He has also served as desk officer in the Africa section at State's Bureau of Intelligence and Research; Staff Officer for the Secretary of State (1978-1979), and Staff Director for the Africa Subcommittee of the US House of Representatives (1979-1982). Before joining the Foreign Service, Ambassador Carson was a Peace Corps volunteer in Tanzania. He has a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Drake University and a Master of Arts in International Relations from the School of Oriental and Africa Studies at the University of London. Ambassador Carson is the recipient of several Superior Honor Awards from the Department of State and a Meritorious Service Award from Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. The Centers for Disease Control presented Ambassador Carson its highest award, "Champion of Prevention Award," for his leadership in directing the US Government's HIV/AIDS prevention efforts in Kenya.
 
 
  2. Rep. Donald Payne's staff has indicated that he plans to
  reintroduce legislation to support human rights and democracy in
  Ethiopia. All Ethiopian-Americans should contact Rep. Payne's
  office ((202) 225-3436; (973)-645-3213;
  http://www.house.gov/payne/IMA/email.shtml) to urge him to
  introduce the legislation as soon as possible. The legislation
  passed the House of Representatives last year because of
  Ethiopian-Americans took the time to contact their elected
  representatives. It is essential that we repeat the experience
  this year, and that we get legislation enacted in both houses of
  Congress this time.
 
 
  3. DLA Piper, an international lobbying firm has responded to the
  efforts of Ethiopian-Americans to draw attention to the fact that
  it is representing a bloody dictator. DLA Piper recently provided
  a written statement to Ethiopian-Americans who are protesting its
  representation of the Meles regime. The statement notes: "There
  are elements of the Ethiopian Diaspora, particularly in the
  Washington, DC area, who are bitter opponents of the current
  administration and go to great lengths to try to embarrass or
  demean those who are associated with it." DLA Piper receives at
  least $50,000 per month to lobby Congress and the administration
  on behalf of Meles and the Ethiopian government. The statement
  fails to note that despite expensive lobbying, observers in the
  media, non-governmental organizations and even the U.S. State
  Department are well aware of the Meles regime's terrible human
  rights record and its suppression of democracy. Parade magazine
  recently put Meles on a list of the world's worst dictators,
  Amnesty International has reported on the Ethiopian government's
  human rights abuses, and this year's State Department Human Rights report again notes massive human rights violations and suppression of democracy.
  4. The All Ethiopia Unity Party (AEUP) has opened the Liberal Open  Air College. It will provide training in organizing for democracy, human rights advocacy and peaceful struggle.
  5. The Kinijit AEUP has a new website: www.kaeup.com
  <http://www.kaeup.com/>. The website has fresh news and accurate information straight from Ethiopia. The website also offers
  readers an opportunity to make financial contributions to the AEUP
  and to contribute to the peaceful transition to a democracy,
  prosperous Ethiopia.
  6, Voice of Kinijit AEUP with AEUP VP Ato Assefa Habete Wolde - Kinijit AEUP Voice, March 22, 2009 Special interview with AEUP Vice President Western Region, Ato Assefa Habete Wolde. Interview provides valuable information on AEUP regional activities in particular the western region and more after news special programs. For those that reside in Washington, DC Metro area we recommend to stay tuned to this educational & informative program that broadcasts every Sunday, at 11:30 a.m. Easter standard time on WZHF 1390 A.M.

Mesfin Mekonen, Kinijit AEUP International Foreign Relations

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