Amidst several episodes of unrest in some parts of Oromia two weeks after an urban riot that resulted in at least 46 deaths here in the capital, Oromo MPs from the opposition camp seized the opportunity to denounce "OPDO-led retaliations against residents" of towns, where the opposition had gained a clean sweep during the May 15 poll.

Residents of Oromia sympathetic to the opposition have been subjected to harsh treatment by cadres, eviction from jobs and confiscation of properties, a statement issued on Thursday jointly by Dr. Merera's ONC, OFDM and Dr. Negasso Gidada, an independent MP, indicated.

The statement, which recalled that opposition political parties were granted the right to freely conduct party work and recruit member as legally registered parties, further underscored that an OPDO-orchestrated move have resulted in the closure of branch offices and ransacking of offices without the necessary court order. "The right granted by the Constitution of FDRE under article 30 to freely gather their members and supporters for rallies and discussions had been trampled down by the OPDO /EPRDF," their statement read.

The MPs told local journalists that the recent clashes between university or high school students and the security forces broke out as a result of increasing public dissatisfaction "over the blatant refusal of EPRDF" to seek appropriate remedies to the problems reigning supreme. "Issues raised by the students are legitimate and should be addressed by the authorities if peace and stability are to be the order of the day," Gabru G.Mariam, an MP of ONC said.

Dr. Getachew Jigi of Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement (OFDM) dismissed recent press reports that removed him from executive committee membership. "This is simply the work of agents of OPDO, who are working day and night to create rift among party members. Otherwise I,'m still in the executive committee," he said.

Asked to forward their comment on the alleged continuation of harassment and human rights violation against their members and supporters despite their entry into parliament, the MPs said they still believed parliament was the right place to struggle for the betterment of peoples lives. "The issue of Mechana Tulema, the quest of Oromos to include Finfinne within Oromia and several other issues still await our active involvement in parliament," Dr. Getachew of OFDM said.

The ruling OPDO did not issue any formal response to the MP's statement until The Reporter went to press on Friday. It is to be recalled that officials attributed student protest to OLF-orchestrated attempts to overthrow the government. Although government troops opened fire and killed some protestors in most of the places, Harari officials entered the compound of the Alemaua University while Oromo students demanded the secession of Oromia on Wednesday and held talks to the protestors pledging that their concerns would be addressed.

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