Former Ethiopia President's teleconference with UDJ Diaspora support groups

North American support groups for the Ethiopian opposition party Unity for Democracy and Justice (UDJ) organized a teleconference with the Former President of Ethiopia and current parliamentarian Dr. Negasso Gidada for August 23. The main topic will be the recent government harassment of UDJ and other parties of the coalition Forum (Medrek) for Democratic Dialogue (FDD), which Negasso is a leading member. He was invited to attend a recent campaign by UDJ in Adama, the administrative capital of Oromia, before government security forces and officials reportedly paid some youth to cause disturbances and stop the meeting. Some reports said opposition officials were also beaten during the saga. The government media denied the accusations and it instead accused the opposition of being divided and trying to cover up their weaknesses by blaming the government.

A UDJ newsletter said the teleconference with Dr. Negasso will be on 2pm Eastern Time, Conference Dial-in 1-712-432-3100 or 1-218-862-7200