|
Petition by former supporters of EPLF
Dr.Paul Kelemen
Department of Sociology
University of Manchester, UK
We the
undersigned have all supported the Eritrean people's right to
independence and were activist in the UK solidarity campaign in the
1980s. We rejoiced when, in 1991, after years of struggle and countless
sacrifices, the EPLF formed the government in Asmara, with the promise of
providing greater freedom and democracy. We are, therefore, greatly
disturbed by the recent political developments. The arrest of dissidents,
secret trials, the banning of newspapers, the indefinite postponement of
elections, the brutal treatment of student protesters are all serious
violations of basic democratic rights. The Eritrea government's reasons
for taking these repressive measures are all too familiar. They are
symptomatic of a political elite insulating itself from public criticism
and accountability.
We continue to
believe in the Eritrean people's right to independence and democracy and
will support initiatives that aim to realise these objectives.
Roger Briottet
- UN consultant
Aneez Ismail -
Manchester University
Martin Jordin -
Sheffield Hallam University
Paul Kelemen -
Manchester University
David Mather -
Glasgow Caledonian University
Yassmine Mather
- Glasgow University
Tariq Mehmmood
- writer
Hilary Nelson -
lawyer
Chris Roberts -
Manchester University
Anandi
Ramamurthy - University of Central Lancashire
Donatella Soldi
- doctor
Amrit Wilson -
writer
Source: http://news.asmarino.com/Information/2003/9/DrPaulKelemen_20.asp
|
