Bereket Simon Head of Government Communications Affairs Office, launched his book "A Tale of Two Elections" on Tuesday at the Sheraton Addis. Bereket Simon was the Minister of Information and chairperson for the Election Committee during the 2005 elections.

The large audience consisting of government officials, VIPs, and international diplomats were addressed by Bereket and billionaire, Sheikh Mohammed Hussein Ali Al Amoudi.

Bereket began his speech by saying that Al Amoudi deserves thanks for his development effort in Ethiopia , he mentioned that Al Amoudi visited him while he was hospitalized in South Africa shortly after the 2005 elections. He said that the prominent businessman exceeded expectations in a 50 million birr donation towards the construction of the Gondar University Referral Hospital. After expressing the closeness between them in saying that they spoke every two or three days whenever he leaves the country.

"Al Amoudi is a voluble person. I receive much of my laughter for him," then turning and addressing Al Amoudi, "I wish you abundant laughter and a long life; I can say no more than this," Bereket humorously said.

Al Amoudi, who presented the closing speech for the book launch, said that he learned civilization, patience, patriotic concern for national development, love of country and self sacrifice for one's country from the ruling Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Front (EPRDF) party.

In continuing he stated that the closer he gets to the EPRDF his love for the members increases and that the sacrifices of their armed struggle is as yet an untold story.

Al Amoudi also spoke of Bereket's time of treatment in South Africa, saying with humor that he had to keep Bereket under close supervision since he was rebellious and might have left the hospital without permission. He added playfully that he allowed him 48 hours to attend the Amhara National Democratic Movement’s (ANDM) 25th year ceremonies and had him immediately returned to his room.

On a serious note, he said in his speech that he was one of the victims of the 2005 elections and that when asked to print 'A Tale of Two Elections' he was very willing. He stated that the democracy the EPRDF follows has been supportive to him in all of his decisions.

He was quoted as continuing, "It was a time when I saw a real democratic election in Ethiopia. After my Arab Sat subscription I had to listen to them [Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD)] whichever country I went to. Since Bereket gave them a window, they started operating to their heart’ satisfaction. People ask me if I like EPRDF. I do, period."

Al Amoudi's comments regarding Bereket 'A Tale of Two Cities' was a subject of much discussion at the book launch.

Al Amoudi acknowledged that he had not read the book, and then opined, "This book is not so much for those of us alive, but for the coming generation. It shows them what democracy really is. Truly, it would please me if the youth read this book and understood what democracy is. Many present at the event found the statement difficult to understand in thinking, how he could strongly recommend a book in this fashion, while not having read it.

Emebet Wolde Gebrehile, Haregweign Assefa, Debesh Temesgen, Fekadu TekleMariam read their favorite excerpts from the book.