Role of EPRDF said irreplaceable in keeping Ethiopia intact

Addis Ababa, July 14(ENA)-- Given the truth on the ground, the ruling Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) is the only political power that could sustanably guarantee the survival of the country as a nation, former founding member of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Party (EPRP) said.

In an interview with the weekly Amharic newspaper "nation" that appeared on Saturday Melaku Tegegne said, "at present there is no effective and strong opposition in Ethiopia."

He said, "the gap that would be created in the absence of EPRDF couldn't be easily filled and there is no power that could replace it."

The constitution which is in full force in the country is the second best next to south Africa, he said, adding that what is important is to force the government to implement it effectively.

Any attempt made to remove EPRDF by force would bring the disintegration of the country, he said.

He said opposition forces like the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and many others, which have been prowling for years could easily exploit the situation and jeopardize the existence of the country.

It is hardly possible to consider as a party the union of chauvinists and opportunists, he said, adding that it has been along time since EPRP withdrew from political activities as an organization.

He said the leaders of EPRP who have been out of the country for over 30 years couldn't represent the interests of the people, as they are ignorant of the function of the truth on the ground here at home.

Asked to comment on the futurity of EPRP, he said" I wouldn't believe that the party exists at this point in time as an organization. But there are some remnants whose main objective is to promote hatred and exclusion against EPRDF."

The ongoing fierce polemics against EPRDF wouldn't serve any purpose except to promote mistrust and hatred among the various nations, nationalities and peoples in the country, he said.

The vindictive propaganda being spear headed particularly against the people of Tigray could only exacerbate the situation that has been marred by a mélange of different activities, he said.

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