Friday, June 10, 2005, 10:35a.m.

Ambassador Aurelia E. Brazeal's Letter to American Citizens

Dear Fellow Americans:

I share your concern about recent disturbances and public unrest in Ethiopia, including the clashes in Addis Ababa between security forces and members of the public and the tragic loss of life. The Embassy will continue to monitor developments and provide you periodic security updates. The Embassy, however, cannot serve as a verification point for all news about the situation in Ethiopia. There are many rumors circulating. The Embassy has the responsibility to make sure what is accurate. Much of the information reported to the Embassy is simply untrue. The Embassy does not want to be a party to rumors and speculation.

Most of you are concerned about public safety. The Embassy has sent several messages to the American community to avoid specific areas affected by demonstrations and to exercise caution while traveling around, plus in and out of, Addis Ababa. For example, a specific message warned to avoid the Mercato until further notice, in the aftermath of the violence that occurred there. While Americans are not the objects of violence, the danger comes from inadvertantly being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The safety of Americans is the Embassy's highest priority, and it is a responsibility that I, as Ambassador, take seriously. Americans in Ethiopia will be informed immediately of any situation deemed unsafe. We urge you to frequently consult the Embassy website for current information and do not hesitate to call the American Embassy consular section at 24-24-24 to express your concerns or convey information.

I, along with many other Ambassadors, am calling on the Ethiopian Government to exercise restraint in dealing with public unrest, adhere to international human rights principles and follow due process for those arrested. We have asked all political parties to foreswear violence. The U.S. Embassy has actively engaged all parties in pursuing the peaceful completion of the electoral process. As the chairperson of the Ambassadors Donor Group, I worked with my colleagues on the following message, which put all political parties and the Ethiopian Government on notice of our concerns.

I realize these are unsettling times but let me assure you your safety and personal wellbeing have my utmost attention.

Respectfully,

Aurelia Brazeal
Ambassador
Embassy of the United States of America
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Statement In Response To Joint Declaration On The Complaints Review And Investigation Process 06/10
Ambassadors Donor Group and EU Statement 06/08