OLF Statement on VOA's Unfounded and Fabricated News

It was surprising and utterly confusing for the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) to hear to be part of a coalition formed by Somalia's oppositions in "Asmara "; which Voice of America (VOA) broadcasted on June 8, 2007. According to the VOA, Somalia's oppositions held a meeting in Asmara and formed a coalition that the OLF not only attended but also became part of the so-called coalition. This is totally incredible for the OLF to hear such news being broadcasted by an accredited media like the VOA. The radio station should have and could have verified the authenticity of the news from the OLF before it went on air. We consider this as a misuse of the media to disseminate disinformation to confuse the general public based on unverified piece of news.The Oromo Liberation Front is an organization that is struggling in Ethiopia for the rights to self-determination of the Oromo people. OLF has clearly stated political program and well-defined internal and external policies. Also the OLF has made its stance clear on the politics of Somalia in particular and other neighboring countries in general. OLF does not meddle in the internal affairs of neighboring countries. This makes the news broadcasted by VOA totally out the sphere of OLF politics and makes it fabricated and unfounded.Hence, the OLF categorically denies having any knowledge of the said Somalia's opposition meeting and formation of a coalition. OLF seriously asks the VOA to make clarification on this news it broadcasted and take necessary steps to mend this false information broadcasted on this issue. We hope VOA will continue to be accredited media, which has great acceptance and respect from its listeners especially from the Oromo people.Victory to the Oromo PeopleOromo Liberation FrontJune 9, 2007