Ethiopia is a complex country

Regarding the article "Tribe Boycotts Ethiopian Vote," June 19: In Ethiopia, the concept of "ethnic federation," as opposed to geographical federation, is counterproductive. From its inception, this concept has spread hatred, suspicion, and anarchy among the multi-ethnic society that has lived together harmoniously for many centuries. Those who propose "ethnic federation" as a solution to the political crisis in Ethiopia should reexamine the complex realities of the country. To secessionists and ethnocen trists, the task of disintegrating the country into ethnic nationalism will not be easy.

The international community, in particular the United States, has the moral obligation to bring all forces to the negotiating table so that a meaningful agreement can be achieved. Hailu Wendie, Cambridge, Mass.

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