Forum for Peoples Diplomacy between Eritrea and Ethiopia (FPD) 2015-08-17 Claims A Civil Organization by the above-named title has been registered in Sweden since 2013. According to international law and praxis, the title and contents of the said organization are protected as the intellectual property of its founders. We encourage individuals as well as civil right agencies to cooperate with us. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<  Introduction The Eritrean- Ethiopian conflict may be described as a hard line conflict. The antagonists lack a direct line of communication. The partisan character of the war has polarized the masses of both countries; regrettably, even the intellectuals of both sides have become formulators of belligerent partisan ideas; as a result, the border issue remains unsolved to the disadvantage of both peoples. It is, therefore, imperative for people of goodwill on both sides of the conflict to stand up and establish a Forum for Peoples Diplomacy. We assert that the present conflict is a temporary disturbance of the inherently fraternal relationship between Eritreans and Ethiopians. The ambition of the FPD is to launch a project that can heal wounds, restore brotherhood, and lay the ground for future Eritrean-Ethiopian cooperation, by the methodology of massive popular enlightenment. 1. Methodology The methodology selected for sustaining the lofty objectives of the FPD is: “Folkbuildning”. This term may be translated to mean folk enlightenment. A century ago there grew forth, in Sweden, a movement committed to raising the level of education of those who were excluded from the formal school system by forming study circles, folk high schools, and adult education. Freedom from governmental control and co-operation with volunteer organizations and associations in the non-profit sector makes folkbildning a force for peaceful change. Folk enlightenment is a methodology well-suited for the materialization of the aims of the FPD. 2. Guiding principles The guiding principles of the Forum for Peoples Diplomacy are: To recognize that the FPD is non-partisan, non religious, and non-political civil society organization. To mobilize Eritreans and Ethiopians to work for an immediate resolution of the Eritrean-Ethiopian conflict. To launch a process of reconciliation via meetings, workshops, seminars, and conferences. To promote solidarity and cooperation among Eritreans and Ethiopians at the cultural, economic, and humanitarian levels. To agitate for democracy and human rights. To promote the concept of a Commonwealth between Eritrea and Ethiopia. To work for the Union the Horn of Africa. 3. Activities The Forum shall carry out the following activities: Engage Ethiopians and Eritreans to agitate for a peaceful resolution of the border conflict. Establish an “Institute of “folkbildining” for Eritreans and Ethiopians. Organize workshops, seminars and conferences – in order to discuss issues of peace, reconciliation, cooperation, and development. Disseminate the findings of these meetings among Eritrean and Ethiopians via electronic means. Encourage networking between Eritreans and Ethiopians by traditional and social media. Establish a learned journal on peace, cooperation, and development. Establish a school for parliamentarians of Eritrea and Ethiopia. 4. Structure FPD is a membership organization of Eritreans for solidarity with the Ethiopian peoples. The smallest unit shall be composed of at least four Eritreans The FPD shall be established at a foundation meeting The FPD shall institute an Assembly that meets once every two years in order to formalize the FPD Charter, set up a budget, and elect a leadership body The FPD is registered as a civil society organization in Sweden The FPD shall establish branches wherever possible. The FPD shall have an Executive Committee 5. Duties of the Executive Committee The Executive Committee shall be responsible for policy-making, budget approval, oversight, and control of the performance of the FPD. The Executive Committee’s primary role shall be to ensure that the activities of the FPD are in consonance with the ratified Charter. The Executive Committee shall be responsible for the operational, financial, and legal affairs of the organization. The Executive Director is the spokesperson of the Forum. 6. Responsibilities of the Executive Committee Executive Director Director of External Relations Director of Administration Director of finance Director of Information Director of projects The Executive Director will be held accountable for the operational, financial, and legal affairs of the FPD. The Director of External Relations shall be responsible for strengthening the links of the FPD with international folkbuldning and adult education organizations, NGO’s, and the UN. The Director of Administration of the FPD shall be responsible for running the organization on a daily basis. He shall be responsible for securing office premises, maintaining a membership database, hiring procedures, and co-operating with the Financial Director in financial matters. The Director of Finance shall be responsible for maintaining financial solubility and raising funds. He shall establish, and maintain transparent financial practices, and provide reports to the Executive Director, and external donors. The Director of Information shall be responsible for all matters related to the media, such as: disseminating information about the activities of the organization, maintaining a website, and providing press releases. The Director of Projects shall be responsible for civic education via discussion forums, panel discussions, and folkbildining projects. 7. Membership to the Forum is open to persons who: Accept the goals and principles outlined in the Charter of the FPD Are citizens of Eritrea and Ethiopia, and Friends of both countries are welcome as associate members! 8. Sources of Funding There shall be two primary sources of funding. One source shall be membership fees, donations, and fund-raising. The second source shall be solicited from UN organs, NGO’s and Foundations. The Forum shall establish professional accounting practices, and provide an annual report. 9. The Assembly The Assembly shall meet every two years. The Executive Committee shall meet twice a year. 10. Amendments Amendments of the Charter are the responsibility of the Assembly Amendment to the Charter shall require a two –third approval 11. Effective Date The Charter is effective from the date of its adoption by the Founding Meeting of FPD. Date of adoption is: 2012-10-05 Executive Director Herui T. Bairu

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