriminate me in the case and voids the work of the Central Committee is illegal and inappropriate. It goes to show, in my opinion, the preparatory work that is being undertaken for future steps against me. When I asked Hadas Ertra, the publication that disseminated the information about the announcement of the Special Court, to publish my response, I was told that my response would not be published. The publication that mentioned my name would not prove me the service [for rebuttal.] When this opportunity was denied, I decided to use the Private press. On this occasion, I would like to thank Keste Debena publication. Victory to the Masses. General Uqbe Abraha [End] |
