On April 3rd, 1999 Shabiya's sick dream of dividing Ethiopians has received another death-blow in Washington, D.C. Over four thousand-strong Ethiopians, whose love for their motherland Ethiopia, was overflowing like the Nile, whose respect, admiration and support for the Ethiopian defense forces has been a slap not only on the face of Shabiya, but also to all enemies of Ethiopia.

The organizing committee must be hailed for competently and adequately preparing the event of the evening of April 3rd, 1999. It is a proof of their professional preparation, persistence, and selfless effort. (Every Ethiopian should also support the upcoming event organized by the Ethiopian artists' organization in North America).

It is important to recognize, that in the minds of all the participants of the April 3rd, 1999 event, the motives and the objectives of the Ethiopian defense forces has a solid moral, political, economic and mass basis to establish justice. There was also a clear understanding that, this historical situation will be accomplished by Ethiopians and only by Ethiopians, in pursuing their national interest, regardless of how other world powers might feel about it. To this end, the Ethiopian defense forces are writing a new chapter in Ethiopia's long history, by their blood.

As people who have never known slavery, Ethiopians are extremely free and freedom loving people. As such, Ethiopians disagree on numerous issues amongst themselves. (This is what people who have democratic rights do. Ethiopians are neither zombies nor echoes that repeat the statement of their masters). But, when it comes to the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Ethiopia is concerned, Ethiopians become the most United for the cause. The event of April 3, 1999 was just one more testimony to this fact.

To see Ethiopians of different ages, political and religious persuasions, stand in unison and pay their deep-rooted respect to the gallantry of the Ethiopian defense forces was the ultimate euphoric moment to those who love Ethiopia dearly.

Throughout history, Ethiopia has been a country that has stressed mediation as a device for conflict settlement. It is only when, the powers that be have been blind or spineless, that Ethiopia has been forced to resort to arms to defend its territorial integrity and sovereignity. This according to international norms, is legal, moral and justifiable. Ethiopia has never claimed what is not rightfully hers. As a result, her just causes supported by the gallant Ethiopian people have always resulted in victories.

With the unity of purpose of the Ethiopian people everywhere, the time will not be far that Ethiopia will put all warmongers under control and focus on democracy, justice and economic development.

Kidane Tsegai