A founder of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and former high official of the ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front, Sebhat Nega visited VOA’s Washington studios and gave an exclusive interview about current Ethiopian affairs, his political career since joining the armed struggle in 1975, and Ethiopia’s future.

Sebhat is a member of parliament and president of the International Institute for Peace and Development.He previously served as chair of EFFORT, a mullti-million dollar corporation engaged in agriculture, trade and construction and development projects.He was interviewed by Addisu Abebe of the Amharic service and Betre Siltan of the Tigrigna service.

The questions covered the nation’s controversial draft anti-terrorism bill, the war between Ethiopia and Eritrea, Ethiopia’s increased power in the Horn of Africa, the quality of Horn of Africa broadcasting about Ethiopia, the return of Eriteans expelled during the border war, and whether Prime Minister Meles Zenawi will run for office in 2010.

“We’re in a transition to a new generation of leaders,” Sebhat said.“Whether Meles will be replaced by that newgeneration, we’ll just have to wait and see.”

The interviews will be broadcast on VOA’s Horn of Africa services starting Tuesday.