H.R. 2003 is a bill introduced by Congressman Donald Payne to encourage and facilitate the consolidation of peace and security, respect for human rights, democracy, and economic freedom in Ethiopia.

Professor Alemayehu, a lead member of the Coalition for H.R.2003 affirms that Prof Ephrem has been lobbying to block full congressional action against the Zenawi regime.

Professor Ephrem is a renown scholar and is leading the Ethiopian elders (Shemageles) who were engaged in commendable mediation efforts. The elder group who paid several visits to PM Zenawi and the then jailed CUD leaders, were reportedly instrumental in securing the release of the oppostion leaders. Prof Ephrem argues that the bill can jeopardize the liberation of further political prisoners on which he is currently working on. He further stresses that the bill "enslaves" and threatens the sovereignty our nation and that Ethiopians should strive to solve their problems among themselves without foreign interventions.

Listen to Prof. Al Mariam and Prof. Ephrem discussing over H.R. 2003 on VOA (July 30th) and on Addis Voice (July 28th). Abebe Belew, Addis Voice Editor, has published an open letter to Professor Ephrem Issac .

More importantly, take action now in the campaign for H.R. 2003 - Call and Fax .