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Ethiopia - Meles Zenawi was both praised and slammed for his role in Copenhagen
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Ethiopia - Meles Zenawi was both praised and slammed for his role in Copenhagen
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK - DECEMBER 18: Ethiopia Prime Minister Meles Zenawi arrives for the final day of the UN Climate Change Conference on December 18, 2009 in Copenhagen, Denmark. World leaders will try to reach agreement on targets for reducing the earth's carbon emissions on this last day of the summit. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)
Ethiopia - Meles Zenawi was both praised and slammed for his role in Copenhagen
Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has been slammed by some African delegates at the Copenhagen Climate Summit for shortchanging Africa while he was also praised by some as a victor and credited for a breakthrough in the negotiations. The following is excerpts from several major media commenting about Meles' role at the Copenhagen Climate Change summit.
The BBC's correspondent Richard Black writes,
"Ethiopia' President[sic] Meles Zenawi emerged as Africa's political victor - the chosen champion of France and the UK as they sought African support for their finance proposal. He delivered the African Union."
The Guardian writes,
"In the end, the west exerted its traditional influence in Africa. President[sic] Meles was courted strongly by presidents Sarkozy, Brown and Obama in the days before the world leaders met, to try to bring Africa aboard the west's deal.
Meles proposed that developing countries accept $100bn a year – a remarkably similar sum to what the west had suggested. The accusations soon flew that Ethiopia had been bought and Meles was immediately slapped down by his peers.
Africa ended the talks divided, but knowing that it now plays a far more important role in the new politics of climate change."
Naomi Klein wrote this in the Guardian,
"And yet that is precisely what Ethiopia's prime minister, Meles Zenawi, proposed to do when he stopped off in Paris on his way to Copenhagen: standing with President Nicolas Sarkozy, and claiming to speak on behalf of all of Africa (he is the head of the African climate-negotiating group), he unveiled a plan that includes the dreaded 2C increase and offers developing countries just $10bn a year to help pay for everything climate related, from sea walls to malaria treatment to fighting deforestation.
It's hard to believe this is the same man who only three months ago was saying this: "We will use our numbers to delegitimise any agreement that is not consistent with our minimal position … If need be, we are prepared to walk out of any negotiations that threaten to be another rape of our continent … What we are not prepared to live with is global warming above the minimum avoidable level."And this: "We will participate in the upcoming negotiations not as supplicants pleading for our case but as negotiators defending our views and interests."
We don't yet know what Zenawi got in exchange for so radically changing his tune or how, exactly, you go from a position calling for $400bn a year in financing (the Africa group's position) to a mere $10bn."
Peter Wilson writing for The Australian has the kindest words for Meles Zenawi. He writes,
"The average Australian would never have heard of Meles Zenawi but if the search for a real climate deal makes any progress over the next few months then Mr Meles might just be remembered as the man who helped to protect Australia as well as his own continent from the worst effects of climate change. Acting on his own initiative, Mr Meles delighted organizers of the summit by putting back into motion one of the key deadlocked issues."
The problem for Meles's critics was that the 54-year-old Ethiopian had laid the groundwork for his proposal so skilfully and quietly that he had left his opponents with little time and few options to thwart him.
And The Washington Post writes,
"Prime Minister Meles Zenawi played a key role as spokesman for African countries, and by extension for the least-developed countries gathered at this conference. He helped create one of conference's few bright spots, agreeing to an offer from the industrialized world to provide $30 billion a year to help poor countries adapt to the effects of climate change. "
30 comments
Comment from: E [Visitor]
Anyone know the poor guy in the picture behind Meles?He is sure looked agonized by the extreeme cold of Copenhagen.
Funny no one offered to buy him an Armani suite, scarf and a hat like you know who?
Funny no one offered to buy him an Armani suite, scarf and a hat like you know who?
12/20/09 @ 02:43
Comment from: Abdi [Visitor]
What we see here is all sorts of compliments coming from the western world in the direction of President Meles.
The question is did he do anything helpful for Poor Africa?
He has to answer that . He has been saying,"We will walk out if necessary.". "we will scuttle the meeting if the rape of Africa is allowed to continue".
In reality what he did was 'scale back' (his words) the African demands to a below minimum and do whatever the European leaders told him to do. And this fellow is an Ethiopian.
Imagine that!Imagine an Ethiopian leader disappointing Africa!
Even Menghistu didn't follow European powers just because they threatened him with less aid money. He followed the former Soviet Union because of and only because ofideological bond.
What mEles did is a shame for Ethiopia. And it is a shame for all Africa in that the Africans, outside of South Africa did not use their power at the summit (South Africa negotiated separately) because of poor representation by ETHIOPIA.
The question is did he do anything helpful for Poor Africa?
He has to answer that . He has been saying,"We will walk out if necessary.". "we will scuttle the meeting if the rape of Africa is allowed to continue".
In reality what he did was 'scale back' (his words) the African demands to a below minimum and do whatever the European leaders told him to do. And this fellow is an Ethiopian.
Imagine that!Imagine an Ethiopian leader disappointing Africa!
Even Menghistu didn't follow European powers just because they threatened him with less aid money. He followed the former Soviet Union because of and only because ofideological bond.
What mEles did is a shame for Ethiopia. And it is a shame for all Africa in that the Africans, outside of South Africa did not use their power at the summit (South Africa negotiated separately) because of poor representation by ETHIOPIA.
12/20/09 @ 02:54
Comment from: aatitegheb [Visitor]
These are articls that are critical and credible. They are not written by an ex Ethiopian diasporas. We do not want to see Meles an idol because we had idol kings in the past but did not do much to the country's progress. We need pragmatic leaders like Meles who know how to risk but to make their point. Meles, you are victory of your spectators and criticl minds and shame to your enemies. What should Isayas say now if he had the chance of seeing the titles of different new papers?
12/20/09 @ 03:08
Comment from: De La Manchu [Visitor]
MELES you are simply the best real thing to come out of Africa. You entered Addis in victory, and flew over Paris and became a go between and saved Copenhagen and every body went home in peace and without a blood shed for Christmas. The Dense owe you a major square and a statue, you lifted them from going under. You are baking a big enjera for Ethiopia increasing productivity and effective utilization of its human and natural resources; the day will soon come when Ethiopia will be self sufficient. Ethiopia's children have risen from a thousand year of sleep; thanks to God Almighty and the political economic philosophy of EPRDF.
MERRY CHRISTMAS: PRIME MINISTER MELES AND FAMILY AND ALL ETHIOPIANS AND AFRICANS at home and in the diaspora.
MERRY CHRISTMAS: PRIME MINISTER MELES AND FAMILY AND ALL ETHIOPIANS AND AFRICANS at home and in the diaspora.
12/20/09 @ 03:44
Comment from: true [Visitor]
What is so shameful is that, the Western journalists will talk as if Ethiopia, rather than saying Meles. Ethiopia's name will be bad mouthed. For the first time in history, Ethiopia will be looked ate as a traitor and treacherous who caused the destruction of Africa. This will get stuck in their head. Lord have mercy. God save our mother Ethiopia from the demise of TPLF and Melese. God save us all.
12/20/09 @ 03:58
Comment from: Extraterrestrial [Visitor] 
There are overwhelming criticism againt our Prime Minister from the trairor Ethiopian diaspora than anywhere else ranging from calling him 'the mouse' to labeling him as 'a back stabber' for Copenhagen summit.
The Copenhagen phenomenon is not the often secretive and compelex Ethiopian politics alone but, a phenomenon in which the world is an equal partner as much as we the Ethiopians are. I do believe this should be the best example to the international community to learn, to know, to discover or to understand the evil nature of the Ethiopian diaspora in particularly of those communities who are harboring those sold out traitor Ethiopian diaspora in the developed world.
There should not be any more example to the international community to identify the Ethiopian diaspora with their narrow understanding of literally almost everything, their baseless alligation against the Ethiopian government, their disagreeablity to what is honest, decent and reasonable, there should be no more best opportunity for the international community to learn the Ethiopian diaspora disguised evil motive of hate politics in the name of democracy and rule of law.
Here is the best example for the world to learn about Ethiopian diaspora.
The Copenhagen phenomenon is not the often secretive and compelex Ethiopian politics alone but, a phenomenon in which the world is an equal partner as much as we the Ethiopians are. I do believe this should be the best example to the international community to learn, to know, to discover or to understand the evil nature of the Ethiopian diaspora in particularly of those communities who are harboring those sold out traitor Ethiopian diaspora in the developed world.
There should not be any more example to the international community to identify the Ethiopian diaspora with their narrow understanding of literally almost everything, their baseless alligation against the Ethiopian government, their disagreeablity to what is honest, decent and reasonable, there should be no more best opportunity for the international community to learn the Ethiopian diaspora disguised evil motive of hate politics in the name of democracy and rule of law.
Here is the best example for the world to learn about Ethiopian diaspora.
12/20/09 @ 04:00
Comment from: Drogba [Visitor]
One again the west get the good end of the bargain while we(African)are left to face the consequence of climate change.Our PM tried his best and should be praised for his effort.
12/20/09 @ 04:01
Comment from: Focus [Visitor]
I am muddling between two points. one is it seems every one got short of the expectations to meet at the Copenhagen as things couldn't converge into one point specially the disagreement among the economic moguls and hence accordingly , isn't a wisdom the shift in stand made by PM Melese ?
The other point is what it could be if the African delegation walks of the house. Could it been influenced any button of the superpowers and might change the out come or it would been instead a child cry for a moment ? So i hope some one will hint me out with non-politically motivated suggestion. Thanks in advance!!!
The other point is what it could be if the African delegation walks of the house. Could it been influenced any button of the superpowers and might change the out come or it would been instead a child cry for a moment ? So i hope some one will hint me out with non-politically motivated suggestion. Thanks in advance!!!
12/20/09 @ 07:28
Comment from: samson [Visitor]
Are U kidding me? What do U expect from the west? ofcourse they will praise U when U do thier bidding selling out the very people U were supposed to represent. The politically unstable Zenawi who is banking on western support to stay in power would sell out his people to get political support to stay in power and that is exactly what Zenawi did in Copenhagen. The African people clearly lost the game. Zenawi sold Africa for the highest bidder no ifs and buts. sold
12/20/09 @ 08:32
Comment from: Yonas H. from Seattle [Visitor]
The Primer stated that, "Africa loses more than most if there is no agreement on climate change. Because we have more to lose than others, we have to be prepared to be flexible and be prepared to go the extra-mile to accommodate others."
From the perspectives of strategic goals setting, I do admire the action taken by Prime Minister Meles to soften the original financial and minimum allowable emission targets to avoid another deadlock even though I have doubts with the timing and if the needed coordination with other African leaders or representatives had taken place.
Getting concessions from the developed nations, especially from the top ten most polluters contributing largely to the global worming, has been close to impossible in the past. Total concessions from China & the US will be very unlikely in the near future, simply because there is a lot at stack, the main energy source that there economy is based on is the very subject that is being blamed to cause the significant amount of the green house effect and related global worming.
So, it is easy to understand that the change has to come from within countries themselves primarily. More than anything, creating an atmosphere of trust and transparency among these countries, and then a willingness and commitment to achieve the objectives are the essentials and beginnings that are crucially needed. In my view, creating some spirit of trust and a sense of commitment to the cause are some the biggest achievements of the Copenhagen Accord. It is reasonable to understand why it is impossible to achieve a universal agreement at this point that could satisfy the demands and objectives of all nations, the various interest groups, academicians, activists and many other players.
From the perspectives of strategic goals setting, I do admire the action taken by Prime Minister Meles to soften the original financial and minimum allowable emission targets to avoid another deadlock even though I have doubts with the timing and if the needed coordination with other African leaders or representatives had taken place.
Getting concessions from the developed nations, especially from the top ten most polluters contributing largely to the global worming, has been close to impossible in the past. Total concessions from China & the US will be very unlikely in the near future, simply because there is a lot at stack, the main energy source that there economy is based on is the very subject that is being blamed to cause the significant amount of the green house effect and related global worming.
So, it is easy to understand that the change has to come from within countries themselves primarily. More than anything, creating an atmosphere of trust and transparency among these countries, and then a willingness and commitment to achieve the objectives are the essentials and beginnings that are crucially needed. In my view, creating some spirit of trust and a sense of commitment to the cause are some the biggest achievements of the Copenhagen Accord. It is reasonable to understand why it is impossible to achieve a universal agreement at this point that could satisfy the demands and objectives of all nations, the various interest groups, academicians, activists and many other players.
12/20/09 @ 08:50
Comment from: Amaraw [Visitor]
he sold eritira first now africa ! So why you guys are wondering? This guy loves money. Don't you get it?
12/20/09 @ 11:40
Comment from: Yeha [Visitor]
"Prime Minister Meles Zenawi played a key role as spokesman for African countries, and by extension for the least-developed countries gathered at this conference. He helped create one of conference's few bright spots, agreeing to an offer from the industrialized world to provide $30 billion a year to help poor countries adapt to the effects of climate change."
That is why we called him the greatest leader in Africa.Bringing change is the way he born to be.Indeed it shows in Copenhagen too.Yeha
That is why we called him the greatest leader in Africa.Bringing change is the way he born to be.Indeed it shows in Copenhagen too.Yeha
12/20/09 @ 12:47
Comment from: sosi [Visitor]
very funny!
How come a man who could not save his own people saves the whole continent???
How come a man who could not save his own people saves the whole continent???
12/20/09 @ 13:58
Comment from: ankober [Visitor]
thank you pm.
no body in ethiopian history has earned so much respect by the international community.the strongest men and women in the world lined up to praise this gentleman we call meles zenawi.first time in our history we led scores of countries in dozens of international dealings.
than kyou epdrf
thank you pm meles
no body in ethiopian history has earned so much respect by the international community.the strongest men and women in the world lined up to praise this gentleman we call meles zenawi.first time in our history we led scores of countries in dozens of international dealings.
than kyou epdrf
thank you pm meles
12/20/09 @ 14:11
Comment from: elcad [Visitor]
A little tribute for Meles & Copenhagen -
Praised by his masters
slammed by his compatriots
A traitor always
Every thing he touched is a mess.
From Mekele to Addis
Then Copenhagen to Paris
Millions felt his chaos.
A defector and horrendous.
Mentored by Isayas
For years and decades
But, deserted him regardless.
Bald, ugly & sneaky ass
That sounds typical Meles
Praised by his masters
slammed by his compatriots
A traitor always
Every thing he touched is a mess.
From Mekele to Addis
Then Copenhagen to Paris
Millions felt his chaos.
A defector and horrendous.
Mentored by Isayas
For years and decades
But, deserted him regardless.
Bald, ugly & sneaky ass
That sounds typical Meles
12/20/09 @ 14:13
Comment from: Unknown [Visitor]
I hope we are not criticizing all the time but let's all stand and look back how we are back retarded. Are we pest mists and criticizing all the time?
Yes, It is and was so painful that we are oppressed by the former government.
Universities students are having their own party ID cards in order to survive with fear that they will get fired unless they aren't in the party.
In the third world country, I see that most officials work for their own benefit and there is no love for their own countries. Especially Ethiopians for their own country.
Tribalism which is the most popular in Oromia, Tigria and Amahara. In the universities they are like dogs which doesn't bit but barks always by opening it's mouth.
Please all Ethiopians: Let's come to reality. Stop thinking of Oromia or Tigrai or Amahara but let's think of Unity.
If you take within the country; Everyone has love for money but not for the country and all people are Spy's.
I can't complete my writing because this world is not complete.
But it is better not to be Pest mist but also good to be optimist in hard situation.
Plan and let's, pray and change this country.
Young fox.
Yes, It is and was so painful that we are oppressed by the former government.
Universities students are having their own party ID cards in order to survive with fear that they will get fired unless they aren't in the party.
In the third world country, I see that most officials work for their own benefit and there is no love for their own countries. Especially Ethiopians for their own country.
Tribalism which is the most popular in Oromia, Tigria and Amahara. In the universities they are like dogs which doesn't bit but barks always by opening it's mouth.
Please all Ethiopians: Let's come to reality. Stop thinking of Oromia or Tigrai or Amahara but let's think of Unity.
If you take within the country; Everyone has love for money but not for the country and all people are Spy's.
I can't complete my writing because this world is not complete.
But it is better not to be Pest mist but also good to be optimist in hard situation.
Plan and let's, pray and change this country.
Young fox.
12/20/09 @ 15:22
Comment from: ፊታውራሪ Free [Member]
In this case, what the western media say concerning Ato meles is nearly irrelevant. What the African delegation in the Summit has said and what African's are saying at this moment matter the most and hold the ultimate verdict for his overall performance and service to the ever poorly represented continent. Based on that, Ato meles, who is functioning on a different wavelength and thus bandwidth(Courtesy of the Senegalese President), has proved himself that he is the definition of betrayal and treason, the ultimate face of mercenary! Not that i think most of you doesn't know this fact, but think about his political career, it is marred with numerous betrayals to a degree that dwarfs the in/famous Machiavelli. I believe that ato meles wouldn't hesitate to sell his own children if that is what it takes to strengthen his grip on power.
12/20/09 @ 15:45
Comment from: Sam [Visitor]
Why is Meles so eager to accept what the West has proposed? Here is a man just two months ago giving a speech, almost an ultimatum for the West, saying Africa would not be short-changed again, but suddenly he changed himself from representing Africa to be an instrument for the West's desire. Is there something that Meles wants from the West? Undoubtedly, there should be. Otherwise why he offends so many African leaders unless he seeks favor from the West sometime in the near future? Election is coming in Ethiopia. One has not to be a synical to assume Meles was paying a bribe for the West so that the West to look the other way whatever brutal force, or vote stealing the EPDRF's might do,say, if the competition turns out to be competitive despite the expectation of many not to. The guy cannot take any political action without weighing in to equation his and his political party survival. That is exactly why many could be compelled to believe the guy does not believe in anything unless believing in something does not reward him personally. He says anything, even feigning anger, but all is for public consumption. In all of that theatre he performs selling Meles to the larger audience is the goal. One could ask if he weighs in the coming election to make a complete reversal of belief and stoops for the West's desire, why not worry about the African leaders as well? Well, Meles might give orders to his military and Addis might be a bloodbath, but I would have a hard time imagining an African leader who speaks for those who will be massacred.
12/20/09 @ 18:46
Comment from: NoStRaDaMuS [Visitor]
ፊታውራሪ Free [Member]
"In this case, what the western media say concerning Ato meles is nearly irrelevant. What the African delegation in the Summit has said and what African's are saying at this moment matter the most"
Why in this case? A couple of days ago you were using thier comment to slame the current gov't about the 2005 national election and the next election. Why then but not now. How on earth does the western media become irrelelvant? Is that becaus it is not in line with your idea or you did not hear what you want to hear?
u c, For me, I don't give a dame about what they are saying but the facts. and I belive the fact show it all. I did not give a bit when they say Ethiopia is falling apart, and although i am happy when i read a couple of western media praising Meles (which happens rarely), deep down I don't really care. because i now what are the facts. Unlike you i don't really care for western approval.
"In this case, what the western media say concerning Ato meles is nearly irrelevant. What the African delegation in the Summit has said and what African's are saying at this moment matter the most"
Why in this case? A couple of days ago you were using thier comment to slame the current gov't about the 2005 national election and the next election. Why then but not now. How on earth does the western media become irrelelvant? Is that becaus it is not in line with your idea or you did not hear what you want to hear?
u c, For me, I don't give a dame about what they are saying but the facts. and I belive the fact show it all. I did not give a bit when they say Ethiopia is falling apart, and although i am happy when i read a couple of western media praising Meles (which happens rarely), deep down I don't really care. because i now what are the facts. Unlike you i don't really care for western approval.
12/20/09 @ 21:00
Comment from: ankober [Visitor]
nostradamus
you are the best.this idiot changes his or her side every second.
you are the best.this idiot changes his or her side every second.
12/21/09 @ 10:49
Comment from: TEDDY [Visitor]
Praised or slammed ,this leba has brought
NOTHING as positive for AFRICA .Let the
TPLF thugs and fool diaspora peoples play
their usual Belly Dance .
12/21/09 @ 11:07
Comment from: eritrea [Visitor]
nothing from meles.he alwayes work for western.but look at eritrea and eritrean leaders your teacher who brought u here thier man oh hounr for ever.
u lie for eritrea and now the whole of africa
u lie for eritrea and now the whole of africa
12/21/09 @ 12:52
Comment from: Jegna [Visitor]
Extraterrestrial [Visitor]
He was praised by the western countries that he was supposed to negotiate against and he was condemned by his fellow African delegates. Where does the Diaspora come into to this? In fact most of the people protesting and rioting weren't even Ethiopians. You seem like a smart guy (at least you have proven you can read and write) so you should really absorb the message before you blame the Diaspora for all of the negative things said against your beloved leader. If you continue down this road you will blame the Ethiopian Diaspora for the recession, JFK's assassination, and why your gf/wife has a “headache” every time you want some action lol
He was praised by the western countries that he was supposed to negotiate against and he was condemned by his fellow African delegates. Where does the Diaspora come into to this? In fact most of the people protesting and rioting weren't even Ethiopians. You seem like a smart guy (at least you have proven you can read and write) so you should really absorb the message before you blame the Diaspora for all of the negative things said against your beloved leader. If you continue down this road you will blame the Ethiopian Diaspora for the recession, JFK's assassination, and why your gf/wife has a “headache” every time you want some action lol
12/21/09 @ 18:59
Comment from: displaced [Visitor]
Beautiful Writing Skill!
The One and Only one, Elcad.
The One and Only one, Elcad.
12/21/09 @ 22:06
Comment from: Selam [Visitor]
The best negotiator -Viva Meles. He has proven to be intelligent and fare. This is what Africa needs.
S
S
12/22/09 @ 00:16
Comment from: EthioMAN [Visitor]
Nostradamus... "the man who saw the future..."
It s intersting how a simple negotiation for a hold of the better deal has drastically become so puney. You know my bro or sis, who goes from $400bn to $10bn a year? If you were given the negotiation rights, or represent a few others... in this case a whole continent, would you not run it by the others before you make your own decessions? Any sane person will. I am sure you will.
All who support this or oppose, have the right to their opinion but not to their own facts. Simply stated, Meles was promissed something in exchange. For me u c, it is not up to meles. He is a negotiater and not a deal maker. Based on that, logic dectates that this shrimp of a man, simply back stabed the other African nations in exchange for a guarantee of payments and longer hold on power. No Western nation is going to take up the cause of the Ethiopian people anymore... that, NoStra... is what is wrong here. That is why what the other Africans say matters and not the media. Did you get it?
It s intersting how a simple negotiation for a hold of the better deal has drastically become so puney. You know my bro or sis, who goes from $400bn to $10bn a year? If you were given the negotiation rights, or represent a few others... in this case a whole continent, would you not run it by the others before you make your own decessions? Any sane person will. I am sure you will.
All who support this or oppose, have the right to their opinion but not to their own facts. Simply stated, Meles was promissed something in exchange. For me u c, it is not up to meles. He is a negotiater and not a deal maker. Based on that, logic dectates that this shrimp of a man, simply back stabed the other African nations in exchange for a guarantee of payments and longer hold on power. No Western nation is going to take up the cause of the Ethiopian people anymore... that, NoStra... is what is wrong here. That is why what the other Africans say matters and not the media. Did you get it?
12/22/09 @ 11:31
Comment from: think tank [Visitor]
I can't believe there are people arguing what Meles proposed is smart and fair. Well Smart for him to stay in power as an absolute dictator enjoying the unconditional support in return for selling the poor Africans, but very idiotic for Africa and for its people that are sentensed to die by increasing heat by 3.3. I wonder if 30 bill will pass down to its intended Job and pourpose when there are corrupt leaders like himself Meles how is worth 1.2 bill dollars.
12/22/09 @ 17:12
Comment from: kebede tamrou [Visitor]
selam you made a big mistake by saying intelligent,he is an incult and imbecile person.don't you know that he is a puppet who's manipulated by western.
12/24/09 @ 19:56
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