UTNA Leaps Forward with Renewed Vision and Exalted Dedication
Saturday, August 26, 2006
The Union of Tigreans in North America, (UTNA), one of the oldest Ethiopian civic organizations based in the U.S, celebrated its 32nd anniversary with a new sense of commitment and fervent mood of jubilation recently, here in Washington, D.C. The celebration was attended by representatives of UTNA chapters in various states in the U.S. and Canada. In addition, the congress was graced with the presence of guests of honor from Ethiopia, representing the Tigray Regional Administration and other invited dignitaries.
The anniversary of UTNA was highlighted by four separate events which had a rhythmic flow to each other. The deliberations began with the congress of UTNA in which the attendees delved in depth on matters of politics, economy, social and organizational issues. The congress which was presided by the central and executive committee members of UTNA evaluated the overall performance of the organization during the last two years. Participants made a spirited debate and critical conversation on the successes and shortcomings that were experienced during the period under scrutiny. During the two-day proceedings, the Congress examined various ways for bolstering transparency, accountability, responsibility and responsiveness. It also deliberated on the urgency for restructuring and the need to invest more resources towards attracting new members to UTNA.
UTNA recognized the emerging and changing political contour in Ethiopia and expressed its readiness to vigorously pursue a new perspective along the path of peace, democracy and development as a cornerstone of its core belief. UTNA believes that Ethiopia has made great strides along these lines as manifested by the recent national elections and the growing economy. UTNA is determined to continue its efforts to contribute towards the peace, democracy, development and poverty reduction.
UTNA notes that the aftermath of the historic elections of May 2005 was blemished by anti-peace and anti-democracy attempts unleashed by power-thirsty individuals, most of whom are remnants of the defunct military junta of Mensgistu Hailemariam. These individuals have been congregated under the umbrella of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) party. Upon learning its loss of total control of the Ethiopian Parliament, CUD immediately disclosed its hidden agenda and started derailing the course of the democratization process by instigating chaos and violence in a desperate move to grab power.
Further, UTNA is cognizant of the gathering momentum of danger hatched by erstwhile enemies of Ethiopia, fueled by Shaebia and local and international terrorist elements who are bent on disrupting the burgeoning democracy, peace and development in Ethiopia.
UTNA accentuated also its realization of the need for a concerted effort by all Ethiopia-friendly forces to thwart the distractive activities of the few but vociferous Diaspora elements. These elements continue to tarnish the image of Ethiopia by creating fear and suspicion amongst the silent majority, and by spreading hate and working relentlessly in tandem with known enemies far and near to inflict destruction upon Ethiopia and its peoples.
The two-day deliberation was concluded with resolutions on the vision, strategies, goals and objectives to be undertaken in the days and months ahead.
UTNA Hereby Resolves:
1. to introduce a new functional mechanism with the motto of transparency, accountability, tolerance, inclusiveness, responsibility and responsiveness;
2. to vigorously work to attract new members from the Tigray community by rectifying hitherto observed organizational, recruitment and implementation deficiencies and pitfalls;
3. to closely collaborate and coordinate efforts with democratic forces both within Ethiopia and in the Diaspora towards the attainment of peace, democracy and development.
4. to bolster all-round efforts in Tigray by creating propitious conditions for the Tigray community here to marshal its resources and to participate in the development drive back home; to lend its unmitigated support to the efforts of the Tigray Development Association (TDA) and other associations determined to partake in the nation building process in our country;
\5. to work in concert with all forces in the U.S. representing nations and nationalities who are engaged in efforts towards the realization of peace, democracy and development in Ethiopia;
6. UTNA expresses its admiration and appreciation for the disabled Tigrean Veteran Patriots, past and current war heroes and heroines for their uncontested and selfless sacrifice in the frontlines during the arduous and bitter armed struggle and hereby commits to contribute its share towards the improvement of quality of their lives ;
7. to staunchly struggle against internal forces poised to undermine peace, democracy and development arrayed by both chauvinist and narrow-nationalist forces which have surfaced mainly in the aftermath of the May 2005 national elections of Ethiopia; and
8. to vehemently fight the satanic maneuverings and intransigence of Shaebia and destabilizing attempts by regional and international terrorist elements and their cohorts in Ethiopia.
Following its congress, UTNA also staged a panel discussion underlining the prevailing global and national political environment. The topics presented by panelists centered on Ethio-Eritria conflict and the mechanisms for its resolution; the roll of UTNA vis-à-vis the emerging political reality both at home and abroad; and the existing political, social and economic issues that abound in Ethiopia in general and Tigray in particular. The attendees of the panel, through their robust interaction, enriched the debate and adorned the lively discussion.
The other function that significantly graced the anniversary was the briefings made and the invitation extended by the Tigray State delegation for the Diaspora community to participate and exploit the prevailing investment-friendly climate in Ethiopia in general and Tigray in particular. The guests challenged all member of the Diaspora Tigrayan community to see for themselves and decide in what venture they could involve and benefit themselves, their compatriots and the country at large.
The musical extravaganza night featuring renowned performing artists, the community and family get together picnic, other entertainment and sports events were sources of joy and happiness. During these joyous occasions, an unprecedented number of attendees from all walks of life participated with jubilation.
The celebration amply demonstrated the healthy cohesion that has been steadily brewing. In fact, it is has come to maturity and is now yielding sustainable and strong bond in the community at large. This sprit of unity is the common denominator that has to be banked upon.
Indeed the 32nd anniversary was an opportune moment and a forum for reflections on the proud history of our people in general and UTNA in particular. It is high time that Ethiopian patriotism and the spirit of unity ring laud and clear. It is only through concerted action and belief that we can take the economic, political and social transformation of Ethiopia to the next level. After all, the new Ethiopia has no appetite for violence, hate, and ethnic strife. Let us build our nation Ethiopia by rallying behind the banner of peace, democracy, development and unity based on justice, respect, tolerance and equality. Therefore, UTNA raises its hands aloft and extends them far and near to work with groups or individuals towards the achievement of the lofty and grand ideals of peace, democracy and development in our country, Ethiopia.