US Ambassador Says Pardon Granted to CUD Leaders Opportunity for Reconciliation, March Forward (August 13, 2007)

The US Ambassador to Ethiopia said the pardon granted to CUD leaders is historic and an opportunity not only for the government and the opposition parties but also for the people of Ethiopia to move forward on reconciliation.
Ambassador Donald Yamamoto said that the step taken by the government is something that not only the people of Ethiopia take pride in but also exemplary to other nations.
“The pardon goes to the next stage which is to highlight the political reforms and engagements, opportunities that can, will and are taking place here in the country,” Yamamoto added.
He expressed gratitude for the government for its determination to take such bold steps and the elders who played crucial role in the clemency process.
“The US supported the process,'' Yamamoto said, adding that ''…the people of Ethiopia and its leadership are very proud people. I can assure you we can say things and do things but ultimately it is the decision of the people and leadership and they are the ones that took the bold steps not us.”
He underscored that the May 2005 election is a watershed and historic achievement not only for Africa but also for all other developing countries.
Over 80 percent of registered voters cast ballots and the seats of the opposition parties jumped from 12 to 196, he pointed out.
The resolution of the dispute that followed the election peacefully indicates the bright prospect the country has in its democratization drive, the ambassador further stressed.