This message is intended for Kibralem G, Germany, The author of the above article.

Dear Mr. Kibralem,

I appreciate your moderate tones in this article! After reading your article,particularly the first part of it where you made a reference to my contribution to the debate, I thought I should put one or two points clear:

1. The emphasis of my contribution is to defend Dagmawi's rights to a freedom of expression following what I thought were unnecessary personal attacks against Dagmawi. So, I was amazed that you took my contribution as 'a partisan support' when it is not clearly meant to be.

2."Tigrean Nationalism":

Please note that nobody is talking about the people of Tigray collectively. The focus is on the organization called "The Tigray peoples Liberation Front" and the failings of this organization.

One could counter-argue, if you so wish, but please do not put a label on us when nothing is being said about our brothers and sisters in Tigray region unless it is about individuals related to the TPLF. It is the same as referring to the past Ethiopian regimes.

Could you accuse the TPLF of making a negative reference to Amharas when it dwels on the failings of Emperors Haileselassie and Menilik, for instance? I thought this overemphasis is the mainstay of the TPLF to legitimize its current power.

I have not noticed that past analysis of the nature of Ethiopian governments were the same as attacks on a particular ethnic group. If this is so, why is that the TPLF is so desperate to escape justifiable criticism by preempting it by accusing its critics of "harboring anti-Tigrean feelings," to use your own expression?

So,nothing has been rejected as to the nature of the TPLF and regarding the origin of "Tigray-Tigrigne" nationalism as they relate to the issue of our focus.You and I know that the Ethiopian people had no avenue to air their views either way in a democratic spirit - let's not kid each other!

3. "Way forward":

You state that: "It would make sense to work for unity than division as long as our ideas and visions are not mutually exclusive." Yes, I couldn't agree more!! But, the point of departure should be the recognition of the unity and diversity as well as our rights which should not be violated.

In short, I put it to you that there should be a level playing field for all Ethiopians. At present, this conduction does not exist. It does not help when we are lectured to as to how 'to behave and what is supposedly good for us' by the minority - am I clear?

Kind regards,

Tolossa Gofta Kassane.