Rosa Whitaker says let's agree to disagree and move on

Starbucks lobbyist Rosa Whitaker appeared on the Ethiopian Television (ETV) today to defend Starbucks’ actions against Ethiopia.

Whitaker, former Assistant US Trade Representative for Africa under both Presidents Clinton and Bush Administrations, said that Ethiopia and Starbucks share the same goal - they both want to increase the farmer's income. “I am confident that the issue is going to be resolved soon," she added.

Interestingly, Whitaker stated that the Trade Mark vs. GI issue is just a distraction that takes the focus away from more important things.

Whitaker said that she supports GI (certification); that she's seen it work- it has a lot of power.

Though unrelated to the trademark dispute between Ethiopia and Starbucks, she did not waste time to assure the interviewer that Starbucks is a good company to work for - a CSR company.

Starbucks hired the Washington based lobbying firm, The Whitaker Group to advance the company’s interests internationally, most particularly in Africa.

More coming soon