Brother Keleta Kidane,
Few minutes ago I finished reading your article (Tigrigna) " Are the Weyanes friends or Enemies of Isaias?" at Meskerem.

I would like to thank you for this EXCELLENT QUESTION and your analysis. However, I have the following opinion based on my own ... for I have studied the Weyane since it's incubation as a movement i.e., TNO (in the early 1970s) followed by armed front as "TEHAHIT", "HIWEHAT" and finally the major organization within the EPRDF to the best of my ability. Though I am not a political scientist (like yourself), I know the following facts about the evolution and political stands of the Weyane.

1. Sometime in 1974 the early days of the TNO, I heard Legese Zenawi (now Meles) claiming that he supports the EPLF as a progressive movement for the liberation of Eritrea. Legese Zenawi was running to be the Vice President of University Students Union of Addis Ababa (USUAA). To my observation he was the only person to make this statement at that time. The rest be it Amharus and other Ethiopians and even some Eritreans did not know the difference between the ELF and PLF. Moreover, Legese used to read TIHISHA in those days.

2. After the disintegration of the ELF, I have attended public meetings conducted by leaders of the WEYANE such as Meles Zenawi, Yemane Jamaica, Assefa Mamo, Berhane Ghebrekirstos , Addis Alem and others... This time covers as early as 1984 till 1991 (the collapse of the Dergue). All of the used to teach that Isaias was an arrogant leader. The EPLF can only bring independence to Eritrea and will never be able to establish a democratic government. Moreover, they used to tell us only the EPLF could bring independence of Eritrea.

3. In those days the Weyane used to think the ELF-CC (Sagim) and DMLE as progressive Eritrean Forces who can establish a democratic government in Eritrea after liberation. They also did whatever they could to unite them. But ...
4. When Isaias came to the USA in 1989-1990 (?) he told the USA Government that the Weyane was a communist movement. He also informed the USA Government that he worked very hard to convince the Weyane (he claimed he created) to drop their communist ideology. Isaias was trying to be a representative of the USA in the Horn of Africa.

5. The Weyane then outsmarted Isaias and the rest of EPLF leadership and became the favored group by the USA Government in the Horn of Africa. Poor Isaias started to loose his virginity.

6. Then we come to the recent Ethio-Eritrean conflict. The Weyane was trying to establish public support in Ethiopia. Isaias had unconditional support from our people except for few wise people such as yourself. He thought he could defeat the EPRDF government in Ethiopia. Hence, he started the war. As a result of this war we lost many of our young generation and veterans of our struggle for our National Independence from Ethiopia. The arrogant Isaias lost his virginity ONCE and for ALL. Many people in Eritrea and Ethiopia used to think that Isaias can do whatever he can.

7. Now people in Eritrea and Ethiopia (specially some arrogant Tigrians and Amharas) have started to think that it easy for Ethiopia to reconquer Eritrea. However, I know for fact that the Weyane know the HEART of the Eritrean People very well. They are also wise enough to know it is better for the people of Eritrea and Ethiopia to live in peace as two separate countries.

8. In my opinion it is more difficult to administer Addis Ababa than Eritrea. Hence, it better for the Weyanes to continue establishing Democratic Ethiopia.

9. If we Eritreans do not end up in mess, no body will try to mess with us. Hence let's not blame the Weyane or ... for our weakness.

10. Finally, I appeal to you and other Veteran Eritrean Politicians to act wisely and use your experience to unite our people and save our country from total collapse.

11. Though I am not the best political cadre or ..., I know Eritrea will Always be there for Generations and Generations to come.

Regards,
AK13,
" Take kindly the counsel of the years, surrendering the things of youth."