Following up on previous resolutions on Ethiopia, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) take another look at the unstable situation that has persisted in that country since the 2005 elections. Opposition leaders who led peaceful protests at the outcome of the elections have been convicted in court and may now face the death penalty. It is to be recalled that European Union observers have reported widespread vote rigging in their report on the 2005 elections in Ethiopia.  While calling on the Ethiopian authorities to respect fundamental rights, MEPs also believe the EU institutions could be doing more and indeed that the EU bears some responsibility since it persuaded Ethiopians not to boycott the elections.

Read full resolution on the situation in Ethiopia

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States said on Tuesday it was very concerned by an Ethiopian court's guilty verdict of 38 opposition officials and said it was watching the situation very closely.

Ethiopia, a close ally of the United States in anti-terrorism efforts, has cracked down on the opposition, especially after disputed elections in 2005.

Those found guilty on Monday by an Ethiopian court were among 131 opposition leaders, journalists and civil society activists charged in December 2005 with treason, inciting violence and attempting to commit genocide.

They could face the death penalty when sentenced, which local media said would take place next month.

Congressman Donald M. Payne and  European Parliament Member Ana Maria Gomes released a joint statement condemning the politically driven and unjust guilty verdict.