Dr. Negaso Gudada, Chairman of UDJ expressed his unreserved support for naming Andualem Aragie as the MAN OF THE YEAR

“It is with great joy and gratitude to hear that our sisters and brothers, particularly those who follow access Zehabesha and other Ethiopian Media at home and abroad have chosen Andualem as the MAN OF THE YEAR. I thank all for recognizing Andualm for his wonderful personality, for his contribution for our people and country and for his sacrifices.

I know Andualem since he came out of prison in 1998 (Eth.) particularly during the time we were involved in formulating the Political Program and the by-law of Medrek to develop it to the level of Coalition. He gave uas very fruitful ideas and worked very hard that Medrek could become a Front. He was one of the people in UDJ who wanted to see the success of Medrek and did all his best when he was one of the representatives of UDJ in the executive committee of Medrek and served as the vice chairman of the public relations committee of Medrek. He respected and smoothly worked with Profesor Beyene Petros, the chairman of the Committee. He was, and as far as I know even now, Andualem strongly argued against some negative voices in UDJ concerning Medrek.

Andualem wanted to see the merger of UDJ with AEUP and the UDJ-break away group, now Blue Party. He convinced the executive committee of UDJ to formally establish a negotiation committee which included the Late Woizero LaketchDegefu and Ato Temesgen Zewdie. He was working in this line till the time of his 2nd imprisonment.

Andualem is dedicated peaceful freedom fighter, follower of Mahtama Gandi and Martin Luther. Their teachings were his guide line in his political activity. People who think that Andualem is a terrorist or had relations with terrorists are people who are out of their mind and they themselves terrorists.