The Ethiopian government delegates visiting from Ethiopia was led by Minister of Justice Berhan Hailu and included Yohanes Fenta and Berhane KidaneMariam.

The meeting was chaired by Los Angeles Ethiopian Consul General Ambassador Taye Atske Sellasie. Los Angeles Consul Staff member Endale Mitiku was also in attendance.

This is the first visit of Seattle by high government officials from Ethiopia since the visit by Deputy Prime Minister Addisu Legesse in August 2006.

The government officials gave a detail account of the state of affairs in Ethiopia including economic development, educational coverage, health care, infrastructure building, the upcoming election, good governance, and the democratization process. The audience was given a full and unhindered opportunity to ask questions and get even more details on the topics of discussion.

The atmosphere and the conduct of the meeting was unprecedented. Out of all the meetings held in Seattle, this is the first Ethiopian government led meeting that was attended by a good number of opposition and concluded without a single incident. All meeting attendees conducted themselves admirably and were respectful of the government officials.

The visiting officials were happy to meet Ethiopians and felt their time was well spent. The officials expressed a heartfelt appreciation and admiration to the civility of attendees.

It is the impression of the meeting organizers that the Seattle meeting is a sign that a mature and sober discussion is possible between Ethiopians living in the Western hemisphere and the Ethiopian government. If this continues, meetings with high Ethiopian government officials in US and Europe will become the norm rather than the exception. (aigaforum.com)