From polethiopia@yahoo.com Thu Dec 2 08:42:36 2004 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Thu, 2 Dec 2004 00:42:36 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041202084236.35477.qmail@web53308.mail.yahoo.com> December 1, 2004 House refers draft proclamations to Standing Committee ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The House of Peoples' Representatives referred two amended draft proclamations establishing the Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, and the one providing for the Law of Special Procedure and Evidence to its Legal and Administrative Affairs Standing Committee for further scrutiny. In its 8th regular meeting, the House referred the two bills after detailed discussions. The draft proclamation on the establishment of the Commission stresses that the amendment was made with a view to enabling it discharge its duties and responsibilities in a more accountable and transparent manner. According to the draft proclamation, the duties and responsibilities of the Commission were redefined in line with the country's Penal Code, and the roles and functions of other legal institutions. Members of the House urged on the occasion the Standing Committee to carry out thorough deliberations on the draft proclamation of the Establishment of the Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission. President delivers World AIDS Day message Women of high profile take voluntary blood test ADDIS ABABA (ENA/EH) - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis has yesterday delivered a message in connection with this year's World AIDS Day. President Girma stressed the need to take maximum care through integrated efforts to prevent the most vulnerable sections of the society, girls and women, from HIV/AIDS. He called on the public to join forces to protect women from gender violence in a bid to help bring HIV/AIDS intervention activities to a success. >From women, Girma said, springs the strength necessary to confront and defeat HIV/AIDS and its impact. He called on the public to intensify the fight to bring about gender parity in education, access to health services and to empower women in decision-making. President Girma said encouraging results have been gained over the past year in the efforts to tackle the problem of Discrimination and Stigma associated with the virus. Meanwhile, First Lady W/ro Azeb Mesfin, wife of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and other distinguished women ambassadors in Ethiopia took a voluntary HIV/AIDS blood testing yesterday at Zewditu Hospital. In connection with World AIDS Day, which is being observed this year under the theme: "Women, Girls and HIV/AIDS," distinguished ladies appeared for the VCT to encourage women and the public as a whole to follow suit them. Other distinguished women included in the group were: Mulu Ketsela, State Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Aurelia Brazeal, U.S Ambassador, Mrs. Jordana Diengdoh-Pavel, Ambassador of India, Mrs. Mette Knudsen, Royal Danish Ambassador, Mrs, Kirsti Aarnio, Charge d'Affaires of Finland Embassy and Nieema Noble, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP. W/ro Azeb Mesfin on the occasion, said that violence against women such as rape, abduction and early marriage are aggravating the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Knowing our status should not be once in life, but it should continue from time to time, she said. We must make a breakthrough and make a difference in protecting women and girls from HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia, Azeb added. Ambassador Aurella Brazeal on her part said: "I decided to join W/ro Azeb Mesfin and other colleagues today to make our testing a public matter because we believe that doing so is the best possible way to sensitize the advantage of being tested as widely as possible because it is safe, simple, and confidential, when combined with private counseling by a trained professional. It is also an effective way for individual people to empower themselves through knowledge," she added. Girls and women, 18 and above would get a VCT service free of charge as of December for a month in all Addis Ababa government health institutions, it was learnt. EC to support Ethiopia's MDGs effort by Yemane Terefe ADDIS ABABA - The European Commission said yesterday it would strongly support Ethiopia's effort towards access to save drinking water as this support would complement the Commission's international initiative to halve the number of people who do not have access to basic sanitation in 2015, according to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Briefing journalists on the press conference held at EU office, European Union Delegate, Ambassador Timothy Clarke said that EU Water Initiative Programme has earmarked 500 million euro for African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries for provision of safe drinking water. According to him, the 1st 250 mln. euro agreement was reached between EU and ACP at European Development Fund Committee meeting last week. He also added that the grants include three components which ate identified as improving water management and governance, co-financing water and sanitation infrastructure and co-financing of civil society initiatives. Clarke also said that 25 mln. Ethiopians don't have access to safe drinking water mainly in rural areas due to financial constraint. Finding resources to meet the tremendous demand of the people is a great challenge for Ethiopian authorities, he added. According to Clarke, European Commission has been managing the programme for Addis Ababa water sanitation with 25 mln. euro beginning from 2001 and that will continue up to 2006. "We hope the project would bring 400,000 people to safe drinking water," he remarked. Russia, China welcome Ethiopia's new peace initiative ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Government of the Russian Federation has expressed belief that the peace initiative of the Ethiopian Government is a step forward on the way of normalization of the situation in the Horn of Africa. Russian Embassy in Ethiopia told ENA in a press release yesterday that Russia supports the new peace proposal on starting political dialogue between Ethiopia and Eritrea. On November 25, the Government of Ethiopia accepts in principle the 2002 decision of the Boundary Commission on delimitation of Ethio-Eritrea border and stands for immediate launch of dialogue with Eritrea in the interests of strengthening peace and restoring friendly ties between the two nations, the release said. Meanwhile, the Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry welcomed Ethiopia's peace proposal on resolving the border dispute with Eritrea, according to Xinhuanet. Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman, Zhang Qiyue told a regular press conference yesterday that China has always paid much attention to the peace process in Ethiopia and Eritrea and supported the two countries in holding consultations and dialogue on the basis of the Algiers Agreements. China backs settling the border dispute by a peaceful means, Zhang said. China sincerely hoped that the two countries could make joint efforts, dispel differences as early as possible and restore neighborly amity, according to the spokesperson. Together with the international community, China will, as always, make active endeavours, Zhang said. The United Nations special envoy to the Horn of Africa also called upon the international community to seize the opportunity created by Ethiopia's apparent readiness to end the border dispute with Eritrea once and for all. "If we are not able to get some positive steps or actions in the next two or three weeks I think an opportunity will be missed," Lloyd Axworthy, a former Canadian foreign minister said. The new peace proposal is the only first step on a long road to peace, Axworthy told the associated press by telephone late Sunday night. Until 25 November 2004, Ethiopia had refused to respect the April 2002 ruling by the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission, part of the permanent court of arbitration based in The Hague. The government now says it accepts the ruling "in principle." He said "… it could be the beginnings of a new chapter for peace but there has to be another step which is how the two countries begin engagement." Axworthy said he is sending a team to Ethiopia in the next 10 days to see how they can capitalize on Ethiopia's offer to work within the boundary commission framework. December 2, 2004 WB provides 50 mln. USD to combat food insecurity in Ethiopia ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Board of Executive Directors of the World Bank Tuesday approved a 50 million USD credit to help reduce vulnerability to famine for millions of people in Ethiopia. The Productive Safety Net Programme, as the project is known, will fund efforts over the five years, ending in 2009, aimed at attaining food security for between 5-6 million people considered to be chronically food insecure in Ethiopia from the cumulative effects of repeated droughts, deforestation, soil erosion and degradation. It is estimated that about 5 million people are chronically food insecure in Ethiopia, and that between 10 to 15 million people are at risk of starvation in especially bad years. In 2003 for example about 13 million people required emergency food aid. However, this kind of assistance has not managed to protect livelihoods, generate community assets or preserve household assets to the extent that households and communities could continue to engage in productive activities. The Productive Safety Net Programme will address immediate and emergency human needs by providing food to the population in chronically food insecure local government areas, known as woredas. It will, in addition, provide grants to households and communities to encourage them to engage in production and investment. The programme is also expected to promote market development by increasing household purchasing power and supporting the transformation of the rural economy. The programme signals the determination of the government of Ethiopia and development partners such as the World Bank, to shift the financing of the programme from food aid to grants/cash that promote production and investment and should, in the long run, diminish reliance on annual emergency food aid. The programme recognizes that the use of food as a transfer resource, while valuable for ensuring survival, is not an effective long-term development tool. The project, therefore, aims at moving from a relief-oriented to a development-oriented safety net by providing predictable, multi-annual resources for critical capital and strengthening community involvement through participatory planning of the core activities of the programme. The programme will also address some of the underlying causes of food insecurity, especially with respect to soil and water conservation. The major causes of food insecurity in Ethiopia include land degradation, recurrent drought, poor and inadequate management of risks, population pressure (twice the average for Sub-Saharan Africa) and subsistence agricultural practices, dominated by rain-fed farming, and characterized by low inputs and low outputs. The Productive Safety Net represents substantial investment of which the bank is providing only a portion. The budget for the first year of implementation is estimated to be 215 million USD. This represents over 50 per cent of all resources being channeled towards addressing food security in Ethiopia. The resources being made available are not additional but are being subtracted from the emergency appeal the government funds each year from donor pledges. The programme will be funded by several donors who have committed to a multi-annual framework and have pledged resources for up to five years. The donors include aid agencies of the G-8 group of countries. Most of the agencies involved will provide both cash and food resources, with the expectation that all financing will be in the form of cash in the future, which is also the preference of the government. The credit is on standard International Development Assosication terms, with a commitment fee of 0.5 percent, a service charge of 0.75 per cent, and a maturity of 40 years, including a 10 year period of grace. CUD rejects new peace proposal ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The new peace initiative proposed by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, which is based on the principle of give and take, is unlikely to foster suitable peace and stability between the two countries, the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) said. Coalition President Engineer Hailu Shawl flanked by other executive members told a press conference here yesterday that the motive of Prime Minister Meles is not to bring peace between the two countries but to gain time and in doing so win the favour of the international community to conduct the election in ways that do not accord with accepted democratic standards. He said the sudden and unexpected peace initiative is one more example of an untenable strategy of the Meles administration's pursuit of lasting peace between the two countries, it said. We believe that the real motive of the initiative lies in its flagrant effort to prolong its hold on power. Peace cannot be manufactured through alchemy, CUD said. "… Sustainable peace is possible is only through dialogue in which the government, political parties, the public and most importantly the people living in the disputed localities participate with the objective of developing ways and means in and through which the conflict would be resolved to the satisfaction of all," it said. The CUD would organize a nationwide mass rally to reject Meles' peace initiative and to demand a more holistic approach capable of generating a lasting and sustainable peace, Engineer Hailu said. =============================== Pol.ethiopia Dec. 2,2004 ======================= __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Mon Dec 6 12:26:19 2004 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Mon, 6 Dec 2004 04:26:19 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041206122619.56913.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> December 4, 2004 Meles says New Peace Initiative will not threaten sovereignty ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said the New Peace Initiative Ethiopia has put forth to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute would not in any way threaten the sovereignty of the nation. In a news conference he gave here yesterday, Prime Minister Meles said ensuring the sovereignty of Ethiopia was concluded when the blatant Eritrean Government war of aggression on Ethiopia was averted successfully through the sacrifices of dozens of heroic Ethiopian youth. Pointing out sovereignty is not the rights of alien things, Meles said sovereignty is a situation in which people can be able to exercise their rights on self-determination and other related rights. Sovereignty is a situation in which people can accept what they want or reject what they don't want, it is not a situation one can impose its desire or interest on them as it wants, Meles said. Meles said indeed, the aggression imposed by the Eritrean Government on Ethiopia in 1990 E.C. was a violation of the sovereignty of Ethiopia but the issue of ensuring the sovereignty of Ethiopia was concluded soon after the reversal of the Eritrean war of aggression by force, Meles said. Council discuss bills, passes decision ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Council of Ministers discussed and passed a decision on various draft proclamations in its 119th regular session held here yesterday, according to a press statement issued by the Ministry of the Office of the Prime Minister. The bills providing for the issuance of Sole Agent Status for Specific Foreign Trade Sectors for Limited Time, Security Cooperation Agreement signed between the Ethiopia and Yemeni governments, Agreement Reached on Preventing Organized Cross Boundary crime and tourism cooperation agreement between the governments of Ethiopia and the Sudan were some of the draft proclamations in which the decisions were passed on by the Council. Regarding the bill providing the issuance of Representation for Limited Foreign Trade Sector for Certain Period of Time, it was pointed out during the discussion that Ethiopia has not benefited as required compared with its rich animal resources due to lack of strong promotional work that would enable it to penetrate foreign markets, the statement said. Accordingly, the Council referred the bills after making some amendments to the House of Peoples' Representatives' for approval. Concerning the draft proclamation to ratify the agreement on Security Cooperation signed between the governments of Ethiopia and Yemen, the Council discussed the proclamation's importance in preventing terrorist attacks being carried out by anti-people and governments on both nations and drug traffickers as well as catch and bring to the court of justice fugitive criminals. The Council referred the bill to the House for approval after endorsing it with a unanimous vote. Regarding the draft proclamation to ratify the Agreement on Preventing Organized Cross Boundary Crime, the Council extensively discussed the significance of the bill in Preventing Cross Boundary and Organized Crimes, the statement said. Lasting peace precondition for sustainable dev't: Ministry ADDIS ABABA - Wars and conflicts must cease as creating a peaceful environment in our country and our region is a prerequisite for economic development and democratization, the Ministry of Information said. According to the ministry's weekly statement issued yesterday, Ethiopia is known as a country which suffered from successive wars of resistance against external aggression as well as numerous internal conflicts. The wars and conflicts compounded with deficient economic policies have relegated the country to abject poverty and backwardness and wars and conflicts that continued in our region for years have also resulted in similar conditions, the statement said. Ethiopia would benefit the most if sustainable peace were attained in the country and in the region as a whole, it added. The people and Government of Ethiopia have employed maximum effort to ensure lasting peace in the country as well as in the region for the last 13 years, it said. This has so far proved there were no major conflicts internally and strenuous efforts are underway to completely avert the root causes of all conflicts, the statement said. The statement further said that Ethiopia has established good relations with all its neighbors except Eritrea and it has exerted every effort to resolve the conflict with that country through peaceful means. The Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) has also offered a new peace initiative to address the conflict with Eritrea, the statement said. Taking into account the short and long term benefits of the country and based on the deep insight regarding the value of lasting peace, Ethiopia chose the path of peace with a great sense of responsibility and commitment, the statement underlined. December 5, 2004 Meles receives Kagame's message, holds talks with EC official ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi received a message sent from the Rwandan President Paul Kagame. President Kagame's special envoys delivered the message to Prime Minister Meles yesterday. Kagame's message mainly focused on ways to further consolidate the cooperation of the two countries and issues related to Africa. The special envoys said Prime Minister Meles has assured them his country's readiness to work in cooperation with Rwanda for economic development and bring about sustainable peace and stability in the Great Lakes Region. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Meles yesterday met and held discussions with Development Cooperation Commissioner of the European Commission (EU), Lewis Michel. The two sides exchanged views on the infrastructure development activities and food security programmes in Ethiopia as well as the situation in the Horn of Africa. Prime Minister Meles and head of the EC delegation Michel raised and discussed the Ethiopian Government involvement in the road sector development. They also looked into the measures taken by the government to ensure food security in the country, according to an official with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who attended the discussion. The Peace process and the efforts exerted to bring about sustainable economic development and establish stability in the Horn of Africa were also raised in the course of the discussion. UN begins scaling down peacekeepers ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The UN Peacekeeping Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) began scaling down its force this week, AFP reported quoting a spokesman announcement. The down-sizing began on Wednesday and we will let you know when it will be finished. That will probably be in January 2005, UNMEE spokesman Gail Bindley-Taylor Sainte told a news conference in Asmara on Thursday. UNMEE currently numbers some 3,600 troops, of which some 500 are expected to leave, according to the UN. The peacekeepers are mostly stationed in a buffer corridor in Eritrea that hugs the length of the 1,000 kilometres borders between the two states. Kohler calls for enhanced aid for Africa ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - German President Horst Kohler has called on the international community, including his country, to considerably increase financial help for the struggling continent. Kohler, who earlier served as Director of the International Monetary Fund, said it was a matter of self-respect for Europeans to generously assist African nations in their struggle for more peace and democracy and against poverty. Addressing an audience at the University of Tubingen in southwestern Germany, Kohler warned the industrialized world against neglecting the current problems in Africa demanding European countries in particular to step up their efforts to help African nations overcome their post-colonial problems. He cited ensuring fair trade conditions as an important contribution in the fight against poverty in Africa. Security and peace in the industrialized world would not be maintained forever if the problems in Africa are neglected or ignored, he added. The President also urged the international community to help build democratic institutions in Africa as a prerequisite for ensuring law and order in that continent. He praised the African Union's endeavours to take Africa's problems into its own hands, which according to the President, is sending a strong signal that Africa is willing to deal with its problems on a cross-border basis. Kohler would be on official tour to Sierra Leone, Benin, Ethiopia and Djibouti as of the coming week. Nations laud Ethiopia's overtures for peace with Eritrea ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Japan Thursday expressed its approval of Ethiopia's move to start dialogue with Eritrean in order to resolve the border dispute that has kept relations between the two neighbors severed for the last six years. Japan also welcomed the Ethiopian government decision to accept, in principle, the ruling of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC), Angola Press (ANGOP) reported on Friday. "This decision of the Ethiopian Government will provide impetus to start the border demarcation promptly … and facilitate the peace process between the two countries based on the spirit of mutual concession," said a statement by the Japanese Foreign Affairs Ministry through its embassy here. On 25 November 2004, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi announced in the House of Peoples' Representatives that Ethiopia had adjusted its position to start dialogue with Eritrea with the view to working with EEBC. Several countries have since expressed their support to Ethiopia's new peace proposal to start political dialogue with Eritrea. The countries include Austria, China, France, Germany, Russia, the UK and the European Union. Affirming that it backed peaceful means to resolve the border dispute, China has expressed hope that Ethiopia and Eritrea could make joint efforts to dispel their differences as early as possible and restore neighborly amity. "China has always paid much attention to the peace process in Ethiopia and Eritrea and supports the two countries in holding consultations and dialogue on the basis of the Algiers Agreement," said Beijing's Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhang Qiyue. Meanwhile, France has described the peace initiative proposed by Ethiopia as "constructive and acceptable." In addition, Paris has pledged consultancy, technical, professional and other support to ensure the realization of a peace pact between Ethiopia and Eritrea. On the new peace proposal by Ethiopia, the British Embassy in Addis Ababa said: "This is a welcome development. It represents an important step forward which the international community has been urging the Ethiopian government to take." In a joint statement released through the embassy, UK Secretary of State of International Development Hilary Benn, and UK Minister for Africa Chris Mullin said: "We hope that Ethiopia and Eritrea can now move forward together towards the resolution of this long and tragic dispute. The UK stands ready to help in any way we can." Austria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ursula Plassnik, has hailed the willingness of Ethiopia to accept, in principle, the EEBC decision on demarcation of the border and to collaborate again with the Commission. The EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), Javier Solana said in a statement that Ethiopia's decision would lead to a speedy start of the demarcation of the border. The EU, Solana added, "encourages the government of Eritrea to respond positively to Ethiopia's offer of talks about the root causes of the conflict, with a view to normalizing relations between the two countries." =============================== Pol.ethiopia Dec.6,2004 ====================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Wed Dec 8 11:53:40 2004 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed, 8 Dec 2004 03:53:40 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041208115340.30750.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> December 7, 2004 Meles receives Mubarak's message, attends regional meeting ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi yesterday received a message sent by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Meles said the activities being implemented under the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) were showing encouraging progress. Meles received Mubarak's message as delivered to him by the visiting Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit. He said the NBI projects are very much significant for the peoples of the riparian countries. Meles said Ethiopia would carry on with its efforts towards the realization of the ongoing joint activities by the riparian countries. During talks with the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Meles said the cooperation between Ethiopia and Egypt has been growing. The cooperation between the two countries should be enhanced in various areas of cooperation, a senior government official who attended the meeting said. Meles pledged his government's support for prospective Egyptian investors who want to establish projects here in Ethiopia. He said enhancement of cooperation between the two countries in trade; investment and other areas would be to the best interests of the peoples of the two countries. After the meeting with Meles, the Egyptian Foreign Minister told journalists that Mubarak's message is to the theme revolving mainly around the bilateral cooperation between Ethiopia and Egypt has been growing. The cooperation between the two countries should be enhanced in various areas of cooperation, a senior government official who attended the meeting said. Meles pledged his government's support for prospective Egyptian investors who want to establish projects here in Ethiopia. He said enhancement of cooperation between the two countries in trade; investment and other areas would be to the best interests of the peoples of the two countries. After the meeting with Meles, the Egyptian Foreign Minister told journalists that Mubarak's message is to the theme revolving mainly around the bilateral cooperation between the two countries, which has to date been gathering momentum. Mubarak expressed in his message the desire of Egypt to further bolster its cooperation with Ethiopia in a wide range of fields including trade and investment, Gheit said. In the message, President Mubarak invited Meles to visit Egypt. Prime Minister Meles was also yesterday in Nairobi, Kenya to attend the Commission for Africa Regional Consultative Meeting. The Regional meeting for Eastern and Horn of Africa was to voice its perspective on the problems it faces and solutions for positive action for Africa. The regional consultation is one of five across Africa where specialist knowledge from civil society will formulate practical policy guidelines to accelerate and sustain Africa's growth, including meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The meeting will also deliberate on appropriate and complimentary support from the rich nations. Among items on the agenda, include aid and debt, conflicts and resolution, energy and conservation, HIV/AIDS and development, indigenous knowledge, gender and health, development and constitutionalism, governance and corruption, leadership and integrity, and justice and human rights. The Commission for Africa set up by British Prime Minister Tony Blair has 17 Commissioners including Prime Minister Meles and other leaders of African countries and prominent personalities. Ethiopian gov't invites int'l organizations, governments to observe upcoming elections ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopia government has said it invited international organizations and a number of governments to observe the upcoming national and state elections. The government has made the necessary preparations to see to it that the upcoming 3rd national and state elections be conducted in a free and democratic manner, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told ENA yesterday. The international organizations the Ethiopian government has invited to send their delegations to observe the elections are The United Nations, the African Union, the European Union, the Pan African Parliament, and the Arab League. It also invited the United States, Canada, Israel, India, China, Japan, Russia and Turkey governments to send their observers. Egypt, Greece welcome Ethiopia's new peace proposal Agreement reached to reactivate Joint Commission meet ADDIS ABABA (ENA/EH) - Egypt welcomes the new peace initiative Ethiopia offered to resolve the border dispute with Eritrea, Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit said. Gheit and Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin also announced that the two countries have agreed on the reactivation of the Ethio-Egypt Joint Commission. Following talks with his Ethiopian counterpart later on Sunday, the visiting Egyptian Foreign Minister said that Egypt would provide support to the Ethiopian government in its efforts to resolve the border dispute with Eritrea peacefully. Gheit expressed hope that the five-point peace initiative the Ethiopian government has proposed would be realized. He said Ethiopia and Egypt have reached at an agreement to enhance their economic and political cooperation. Seyoum on his part said that the relations of the two countries date back to ancient times, adding the two countries are keen to enhance cooperation in the trade and investment fields. Egypt, which is a country well advanced in the industrial sector, offers a wide market for Ethiopia's exports of animal products, floriculture, horticultural and other products in which the two countries can forge cooperation, he said. He said the two countries are currently enjoying relations in the political and diplomatic fields based on trust and understanding. The two countries have agreed to resume their joint commission meeting in the coming five or six months, according to Seyoum. He expressed hope that the private sectors of the two countries would be represented as per the agreement. The Egyptian Foreign Minister is here to seek ways of advancing the cooperation between Ethiopia and Egypt. Meanwhile, the Embassy of Greece in Addis Ababa welcomed the Ethiopian peace plan on the Ethio-Eritrea relations, and the border issue in particular, as approved by the Ethiopian Parliament last Thursday, and considers it in the framework of the EU relevant statement, as a firm step in the right direction, a press release from the embassy said. According to the release, resuming cooperation of Ethiopia and Eritrea with the Boundary Commission for the finalization of the whole process will be a very positive development opening the door for an overall settlement of the bilateral issues between the two neighbouring friendly states. "Greece, in her dual capacity, as Member State of the EU and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the period 2005-2007, will spare no efforts to contribute to the early resolution of the issue for the benefit of all peoples in the region," the release added. FMs of Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt holds second trilateral meet ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Foreign ministers of Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt have held the second trilateral meeting here yesterday. The foreign ministers have held talks on political, economic and commercial issues of trilateral cooperation, an official with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who attended the meeting said. The ministers also decided the deputy foreign ministers to get together in Cairo and prepare political and economic agenda issues and fix the date for the 3rd ministerial meeting, the official said. The ministers passed various resolutions in the areas of politics and economy during the first trilateral meeting held in Cairo, the official said adding the decisions passed with regard to water is promising. The trilateral business forum is scheduled to be held in January 2005 in Khartoum, Sudan. Eritrea slams EU for welcoming Ethiopia's peace proposal ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Eritrean Foreign Affairs Ministry has slammed the European Union (EU) for welcoming Ethiopia's new peace proposal. The Ministry late Saturday also announced that the Eritrean government wouldn't accept the peace proposal. The Ministry in a statement attached the European Union for welcoming the five-point peace proposal put fourth by the Ethiopian government. According to the statement, the Eritrean government has officially rejected Ethiopia's peace proposal. December 8, 2004 Ministry issues new draft guideline on use of air time and space by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The Ministry of Information issued a new guideline yesterday on the use of state-owned mass media by political parties contesting in the forthcoming state and national elections, scheduled to be held next May. Information Minister Bereket Simon told the gathering at the premises of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia which consists of mass media executives and representatives of political parties, indicating that the new draft guideline would enable both the ruling party and the opposition parties to make use of media air time and space fairly in the upcoming election campaigns. According to the minister, the draft guideline that considers three criteria on the allocation of time for the campaign has a unique democratic feature which enables the opposition parties become more beneficiaries in disseminating their programmes. "The time arrangement also considers 63 per cent of the airtime and space to be equally shared among all political parties, 27 per cent based on the parties' seat in the parliament and 10 per cent for those which didn't get seats in the parliament. This shows that 44 per cent goes to the ruling party and 56 per cent to the opposition parties," the minister said. Bereket also told the gathering that "200 hours in 114 days are allocated for the parties to introduce their programmes to the general public which would start officially as of January 19, 2005. The parties could also have the right to buy air time from the media to introduce their programmes to the public paying similar amount of money like other commercial advertisements," the minister added. As to the minister the parties have to introduce their name, emblem, their parties' office location while introducing their programmes to the general public through the media. In addition, they have to identify the authoritative person who permitted them, inform the content of their message to the media executives and present it to the media 48 hours before transmission which by no means is edited by the media professionals. However, if the contents are against the constitution of the country, the media have every right not to transmit it pointing out the reason to the parties. Representatives of the opposition parties on their part responded positively to the time allocation and indicated that the time is enough if effectively utilized. However, they underlines the importance of neutral committee to follow up the procedures and letting the private-owned electronic media be allowed to launch broadcasting prior to the time set for the campaign. In response to the questions raised, the minister indicated the government's readiness to look into a possible changes on the draft directive through negotiation and the provision of licence to private electronic media is on the streamline. The minister also indicated that the guideline would enable the media to enhance public participation, providing the necessary information regarding election and aware citizens to actively participate in the election. Speaker calls on society to continue striving for practicality of constitution Says conducive situations created for observers ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives called on the society to continue striving for the practical implementation of the national constitution as it is the major instrument in building democracy and reduce poverty. The Speaker, Dawit Yohannes said the efforts launched by the public to translate into deeds the national constitution over the last decade were encouraging and commendable. He made the call during an interview with ENA here yesterday in connection with the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the national constitution. Dawit said it has been able to organize Human Rights Commission and Ombudsman through the maximum efforts made by the people in the country since the reported period. The organization of the two institutions is instrumental in applying the constitution practically. The adoption of the national constitution 10 years ago had enabled nations and nationalities to enjoy their freedom and democratic rights as well as determine their fate, Dawit said. The national constitution has also ensured the peoples democratic rights by extricating them from repressive oppression while enabling them to develop their culture and speak with their own vernaculars, he said. The Speaker said it has also ensured freedom of speech, organization and the right to self-determination. The constitutions, during the past consecutive governments, were serving only the ruling classes while the existing one ensures the supremacy of the broad mass by enabling them to benefit from development achievements, Dawit said. The members of the House celebrate today the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the national constitution by identifying and finding solutions to weaknesses and evaluating the changes the constitution has brought about until now, he said. The national constitution was adopted on December 8, 1987 E.C. Meanwhile, the Speaker said conducive situations have been created for observers of the upcoming regional and national elections. While conferring with delegates of European Commission here yesterday, Dawit said the participation of various opposition parties in the next May election would make the election democratic. According to a press statement issued by the House of Peoples' Representatives, Dawit told the delegates that the forthcoming national election would be more democratic than the other two previous elections. He also explained to the delegates about the political debate being held between the ruling party, EPRDF and opposition parties on various policy issues. House adopts two bills, refers two others ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The House of Peoples' Representatives adopted two bills while referring two other to pertinent Standing Committees for further scrutiny. During its regular session held here yesterday, the House endorsed the bills providing for Public Procurement and establishing its control agency and the loan agreement between Ethiopia and the African Development Bank (ADB). The Budgetary and Finance Affairs Standing Committee said in its report that the bills would enable to appropriately utilize the high amount of budget being allocated by the government. Besides, the draft proclamation would ensure accountability and transparency while enabling to provide efficient and effective services, it added. The Committee has also pointed out the contribution of the 250.53 million birr loan agreement between Ethiopia and ADB in enhancing the country's food security programme. The House approved the bills with unanimous vote. The House has also referred the bills on the 13 million USD loan agreement between Ethiopia and the Arab Bank for economic development in Africa and the 25 million euro loan agreement between Ethiopia and European Investment Bank to the Budgetary and Finance Affairs Standing Committee for further scrutiny. =============================== Pol.ethiopia Dec. 08,2004 ==================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? All your favorites on one personal page – Try My Yahoo! http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Thu Dec 9 08:48:49 2004 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Thu, 9 Dec 2004 00:48:49 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041209084849.99454.qmail@web53308.mail.yahoo.com> December 9, 2004 Meles calls for speedy Ethio-Djibouti telecommunications agreement implementation Japan desires to further strengthen cooperation ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi calls for the speedy implementation of the agreement Ethiopia and Djibouti have signed to cooperate in the area of telecommunications. The Ethio-Djibouti telecommunications agreement is one of the agreements the two countries signed last year for cooperation in infrastructure development and other sectors during the visit by high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi to Djibouti. Meles made the call here yesterday during talks with Djiboutian Minister of Communications, Culture, Posts and Telecommunications Rifki Abdoulkader. Meles said speedy implementation of the agreements including the one reached for cooperation in telecommunications would help catapult development in the two neighbouring countries. Implementation of the various agreements concluded between Ethiopia and Djibouti would be to the best interests of the peoples of the two countries, Meles said. Discussions between the two parties, according to Ethiopian Ambassador to Djibouti who attended the talks, focused on ways of propelling the implementation of the Ethio-Djibouti agreement in the telecommunications sector. The agreement in the area of telecommunications provides for New Microwave Link Construction and Terrestrial Fiber Optic Capable Construction between Ethiopia and Djibouti. He indicated that Ethiopia has since been working out various activities for the realization of the agreement. Abdoulkader told journalists after the talks with Prime Minister Meles that his country has been exerting efforts to implement the agreement. The development cooperation between the two countries has reached a new height in the framework of the historic and long standing relations, he said. Abdoukader told journalists after the talks with Prime Minister Meles that his country has been exerting efforts to implement the agreement. The development cooperation between the two countries has reached a new height in the framework of the historic and long standing relations, he said. Abdoukader arrived Tuesday leading a ten-member delegation on a working visit to Ethiopia. Meanwhile, a senior Japanese Government official said, Japan is desirous of further strengthening the existing economic cooperation with Ethiopia. During talks with the Prime Minister Meles yesterday, Parliamentary Secretary of the Foreign Ministry of Japan Katsuyuki Kawai said his government attaches special attention to cooperation with Ethiopia. Kawai said Japan is one of the forefront development partners of Ethiopia assisting national efforts geared towards bringing about sustainable development in the country. Ethiopia will remain a priority to Japan's overseas cooperation, a senior official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs quoted Kawai as saying. Kawai said the Japanese Government lauds and believes that the new peace initiative would resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border crisis peacefully and through negotiations. He also said Japan would remain committed to assisting efforts aimed at ensuring peace and stability in Africa. Prime Minister Meles said on his part the Government of Japan has been providing unreserved assistances to Ethiopia with a view to ensuring speedy economic growth in the country. Especially, Meles said development cooperation between the two countries is centered on development and expansion of infrastructure across the nation. Tokyo International Conference for Africa's Development (TICAD) has helped to boost Japan's assistance to the development of Africa. Prime Minister Meles and the visiting official also discussed other in. Africa Europe Dialogue shows enthusiasm in welcoming Ethiopia's five-point peace proposal ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Africa Europe Dialogue, a body established to enhance the multifarious cooperation between the two continents, enthusiastically welcomed the 5-point peace proposal put fourth by Ethiopia to resolve the dispute with Eritrea. The announcement came in a declaration the Africa Europe Dialogue issued at the conclusion of its 3rd Ministerial Meeting held on November 4 here at the African Union Headquarters, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told ENA in a press release. The meeting was presided over by Foreign Affairs Minister of the Netherlands Bernard Bot and Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister who is Chairperson of the AU Executive Council Ouyemi Adeniji and was attended by Mozambique Foreign Affairs Minister, EU Commissioner for Development, Aid and Human Rights, Africa Director of Luxemberg Foreign Affairs Ministry as well as AU line Commissioners. (The Netherlands is the current President of the EU Commission.) In their declaration, they said the Ethiopian Government's 5-point peace proposal would solve the problem created in the Ethio-Eritrea peace process. They expressed the readiness of the European Union and the African Union to support and cooperate in the process of border demarcation between Ethiopia and Eritrea and the normalization. The approval by the Ministries of the Peace Initiative is a major victory in Ethiopia's development and democratization endeavours and its peaceful struggle, the Ministry said. Meanwhile, the Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU) said, Ethiopian workers reject war as an alternative to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border crisis since war impedes efforts geared toward ensuring industrial peace, sustainable development, and social progress across the nation. The workers believe that there is no better alternative except peace to produce quality products and enhance competitiveness in the global market, CETU Deputy President Zenebe Kebede told Abiyotawi Democracy organ of the EPRDF. In an interview with the organ, Zenebe said the workers shun any alternative other than peace as war hinders efforts geared toward reducing poverty and bringing about sustainable social progress. The workers would play their level best for the successful implementation of the new peace initiative since the five-point peace proposal drains the prospect of another war, the deputy president said. According to the official, the workers stand in unison toward the peaceful resolution of the Ethio-Eritrea border crisis as war affects the country's economy negatively. He said the Ethio-Eritrea conflict should be resolved peacefully through negotiations since war would not bring about a lasting solution for the border crisis. The people in Shire Endaselassie town in the Tigray State have also said they embrace the new peace proposal the Ethiopian Government put forth as it enables to bring about sustainable peace in the region. At the conclusion of their meeting here yesterday, the residents of the town said it was with the prevalence of peace in the region that poverty alleviation efforts would bear fruits. Ethiopia's 5-point peace proposal in non-optional to bring about sustainable peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea in particular and the region in general, they said. They expressed readiness to do all what it takes from them for the implementation of the peace proposal. The proposal is of great significance to Eritrea, they said and called on the people of Eritrea to press ahead of its realization. Similarly, heads of various organizations and officials of kebele administration under the Dire Dawa Administration have vowed acceptance of the new peace proposal Ethiopia issued to bring about sustainable peace with Eritrea. They voiced acceptance of the peace proposal at a meeting in Dire Dawa town heads of the respective organizations and executive members of the nine-kebele administrations held Tuesday. They said the proposal put forth to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute would help the people to speed up development. Acceptance "in principle" of the Border Commission's ruling would show Ethiopia's firm stance for peace, they said, adding it would help the country to rally the peace forces behind to enhance development. The proposal would enable to dissipate apprehensions for yet another war, they said, adding it would pave the way for the country to carry on with development. 10th anniversary of FDRE Constitution celebrated ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The 10th anniversary of the endorsement of the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic was celebrated here on Wednesday at the House of Peoples Representatives. Hon. Speaker Dawit Yohannes said the Constitution safeguards the rights of the Ethiopian peoples to development. Dawit said the Constitution ensures all the rights that enable the people to tread on the path to development. The Constitution enables the realization of the federal government structures and development goals and makes the system suited to peace and prosperity, Dawit said. The Constitution paves the way for putting in place the institutions necessary for collaborative and coordinated efforts by the Federal and State Governments towards poverty eradication and the attainment of development, Dawit said. The celebration of the 10th anniversary of the day on which the Constitution has been endorsed provides the opportunity to take note of the priority measures that need to be taken for the enhancement of peace and development, he said. Speaker of the House of the Federation Dr. Mulatu Teshome on his part said the Constitution guarantees the human and democratic rights of the nations, nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia. With the Constitution, he said, gender equality has been ensured and equality of cultures and religions guaranteed, he said. The Constitution has opened a new chapter for the creation of the new Ethiopia making it a country of hope and bright future, he said. Chief of the Oromia State Government Juneidi Sado on his part said the day of the endorsement of the Constitution of FDRE is a great day of joy and jubilation that reflects a major victory gained by the incumbent generation. The day sealed the transformation of the long oppressed citizens into an historic chapter of justice and democracy, he said. The 10th anniversary provides the opportunity to renew commitments for the realization of popular democratic objectives, he indicated. The Constitution enables the people of the Somali State to take pride in their identity, to speak their language and to be administered and judged under the jurisdictions of their constituents, said Minister of Mines Ambassador Mohamoud Drir. He said the people in the state have become the legitimate shareholders in the economic building of the nation as the Constitution ensures their basic rights. New peace initiative lends fresh impetus to peace process: Scholar by Getahun Amogne ADDIS ABABA - President of the Ethiopian International Institute for Peace and Development (EIIPD), Prof. Kinfe Abraham described Ethiopia's new five-point peace plan to peacefully resolve the border dispute with Eritrea as an important diplomatic initiative to break the stalemate and move the peace process for ward. In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald yesterday, Prof. Kinfe said the peace initiative would be instrumental in allowing the two countries to enter into a comprehensive dialogue on all matters of mutual concern. "It is in the enlightened self interest of Ethiopia and Eritrea to travel the extra mile and exploit the diplomatic option to resolve the lingering boundary dispute," said the Professor, who has researched extensively and authored several books on issues including the two nations and the Horn of Africa. Both Ethiopia and Eritrea could not afford another destructive war, he said, adding that it would be of paramount importance for the people and governments of the two nations to put an end to hostilities and pool their resources towards addressing their strategic adversaries of poverty and diseases. Prof. Kinfe further indicated that Ethiopia's peace proposal would help the international community revitalize its mediation efforts. The plan also provides facilitators with good material to work on thereby preventing the possibility of another conflict, he noted. "The peace initiative also offers a strategic choice for moving towards normalization via negotiations while at the same time denying enemies fertile ground to foment enmity between neighbouring countries including Ethiopia and Eritrea," he added. ============================== Pol.ethiopia Dec. 9,2004 =================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Mon Dec 13 13:55:15 2004 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Mon, 13 Dec 2004 05:55:15 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041213135515.10064.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> December 11, 2004 Meles, Seyoum hold talks with Swedish Int'l Development Cooperation Minister ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation said, her government will double its development assistance to Ethiopia. The announcement was made while leader of the visiting Swedish delegation Carin Jamtin met and held talks with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi here yesterday. Jamtin on the occasion expressed of her Government's readiness to further enhance support to Ethiopia in various sectors of development. Swedish assistance would continue in tune with the Ethiopian Government's development directions, she said. The 50th anniversary of the commencement of diplomatic relations between the two countries is being celebrated, she said, adding that the Ethio-Swedish relations and cooperation have been raised to a new height. Jamtin said her delegation's discussions with Prime Minister Meles centered on the Ethio-Swedish bilateral development cooperation, the upcoming 3rd national and state elections in Ethiopia as well as on the peace proposal put forward by the Ethiopian Government to resolve the border dispute with Eritrea. She affirmed her government's support in the activities being made to make the upcoming elections free and democratic. Sweden has embraced the stand of the European Union on the Ethiopian government's New Peace Initiative. EU is one of the numerous bilateral and multilateral international bodies that welcome Ethiopia's peace proposal. Prime Minister Meles said Sweden has been supporting Ethiopia's efforts being made to bring about speedy development. Meles said Swedish development support to Ethiopia is significant. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Syoum Mesfin said, the Government of Sweden has rendered immense development assistance over the last 50 years. Seyoum made the remark during talks with the visiting Swedish delegation led by Carim Jamtin here yesterday. He said the Swedish Government and the people of the country have been contributing a lot in efforts geared towards reducing poverty and capacity building endeavours in Ethiopia. The Ethio-Swedish development cooperation also covers, among others, the areas of human rights and democracy, private sector, justice sector reform, research and education, he said, adding that the development cooperation has been strengthening from time to time. Carin Jamtin said on her part that apart from other support programmes, the Swedish Government has been offering direct budgetary support to Ethiopia's poverty reduction programme. She said Sweden has plans to boost the amount of development assistance to Ethiopia in the coming European year. The discussion made between the two parties is also focused on ways of further strengthening their development cooperation and bringing about durable peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. They have also discussed the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute and the five-point peace proposal forwarded by the Ethiopian Government. Seyoum and Jamtin on the occasion signed a reciprocal agreement providing for the protection and promotion of investment between the two countries. The Swedish delegation was to leave for home later yesterday concluding its three-day visit to Ethiopia. No evidence to Eritrean border crossing allegation: UNMEE ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Eritrea has accused Ethiopian troops of crossing the border, burning and looting houses, but a senior U.N. official said Thursday he sad not seen any evidence to back up the allegations, Reuters reported. Eritrea said in a statement on its web site that the Ethiopian troops set fire to ten houses and robbed the inhabitants and kidnapped five people, but Major General Ragender Singh, the force commander of the U.N. Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE), said: "I flew myself over the area where the alleged incident took place this morning, but I found no evidence of burnt houses, according to Reuters. According to AFP report, Singh said Thursday that regular meetings between UNMEE, Eritrea and Ethiopia were held in a cordial and constructive environment. The situation in the Temporary Security Zone continues to be stable and peaceful, there are no major incidents, he said. New Peace Initiative gets local, int'l support ADDIS ABABA - The Ministry of Information, in its weekly statement issued yesterday, said that the New Peace Initiative forwarded by the Ethiopian Government to resolve the boundary dispute with Eritrea has earned tremendous local and international support. Citizens from various segments of the society have deliberated on the peace initiative and expressed their support and commitment to work for its realization, the statement indicated. The statement further said that the promising signs of the feasibility of the country's goal to ensure rapid and sustainable development for the benefit of the Ethiopian people were evident during the last few peaceful years. The progress registered in the socioeconomic sector should not be underestimated, the statement added. According to the statement, the Ethiopian peoples are aware of the fact that if peace is disturbed; the nascent economic development and democratization would certainly be at a great danger. The statement pointed out that it is due to this awareness that the Ethiopian people have applauded the peace initiative wholeheartedly. It also said information emerging from reliable sources indicates that the Eritrean people are in favour of the New Peace Initiative. The statement vehemently stated that it is only the Eritrean Government that has officially rejected the peace initiative. It says, it must be clear to every one that it is not only the Ethiopian peoples and government that would benefit, but also the region in particular and the international community in general. December 12, 2004 Meles holds talks with U.S. Congressman ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has said preparations are in the pipeline for free and fair conduct of the upcoming national and state elections. Meles made the announcement during talks with the member of the international Affairs Committee of the U.S. Congress Donald Payne here yesterday. Meles said the Government of Ethiopia has already extended invitations to the European Union, a number of countries in other continents and international organizations to send their delegates to observe the process of the upcoming 3rd national and state elections. The government has been putting in place enabling conditions to see to it that the upcoming elections are conducted in a democratic manner, he told Payne. Prime Minister Meles told the U.S. Congressman that Ethiopia, out of its firm commitments for peace, has put forward the five-point peace proposal to resolve the dispute with Eritrea. Ethiopia demands support from the U.S. Government and the international community for the implementation of the peace proposal, unofficial with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who attended the meeting quoted Meles as saying. After talks with Meles, Congressman Payne told journalists that the discussions between the two parties focused on Ethiopia's economic conditions, the upcoming elections as well as on the peace proposal the country put forward to resolve the dispute with Eritrea. Payne said his government, in line with its policy, would provide support for the conduct of democratic election. Payne said he received telling briefing from Prime Minister Meles Zenawi about Ethiopia's five-point proposal put forward to resolve the dispute with Eritrea. German President begins official visit today ADDIS ABABA - German President Horst Koehler arrives here today on a four-day official visit to Ethiopia. During his stay here, he scheduled to hold talks with President Girma Wolde-Giorgis, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and other senior government officials as well as representatives of the various non-governmental organizations. He would also meet Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU) prof. Alpha Oumar Konare and other AU officials. The Polish-born Koehelr, 61 is married and has a daughter and a son. He received his PhD in economics in 1977 from the Tubingen University. CECAFA Cup opens, National Team win first match ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The 28th CECAFA Cup opened here in Addis Ababa yesterday in the presence of President Girma Wolde-Giorgis and numerous African and international football officials and dignitaries. The Ethiopian National Team beat their Burundian counterpart 2 to 1. The CECAFA 2004 is named Al Amoudi Senior Challenge Cup, after the business tycoon Sheikh Mohammed Hussien Al Amoudi, who sponsored the championship. Nine of the 11 countries in the Sub-region are in Addis for the CECAFA Cup. The opening match was between Znazibar and Rwanda. Rwanda won 4 to 1. U.S to support nat'l anti-retroviral treatment programme ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - The United States Government disclosed its commitment in support of Ethiopia's National anti-retroviral Treatment Programme with particular emphasis to rescuing women and girls from the HIV/AIDS pandemic. In a press conference organized Wednesday, the visiting U.S. Government team said that Ethiopia is among those 15 focus countries worldwide to benefit from the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. Assistant U.S Global AIDS Coordinator and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Mark Dybul said that the visit of the team signifies the deep and profound commitment of the U.S Government to partner with Ethiopia in the fight against HIV/AIDS through the support of the national anti-retroviral treatment programme. The visit has also provided the opportunity to hold discussions with concerned governmental and non-governmental organizations on ways and means of facilitating the implementation of U.S President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which is the largest international held initiative dedicated to the fight against HIV/AIDS, he added. Nothing that Ethiopia is among the focus countries receiving significant support in its efforts exerted towards the arrest of the deadly disease, he stated that the U.S President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief has envisaged allocating more than 60 million USD for the support of the country's national strategy on HIV/AIDS in the year 2005. He added that the Emergency Plan has also targeted the provision of anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment to two million people, prevent seven million new infections and providing care and support to about ten million people infected and affected by the pandemic. In addition to providing ARV drugs, he said, the U.S would provide support in capacity building of the Ethiopian health care system and infrastructure to deliver anti-retroviral treatment programme, including training of health care professionals and the establishment of an effective supply chain management system and of laboratory services to monitor the treatment. It would also exert utmost efforts in support of the local production of ARV drugs having low cost and high generic quality, he said. Addis, Leipzig sign twin cities agreement ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Addis Ababa City Administration and Leipzig City in Germany have entered into a partnership agreement that would enable them foster socio-economic relations. The two twin cities reached agreement to support each other in a bid to accelerate progress, Mayor Arkebe Equbay said while signing the agreement with Mayor of Leipzig City Council Wolrgang Tiefensee here yesterday. Arkebe said the city government is committed to take the partnership to a higher level of cooperation. The City has faced a number of challenges and opportunities, he said adding poverty is the key challenge while pro-poor policies and strategies have been put in place to address the problems. The city government has launched integrated housing development programme that promotes the development of micro and small enterprises to address housing and unemployment problems, the mayor said. Speaking about the threat posed by HIV/AIDS Arkebe said, "… our efforts would be undermined unless the problem posed to our society by HIV/AIDS is fought vigorously". In this regard, the city has paid due attention to community participation in combating the pandemic, he said. Much remains to be done to alleviate the city's problems, as it is the headquarters of the African Union, Wolfgang Tiefensee said. Tiefensee said the city government should foster its relations with other sister cities of advanced countries to bring about the desired transformation. Leipzig City had similar impediments 20 years ago, the mayor said adding it resolved the problems through integrated working mechanism. Manager of Leipzig City and other guests attended the signing ceremony held at the Addis Ababa City Administration Office. ================================== Pol.ethiopia Dec.13,2004 ====================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Tue Dec 14 11:28:23 2004 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue, 14 Dec 2004 03:28:23 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041214112823.61944.qmail@web53306.mail.yahoo.com> December 14, 2004 Meles, Koehler say Ethio-German relations gaining momentum 67 mln. euro debt cancellation agreement singed by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and German President His Excellency Prof. Dr. Horst Koehler said that the bilateral relations between the two countries have gained momentum. In a joint press briefing they gave to local journalists and international correspondents at the National Palace yesterday, Meles said that the exchange of high delegation visits between Ethiopia and Germany is a reflection of amicable relations between the two countries. "We are celebrating this year the centenary of diplomatic relations between Germany and Ethiopia. We in Ethiopia believe that despite the century-old very close ties and relations, the two countries have never achieved a very high level of cooperation than at this stage," Meles said. Asked about Ethio-Eritrea's border dispute, Meles said that his country is committed to deal with dialogue and address the root causes of the problem. According to the Prime Minister, agreements have been reached on a wide-range of issues that would be instrumental in enhancing the bilateral cooperation between the two countries. President Koehler on his part commended Ethiopia's measures in tackling poverty and backwardness and expressed his country's commitment to further consolidate the bilateral relations between two sisterly countries. "I can tell you how I was impressed that the government of Ethiopia is strengthening democracy and dealing with human rights issues. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Meles, this country moves in the right direction. The changes made would help the country and its people move forward," the president said. "Germany sees Ethiopia as a partner for economic development and I am sure further debates and discussions lead to stronger ties between the two countries, especially in the areas of technical and vocational trainings," he said. Speaking of the Ethio-Eritrea border issue, the president said that war is against the interest of the peoples of the two nations. The two governments have to do their level best in solving their problems peacefully and strive to combating their daunting enemies - poverty and backwardness. They both discussed issues pertinent to combating HIV/AIDS. The governments of Ethiopia and Germany also signed yesterday a debt cancellation agreement for a total of around 67 million euro. State Minister of Finance and Economic Development Dr. Mulu Ketsela and the Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office Kerstin Muller, singed the agreement at the National Palace in the presence of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and German President Horst Koehler. After signing the agreement, Minister of State Muller said that the debt cancellation would support Ethiopia in its economic reform effort and fighting poverty. "I welcome Ethiopia's increased investment in education, agriculture and infrastructure, which is laying the foundations for sustainable development and the reduction of poverty in the country. We will continue to support Ethiopia as our traditionally close and amicable relations enter a second century," she said. Dr. Mulu on her part told journalists that the agreement shows the enhancement of the bilateral cooperation between the two countries every year. According to the State Minister, Germany is helping Ethiopia's economic endeavours especially in providing technical assistance. "The new bilateral consultation negotiation that would begin in March 2005 would have also great contribution for further enhancing the cooperation between the two countries," she said. Ethiopia succeeded in fulfilling eligibility criteria for the Cologne Debt Initiative (HIPC) in April 2004. The basis of the agreement is the 13 October 2004 arrangement by all affected Paris Club creditors to grant Ethiopia a debt relief on 90 per cent of state guaranteed debt from export transactions, embassy press release indicated. The release further states that the German Government is willing to waive 100 per cent of the country's debts, as Federal Chancellor Gerhard Schroder announced at of the EU Africa Summit in Cairo in April 2000 and confirmed during his visit to Ethiopia in January 2004. After canceling financial cooperation liabilities of approximately 54 million euro in 1990, the Federal Government has now forgiven Ethiopia a total of around 97 million euro in commercial debts since 1993, the release added. Germany is supporting Ethiopia mainly in capacity building, food security and education areas, it was learnt. Meanwhile, ENA said a delegation led by State Secretary for Economic and Labour Affairs of Germany Rudolf Anzinger visited the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) here yesterday, a press release issued by MTI said. According to the release the ministry sent to ENA, Trade and Industry Minister Girma Birru held discussion with the delegation on issue of investments ties between the two countries. Officials from the Investment Commission and the Development Bank of Ethiopia gave briefings to the delegation about the incentives and favourable investment atmosphere existing in the country as well as the provision of loan services. Speaker says gov't committed to ensure child rights ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives said Ethiopia has issued and been implementing various regulations aimed at ensuring child rights. Dawit Yohannes said the Ethiopian Government has given special attention to preventing child labour exploitation and child abuse. He made the remark in a speech he delivered here yesterday during an official launching of the National Children's Plan of Action at the United Nations Conference Centre. There are 4.6 million orphans under the age of 17 in the country, Dawit said quoting a data by the Ministry of Health. He said most of the stated number of children lost both of their parents as a result of HIV/AIDS. The orphans have been unable to continue their education, he said, adding that female orphans are exposed to sexual abuse. The issuance of the National Children's Plan of Action shows how the government is committed to ensuring the rights of children, Dawit said. He also called upon donor organizations and stakeholders to extend support to the successful implementation of the plan of action. Speaking on his part, labour and Social Affairs Minister Hassen Abdella said the Plan of Action to be implemented from 2003 to 2010 would help orphans to lead a healthy life, get access to education and prevent child abuse as child labour exploitation. The two-day meeting would extensively deliberate on the plan of action. Board says launches effort to remove partisan election executives ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The National Electoral Board said it has launched an all-out effort to remove election executives who have become members of political parties and councils under various circumstances with a view to avoiding partisanships during the forthcoming national election. Board Deputy Head Tesfaye Mengesha said the Board had exerted maximum efforts to make sure that election executives are free from political partisanships. Tesfaye made the statement while opening the first training organized for heads of constituencies that opened here yesterday. He said the Board is now ready to replace partisan election executives with non-partisan ones. Tesfaye said similar measures would be taken on election executives who are found to be members of political parties or council members. Orientations will be given to the trainees on the recruition of election executives, their duties and responsibilities as well as the establishment of constituencies and polling stations. Registration of candidates and voters, casting votes and electoral laws and their implementation will be included in the orientations. Contending parties debate on rural dev't policy, land ownership by Getachew Dibaba ADDIS ABABA - The ruling Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Front (EPRDF) and opposition parties Coalition of Unity and Democracy (CUD) and United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) Sunday debated on rural development policy and land ownership. In the debate organized by the Inter-Africa Group for contestant parties for the upcoming election, and held at UN Convention Centre, representatives of CUD and UEDF said the rural development policy and strategy pursed by the government is not effective to address multifarious challenges of farmers while EPRDF representatives said the policy is a critical tool to put the country on the path of sustainable development. CUD said the policy is exacerbating hunger and putting the number of people living in absolute poverty on the rise. According to CUD, the rural development policy does not put emphasis on large-scale irrigation and address the demand-side, which the party said are critical factors in boosting the productivity of the agriculture. Ethiopian farmers depend largely on rain-fed agriculture rather than irrigation and that leaves them vulnerable to climatic shocks, it said. The party cited land ownership, structural inconsistency and nation wide uniformity of development programmes as major problems of the policy. CUD, accordingly stressed abrogating the article of the Constitution, which bans policy flexibility, private ownership, sale and exchange of land. The present land tenure system, CUD said, does not encourage farmers to exert all-out efforts to augment agricultural productivity. This in turn contributes to soil degradation and declining of soil fertility, the party said. Representatives of UEDF also said that members of the ruling party at grassroots level are hampering farmers from improving the performance of agriculture. The ruling party members force the farmers to assemble unwillingly and organize for political purpose at multifarious levels, they said. As development agents are poorly trained and politically affiliated, the lives of farmers are getting worse, UEDF added. EPRDF, however, said that encouraging results have been witnessed over the last few years by the rural development policy, which aims at ensuring speedy economic growth so as to take the country out of abject poverty. The ruling party said that the policy was designed in line with the resources of the country. It said land and labour are immense resources, which have the potential in extricating the country from the abyss of poverty in shortest time possible. According to EPRDF, private ownership of the land in the current Ethiopian situation would pose threats to lives of farmers, which account for 85 per cent of the total population. It further said private ownership of land would put farmers at the mercy of few individuals. According to EPRDF, the rural development policy was developed in such a way to ensure fair economic growth, build free market economy and disentangle the country from aid-dependency. EPRDF said the policy is bearing fruits through the efforts exerted in addressing deep-rooted problems of the farmers. The policy and strategy provided favourable environment to promote education, health and infrastructure, among others. Enhancing the capacity of farmers through training and education, provision of improved seed, development of small-scale irrigation and water harvesting scheme and establishment of financial institutions were cited by EPRDF representatives as major steps taken to ensure food security. ==================================== Pol.ethiopia Dec.14,2004 ======================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Easier than ever with enhanced search. Learn more. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 From polethiopia@yahoo.com Wed Dec 15 07:55:32 2004 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue, 14 Dec 2004 23:55:32 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041215075533.11698.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> December 15, 2004 Electoral Board to begin document dispatch ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The National Electoral Board (NEB) announced that preparations have been finalized to distribute election materials including registration forms for candidates as well as voters to the 35,000 constituencies across the country. The first round distribution will begin Friday to constituencies in the Amhara, Tigray and Afar states, Board Logistics, Assignment and Distribution Head Biruk Wondwosen told ENA yesterday. Sufficient documents have been made handy for distribution to the 9,469 constituencies in the three states, he added. According to Biruk, election executives who are here in Addis on training will deliver the election materials to their respective constituencies. The registration of candidates and voters is scheduled to take place across the nation from January 9 to February 7,2005. Meanwhile, the Gambella People Democratic Movement has taken its 85 election candidates out for public comments. Some 82 of the candidates facing the comments will be vying for seats in the state council and the others for membership in the House of Peoples Representatives, Movement Deputy Chairperson Umed Ubang told ENA yesterday. The criteria the Movement has set for nomination of the candidates include commitments to fight corruption, parochialism and to solve problems and promote democratic outlooks, he indicated. Good ethics and having no criminal records are the other paradigms against which the candidates are being checked, he said. Candidates will be made eligible also on the bases of their strong stand to helping build the new Ethiopia based on peoples' unity and willful coexistence, the free economic system and based on their adherence to the supremacy of people, he indicated. If candidates fail at the face of public comments and members, other prospective candidates who would also go through the same process would replace them, he added. Some 24 of the candidates are female and representatives of farmers, he said. Nomination has taken into consideration the balanced representation of nationalities. New Peace Initiative said only alternative to resolve problems ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Leaders of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council say the New Peace Initiative proposed by Ethiopia is the only alternative to bring about development and close relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The leaders said they have understood from past joint meetings the interest of Eritrean religious leaders for peace. Eritrea should accept the New Peace Initiative considering the devastating effect of war on humans and property, Council Deputy President, Sheik Elias Redwan and Secretary General of the Council, Hajji Yesuf Ali told ENA yesterday. Democracy, good governance and progress could be achieved where peace prevails, the officials said. The resultant effect of war is ignorance, famine, migration and instability, they said adding leaders of Eritrea should allow their people benefit from peace by accepting the New Peace Initiative proposed by Ethiopia. They said they are certain that the peoples of Eritrea seek peace, adding Eritrean religious leaders have shown interest during discussions religious leaders of the two countries held in the past. The give and take principle is not unique to Ethiopia and Eritrea, the officials said adding Israel had left petroleum treasure which built on Sinai desert without any compensation during a roundtable meeting Egypt and Israel held in 1967. The leadership in Eritrea should know that problems could be peacefully resolved if the two countries negotiate, the officials indicated. They said Eritrean leaders should succumb to peace with a view to bringing about peace between the two countries. Meanwhile, civil servants in East Shoa Zone of Oromia State expressed support for the new peace proposal forwarded by the Government of Ethiopia to peacefully resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute. In a meeting they held in Zeway town Monday, the civil servants said that the peace initiative shows how the Ethiopian Government is committed to peace. They said the peace initiative would enable the country to embark up its development endeavour aimed a reducing poverty. They said the peace proposal would enable to renew the relations between the two neighbouring states. Similarly, teachers and other civil servants in Dilla town Gedio Zone of Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples State have expressed support to the new peace proposal. The teachers and workers voiced their support saying the peace proposal would bring about sustainable settlement to the dispute between the two neighbouring countries. During discussions they held recently, the teachers and workers said the peace initiative which won appreciation from the international community would enable Ethiopia to further enhance its multi-sectoral development efforts. With the proposal, Ethiopia once again demonstrates its firm commitments for peace, they said. Gov't committed to safeguard rights of Ethiopians in Diaspora ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Government has been doing its level best to enhance the participation of Ethiopians in Diaspora in the development of their country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. The government is committed to encourage Ethiopians living abroad to participate in the overall development endeavours in their native land, the Ministry quoted Minister Councilor of the Ethiopian Embassy in Kuwait, Tesfaye Haile-Mariam as saying. Tesfaye made the statement recently while discussing with members of the Ethiopian community in Kuwait. He said the government is committed to safeguard the rights of its citizens living abroad and help them get better job opportunities. Tesfaye said Ethiopians living in Kuwait should strengthen their attachments to their country through the embassy, as it is instrumental in safeguarding their rights and contributing their share towards the development of the country. They should also play a leading role in searching market for Ethiopian export products and attracting investment into Ethiopia, he said. The members of the community on their part vowed to strengthen their attachment to their homeland and actively participate in the development of their country. Some 150 Ethiopians were in attendance at the meeting, according to the ministry. ============================== Pol.ethiopia Dec.15,2004 ========================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Send holiday email and support a worthy cause. Do good. http://celebrity.mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Fri Dec 17 13:52:29 2004 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Fri, 17 Dec 2004 05:52:29 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041217135229.85248.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> December 16, 2004 US allocate 20 mln. USD to support half a million orphans by Yemane Terefe ADDIS ABABA - The United States allocated 20 million USD through Save the Children (SC/US) and its partners to support over half a million orphans and other vulnerable children in the coming five years in Ethiopia. Speaking at programme entitled "Positive Change: Children, Communities and Care (PC3)" held at the Exhibition Centre yesterday, President Girma Wolde-Giorgis said that due to various man-made and natural reasons, children are becoming more vulnerable and demanding more protection and support. The president added that the HIV/AIDS epidemic has tremendously increased the number of orphaned children in Ethiopia. He also said with the number of children that require protection and support soaring and ever larger numbers of adults are falling ill with HIV/AIDS and extended family dependency have simply been over-whelmed. According to him, the Government of Ethiopia has put in place a multi-sectoral response mechanism to curb the multifarious impacts of the epidemic. Accordingly, national and regional HIV/AIDS councils and secretariats are working hand in hand with concerned organizations and are bringing positive impact in the effort to tackle the problem. Mr. Adam Keehn, SC/US Director on his part said HIV/AIDS is of course a problem to day, but its impact on the lives of children would continue for several generations. As the number of impoverished children rise, their insecurity worsens, education, and work opportunities decline, nurturing and support systems erode and mortality rises, the director said. "It is better to devote resources toward strengthening the abilities of families and communities to care for orphans and other vulnerable children. Community-based solutions will have broader impact, and more support should go to extended families that care for orphans, to improve income generating opportunities as well as to credit and health care services," he added. He indicated that the PC3 partnership intends to improve the wellbeing of orphans and other vulnerable children (OVC) and families affected by HIV/AIDS. The programme will also utilize the extensive experience with expertise in community-based to increase the use of community supports and protective practices for OVC, caregivers and families. Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Hassen Abdella also said that according to the recent national report on HIV/AIDS, out of 4.6 million orphaned children under seventeen years of age, a considerable number of children are accounted to lose their parents due to the epidemic. He also said that the HIV/AIDS pandemic has tremendously increased the number of child headed households, changing cultural patterns of childcare, and putting an incredible strain on social safety nets. The PC3 project agreement was signed on the occasion among the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, HAPCO Head and SC/US Director. Billboard that depicts future hope of orphaned children was also unveiled in the presence of President Girma. EOC calls on Eritrean religious leaders to strive for peace proposal implementation ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) called upon religious leaders in Eritrea to contribute their share toward the implementation of Ethiopia's five-point peace initiative aimed at peacefully resolving the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute. In a statement he gave here yesterday, EOC Patriarch His Holiness Abune Paulos urged the Eritrean religious leaders to denounce the alternative of dragging the peoples of the two countries into war and do their level best for the practical application on the practical application of the new peace proposal. He said EOC strongly supports the New Peace Initiative and would strive for its implementation. The Patriarch recalled that the people in the country on their part were offering prayers for the prevalence of peace in Ethiopia, Eritrea and the world as well. Pointing out that the new peace proposal is the sole alternative for bringing about peace between the two countries, Abune Paulos said much is expected from Eritreans in ensuring the peace gained through the sacrifices of many people by taking into account the consequences of war would bring on the peoples of the two nations. The EOC along with pertinent bodies will continue to strive for the implementation of the peace initiative in the two countries, he said. Delegation says trade, investment progressing in Ethiopia ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopia has shown great progress in the trade and investment sector, State Secretary in the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour Rudolf Anzinger said. The State Secretary, who is also head of the German business delegation, made the remark while holding discussion with members of the Ethiopian Private Sector and Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce (ECC) here yesterday. He said in the conversations they made so far, the delegation has been assured that the Ethiopian Government is trying to improve the working conditions by removing bureaucratic bottlenecks, introducing reliability and acceleration in the decision making processes, among others. According to the State Secretary, these reforms and the stable domestic-policy conditions make Ethiopia attractive even for long-term investment. The development of industry, the utilization of agricultural potentials and the exploitation of mineral resources require a good infrastructure, he said, adding that this is an area in which German companies are particularly skilled. Some of the firms represented in the delegation have long been operating in Ethiopia and are aspiring to expand their activities, he said. Deputy President of the ECC Solomon Afework said on the occasion that the numerous business contacts between Ethiopia and German companies has made Germany one of the most important trading partners for Ethiopia. According to Solomon, Germany comprises an average annual trade of more than 100 million US dollars. He said the visits that have been made so far by the German business delegations this year alone and the fact that a good number of potential business partners from Ethiopia represented here in the discussion are clear indicators of the growing interest to do business between the two countries. During its stay here, the German business delegation will further make discussions with the Ethiopian entrepreneurs on the issues of bilateral trade and investment relations. President Koehler reaffirms German's support to Africa by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - German President His Excellency Prof. Dr. Horst Koehler reaffirmed his country's commitment to increase its development assistance to Africa. Addressing members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, German delegates and other invited guests at the Conference Hall of the African Union (AU) yesterday, the President reassured that his country is willing to put all efforts for the betterment of the continent. Though Africa needs further improvements in the areas of good governance, aid management democracy and human rights, Germany is ready to extend its development support, Koehler said. The president underlined the importance of good governance and self-responsibility to bring about economic and social progress in the continent. Accordingly, the president indicated the importance of full participation of the society and the pivotal role of administrators and officials of the continent. He further emphasized that every effort must be made to ensure full participation of all sections of the society in the political process to enable Africans contribute to economic development and share the benefits that it brings. For Africa has its own unique character as part of rich diversity, which makes out planet what it is the continent should be free from hazards so as to give its citizens conducive working environment, the president said. "I can not accept anyone who invokes this special character to justify lack of action and abuses directed against the fellow citizens," Prof. Dr. Koehler said. The president also underlined the importance of informing the developed world about Africa by pointing out deficiencies, misconceptions and misunderstandings. "Such openness on both sides in my view is essential to true partnership," he said. "Let us work together to ensure that we in the North should not learn about Africa primarily through reports of famine, asylum seekers, civil war and child soldiers," he added. According to the president, Africa is especially hard hit by devastating diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria. In addition, armed conflicts are still daily realities in many parts of the continent, he said. The president also said Africa needs much more assistance to tackle scourges of mankind and provision of extra money in addition to the funds requires to boost economic development. Moreover, HIV/AIDS requires more preventive information and education, Prof. Dr. Horst said. He further said, "While HIV/AIDS prevention may appear costly and difficult to measure its success, the costs of war are incomparably higher than any cost that causes human suffering." Prof. Dr. Horst commended the progress in the area of security, as it helps to improve domestic capacity and foreign investment flow. He also commended efforts of NEPAD and other regional organizations. The President also expressed German's commitment to increase its annual development assistance to Africa emphasizing wise use of money only for the intended purpose. Chairperson of the African Union Commission Prof. Alpha Oumar Konare on his part lauded German's conviction in supporting various development projects in Africa. The Commissioner also mentioned several pledges that Africa has received from different corners which have eventually not realized. Unless adequate assistance is provided to the continent, it would be very difficult for it to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Konare said. Despite their multifaceted problems, Africans and their organization AU are striving to realize rapid development, good governance and democracy in the continent and these endeavours need the assistance of the developed nations. "Africa needs not only it's of development aid but also its debt burden has to be minimized or relieved," the Commissioner said. The AU is also doing its level best in solving various problems of the continent through dialogue, the Commissioner added. According to Konare, Africa is the continent of the future. "We are the young, new market. We can not talk of the future of the world without talking about Africa," he said. Meanwhile, President Koehler has also held discussions with Speakers of the Houses of Peoples' Representatives and of the Federation here yesterday, ENA reported. During the talks, the two sides exchanged views on national and international issues. The German delegation led by President Koehler also visited the German Community School located in an area known as Aware here in the metropolis. During his visit, President Koehler had held discussion with the students of the school. President Koehler along the Addis Ababa City Mayor Arkebe Equaby also visited the apartments being built with the assistance of the German Government. Briefing the German delegation, Arkebe said the City Administration would construct 200,000 residential units in the next five years. Arkebe also told the delegation that the construction of the apartments being undertaken in cooperation with the German Technical Cooperation would help alleviate poverty and create job opportunities. President Koehler on the occasion appreciated the efforts being made by the city administration to mitigate housing problems. ===================================== Pol.ethiopia Dec.17,2004 ========================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Send holiday email and support a worthy cause. Do good. http://celebrity.mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Thu Dec 23 08:09:42 2004 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Thu, 23 Dec 2004 00:09:42 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041223080942.97829.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> December 22, 2004 President receives credentials ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis said yesterday that Ethiopia is desirous of further consolidating its cooperation with Algeria, Iran, Kuwait and Mexico. Girma said that Ethiopia is keen to further strengthen its trade and investment cooperation with the aforementioned countries in the years ahead. President Girma was receiving letters of credence of the newly appointed ambassadors of these countries at the National Palace. While receiving the Algerian Ambassador Aouam Nur Eddzne, Girma said Ethiopia is interested to strengthen its political ties with Algeria, as it did in the economic sector. The Algerian Ambassador told journalists after the audience that he had also delivered a message from President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to President Girma. During the talks with the newly appointed Iranian Ambassador that Kiomars Fotouhi Chiam, President Girma said the two countries need to further strengthen their economic cooperation. He also called upon Iranian entrepreneurs to invest in Ethiopia. The ambassador said on his part that Iranian investors have already been engaged in aluminum production, among others, in Ethiopia and added that several other entrepreneurs are also desirous of investing in the agricultural sector. While conferring with the newly appointed Kuwaiti Ambassador Faisal Aladwani, President Girma said that Kuwaiti entrepreneurs would be beneficiary of they invest in Ethiopia. He also urged the ambassador to persuade Kuwaitis to visit the various tourist sites in Ethiopia. Ambassador Faisal pointed out on his part that his country had granted loan for the execution of development projects and installation of power line in the Afar State. The ambassadors of Iran and Kuwait said that during their talks with the President they have reaffirmed their respective country's support for Ethiopia's five-point peace proposal to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute. While receiving the credentials of the Mexican Ambassador who is residing in Nairobi, Kenya, Margarita Diegez, President Girma requested the ambassador that Mexico need to open its embassy in Addis Ababa, as Ethiopia is the seat of African Union and other international organizations, according to a spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. House endorses civil aviation security bill ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The House of Peoples' Representatives has endorsed a draft proclamation providing for the Civil Aviation Security. It also referred two other bills for pertinent standing committees for further scrutiny. In its regular session yesterday, the House endorsed the report and recommendations submitted to it by the Foreign, Defence and Security Affairs Standing Committee. Ethiopia, one of the founding members of the International Civil Aviation Organization, has ratified the international civil aviation convention in 1944. The bill would be instrumental in carrying out security activities in an integrated manner. The House meanwhile, referred a bill providing for ratifying an agreement on tourism cooperation between Ethiopia and the Sudan to the Information and cultural Affairs Standing Committee. It also referred a bill related to export trade to the Trade and Industry Affairs Standing Committee. ETC says striving to deliver standard service by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation (ETC) said that it is striving to realize efficient and multiples of services to its customers. It says it is also accessing zonal reports, considering customers complaints and analyzing what is set by the Corporation as standard services. At a consultative meeting it organized with the Addis Eastern District customers and administrators at the premises of the Corporation's head office yesterday, Telecom Business Service Department Manager Abayneh Ababe said that the corporation is undertaking reforms in the areas of operation, infrastructure and service delivery to meet the demands of its customers. The manager said that the Corporation is initiating the public to acquire a sense of ownership and ask their rights when and where it is necessary. Likewise, consultative meetings like this one were held six times so far and they are thought to be instrumental in enabling everyone examine the defects and discharge his duty and responsibility, Abayneh said. Communication Division Manager with the Corporation Abdurahim Ahmed on his part said that efforts have been underway to pinpoint the problems and provide the necessary solutions as soon as possible. He added that the Corporation analyzed reports of different branches, heard customers complaints and undertook sight visits to different centres to improve its services concerning the future few months plan of the Corporation, Abdurahim indicated that 200,000 mobile lines would be distributed among Addis Ababa customers while 150,000 lines would go to states and 104 towns get the service. Moreover, preparations are underway to implement additional 600,000 mobile lines, he said. On the occasion ETC Eastern Addis Ababa District Manager Samuel Barbe also said that the district would provide fixed and mobile phones as well as Internet services for 18,000, 37,446 and 5,225 clients respectively this fiscal year. In addition 420 public phones would be fixed in the district while 26 new telephone centres would be operational, he said. According to the manager, progresses have been made in the service delivery, financial management as well as construction of infrastructures in the district. He said that problems are also solve quickly and technical failures are corrected within a maximum of one week while 95 per cent of the money from service provision is collected monthly. In addition, some 36,600 new cables would be installed and 12 million birr is expected to be collected every month from customers, the manager said. At the consultation, explanations were provided to the participants on the services of the Corporation including the new. Broadband Multimedia and a pilot project on implementing civil service reform on some of the centres in the district. It was also mentioned that many institutions are requesting to get the Bradband Multimedia service noticing improvements that have been made in the selected centres regarding the service delivery system. In addition, new lines are being provided within 16 days as opposed to the previous 25 days, while maintenance works are completed in a maximum of 17 days as opposed to 31 days, service charges are within 18 days, not in 29 days like the past, the manager said. Internet congestions, failure to respond to the feedbacks regarding maintenance of telephone and Internet lines, failure in prioritizing customers mobile phone demands bill exaggerations as well as unfairness and short due time to collect service charges were some of the complains raised by the participants. In response to the complaints, the officials and various department representatives agreed to correct them and improve their failure. They specially agreed to give greater attention to 168 golden customers in the district who pay a bill of 5,000 - 8,000 birr. ============================== Pol.ethiopia Dec.23,2004 ====================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? All your favorites on one personal page – Try My Yahoo! http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Thu Dec 23 09:17:19 2004 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Thu, 23 Dec 2004 01:17:19 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041223091719.36335.qmail@web53308.mail.yahoo.com> December 23, 2004 Eritrea most likely to face isolation for rejecting peace proposal: Political Scientist ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Eritrea is most likely to face isolation for its rejection of the much-admired peace proposal put forward by Ethiopia to resolve the Ethiopia-Eritrea border dispute, Deputy Dean of the Addis Ababa University said. The rejection by Eritrea of the peace proposal would entail cynicism as to its attentiveness to international responsibilities, says Assistant Professor Mohammed Habib. A political scientist in international law, Mohammed said that Eritrea would face pressures from the international community for keeping at bay the peace proposal that has been welcomed already by the member countries of the European Union, the African Union, the United Nations and numerous other international organizations. The professor said that accepting decisions in principle is not a new thing for there were various cases in which border disputes were resolved through such process. South American, European, Middle East countries and recently Nigeria and Cameroon have managed to resolve their border dispute by accepting decisions "in principle", he said. Resorting to peaceful means to ensure rights is civil in as much as it is non-optional to maintain national interest and sovereignty, he said, adding conversely warlike attitude would be tantamount to narrowing development opportunities and endangering one's sovereignty. He said Ethiopia would not have gained such a suddent shower of welcome after welcome, had its proposal been in contravention of international law. Meanwhile, the Tigray State Women's Association has expressed its support for peace initiative. Association Chairwoman Tamirat Belay said yesterday that the association appreciates the new peace proposal for war is destructive both to human live's and property. Tamirat also said the association lauds the new peace initiative as war impedes the on-going national efforts geared toward reducing poverty and bringing about speedy economic development. The chairwoman said members of the association would rally behind the government with a view to ensuring peace between the two countries since women and children are highly vulnerable to war. She urged on the occasion the Eritrean women to put pressure on the incumbent Eritrean government to accept the tnw peace initiative. Tigray Women's Association has more than 450,000 members at present. New party attains legal recognition ADDIS ABABA (ENA) The National Electoral Board has given certificate of legal recognition to a new political party the Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement. Board Political Parties Registration Acting Head Mekonnen Wondimu told ENA yesterday that the Movement operating at national level is the 75th to attain legal recognition. According to the Board, 16 political parties operate at national level and the rest at regional level. UNSC welcomes Ethiopia's New Peace Initiative ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The United Nationsl Security Council (UNSC) has welcomed Ethiopia's new peace intiaitive forwarded to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute, the Ministry of Information disclosed here yesterday. According to current Council President Abdella Balli of Algeria, the Security Council has accepted the five point peace proposal adopted by the House of Peoples' Representatives November 25,2004 the ministry said in a press statement sent to ENA. Appreciating activities underway to resolve the dispute, the Security Council noted that the two countries need to promote good neighborliness and peaceful co-existence by ending the dispute. Pointing out that the two nations should iron our their differences only through peaceful means in accordance with the Algiers Peace Accord, the Security Council warned the two countries to refrain from any provocative act. Any provocative act in the bordre area would be considered disruptive to peace in the region, said the Security Council in a statement issued Tuesday. Members of the Security Council have expressed their commitment to extend the necessary support for the success of the peace efforts being made by Secretary General Kofi Annan's special envoy Loyd Axworthy and the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) as well. Premier appoints university presidents ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has appointed Dr. Belay Kassa and Dr. Yared Wondimkun as Presidents of the Alemaya and Gondar Universities respectively. According to a letter the Office of the Prime Minister sent to ENA yesterday, the appointment takes effect December 24. Dr. Belay Kassa has served the Alemaya University since 1975 E.C. as instructor, researcher, academic and research deputy president as well as different departments at various times, the Office said. Similarly, Dr. Yared Wondimkun has made able contributions during his service years as instructor, researcher and have much experience discharging his duties and responsibilities in his capacity as department head to dean of the university, the Office said. China, Ethiopia say committed to expand all-round partnership ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The heads of Chinese and Ethiopian legislative bodies said Tuesday that the two countries have strongpolitical will to further expand partnership and all-round cooperation, Xinhuanet reported from Beijing. Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China, and Mulatu Teshome, Speaker of the House of the Federation, made the comment during their meeting in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Tuesday. Both the NPC and the Ethiopian Parliament play an important role in the political life of their countries, Wu said adding that the NPC is ready to join efforts with its Ethiopian counterpart to make positive contributions to the all-round development of the bilateral relations. The two sides have maintained cooperation in recent years, he said. Mulatu said on his part that the two countries share broad common interests and that bilateral relations between them have been growing in recent years. He said the enhanced mutual trust will serve as a basis for expansion of trade and investment between the two countries. He said the exchanges and cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries will also play a pivotal rol in the development of the bilateral relations. Exchange of visits between senior leaders of the two countries has been frequent in the past two years. This is the second time that Mulatu visited China over the past few years. His current visit follows Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's visit to China in November. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabal visted Ethiopia last December when he attended the opening ceremony of the Second Ministerial Conference of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum. Mualtu said the China-Africa Cooperation Forum serves as a bridge of exchanges and cooperation between African and China, which helps both sides overcome their distance and become even closer to each other. Wu said China highly values its relationship with Africa. He said China is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with all African countreis within the framework of the China Africa Cooperation Forum, so as to furhter deepen the long-term, stable, equal and mutually beneficial partnership between China and Africa. China and Ethiopia established diplomatic relations more thatn 30 years ago. Over the years, the two countries have conducted fruitful cooperation in such fields as politics, trade economy, culture, education, health and international affairs. Wu said China is ready to Cooperate with Ethiopia to strengthen the all-round partnership between the two countries. ================================= pol.ethiopia Dec.23,2004 =================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Jazz up your holiday email with celebrity designs. Learn more. http://celebrity.mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Mon Dec 27 12:13:44 2004 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Mon, 27 Dec 2004 04:13:44 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041227121344.22758.qmail@web53308.mail.yahoo.com> December 25, 2004 Eritreans ought to pressurize gov't to accept Ethiopia's peace proposal: Ministry ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the need that Eritreans at home and in the Diaspora should pressurize their government to accept Ethiopia' five-point new peace initiative met to resolve the Ethio-Eritrean Government should realize that the border dispute between the two countries would only be solved through peaceful means. It said the new peace proposal invites the Eritrean Government to enter into negotiation to resolve the dispute peacefully. The Ministry said that failure to accept the new peace proposal on the part of the Eritrean Government would lead the two countries to unwanted situations, which it said, would also be a threat to the peace and stability in East Africa. It said Ethiopia has repeatedly confirmed that it would not go to war unless forced to do so, as democracy and development are its two top most agendas. It said Ethiopia believes that the dispute could be resolved through peaceful means and the principle of give and take. Board to dispatch special documents ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The National Electoral Board announced that election materials have been prepared for dispatch to 31 special constituencies. The Constitution stipulates that a constituency embracing any given area inhabited by 100,000 people population is less than 100,000 are given special representation. Officials with the office of the Board told ENA that the special constituencies will thus receive the regular and special election materials which will enable them to participate in the election and get seats in the House of Peoples' Representatives as well as state councils. The officials made the announcement at the opening here yesterday of a training to election executives by the Boards Civics Education Training Centre for the third time in a series. Some 139 election executives drawn from the Southern Nations, Nationalities and peoples, Benshangul-Gumiz, Gambella and Harari states, where the nationalities with special representation rights live, are attending the three-day training. Earlier, special election documents were dispatched to the Kunama and Irob special constituencies in the Tigray State and to the Argoba Special Constituency in the Amhara State. Meanwhile, the North Shoa Zone Electoral Board Office in the Amhara State said it has distributed election materials to the respective constituencies. Office Head Tesemma Kebede told ENA yesterday that the election materials include posters, documents and voter ID cards, among others. The office distributed the materials to 14 constituencies beginning 18 December. Tesemma said the constituencies will in turn redistribute the election materials to 941 polling stations in the zone up to the beginning of January 1997 E.C. According to the Head, All Ethiopia Unity Party (AEUP) and an independent candidate have been collecting candidature endorsement signatures in the zone. Council of Minister refers bill providing for amendment of election law ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Council of Ministers during its regular session yesterday referred a bill providing for the amendment of the election proclamation to the House of Peoples' Representatives for endorsement. The council endorsed the bill prepared and submitted by the Ministry of Justice after including necessary amendments. The council endorsed and referred the bill after it was found important to incorporate the numerous points of amendment recommended by opposition political parties, Office of the Prime Minister told ENA in a statement yesterday. The council also made some amendments found essential to enhance the rights of citizens to elect and be elected. The amendments are believed to further enhance the democratic system being nurtured in the country and to further nourish the implementation of the upcoming national and state elections. It has been decided that most of the amendments be enforced in the 2005 elections, the statement said, adding the council passed resolution for inclusion of a provisional period for the enactment after the elections of those stipulations in the amendment related to the reorganization of constituencies in line with results of population census and those pertinent to the electoral board. The council thus unanimously referred the bill to the House of Peoples' Representatives for endorsement. All stakeholders' efforts indispensable to make upcoming election free, fair ADDIS ABABA - The Ministry of Information, in its weekly statement issued yesterday said that it is a universal fact that a democratic order has a decisive role in promoting development, peace and respect the rights of citizens. In addition to this, the weekly statement pointed out that a free and fair election is one of the expressions and main feature of any democratic system. In our country, active participation of the entire people is of a paramount importance to ensure progress in every aspect of life, the statement indicated. Not, only it is a better option, but also it is indispensable for the survival of our country, the statement added. It also said, it is from this fundamental principle all citizens and political parties are showing keen interest in upcoming election. Of course, it is recalled that the implementation of a democratic election has been demonstrated in the past two elections, the statement asserted. However, anyone, who could remember the process of the two elections, there were some irregularities due to inexperience and backward culture the statement said. In spite of this, the upcoming election is hoped to be implemented under better conditions by drawing lessons from past experiences, the statement further reiterated. Finally, it said that one must not keep away from the election process at any point in time. December 26, 2004 National Team win CECAFA Al-Amoudi Senior Challenge Cup ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The CECAFA Al-Amoudi Senior Challenge Cup, sponsored by business tycoon Sheikh Mohammed Hussien Al Amoudi, wrapped up here in the African Capital Addis Ababa yesterday with Ethiopia beating Burundi 3-0. Sudan beat Kenya 2-1 to take the third place. President Girma Wolde-Giorgis awarded the trophy to captain of the Ethiopian Squad Zewdu Bekele. The playoffs at the Addis Ababa Stadium were attended by close to 30,000 spectators. Government officials like Capacity Building Minister Teferra Waluwa, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Ambassador Tehsome Toga, Mayor Arkebe Equbay, and CECAFA officials, including President of Ethiopian Football Federation Dr. Ashebir Wolde-Giorgis, dignitaries, and diplomats and invited guests were also present. This is the third time for the Ethiopian National Football Team to clinch the CECAFA Cup and thus the trophy remains here in Addis - the same wish Al-Amoudi made at the opening a fortnight ago at the launching of the tournament. "I wish all to play well, but I want the trophy to remain in Addis." Nine Central and Eastern African countries participated in the 28th CECAFA AL-Amoudi Senior Challenge Cup. All the four national teams Ethiopia, Burundi, Sudan and Kenya received prize money according to their standing. The Ethiopian National Team displayed superiority all through the 90 minutes and the two minutes added time. Ethiopia has so far participated in 10 of the 28 CECAFA events. Meanwhile, prior to the final match diplomats and workers of the Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, have sent message of fortuity to the Ethiopian National Team to win the final. In their message, the diplomats and workers expressed joy at the victory the Ethiopian National Team clinched in the match against Kenya and wished to win the final. Earlier Friday, President of the Ethiopian Football Federation Dr. Ashebir said the 28th CECAFA event in Addis was a success. He said the two million birr envisaged from ticket sales has already been secured. Dr. Ashebir said the success was attributable to the support of the people, the government and Sheikh Mohammed Hussien Al-Amoudi who sponsored the event here in the African capital. State Minister speaks of increased grants, loans, debt cancellation ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Grants, loans and debt cancellation Ethiopia is receiving from foreign governments, international organizations and institutions is growing more steadily than ever, State Minister of Finance and Economic Development (MoFED) said. The amount of grants and loans Ethiopia is receiving over the past three years is on the increase owing to political stability and peace in the country, Dr. Mulu Ketsela told ENA Friday. Political stability and peace are considered as major criteria for donors and creditors, she said adding during Ethio-Eritrea war grants and loans were largely halted. Ethiopia obtained seven billion birr grants and loans during 1996 E.C. of which 1.5 billion birr was provided in loan, the state minister said. The increased assistance is attributable to the development directions the country pursues, as they are inter-related to realize poverty reduction and MDGs, she said. She said Ethiopia has won 3.3 billion US dollar debt reduction per the agreement reached by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB) board as it has met the criteria set in the Heavily Indebt Poor Countries (HIPCs) Initiative. Most debt cancellations came from Paris Club Creditors, she said, adding that the recent 67 million euros debt cancellation agreement signed with the government of German was part of this. The state minister also indicated that the French government cancelled 5.5 million euros Ethiopia's debt December 20,2004. She said the sum that would other wise go to debt servicing would be used to budget subsidy. The state minister said the grants and loans obtained are primarily utilized for poverty reduction, food security, road construction, health education and other infrastructure facilities. According to Dr. Mulu, US of America, Japan, Germany, Britain, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands and Ireland are in the forefront in terms of support. International Development Association (IDA), the African Development Fund (ADF), the European Union (EU), UNICEF, UNDP and WFP, are among the major financial institutions and international organizations, that provide support to Ethiopia, she added. Badme, Shiraro town residents call on Eritrean people to accept New Peace Initiative ADDIS ABABA (ENA/WIC) - Residents in Badme and Shiraro towns of the Tigray State urged the Eritrean people to exert utmost efforts toward the implementation of the new peace initiative proposed by the Ethiopian government to resolve the border dispute with Eritrea through negotiation. Over 10,000 residents living in the two towns of the state made the call to the Eritrean people recently after discussing the five-point peace initiative. The Eritrean people should put pressure on the incumbent Eritrean government to accept the peace proposal since it would bring about a lasting solution to the Ethio-Eritrea border conflict. The residents said the Eritrean people oppose the option of war to solve the border crisis as war impedes development, good neighborliness and damages human lives and property. The peoples of Ethiopia and Eritrea should not be alienated for all by the war-mongering Eritrean government, the residents said, adding the Eritrean people should comprehend the position of the Ethiopian people toward bringing about sustainable peace between the two countries. The residents said they laud the decision of the Ethiopian government as the new peace initiative clearly shows the government's commitment to the well being of the peoples of the country, to bring about sustainable peace, development, and social progress. Meanwhile employees and administrative staff of the Addis Tannery Share Company expressed their support to the five-point peace proposal. Speaking at a discussion forum organized to sensitize the factory community on the overall objective of the peace initiative, Company General Manager Solomon Getu said the peace plan has aimed at protecting the rights of the Ethiopian peoples making its prior agenda and strategy on peace and development. He noted that Ethiopia was dragged in to war by the war mongering government of Eritrea as the latter had tried to meet its parasitic interests forcibly on the peoples and government of Ethiopia. He said that Ethiopia has once again shown its commitment for the prevalence of lasting and durable peace in both countries. Employees of the factory said on their part that all the wars waged for years in the country have left the peoples of Ethiopia in abject poverty, which according to them the direction devised by the Ethiopian government in settling disputes through negotiations is believed to ensure mutual coexistence and stability between the two countries. According to the employees, the prevalence of lasting and durable peace is crucial in becoming competitive and profitable. Similarly, The Oromia State Justice and Security Bureau said the militia and reserve army of the state have expressed their support to the new peace initiative. Militia Department Head with the Bureau, Wondimu Biratu told WIC Friday that the militia and the reserve army, after discussing the peace initiative, agreed to support and contribute their part to the implementation of the peace initiative. He said the peace initiative won the support of members of the militia and the reserve army as it manifested the government's desire in ensuring peace to the public and good relations with the international community, as war does not contribute anything to national development. The members also said the Eritrean people should grasp and contribute to the peace initiative as it is the only solution for the problem as well as ensuring peace, development and good relations between the peoples of the two countries, headed. ==================================== Pol.ethiopia Dec. 27,2004 ======================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - You care about security. So do we. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail From polethiopia@yahoo.com Tue Dec 28 09:11:34 2004 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue, 28 Dec 2004 01:11:34 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041228091134.72175.qmail@web53309.mail.yahoo.com> December 28, 2004 Ethiopia, Sudan, Yemen begin 3rd tripartite summit ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopia, Sudan and Yemen began their joint meeting in Khartoum, Sudan early yesterday. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, presidents Omar Hassan Al-Bashir and Ali Abdullah Saleh are expected to hold in-depth discussions on the peace processes in the Sudan and Somalia as well as issues of regional interest. The summit will also hear a report submitted to it by the Foreign Ministers and Senior Experts who held their meeting earlier. The summit is also attended by the newly elected Somali President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, Ethiopian Ambassador to the Sudan Gedafo Mohammed said. The tripartite pact, which is known as Sen'a forum, aims at bringing about prosperity by working for common peace and development. The Ethiopian delegation, led by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi arrived in Khartoum late Sunday, according to an Ethiopian Radio Reporter. Sudanese President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir and his cabinet members accorded a warm welcome to Prime Minister Meles. President Al-Bashir threw a dinner reception in honour of the leaders. Executives say ready to make elections impartial Board dispatches materials ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Election Executives have launched intensive effort to make the forthcoming state and national elections free and fair. Election Coordinators and Executives of the Benshangul-Gumuz, Gambella and Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples states as well as Dire Dawa Administration expressed their readiness to conduct the elections in a free and democratic manner. They told ENA yesterday that they have received good training offered by the Board that would help them conduct the elections in a free and democratic manner thereby enabling them discharge their responsibilities effectively. Scrutinizing candidature endorsement signatures were the responsibility of kebele administration previously but now the duty of stations to be established by the board where executives and observers will be assigned, they said. A joint forum comprising the Board and contesting political parties which will receive grievances and complaints at constituency level, will be also established they said. Meanwhile, the National Electoral Board said it has dispatched election materials to five states. Board Logistic Distribution Section Head Biruk Wondosen told ENA yesterday that candidate and voter registration forms as well as other related documents were sent to Gambella, Benshangul-Gumuz and Harari states as well as Dire Dawa Administration. He said 2,292 carton materials were dispatched to the states where they will be distributed among 6,876 polling stations. UNHCR commits 9 mln. USD to refugees here ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The United Nations Higher Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) said recently that it has earmarked nine million US Dollars to Ethiopia reducing its budget from the previous by ten per cent, the Regional Liaison Office said. The office told Capital, a weekly business newspaper, recently that about 17,000 Somali refugees are expected to be repatriated by December 2005. The office also indicated that the UNHCR staff, who were evacuated from Gambella in 2003 due to the conflict situation there, have been re-deployed. Recent figure released from the same office indicate that 116,459 Sudanese, Somali and Eritrean refugees currently live in seven camps throughout Ethiopia including Addis Ababa. ================================== Pol.ethiopia Dec.28,2004 ======================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - now with 250MB free storage. Learn more. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 From polethiopia@yahoo.com Wed Dec 29 08:23:50 2004 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed, 29 Dec 2004 00:23:50 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041229082350.55706.qmail@web53308.mail.yahoo.com> December 29, 2004 Sena'a Cooperation Forum said being enhanced, 3rd summit concludes ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Sena'a Cooperation Forum with its documents of agreement set the legal framework facilitating the cooperation between and among member countries, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said. The Ethiopian high-level delegation led by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi returned home yesterday after attending the 3rd Summit of the Forum held in Khartoum, Sudan. Meles told Ethiopian Radio reporter that heeding to the option for peaceful dialogue is the most viable way to bring about peace and development in the region. Meles said there is reason to hope for the enhancement of the peace situation in the region, now that the peace processes in the Sudan and Somalia have reached a new chapter. The Sena'a Cooperation Forum will move ahead incorporating countries in the region in addition to founding members Ethiopia, Sudan and Yemen, an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Acting Director of Asia and the Middle East Affairs Directorate with the ministry Addis Dilnesa said the Cooperation Forum has prioritized regional peace as a common interest. The Forum has also been enhanced through the years after its founding. The Second Sena'a Forum held in Addis Ababa was concluded after Ethiopia, Sudan and Yemen signed agreement documents that laid the foundation for the cooperation among the three countries, he said. Agreement has also been signed among the three countries in the Khartoum summit enabling them to work jointly in the prevention of illegal trade, and others issues related to trade and economy, he said. The fact that Somalia has joined the Forum as the fourth member demonstrates the increasing acceptance it has been gaining. Prime Minister Meles led his delegation back home after attending the Forum. Senior government officials welcomed the delegation upon arrival at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. The 3rd Summit of the Sena'a Cooperation Forum, concluded late Monday a 16-point resolution. Accepting Somalia's membership request, the forum also called on others that cherish its ideals to do so. The resolution focuses on issues in Somalia, the Sudan and on the Ethiopia-Eritrea dispute as well as the tripartite cooperation. President's Omar Hassan Al-Beshir and Ali Abdullah Saleh have expressed support to the new peace proposal put forward by the Ethiopian Government to resolve the border dispute with Eritrea. The two leaders also called on Ethiopia and Eritrea to quickly enter into dialogue which, they said, would enable them reach at an agreement to ensure lasting peace. According to the resolution, the newly elected Somali Government should be supported to take hold in Somalia. A new chapter shading a light of hope for the future of Somalia has come through the efforts of the peoples of Somalia, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU). Arab League Secretary General amr Mussa on the occasion pledged that the League would solicit international support for reconstruction in Somalia. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and President Saleh indicated the need for a comprehensive agreement in the Sudan, and called on the international community to play greater role in the reconstruction efforts there. Prime Minister Meles said that the tripartite cooperation should also lead to people-to-people relations through regular trade and cultural exhibitions by the member countries. The Summit decided that Yemen host the 4th Cooperation Forum. President discusses socio-economic issues with elderly DIRE DAWA (ENA) - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis discussed with the elderly various socio-economic issues in the Dire Dawa Administration yesterday at the Dire Dawa Palace. The elderly requested the government on the occasion to do its level best in assisting the activities being made to asphalt the Dire Dawa-Dewole Road, expanding higher learning institutions, and strengthening the Ethio-Djibouti Railway. The elderly also urged the government to transform the existing Interim Administrative Council of the Dire Dawa City into a permanent administration. In response to the requests, the president said the asphalting of the Dire Dawa-Dewole Road would be started soon. President Girma also said a feasibility study has been in progress to asphalt the Dire Dawa-Me'eso Road with a view to improving the development of lowland localities in the area. Alemaya University has already planned to open a branch in Dire Dawa during the current academic year, the president noted, adding other higher learning institutions would be opened step-by-step. According to the president, the government has been taking various measures toward revitalizing the Ethio-Djibouti Railway. Girma also said the interim administration of the town would be replaced by a permanent administrative council through election. President Girma urged the elderly, religious leaders, and the public at large to make concerted efforts toward containing the spread of HIV/AIDS that has been severely damaging the productive workforce of the country. President Girma Monday visited the new power plant, the industry site work on the construction of residential units, and other development projects. AAU invites political parties to take part in further debates ADDIS ABABA - The Office of the President of the Addis Ababa University (AAU) has invited interested political parties to take part in further debates four political issues. According to press releases the AAU sent to the Herald yesterday, the university has received reports from different quarters to host debates on public issues other than those it organized previously. The issues the university chose to hold debate on are-peace, land tenure, agricultural industrialization and prospects for a democratic public culture. The first debate will be held shortly with a special focus on the five-point peace plan, the university said and called on those parties who intend to take part to notify the Office of the President by 31 December 2004. UNMEE's documentary "Next Steps to Peace" premiered ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - UNMEE Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General has said resolving the border dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea through dialogue would be vital for the development of both countries and for good neighborliness. Cheikh-Tidiane Gaye made the remarks here yesterday at the Official launching and screening of UNMEE's documentary titled: "Next Steps to Peace". Gaye said it was only through dialogue that the border dispute between the two countries could be resolved sustainably. The Mission's Public Information Office produced the documentary, which is a sequel to "First Steps to Peace". "Next Steps to Peace" casts in retrospect, the images of the UNMEE's collaboration with Ethiopia and Eritrea and key partners in advancing the peace process, through the monitoring of cessation of hostilities, and maintaining the sanctity of the Temporary Security Zone including its efforts at facilitating reconciliation, humanitarian support, building confidence among internally displaced populations and keeping the people informed of development in the peace process, Gaye said. He said the documentary also shows the Mission's endeavours being made to render medical services to the people, community development through Quick Impact Projects and regular supply of water to Ethiopians and Eritreans living along portray peacekeepers protecting civilians from the risk of mines through systematic and painstaking mine clearance processes." "The documentary not only highlights touches upon the various emergencies and difficulties encountered by the Mission," he said. "In spite of these challenges, however, you will realize from the film that UNMEE has demonstrated its commitment to keeping the cease-fire and ensuring that the peace process remains firmly on track," he said. He expressed gratitude to the Addis Ababa Municipal authorities for providing facilities for the ceremony. Gaye responded to queries posed by spectators on the Mission's future activities and the new peace proposal Ethiopia has put forward to resolve the dispute with Eritrea. The "First Steps to Peace" chronicles the major events within the Mission area that took place under the auspices of the UNMEE between September 2001 and mid 2003. Afar State to get First-ever University SEMERA (ENA) - The Ministry of Education (MoE) Monday received a 100-hectares site in Semera town for the construction of a university. State President Special Secretary Mohammed Yayu handed over the site plan to Ministry Public Relations Service Head Birhanu Alebachew. Speaking on the occasion, Mohammed said that the state government would do everything possible toward the successful completion of the construction of the new university, the first of its kind in the state. Physical work on the university construction project would be launched soon, Birhanu said, adding the university would have a capacity of receiving some 600 students upon completion of the first phase of the construction. In fact, the university would have a capacity of enrolling 10,000 students every academic year when it goes fully operational, he added. According to the Head, the Ministry plans to establish 13 universities at different areas of the country during the next five years with a view to raising the enrolment of higher learning institutions. The respective heads of the Education and Labour and Urban Development bureaus as well as representatives from other government offices of the state were in attendance at the ceremony. ================================= Pol.ethiopia Dec. 29,2004 ===================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - You care about security. So do we. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail From polethiopia@yahoo.com Fri Dec 31 12:13:37 2004 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Fri, 31 Dec 2004 04:13:37 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Itmes Message-ID: <20041231121337.32007.qmail@web53309.mail.yahoo.com> December 31, 2004 Religious leaders call upon Eritrean counterparts to strengthen peace effort ADDIS ABABA (ENA/WIC) - Leaders of four religious institutions in Ethiopia have called upon their counterparts in Eritrea to strengthen their peace efforts and make pressure on the Eritrean Government to accept Ethiopia's new five-point peace proposal put forward to solve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute, the Ministry of Information said. The religious leaders of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, the Ethiopian Catholic Church, the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council and the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane-Yesus made the call while conferring with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi on the new peace proposal, the Ministry said in its statement sent to ENA last Monday. They called upon Eritrean religious leaders to further consolidate the peace efforts they have launched previously, it said. Patriarch of EOC His Holiness Abune-Paulos, Archbishop of the Ethiopian Catholic Church Abune-Berhane Eyesus, Vice President of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council Sheik Elias Redwan and President of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane-Yesus the Reverend Itefa Gobena recalled that their religious institutions have been exerting efforts independently and jointly with their counterparts in Eritrea ever since the conflict between the two countries has erupted to resolve the dispute between the two sides peacefully. Pointing out that the war between the two countries had claimed the lives of many, they called for the enhancement of efforts underway to bring about a lasting solution to the dispute to avoid similar human tragedy, the statement said. They said, as peace is fundamental for everything including all-round development, they were motivated to express support for the peace initiative again jointly in addition to their previous independent support. Similarly, scholars and representatives of civic societies called on the general public for the effective implementation of the peace plan issued by Ethiopia so as to settle its border dispute with Eritrea in a peaceful and lasting manner. The sections of the society, at a panel discussion held here yesterday at ETV Studio, said the public in both countries should strive for the practical implementation of the five-point peace proposal as it would give the two countries the opportunity to redirect their focus on achieving sustainable development. Participants of the panel discussion stated that ensuring lasting peace in both neighbouring countries is believed to have irreplaceable role in expediting development and prosperity in the countries. The international community in general and the peoples of Eritrea in particular should put pressure on the government of Eritrea to accept the New Peace Initiative, they said. They noted that the Ethiopian government had done its level best in settling the dispute in dialogue and negotiation in the pre and post war period with the government of Eritrea. The issuance of the peace proposal has once again confirmed the commitment of Ethiopia in resolving differences through only peaceful way, the participants added. They, therefore, said the public should well understand the peace plan and mobilize for its practical implementation, as it would pave the way to ensuring socio economic development and good governance in the country. Walta Information Centre, in cooperation with the Ethiopian Television and Radio Enterprise, organized the panel discussion. Meanwhile, the inhabitants of 15 woredas in East Gojjam Zone last Tuesday expressed their support for the new peace initiative proposed by the Ethiopian Government to resolve the border dispute with Eritrea. Zonal Information Office Representative Gahsaye Getahun told WIC that civil servants, high school students, preparatory students, technical and vocational students as well as teachers of various institutions have expressed their readiness to contribute to the realization of the peace proposal following extensive deliberations. Similarly, 20,000 members of the Amhara Women's Association in the zone said as women had been suffering from various economic and social problems during wars in the past they fully support the new peace initiative. Women cannot become beneficiaries of their rights unless sustainable peace prevails, they said, and agreed that the dispute should only be resolved by peaceful means. Meanwhile, farmers in W.Hararghe Zone, Oromia State said that the new peace proposal put forward by Ethiopia to resolve the dispute with Eritrea would create for the peoples of Ethiopia and Eritrea dependable conditions to invest all energy in development activities. During meetings, the farmers in 11 woredas said the peace inititatve will ensure the security of the peoples of both countries and enable them to strive towards development. EPRDF to field 161 candidates in Addis ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) announced that it will field 161 candidates for the upcoming elections in Addis. EPRDF Addis Ababa Organizational Affairs Head Ali Siraj said that 23 of the candidates will be vying for seats in the House of Peoples' Representatives and 138 in the Addis Ababa City Government. Women candidates number 30. Ali said that the candidates were selected on the basis of their competence to implement the peace, development and democracy programme. The candidates represent the various nations and nationalities. The candidates will soon be evaluated by the electorate, front organ Abyotawi Democracy quoted Ali as saying. Minister calls for governmental organizations, business community stronger partnership ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Minister of Trade and Industry has indicated the need for coordination to back up the ongoing efforts to improve contacts between governmental organizations in the field of infrastructure and the private sector. Improvement in infrastructure services will expedite the industrial sector development, said Girma Birru here yesterday at the 6th joint discussion forum between the government and the business community. He indicated the need for EEPCo, ETC and other organizations in the field of infrastructure to provide efficient and meaningful services as per the special attention the government attaches to the private sector, he said. Lack of coordination in the partnership between pertinent governmental organizations and the business community would weaken industrial productivity, he indicated. He said governmental organizations in the field of infrastructure should consult with the business community in their project planning. The minister presided over the half-day consultation forum, which discussed the reports of various pertinent organizations. ======================== pol.ethiopia Dec. 31, 2004 =============== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Take Yahoo! Mail with you! Get it on your mobile phone. http://mobile.yahoo.com/maildemo From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu Dec 2 10:42:36 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:38 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041202084236.35477.qmail@web53308.mail.yahoo.com> December 1, 2004 House refers draft proclamations to Standing Committee ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The House of Peoples' Representatives referred two amended draft proclamations establishing the Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, and the one providing for the Law of Special Procedure and Evidence to its Legal and Administrative Affairs Standing Committee for further scrutiny. In its 8th regular meeting, the House referred the two bills after detailed discussions. The draft proclamation on the establishment of the Commission stresses that the amendment was made with a view to enabling it discharge its duties and responsibilities in a more accountable and transparent manner. According to the draft proclamation, the duties and responsibilities of the Commission were redefined in line with the country's Penal Code, and the roles and functions of other legal institutions. Members of the House urged on the occasion the Standing Committee to carry out thorough deliberations on the draft proclamation of the Establishment of the Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission. President delivers World AIDS Day message Women of high profile take voluntary blood test ADDIS ABABA (ENA/EH) - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis has yesterday delivered a message in connection with this year's World AIDS Day. President Girma stressed the need to take maximum care through integrated efforts to prevent the most vulnerable sections of the society, girls and women, from HIV/AIDS. He called on the public to join forces to protect women from gender violence in a bid to help bring HIV/AIDS intervention activities to a success. From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Dec 6 14:26:19 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:38 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041206122619.56913.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> December 4, 2004 Meles says New Peace Initiative will not threaten sovereignty ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said the New Peace Initiative Ethiopia has put forth to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute would not in any way threaten the sovereignty of the nation. In a news conference he gave here yesterday, Prime Minister Meles said ensuring the sovereignty of Ethiopia was concluded when the blatant Eritrean Government war of aggression on Ethiopia was averted successfully through the sacrifices of dozens of heroic Ethiopian youth. Pointing out sovereignty is not the rights of alien things, Meles said sovereignty is a situation in which people can be able to exercise their rights on self-determination and other related rights. Sovereignty is a situation in which people can accept what they want or reject what they don't want, it is not a situation one can impose its desire or interest on them as it wants, Meles said. Meles said indeed, the aggression imposed by the Eritrean Government on Ethiopia in 1990 E.C. was a violation of the sovereignty of Ethiopia but the issue of ensuring the sovereignty of Ethiopia was concluded soon after the reversal of the Eritrean war of aggression by force, Meles said. Council discuss bills, passes decision ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Council of Ministers discussed and passed a decision on various draft proclamations in its 119th regular session held here yesterday, according to a press statement issued by the Ministry of the Office of the Prime Minister. The bills providing for the issuance of Sole Agent Status for Specific Foreign Trade Sectors for Limited Time, Security Cooperation Agreement signed between the Ethiopia and Yemeni governments, Agreement Reached on Preventing Organized Cross Boundary crime and tourism cooperation agreement between the governments of Ethiopia and the Sudan were some of the draft proclamations in which the decisions were passed on by the Council. Regarding the bill providing the issuance of Representation for Limited Foreign Trade Sector for Certain Period of Time, it was pointed out during the discussion that Ethiopia has not benefited as required compared with its rich animal resources due to lack of strong promotional work that would enable it to penetrate foreign markets, the statement said. Accordingly, the Council referred the bills after making some amendments to the House of Peoples' Representatives' for approval. Concerning the draft proclamation to ratify the agreement on Security Cooperation signed between the governments of Ethiopia and Yemen, the Council discussed the proclamation's importance in preventing terrorist attacks being carried out by anti-people and governments on both nations and drug traffickers as well as catch and bring to the court of justice fugitive criminals. The Council referred the bill to the House for approval after endorsing it with a unanimous vote. Regarding the draft proclamation to ratify the Agreement on Preventing Organized Cross Boundary Crime, the Council extensively discussed the significance of the bill in Preventing Cross Boundary and Organized Crimes, the statement said. Lasting peace precondition for sustainable dev't: Ministry ADDIS ABABA - Wars and conflicts must cease as creating a peaceful environment in our country and our region is a prerequisite for economic development and democratization, the Ministry of Information said. According to the ministry's weekly statement issued yesterday, Ethiopia is known as a country which suffered from successive wars of resistance against external aggression as well as numerous internal conflicts. The wars and conflicts compounded with deficient economic policies have relegated the country to abject poverty and backwardness and wars and conflicts that continued in our region for years have also resulted in similar conditions, the statement said. Ethiopia would benefit the most if sustainable peace were attained in the country and in the region as a whole, it added. The people and Government of Ethiopia have employed maximum effort to ensure lasting peace in the country as well as in the region for the last 13 years, it said. This has so far proved there were no major conflicts internally and strenuous efforts are underway to completely avert the root causes of all conflicts, the statement said. The statement further said that Ethiopia has established good relations with all its neighbors except Eritrea and it has exerted every effort to resolve the conflict with that country through peaceful means. The Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) has also offered a new peace initiative to address the conflict with Eritrea, the statement said. Taking into account the short and long term benefits of the country and based on the deep insight regarding the value of lasting peace, Ethiopia chose the path of peace with a great sense of responsibility and commitment, the statement underlined. December 5, 2004 Meles receives Kagame's message, holds talks with EC official ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi received a message sent from the Rwandan President Paul Kagame. President Kagame's special envoys delivered the message to Prime Minister Meles yesterday. Kagame's message mainly focused on ways to further consolidate the cooperation of the two countries and issues related to Africa. The special envoys said Prime Minister Meles has assured them his country's readiness to work in cooperation with Rwanda for economic development and bring about sustainable peace and stability in the Great Lakes Region. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Meles yesterday met and held discussions with Development Cooperation Commissioner of the European Commission (EU), Lewis Michel. The two sides exchanged views on the infrastructure development activities and food security programmes in Ethiopia as well as the situation in the Horn of Africa. Prime Minister Meles and head of the EC delegation Michel raised and discussed the Ethiopian Government involvement in the road sector development. They also looked into the measures taken by the government to ensure food security in the country, according to an official with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who attended the discussion. The Peace process and the efforts exerted to bring about sustainable economic development and establish stability in the Horn of Africa were also raised in the course of the discussion. UN begins scaling down peacekeepers ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The UN Peacekeeping Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) began scaling down its force this week, AFP reported quoting a spokesman announcement. The down-sizing began on Wednesday and we will let you know when it will be finished. That will probably be in January 2005, UNMEE spokesman Gail Bindley-Taylor Sainte told a news conference in Asmara on Thursday. UNMEE currently numbers some 3,600 troops, of which some 500 are expected to leave, according to the UN. The peacekeepers are mostly stationed in a buffer corridor in Eritrea that hugs the length of the 1,000 kilometres borders between the two states. Kohler calls for enhanced aid for Africa ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - German President Horst Kohler has called on the international community, including his country, to considerably increase financial help for the struggling continent. Kohler, who earlier served as Director of the International Monetary Fund, said it was a matter of self-respect for Europeans to generously assist African nations in their struggle for more peace and democracy and against poverty. Addressing an audience at the University of Tubingen in southwestern Germany, Kohler warned the industrialized world against neglecting the current problems in Africa demanding European countries in particular to step up their efforts to help African nations overcome their post-colonial problems. He cited ensuring fair trade conditions as an important contribution in the fight against poverty in Africa. Security and peace in the industrialized world would not be maintained forever if the problems in Africa are neglected or ignored, he added. The President also urged the international community to help build democratic institutions in Africa as a prerequisite for ensuring law and order in that continent. He praised the African Union's endeavours to take Africa's problems into its own hands, which according to the President, is sending a strong signal that Africa is willing to deal with its problems on a cross-border basis. Kohler would be on official tour to Sierra Leone, Benin, Ethiopia and Djibouti as of the coming week. Nations laud Ethiopia's overtures for peace with Eritrea ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Japan Thursday expressed its approval of Ethiopia's move to start dialogue with Eritrean in order to resolve the border dispute that has kept relations between the two neighbors severed for the last six years. Japan also welcomed the Ethiopian government decision to accept, in principle, the ruling of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC), Angola Press (ANGOP) reported on Friday. "This decision of the Ethiopian Government will provide impetus to start the border demarcation promptly … and facilitate the peace process between the two countries based on the spirit of mutual concession," said a statement by the Japanese Foreign Affairs Ministry through its embassy here. On 25 November 2004, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi announced in the House of Peoples' Representatives that Ethiopia had adjusted its position to start dialogue with Eritrea with the view to working with EEBC. Several countries have since expressed their support to Ethiopia's new peace proposal to start political dialogue with Eritrea. The countries include Austria, China, France, Germany, Russia, the UK and the European Union. Affirming that it backed peaceful means to resolve the border dispute, China has expressed hope that Ethiopia and Eritrea could make joint efforts to dispel their differences as early as possible and restore neighborly amity. "China has always paid much attention to the peace process in Ethiopia and Eritrea and supports the two countries in holding consultations and dialogue on the basis of the Algiers Agreement," said Beijing's Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhang Qiyue. Meanwhile, France has described the peace initiative proposed by Ethiopia as "constructive and acceptable." In addition, Paris has pledged consultancy, technical, professional and other support to ensure the realization of a peace pact between Ethiopia and Eritrea. On the new peace proposal by Ethiopia, the British Embassy in Addis Ababa said: "This is a welcome development. It represents an important step forward which the international community has been urging the Ethiopian government to take." In a joint statement released through the embassy, UK Secretary of State of International Development Hilary Benn, and UK Minister for Africa Chris Mullin said: "We hope that Ethiopia and Eritrea can now move forward together towards the resolution of this long and tragic dispute. The UK stands ready to help in any way we can." Austria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ursula Plassnik, has hailed the willingness of Ethiopia to accept, in principle, the EEBC decision on demarcation of the border and to collaborate again with the Commission. The EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), Javier Solana said in a statement that Ethiopia's decision would lead to a speedy start of the demarcation of the border. The EU, Solana added, "encourages the government of Eritrea to respond positively to Ethiopia's offer of talks about the root causes of the conflict, with a view to normalizing relations between the two countries." =============================== Pol.ethiopia Dec.6,2004 ====================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Dec 8 13:53:40 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:38 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041208115340.30750.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> December 7, 2004 Meles receives Mubarak's message, attends regional meeting ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi yesterday received a message sent by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Meles said the activities being implemented under the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) were showing encouraging progress. Meles received Mubarak's message as delivered to him by the visiting Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit. He said the NBI projects are very much significant for the peoples of the riparian countries. Meles said Ethiopia would carry on with its efforts towards the realization of the ongoing joint activities by the riparian countries. During talks with the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Meles said the cooperation between Ethiopia and Egypt has been growing. The cooperation between the two countries should be enhanced in various areas of cooperation, a senior government official who attended the meeting said. Meles pledged his government's support for prospective Egyptian investors who want to establish projects here in Ethiopia. He said enhancement of cooperation between the two countries in trade; investment and other areas would be to the best interests of the peoples of the two countries. After the meeting with Meles, the Egyptian Foreign Minister told journalists that Mubarak's message is to the theme revolving mainly around the bilateral cooperation between Ethiopia and Egypt has been growing. The cooperation between the two countries should be enhanced in various areas of cooperation, a senior government official who attended the meeting said. Meles pledged his government's support for prospective Egyptian investors who want to establish projects here in Ethiopia. He said enhancement of cooperation between the two countries in trade; investment and other areas would be to the best interests of the peoples of the two countries. After the meeting with Meles, the Egyptian Foreign Minister told journalists that Mubarak's message is to the theme revolving mainly around the bilateral cooperation between the two countries, which has to date been gathering momentum. Mubarak expressed in his message the desire of Egypt to further bolster its cooperation with Ethiopia in a wide range of fields including trade and investment, Gheit said. In the message, President Mubarak invited Meles to visit Egypt. Prime Minister Meles was also yesterday in Nairobi, Kenya to attend the Commission for Africa Regional Consultative Meeting. The Regional meeting for Eastern and Horn of Africa was to voice its perspective on the problems it faces and solutions for positive action for Africa. The regional consultation is one of five across Africa where specialist knowledge from civil society will formulate practical policy guidelines to accelerate and sustain Africa's growth, including meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The meeting will also deliberate on appropriate and complimentary support from the rich nations. Among items on the agenda, include aid and debt, conflicts and resolution, energy and conservation, HIV/AIDS and development, indigenous knowledge, gender and health, development and constitutionalism, governance and corruption, leadership and integrity, and justice and human rights. The Commission for Africa set up by British Prime Minister Tony Blair has 17 Commissioners including Prime Minister Meles and other leaders of African countries and prominent personalities. Ethiopian gov't invites int'l organizations, governments to observe upcoming elections ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopia government has said it invited international organizations and a number of governments to observe the upcoming national and state elections. The government has made the necessary preparations to see to it that the upcoming 3rd national and state elections be conducted in a free and democratic manner, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told ENA yesterday. The international organizations the Ethiopian government has invited to send their delegations to observe the elections are The United Nations, the African Union, the European Union, the Pan African Parliament, and the Arab League. It also invited the United States, Canada, Israel, India, China, Japan, Russia and Turkey governments to send their observers. Egypt, Greece welcome Ethiopia's new peace proposal Agreement reached to reactivate Joint Commission meet ADDIS ABABA (ENA/EH) - Egypt welcomes the new peace initiative Ethiopia offered to resolve the border dispute with Eritrea, Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit said. Gheit and Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin also announced that the two countries have agreed on the reactivation of the Ethio-Egypt Joint Commission. Following talks with his Ethiopian counterpart later on Sunday, the visiting Egyptian Foreign Minister said that Egypt would provide support to the Ethiopian government in its efforts to resolve the border dispute with Eritrea peacefully. Gheit expressed hope that the five-point peace initiative the Ethiopian government has proposed would be realized. He said Ethiopia and Egypt have reached at an agreement to enhance their economic and political cooperation. Seyoum on his part said that the relations of the two countries date back to ancient times, adding the two countries are keen to enhance cooperation in the trade and investment fields. Egypt, which is a country well advanced in the industrial sector, offers a wide market for Ethiopia's exports of animal products, floriculture, horticultural and other products in which the two countries can forge cooperation, he said. He said the two countries are currently enjoying relations in the political and diplomatic fields based on trust and understanding. The two countries have agreed to resume their joint commission meeting in the coming five or six months, according to Seyoum. He expressed hope that the private sectors of the two countries would be represented as per the agreement. The Egyptian Foreign Minister is here to seek ways of advancing the cooperation between Ethiopia and Egypt. Meanwhile, the Embassy of Greece in Addis Ababa welcomed the Ethiopian peace plan on the Ethio-Eritrea relations, and the border issue in particular, as approved by the Ethiopian Parliament last Thursday, and considers it in the framework of the EU relevant statement, as a firm step in the right direction, a press release from the embassy said. According to the release, resuming cooperation of Ethiopia and Eritrea with the Boundary Commission for the finalization of the whole process will be a very positive development opening the door for an overall settlement of the bilateral issues between the two neighbouring friendly states. "Greece, in her dual capacity, as Member State of the EU and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the period 2005-2007, will spare no efforts to contribute to the early resolution of the issue for the benefit of all peoples in the region," the release added. FMs of Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt holds second trilateral meet ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Foreign ministers of Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt have held the second trilateral meeting here yesterday. The foreign ministers have held talks on political, economic and commercial issues of trilateral cooperation, an official with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who attended the meeting said. The ministers also decided the deputy foreign ministers to get together in Cairo and prepare political and economic agenda issues and fix the date for the 3rd ministerial meeting, the official said. The ministers passed various resolutions in the areas of politics and economy during the first trilateral meeting held in Cairo, the official said adding the decisions passed with regard to water is promising. The trilateral business forum is scheduled to be held in January 2005 in Khartoum, Sudan. Eritrea slams EU for welcoming Ethiopia's peace proposal ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Eritrean Foreign Affairs Ministry has slammed the European Union (EU) for welcoming Ethiopia's new peace proposal. The Ministry late Saturday also announced that the Eritrean government wouldn't accept the peace proposal. The Ministry in a statement attached the European Union for welcoming the five-point peace proposal put fourth by the Ethiopian government. According to the statement, the Eritrean government has officially rejected Ethiopia's peace proposal. December 8, 2004 Ministry issues new draft guideline on use of air time and space by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The Ministry of Information issued a new guideline yesterday on the use of state-owned mass media by political parties contesting in the forthcoming state and national elections, scheduled to be held next May. Information Minister Bereket Simon told the gathering at the premises of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia which consists of mass media executives and representatives of political parties, indicating that the new draft guideline would enable both the ruling party and the opposition parties to make use of media air time and space fairly in the upcoming election campaigns. According to the minister, the draft guideline that considers three criteria on the allocation of time for the campaign has a unique democratic feature which enables the opposition parties become more beneficiaries in disseminating their programmes. "The time arrangement also considers 63 per cent of the airtime and space to be equally shared among all political parties, 27 per cent based on the parties' seat in the parliament and 10 per cent for those which didn't get seats in the parliament. This shows that 44 per cent goes to the ruling party and 56 per cent to the opposition parties," the minister said. Bereket also told the gathering that "200 hours in 114 days are allocated for the parties to introduce their programmes to the general public which would start officially as of January 19, 2005. The parties could also have the right to buy air time from the media to introduce their programmes to the public paying similar amount of money like other commercial advertisements," the minister added. As to the minister the parties have to introduce their name, emblem, their parties' office location while introducing their programmes to the general public through the media. In addition, they have to identify the authoritative person who permitted them, inform the content of their message to the media executives and present it to the media 48 hours before transmission which by no means is edited by the media professionals. However, if the contents are against the constitution of the country, the media have every right not to transmit it pointing out the reason to the parties. Representatives of the opposition parties on their part responded positively to the time allocation and indicated that the time is enough if effectively utilized. However, they underlines the importance of neutral committee to follow up the procedures and letting the private-owned electronic media be allowed to launch broadcasting prior to the time set for the campaign. In response to the questions raised, the minister indicated the government's readiness to look into a possible changes on the draft directive through negotiation and the provision of licence to private electronic media is on the streamline. The minister also indicated that the guideline would enable the media to enhance public participation, providing the necessary information regarding election and aware citizens to actively participate in the election. Speaker calls on society to continue striving for practicality of constitution Says conducive situations created for observers ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives called on the society to continue striving for the practical implementation of the national constitution as it is the major instrument in building democracy and reduce poverty. The Speaker, Dawit Yohannes said the efforts launched by the public to translate into deeds the national constitution over the last decade were encouraging and commendable. He made the call during an interview with ENA here yesterday in connection with the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the national constitution. Dawit said it has been able to organize Human Rights Commission and Ombudsman through the maximum efforts made by the people in the country since the reported period. The organization of the two institutions is instrumental in applying the constitution practically. The adoption of the national constitution 10 years ago had enabled nations and nationalities to enjoy their freedom and democratic rights as well as determine their fate, Dawit said. The national constitution has also ensured the peoples democratic rights by extricating them from repressive oppression while enabling them to develop their culture and speak with their own vernaculars, he said. The Speaker said it has also ensured freedom of speech, organization and the right to self-determination. The constitutions, during the past consecutive governments, were serving only the ruling classes while the existing one ensures the supremacy of the broad mass by enabling them to benefit from development achievements, Dawit said. The members of the House celebrate today the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the national constitution by identifying and finding solutions to weaknesses and evaluating the changes the constitution has brought about until now, he said. The national constitution was adopted on December 8, 1987 E.C. Meanwhile, the Speaker said conducive situations have been created for observers of the upcoming regional and national elections. While conferring with delegates of European Commission here yesterday, Dawit said the participation of various opposition parties in the next May election would make the election democratic. According to a press statement issued by the House of Peoples' Representatives, Dawit told the delegates that the forthcoming national election would be more democratic than the other two previous elections. He also explained to the delegates about the political debate being held between the ruling party, EPRDF and opposition parties on various policy issues. House adopts two bills, refers two others ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The House of Peoples' Representatives adopted two bills while referring two other to pertinent Standing Committees for further scrutiny. During its regular session held here yesterday, the House endorsed the bills providing for Public Procurement and establishing its control agency and the loan agreement between Ethiopia and the African Development Bank (ADB). The Budgetary and Finance Affairs Standing Committee said in its report that the bills would enable to appropriately utilize the high amount of budget being allocated by the government. Besides, the draft proclamation would ensure accountability and transparency while enabling to provide efficient and effective services, it added. The Committee has also pointed out the contribution of the 250.53 million birr loan agreement between Ethiopia and ADB in enhancing the country's food security programme. The House approved the bills with unanimous vote. The House has also referred the bills on the 13 million USD loan agreement between Ethiopia and the Arab Bank for economic development in Africa and the 25 million euro loan agreement between Ethiopia and European Investment Bank to the Budgetary and Finance Affairs Standing Committee for further scrutiny. =============================== Pol.ethiopia Dec. 08,2004 ==================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? All your favorites on one personal page – Try My Yahoo! http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu Dec 9 10:48:49 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:38 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041209084849.99454.qmail@web53308.mail.yahoo.com> December 9, 2004 Meles calls for speedy Ethio-Djibouti telecommunications agreement implementation Japan desires to further strengthen cooperation ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi calls for the speedy implementation of the agreement Ethiopia and Djibouti have signed to cooperate in the area of telecommunications. The Ethio-Djibouti telecommunications agreement is one of the agreements the two countries signed last year for cooperation in infrastructure development and other sectors during the visit by high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi to Djibouti. Meles made the call here yesterday during talks with Djiboutian Minister of Communications, Culture, Posts and Telecommunications Rifki Abdoulkader. Meles said speedy implementation of the agreements including the one reached for cooperation in telecommunications would help catapult development in the two neighbouring countries. Implementation of the various agreements concluded between Ethiopia and Djibouti would be to the best interests of the peoples of the two countries, Meles said. Discussions between the two parties, according to Ethiopian Ambassador to Djibouti who attended the talks, focused on ways of propelling the implementation of the Ethio-Djibouti agreement in the telecommunications sector. The agreement in the area of telecommunications provides for New Microwave Link Construction and Terrestrial Fiber Optic Capable Construction between Ethiopia and Djibouti. He indicated that Ethiopia has since been working out various activities for the realization of the agreement. Abdoulkader told journalists after the talks with Prime Minister Meles that his country has been exerting efforts to implement the agreement. The development cooperation between the two countries has reached a new height in the framework of the historic and long standing relations, he said. Abdoukader told journalists after the talks with Prime Minister Meles that his country has been exerting efforts to implement the agreement. The development cooperation between the two countries has reached a new height in the framework of the historic and long standing relations, he said. Abdoukader arrived Tuesday leading a ten-member delegation on a working visit to Ethiopia. Meanwhile, a senior Japanese Government official said, Japan is desirous of further strengthening the existing economic cooperation with Ethiopia. During talks with the Prime Minister Meles yesterday, Parliamentary Secretary of the Foreign Ministry of Japan Katsuyuki Kawai said his government attaches special attention to cooperation with Ethiopia. Kawai said Japan is one of the forefront development partners of Ethiopia assisting national efforts geared towards bringing about sustainable development in the country. Ethiopia will remain a priority to Japan's overseas cooperation, a senior official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs quoted Kawai as saying. Kawai said the Japanese Government lauds and believes that the new peace initiative would resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border crisis peacefully and through negotiations. He also said Japan would remain committed to assisting efforts aimed at ensuring peace and stability in Africa. Prime Minister Meles said on his part the Government of Japan has been providing unreserved assistances to Ethiopia with a view to ensuring speedy economic growth in the country. Especially, Meles said development cooperation between the two countries is centered on development and expansion of infrastructure across the nation. Tokyo International Conference for Africa's Development (TICAD) has helped to boost Japan's assistance to the development of Africa. Prime Minister Meles and the visiting official also discussed other in. Africa Europe Dialogue shows enthusiasm in welcoming Ethiopia's five-point peace proposal ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Africa Europe Dialogue, a body established to enhance the multifarious cooperation between the two continents, enthusiastically welcomed the 5-point peace proposal put fourth by Ethiopia to resolve the dispute with Eritrea. The announcement came in a declaration the Africa Europe Dialogue issued at the conclusion of its 3rd Ministerial Meeting held on November 4 here at the African Union Headquarters, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told ENA in a press release. The meeting was presided over by Foreign Affairs Minister of the Netherlands Bernard Bot and Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister who is Chairperson of the AU Executive Council Ouyemi Adeniji and was attended by Mozambique Foreign Affairs Minister, EU Commissioner for Development, Aid and Human Rights, Africa Director of Luxemberg Foreign Affairs Ministry as well as AU line Commissioners. (The Netherlands is the current President of the EU Commission.) In their declaration, they said the Ethiopian Government's 5-point peace proposal would solve the problem created in the Ethio-Eritrea peace process. They expressed the readiness of the European Union and the African Union to support and cooperate in the process of border demarcation between Ethiopia and Eritrea and the normalization. The approval by the Ministries of the Peace Initiative is a major victory in Ethiopia's development and democratization endeavours and its peaceful struggle, the Ministry said. Meanwhile, the Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU) said, Ethiopian workers reject war as an alternative to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border crisis since war impedes efforts geared toward ensuring industrial peace, sustainable development, and social progress across the nation. The workers believe that there is no better alternative except peace to produce quality products and enhance competitiveness in the global market, CETU Deputy President Zenebe Kebede told Abiyotawi Democracy organ of the EPRDF. In an interview with the organ, Zenebe said the workers shun any alternative other than peace as war hinders efforts geared toward reducing poverty and bringing about sustainable social progress. The workers would play their level best for the successful implementation of the new peace initiative since the five-point peace proposal drains the prospect of another war, the deputy president said. According to the official, the workers stand in unison toward the peaceful resolution of the Ethio-Eritrea border crisis as war affects the country's economy negatively. He said the Ethio-Eritrea conflict should be resolved peacefully through negotiations since war would not bring about a lasting solution for the border crisis. The people in Shire Endaselassie town in the Tigray State have also said they embrace the new peace proposal the Ethiopian Government put forth as it enables to bring about sustainable peace in the region. At the conclusion of their meeting here yesterday, the residents of the town said it was with the prevalence of peace in the region that poverty alleviation efforts would bear fruits. Ethiopia's 5-point peace proposal in non-optional to bring about sustainable peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea in particular and the region in general, they said. They expressed readiness to do all what it takes from them for the implementation of the peace proposal. The proposal is of great significance to Eritrea, they said and called on the people of Eritrea to press ahead of its realization. Similarly, heads of various organizations and officials of kebele administration under the Dire Dawa Administration have vowed acceptance of the new peace proposal Ethiopia issued to bring about sustainable peace with Eritrea. They voiced acceptance of the peace proposal at a meeting in Dire Dawa town heads of the respective organizations and executive members of the nine-kebele administrations held Tuesday. They said the proposal put forth to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute would help the people to speed up development. Acceptance "in principle" of the Border Commission's ruling would show Ethiopia's firm stance for peace, they said, adding it would help the country to rally the peace forces behind to enhance development. The proposal would enable to dissipate apprehensions for yet another war, they said, adding it would pave the way for the country to carry on with development. 10th anniversary of FDRE Constitution celebrated ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The 10th anniversary of the endorsement of the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic was celebrated here on Wednesday at the House of Peoples Representatives. Hon. Speaker Dawit Yohannes said the Constitution safeguards the rights of the Ethiopian peoples to development. Dawit said the Constitution ensures all the rights that enable the people to tread on the path to development. The Constitution enables the realization of the federal government structures and development goals and makes the system suited to peace and prosperity, Dawit said. The Constitution paves the way for putting in place the institutions necessary for collaborative and coordinated efforts by the Federal and State Governments towards poverty eradication and the attainment of development, Dawit said. The celebration of the 10th anniversary of the day on which the Constitution has been endorsed provides the opportunity to take note of the priority measures that need to be taken for the enhancement of peace and development, he said. Speaker of the House of the Federation Dr. Mulatu Teshome on his part said the Constitution guarantees the human and democratic rights of the nations, nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia. With the Constitution, he said, gender equality has been ensured and equality of cultures and religions guaranteed, he said. The Constitution has opened a new chapter for the creation of the new Ethiopia making it a country of hope and bright future, he said. Chief of the Oromia State Government Juneidi Sado on his part said the day of the endorsement of the Constitution of FDRE is a great day of joy and jubilation that reflects a major victory gained by the incumbent generation. The day sealed the transformation of the long oppressed citizens into an historic chapter of justice and democracy, he said. The 10th anniversary provides the opportunity to renew commitments for the realization of popular democratic objectives, he indicated. The Constitution enables the people of the Somali State to take pride in their identity, to speak their language and to be administered and judged under the jurisdictions of their constituents, said Minister of Mines Ambassador Mohamoud Drir. He said the people in the state have become the legitimate shareholders in the economic building of the nation as the Constitution ensures their basic rights. New peace initiative lends fresh impetus to peace process: Scholar by Getahun Amogne ADDIS ABABA - President of the Ethiopian International Institute for Peace and Development (EIIPD), Prof. Kinfe Abraham described Ethiopia's new five-point peace plan to peacefully resolve the border dispute with Eritrea as an important diplomatic initiative to break the stalemate and move the peace process for ward. In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald yesterday, Prof. Kinfe said the peace initiative would be instrumental in allowing the two countries to enter into a comprehensive dialogue on all matters of mutual concern. "It is in the enlightened self interest of Ethiopia and Eritrea to travel the extra mile and exploit the diplomatic option to resolve the lingering boundary dispute," said the Professor, who has researched extensively and authored several books on issues including the two nations and the Horn of Africa. Both Ethiopia and Eritrea could not afford another destructive war, he said, adding that it would be of paramount importance for the people and governments of the two nations to put an end to hostilities and pool their resources towards addressing their strategic adversaries of poverty and diseases. Prof. Kinfe further indicated that Ethiopia's peace proposal would help the international community revitalize its mediation efforts. The plan also provides facilitators with good material to work on thereby preventing the possibility of another conflict, he noted. "The peace initiative also offers a strategic choice for moving towards normalization via negotiations while at the same time denying enemies fertile ground to foment enmity between neighbouring countries including Ethiopia and Eritrea," he added. ============================== Pol.ethiopia Dec. 9,2004 =================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Dec 13 15:55:15 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:38 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041213135515.10064.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> December 11, 2004 Meles, Seyoum hold talks with Swedish Int'l Development Cooperation Minister ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation said, her government will double its development assistance to Ethiopia. The announcement was made while leader of the visiting Swedish delegation Carin Jamtin met and held talks with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi here yesterday. Jamtin on the occasion expressed of her Government's readiness to further enhance support to Ethiopia in various sectors of development. Swedish assistance would continue in tune with the Ethiopian Government's development directions, she said. The 50th anniversary of the commencement of diplomatic relations between the two countries is being celebrated, she said, adding that the Ethio-Swedish relations and cooperation have been raised to a new height. Jamtin said her delegation's discussions with Prime Minister Meles centered on the Ethio-Swedish bilateral development cooperation, the upcoming 3rd national and state elections in Ethiopia as well as on the peace proposal put forward by the Ethiopian Government to resolve the border dispute with Eritrea. She affirmed her government's support in the activities being made to make the upcoming elections free and democratic. Sweden has embraced the stand of the European Union on the Ethiopian government's New Peace Initiative. EU is one of the numerous bilateral and multilateral international bodies that welcome Ethiopia's peace proposal. Prime Minister Meles said Sweden has been supporting Ethiopia's efforts being made to bring about speedy development. Meles said Swedish development support to Ethiopia is significant. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Syoum Mesfin said, the Government of Sweden has rendered immense development assistance over the last 50 years. Seyoum made the remark during talks with the visiting Swedish delegation led by Carim Jamtin here yesterday. He said the Swedish Government and the people of the country have been contributing a lot in efforts geared towards reducing poverty and capacity building endeavours in Ethiopia. The Ethio-Swedish development cooperation also covers, among others, the areas of human rights and democracy, private sector, justice sector reform, research and education, he said, adding that the development cooperation has been strengthening from time to time. Carin Jamtin said on her part that apart from other support programmes, the Swedish Government has been offering direct budgetary support to Ethiopia's poverty reduction programme. She said Sweden has plans to boost the amount of development assistance to Ethiopia in the coming European year. The discussion made between the two parties is also focused on ways of further strengthening their development cooperation and bringing about durable peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. They have also discussed the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute and the five-point peace proposal forwarded by the Ethiopian Government. Seyoum and Jamtin on the occasion signed a reciprocal agreement providing for the protection and promotion of investment between the two countries. The Swedish delegation was to leave for home later yesterday concluding its three-day visit to Ethiopia. No evidence to Eritrean border crossing allegation: UNMEE ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Eritrea has accused Ethiopian troops of crossing the border, burning and looting houses, but a senior U.N. official said Thursday he sad not seen any evidence to back up the allegations, Reuters reported. Eritrea said in a statement on its web site that the Ethiopian troops set fire to ten houses and robbed the inhabitants and kidnapped five people, but Major General Ragender Singh, the force commander of the U.N. Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE), said: "I flew myself over the area where the alleged incident took place this morning, but I found no evidence of burnt houses, according to Reuters. According to AFP report, Singh said Thursday that regular meetings between UNMEE, Eritrea and Ethiopia were held in a cordial and constructive environment. The situation in the Temporary Security Zone continues to be stable and peaceful, there are no major incidents, he said. New Peace Initiative gets local, int'l support ADDIS ABABA - The Ministry of Information, in its weekly statement issued yesterday, said that the New Peace Initiative forwarded by the Ethiopian Government to resolve the boundary dispute with Eritrea has earned tremendous local and international support. Citizens from various segments of the society have deliberated on the peace initiative and expressed their support and commitment to work for its realization, the statement indicated. The statement further said that the promising signs of the feasibility of the country's goal to ensure rapid and sustainable development for the benefit of the Ethiopian people were evident during the last few peaceful years. The progress registered in the socioeconomic sector should not be underestimated, the statement added. According to the statement, the Ethiopian peoples are aware of the fact that if peace is disturbed; the nascent economic development and democratization would certainly be at a great danger. The statement pointed out that it is due to this awareness that the Ethiopian people have applauded the peace initiative wholeheartedly. It also said information emerging from reliable sources indicates that the Eritrean people are in favour of the New Peace Initiative. The statement vehemently stated that it is only the Eritrean Government that has officially rejected the peace initiative. It says, it must be clear to every one that it is not only the Ethiopian peoples and government that would benefit, but also the region in particular and the international community in general. December 12, 2004 Meles holds talks with U.S. Congressman ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has said preparations are in the pipeline for free and fair conduct of the upcoming national and state elections. Meles made the announcement during talks with the member of the international Affairs Committee of the U.S. Congress Donald Payne here yesterday. Meles said the Government of Ethiopia has already extended invitations to the European Union, a number of countries in other continents and international organizations to send their delegates to observe the process of the upcoming 3rd national and state elections. The government has been putting in place enabling conditions to see to it that the upcoming elections are conducted in a democratic manner, he told Payne. Prime Minister Meles told the U.S. Congressman that Ethiopia, out of its firm commitments for peace, has put forward the five-point peace proposal to resolve the dispute with Eritrea. Ethiopia demands support from the U.S. Government and the international community for the implementation of the peace proposal, unofficial with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who attended the meeting quoted Meles as saying. After talks with Meles, Congressman Payne told journalists that the discussions between the two parties focused on Ethiopia's economic conditions, the upcoming elections as well as on the peace proposal the country put forward to resolve the dispute with Eritrea. Payne said his government, in line with its policy, would provide support for the conduct of democratic election. Payne said he received telling briefing from Prime Minister Meles Zenawi about Ethiopia's five-point proposal put forward to resolve the dispute with Eritrea. German President begins official visit today ADDIS ABABA - German President Horst Koehler arrives here today on a four-day official visit to Ethiopia. During his stay here, he scheduled to hold talks with President Girma Wolde-Giorgis, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and other senior government officials as well as representatives of the various non-governmental organizations. He would also meet Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU) prof. Alpha Oumar Konare and other AU officials. The Polish-born Koehelr, 61 is married and has a daughter and a son. He received his PhD in economics in 1977 from the Tubingen University. CECAFA Cup opens, National Team win first match ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The 28th CECAFA Cup opened here in Addis Ababa yesterday in the presence of President Girma Wolde-Giorgis and numerous African and international football officials and dignitaries. The Ethiopian National Team beat their Burundian counterpart 2 to 1. The CECAFA 2004 is named Al Amoudi Senior Challenge Cup, after the business tycoon Sheikh Mohammed Hussien Al Amoudi, who sponsored the championship. Nine of the 11 countries in the Sub-region are in Addis for the CECAFA Cup. The opening match was between Znazibar and Rwanda. Rwanda won 4 to 1. U.S to support nat'l anti-retroviral treatment programme ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - The United States Government disclosed its commitment in support of Ethiopia's National anti-retroviral Treatment Programme with particular emphasis to rescuing women and girls from the HIV/AIDS pandemic. In a press conference organized Wednesday, the visiting U.S. Government team said that Ethiopia is among those 15 focus countries worldwide to benefit from the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. Assistant U.S Global AIDS Coordinator and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Mark Dybul said that the visit of the team signifies the deep and profound commitment of the U.S Government to partner with Ethiopia in the fight against HIV/AIDS through the support of the national anti-retroviral treatment programme. The visit has also provided the opportunity to hold discussions with concerned governmental and non-governmental organizations on ways and means of facilitating the implementation of U.S President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which is the largest international held initiative dedicated to the fight against HIV/AIDS, he added. Nothing that Ethiopia is among the focus countries receiving significant support in its efforts exerted towards the arrest of the deadly disease, he stated that the U.S President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief has envisaged allocating more than 60 million USD for the support of the country's national strategy on HIV/AIDS in the year 2005. He added that the Emergency Plan has also targeted the provision of anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment to two million people, prevent seven million new infections and providing care and support to about ten million people infected and affected by the pandemic. In addition to providing ARV drugs, he said, the U.S would provide support in capacity building of the Ethiopian health care system and infrastructure to deliver anti-retroviral treatment programme, including training of health care professionals and the establishment of an effective supply chain management system and of laboratory services to monitor the treatment. It would also exert utmost efforts in support of the local production of ARV drugs having low cost and high generic quality, he said. Addis, Leipzig sign twin cities agreement ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Addis Ababa City Administration and Leipzig City in Germany have entered into a partnership agreement that would enable them foster socio-economic relations. The two twin cities reached agreement to support each other in a bid to accelerate progress, Mayor Arkebe Equbay said while signing the agreement with Mayor of Leipzig City Council Wolrgang Tiefensee here yesterday. Arkebe said the city government is committed to take the partnership to a higher level of cooperation. The City has faced a number of challenges and opportunities, he said adding poverty is the key challenge while pro-poor policies and strategies have been put in place to address the problems. The city government has launched integrated housing development programme that promotes the development of micro and small enterprises to address housing and unemployment problems, the mayor said. Speaking about the threat posed by HIV/AIDS Arkebe said, "… our efforts would be undermined unless the problem posed to our society by HIV/AIDS is fought vigorously". In this regard, the city has paid due attention to community participation in combating the pandemic, he said. Much remains to be done to alleviate the city's problems, as it is the headquarters of the African Union, Wolfgang Tiefensee said. Tiefensee said the city government should foster its relations with other sister cities of advanced countries to bring about the desired transformation. Leipzig City had similar impediments 20 years ago, the mayor said adding it resolved the problems through integrated working mechanism. Manager of Leipzig City and other guests attended the signing ceremony held at the Addis Ababa City Administration Office. ================================== Pol.ethiopia Dec.13,2004 ====================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue Dec 14 13:28:23 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:38 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041214112823.61944.qmail@web53306.mail.yahoo.com> December 14, 2004 Meles, Koehler say Ethio-German relations gaining momentum 67 mln. euro debt cancellation agreement singed by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and German President His Excellency Prof. Dr. Horst Koehler said that the bilateral relations between the two countries have gained momentum. In a joint press briefing they gave to local journalists and international correspondents at the National Palace yesterday, Meles said that the exchange of high delegation visits between Ethiopia and Germany is a reflection of amicable relations between the two countries. "We are celebrating this year the centenary of diplomatic relations between Germany and Ethiopia. We in Ethiopia believe that despite the century-old very close ties and relations, the two countries have never achieved a very high level of cooperation than at this stage," Meles said. Asked about Ethio-Eritrea's border dispute, Meles said that his country is committed to deal with dialogue and address the root causes of the problem. According to the Prime Minister, agreements have been reached on a wide-range of issues that would be instrumental in enhancing the bilateral cooperation between the two countries. President Koehler on his part commended Ethiopia's measures in tackling poverty and backwardness and expressed his country's commitment to further consolidate the bilateral relations between two sisterly countries. "I can tell you how I was impressed that the government of Ethiopia is strengthening democracy and dealing with human rights issues. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Meles, this country moves in the right direction. The changes made would help the country and its people move forward," the president said. "Germany sees Ethiopia as a partner for economic development and I am sure further debates and discussions lead to stronger ties between the two countries, especially in the areas of technical and vocational trainings," he said. Speaking of the Ethio-Eritrea border issue, the president said that war is against the interest of the peoples of the two nations. The two governments have to do their level best in solving their problems peacefully and strive to combating their daunting enemies - poverty and backwardness. They both discussed issues pertinent to combating HIV/AIDS. The governments of Ethiopia and Germany also signed yesterday a debt cancellation agreement for a total of around 67 million euro. State Minister of Finance and Economic Development Dr. Mulu Ketsela and the Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office Kerstin Muller, singed the agreement at the National Palace in the presence of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and German President Horst Koehler. After signing the agreement, Minister of State Muller said that the debt cancellation would support Ethiopia in its economic reform effort and fighting poverty. "I welcome Ethiopia's increased investment in education, agriculture and infrastructure, which is laying the foundations for sustainable development and the reduction of poverty in the country. We will continue to support Ethiopia as our traditionally close and amicable relations enter a second century," she said. Dr. Mulu on her part told journalists that the agreement shows the enhancement of the bilateral cooperation between the two countries every year. According to the State Minister, Germany is helping Ethiopia's economic endeavours especially in providing technical assistance. "The new bilateral consultation negotiation that would begin in March 2005 would have also great contribution for further enhancing the cooperation between the two countries," she said. Ethiopia succeeded in fulfilling eligibility criteria for the Cologne Debt Initiative (HIPC) in April 2004. The basis of the agreement is the 13 October 2004 arrangement by all affected Paris Club creditors to grant Ethiopia a debt relief on 90 per cent of state guaranteed debt from export transactions, embassy press release indicated. The release further states that the German Government is willing to waive 100 per cent of the country's debts, as Federal Chancellor Gerhard Schroder announced at of the EU Africa Summit in Cairo in April 2000 and confirmed during his visit to Ethiopia in January 2004. After canceling financial cooperation liabilities of approximately 54 million euro in 1990, the Federal Government has now forgiven Ethiopia a total of around 97 million euro in commercial debts since 1993, the release added. Germany is supporting Ethiopia mainly in capacity building, food security and education areas, it was learnt. Meanwhile, ENA said a delegation led by State Secretary for Economic and Labour Affairs of Germany Rudolf Anzinger visited the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) here yesterday, a press release issued by MTI said. According to the release the ministry sent to ENA, Trade and Industry Minister Girma Birru held discussion with the delegation on issue of investments ties between the two countries. Officials from the Investment Commission and the Development Bank of Ethiopia gave briefings to the delegation about the incentives and favourable investment atmosphere existing in the country as well as the provision of loan services. Speaker says gov't committed to ensure child rights ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives said Ethiopia has issued and been implementing various regulations aimed at ensuring child rights. Dawit Yohannes said the Ethiopian Government has given special attention to preventing child labour exploitation and child abuse. He made the remark in a speech he delivered here yesterday during an official launching of the National Children's Plan of Action at the United Nations Conference Centre. There are 4.6 million orphans under the age of 17 in the country, Dawit said quoting a data by the Ministry of Health. He said most of the stated number of children lost both of their parents as a result of HIV/AIDS. The orphans have been unable to continue their education, he said, adding that female orphans are exposed to sexual abuse. The issuance of the National Children's Plan of Action shows how the government is committed to ensuring the rights of children, Dawit said. He also called upon donor organizations and stakeholders to extend support to the successful implementation of the plan of action. Speaking on his part, labour and Social Affairs Minister Hassen Abdella said the Plan of Action to be implemented from 2003 to 2010 would help orphans to lead a healthy life, get access to education and prevent child abuse as child labour exploitation. The two-day meeting would extensively deliberate on the plan of action. Board says launches effort to remove partisan election executives ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The National Electoral Board said it has launched an all-out effort to remove election executives who have become members of political parties and councils under various circumstances with a view to avoiding partisanships during the forthcoming national election. Board Deputy Head Tesfaye Mengesha said the Board had exerted maximum efforts to make sure that election executives are free from political partisanships. Tesfaye made the statement while opening the first training organized for heads of constituencies that opened here yesterday. He said the Board is now ready to replace partisan election executives with non-partisan ones. Tesfaye said similar measures would be taken on election executives who are found to be members of political parties or council members. Orientations will be given to the trainees on the recruition of election executives, their duties and responsibilities as well as the establishment of constituencies and polling stations. Registration of candidates and voters, casting votes and electoral laws and their implementation will be included in the orientations. Contending parties debate on rural dev't policy, land ownership by Getachew Dibaba ADDIS ABABA - The ruling Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Front (EPRDF) and opposition parties Coalition of Unity and Democracy (CUD) and United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) Sunday debated on rural development policy and land ownership. In the debate organized by the Inter-Africa Group for contestant parties for the upcoming election, and held at UN Convention Centre, representatives of CUD and UEDF said the rural development policy and strategy pursed by the government is not effective to address multifarious challenges of farmers while EPRDF representatives said the policy is a critical tool to put the country on the path of sustainable development. CUD said the policy is exacerbating hunger and putting the number of people living in absolute poverty on the rise. According to CUD, the rural development policy does not put emphasis on large-scale irrigation and address the demand-side, which the party said are critical factors in boosting the productivity of the agriculture. Ethiopian farmers depend largely on rain-fed agriculture rather than irrigation and that leaves them vulnerable to climatic shocks, it said. The party cited land ownership, structural inconsistency and nation wide uniformity of development programmes as major problems of the policy. CUD, accordingly stressed abrogating the article of the Constitution, which bans policy flexibility, private ownership, sale and exchange of land. The present land tenure system, CUD said, does not encourage farmers to exert all-out efforts to augment agricultural productivity. This in turn contributes to soil degradation and declining of soil fertility, the party said. Representatives of UEDF also said that members of the ruling party at grassroots level are hampering farmers from improving the performance of agriculture. The ruling party members force the farmers to assemble unwillingly and organize for political purpose at multifarious levels, they said. As development agents are poorly trained and politically affiliated, the lives of farmers are getting worse, UEDF added. EPRDF, however, said that encouraging results have been witnessed over the last few years by the rural development policy, which aims at ensuring speedy economic growth so as to take the country out of abject poverty. The ruling party said that the policy was designed in line with the resources of the country. It said land and labour are immense resources, which have the potential in extricating the country from the abyss of poverty in shortest time possible. According to EPRDF, private ownership of the land in the current Ethiopian situation would pose threats to lives of farmers, which account for 85 per cent of the total population. It further said private ownership of land would put farmers at the mercy of few individuals. According to EPRDF, the rural development policy was developed in such a way to ensure fair economic growth, build free market economy and disentangle the country from aid-dependency. EPRDF said the policy is bearing fruits through the efforts exerted in addressing deep-rooted problems of the farmers. The policy and strategy provided favourable environment to promote education, health and infrastructure, among others. Enhancing the capacity of farmers through training and education, provision of improved seed, development of small-scale irrigation and water harvesting scheme and establishment of financial institutions were cited by EPRDF representatives as major steps taken to ensure food security. ==================================== Pol.ethiopia Dec.14,2004 ======================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Easier than ever with enhanced search. Learn more. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Dec 15 09:55:32 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:38 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041215075533.11698.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> December 15, 2004 Electoral Board to begin document dispatch ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The National Electoral Board (NEB) announced that preparations have been finalized to distribute election materials including registration forms for candidates as well as voters to the 35,000 constituencies across the country. The first round distribution will begin Friday to constituencies in the Amhara, Tigray and Afar states, Board Logistics, Assignment and Distribution Head Biruk Wondwosen told ENA yesterday. Sufficient documents have been made handy for distribution to the 9,469 constituencies in the three states, he added. According to Biruk, election executives who are here in Addis on training will deliver the election materials to their respective constituencies. The registration of candidates and voters is scheduled to take place across the nation from January 9 to February 7,2005. Meanwhile, the Gambella People Democratic Movement has taken its 85 election candidates out for public comments. Some 82 of the candidates facing the comments will be vying for seats in the state council and the others for membership in the House of Peoples Representatives, Movement Deputy Chairperson Umed Ubang told ENA yesterday. The criteria the Movement has set for nomination of the candidates include commitments to fight corruption, parochialism and to solve problems and promote democratic outlooks, he indicated. Good ethics and having no criminal records are the other paradigms against which the candidates are being checked, he said. Candidates will be made eligible also on the bases of their strong stand to helping build the new Ethiopia based on peoples' unity and willful coexistence, the free economic system and based on their adherence to the supremacy of people, he indicated. If candidates fail at the face of public comments and members, other prospective candidates who would also go through the same process would replace them, he added. Some 24 of the candidates are female and representatives of farmers, he said. Nomination has taken into consideration the balanced representation of nationalities. New Peace Initiative said only alternative to resolve problems ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Leaders of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council say the New Peace Initiative proposed by Ethiopia is the only alternative to bring about development and close relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The leaders said they have understood from past joint meetings the interest of Eritrean religious leaders for peace. Eritrea should accept the New Peace Initiative considering the devastating effect of war on humans and property, Council Deputy President, Sheik Elias Redwan and Secretary General of the Council, Hajji Yesuf Ali told ENA yesterday. Democracy, good governance and progress could be achieved where peace prevails, the officials said. The resultant effect of war is ignorance, famine, migration and instability, they said adding leaders of Eritrea should allow their people benefit from peace by accepting the New Peace Initiative proposed by Ethiopia. They said they are certain that the peoples of Eritrea seek peace, adding Eritrean religious leaders have shown interest during discussions religious leaders of the two countries held in the past. The give and take principle is not unique to Ethiopia and Eritrea, the officials said adding Israel had left petroleum treasure which built on Sinai desert without any compensation during a roundtable meeting Egypt and Israel held in 1967. The leadership in Eritrea should know that problems could be peacefully resolved if the two countries negotiate, the officials indicated. They said Eritrean leaders should succumb to peace with a view to bringing about peace between the two countries. Meanwhile, civil servants in East Shoa Zone of Oromia State expressed support for the new peace proposal forwarded by the Government of Ethiopia to peacefully resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute. In a meeting they held in Zeway town Monday, the civil servants said that the peace initiative shows how the Ethiopian Government is committed to peace. They said the peace initiative would enable the country to embark up its development endeavour aimed a reducing poverty. They said the peace proposal would enable to renew the relations between the two neighbouring states. Similarly, teachers and other civil servants in Dilla town Gedio Zone of Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples State have expressed support to the new peace proposal. The teachers and workers voiced their support saying the peace proposal would bring about sustainable settlement to the dispute between the two neighbouring countries. During discussions they held recently, the teachers and workers said the peace initiative which won appreciation from the international community would enable Ethiopia to further enhance its multi-sectoral development efforts. With the proposal, Ethiopia once again demonstrates its firm commitments for peace, they said. Gov't committed to safeguard rights of Ethiopians in Diaspora ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Government has been doing its level best to enhance the participation of Ethiopians in Diaspora in the development of their country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. The government is committed to encourage Ethiopians living abroad to participate in the overall development endeavours in their native land, the Ministry quoted Minister Councilor of the Ethiopian Embassy in Kuwait, Tesfaye Haile-Mariam as saying. Tesfaye made the statement recently while discussing with members of the Ethiopian community in Kuwait. He said the government is committed to safeguard the rights of its citizens living abroad and help them get better job opportunities. Tesfaye said Ethiopians living in Kuwait should strengthen their attachments to their country through the embassy, as it is instrumental in safeguarding their rights and contributing their share towards the development of the country. They should also play a leading role in searching market for Ethiopian export products and attracting investment into Ethiopia, he said. The members of the community on their part vowed to strengthen their attachment to their homeland and actively participate in the development of their country. Some 150 Ethiopians were in attendance at the meeting, according to the ministry. ============================== Pol.ethiopia Dec.15,2004 ========================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Send holiday email and support a worthy cause. Do good. http://celebrity.mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri Dec 17 15:52:29 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:38 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041217135229.85248.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> December 16, 2004 US allocate 20 mln. USD to support half a million orphans by Yemane Terefe ADDIS ABABA - The United States allocated 20 million USD through Save the Children (SC/US) and its partners to support over half a million orphans and other vulnerable children in the coming five years in Ethiopia. Speaking at programme entitled "Positive Change: Children, Communities and Care (PC3)" held at the Exhibition Centre yesterday, President Girma Wolde-Giorgis said that due to various man-made and natural reasons, children are becoming more vulnerable and demanding more protection and support. The president added that the HIV/AIDS epidemic has tremendously increased the number of orphaned children in Ethiopia. He also said with the number of children that require protection and support soaring and ever larger numbers of adults are falling ill with HIV/AIDS and extended family dependency have simply been over-whelmed. According to him, the Government of Ethiopia has put in place a multi-sectoral response mechanism to curb the multifarious impacts of the epidemic. Accordingly, national and regional HIV/AIDS councils and secretariats are working hand in hand with concerned organizations and are bringing positive impact in the effort to tackle the problem. Mr. Adam Keehn, SC/US Director on his part said HIV/AIDS is of course a problem to day, but its impact on the lives of children would continue for several generations. As the number of impoverished children rise, their insecurity worsens, education, and work opportunities decline, nurturing and support systems erode and mortality rises, the director said. "It is better to devote resources toward strengthening the abilities of families and communities to care for orphans and other vulnerable children. Community-based solutions will have broader impact, and more support should go to extended families that care for orphans, to improve income generating opportunities as well as to credit and health care services," he added. He indicated that the PC3 partnership intends to improve the wellbeing of orphans and other vulnerable children (OVC) and families affected by HIV/AIDS. The programme will also utilize the extensive experience with expertise in community-based to increase the use of community supports and protective practices for OVC, caregivers and families. Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Hassen Abdella also said that according to the recent national report on HIV/AIDS, out of 4.6 million orphaned children under seventeen years of age, a considerable number of children are accounted to lose their parents due to the epidemic. He also said that the HIV/AIDS pandemic has tremendously increased the number of child headed households, changing cultural patterns of childcare, and putting an incredible strain on social safety nets. The PC3 project agreement was signed on the occasion among the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, HAPCO Head and SC/US Director. Billboard that depicts future hope of orphaned children was also unveiled in the presence of President Girma. EOC calls on Eritrean religious leaders to strive for peace proposal implementation ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) called upon religious leaders in Eritrea to contribute their share toward the implementation of Ethiopia's five-point peace initiative aimed at peacefully resolving the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute. In a statement he gave here yesterday, EOC Patriarch His Holiness Abune Paulos urged the Eritrean religious leaders to denounce the alternative of dragging the peoples of the two countries into war and do their level best for the practical application on the practical application of the new peace proposal. He said EOC strongly supports the New Peace Initiative and would strive for its implementation. The Patriarch recalled that the people in the country on their part were offering prayers for the prevalence of peace in Ethiopia, Eritrea and the world as well. Pointing out that the new peace proposal is the sole alternative for bringing about peace between the two countries, Abune Paulos said much is expected from Eritreans in ensuring the peace gained through the sacrifices of many people by taking into account the consequences of war would bring on the peoples of the two nations. The EOC along with pertinent bodies will continue to strive for the implementation of the peace initiative in the two countries, he said. Delegation says trade, investment progressing in Ethiopia ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopia has shown great progress in the trade and investment sector, State Secretary in the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour Rudolf Anzinger said. The State Secretary, who is also head of the German business delegation, made the remark while holding discussion with members of the Ethiopian Private Sector and Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce (ECC) here yesterday. He said in the conversations they made so far, the delegation has been assured that the Ethiopian Government is trying to improve the working conditions by removing bureaucratic bottlenecks, introducing reliability and acceleration in the decision making processes, among others. According to the State Secretary, these reforms and the stable domestic-policy conditions make Ethiopia attractive even for long-term investment. The development of industry, the utilization of agricultural potentials and the exploitation of mineral resources require a good infrastructure, he said, adding that this is an area in which German companies are particularly skilled. Some of the firms represented in the delegation have long been operating in Ethiopia and are aspiring to expand their activities, he said. Deputy President of the ECC Solomon Afework said on the occasion that the numerous business contacts between Ethiopia and German companies has made Germany one of the most important trading partners for Ethiopia. According to Solomon, Germany comprises an average annual trade of more than 100 million US dollars. He said the visits that have been made so far by the German business delegations this year alone and the fact that a good number of potential business partners from Ethiopia represented here in the discussion are clear indicators of the growing interest to do business between the two countries. During its stay here, the German business delegation will further make discussions with the Ethiopian entrepreneurs on the issues of bilateral trade and investment relations. President Koehler reaffirms German's support to Africa by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - German President His Excellency Prof. Dr. Horst Koehler reaffirmed his country's commitment to increase its development assistance to Africa. Addressing members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, German delegates and other invited guests at the Conference Hall of the African Union (AU) yesterday, the President reassured that his country is willing to put all efforts for the betterment of the continent. Though Africa needs further improvements in the areas of good governance, aid management democracy and human rights, Germany is ready to extend its development support, Koehler said. The president underlined the importance of good governance and self-responsibility to bring about economic and social progress in the continent. Accordingly, the president indicated the importance of full participation of the society and the pivotal role of administrators and officials of the continent. He further emphasized that every effort must be made to ensure full participation of all sections of the society in the political process to enable Africans contribute to economic development and share the benefits that it brings. For Africa has its own unique character as part of rich diversity, which makes out planet what it is the continent should be free from hazards so as to give its citizens conducive working environment, the president said. "I can not accept anyone who invokes this special character to justify lack of action and abuses directed against the fellow citizens," Prof. Dr. Koehler said. The president also underlined the importance of informing the developed world about Africa by pointing out deficiencies, misconceptions and misunderstandings. "Such openness on both sides in my view is essential to true partnership," he said. "Let us work together to ensure that we in the North should not learn about Africa primarily through reports of famine, asylum seekers, civil war and child soldiers," he added. According to the president, Africa is especially hard hit by devastating diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria. In addition, armed conflicts are still daily realities in many parts of the continent, he said. The president also said Africa needs much more assistance to tackle scourges of mankind and provision of extra money in addition to the funds requires to boost economic development. Moreover, HIV/AIDS requires more preventive information and education, Prof. Dr. Horst said. He further said, "While HIV/AIDS prevention may appear costly and difficult to measure its success, the costs of war are incomparably higher than any cost that causes human suffering." Prof. Dr. Horst commended the progress in the area of security, as it helps to improve domestic capacity and foreign investment flow. He also commended efforts of NEPAD and other regional organizations. The President also expressed German's commitment to increase its annual development assistance to Africa emphasizing wise use of money only for the intended purpose. Chairperson of the African Union Commission Prof. Alpha Oumar Konare on his part lauded German's conviction in supporting various development projects in Africa. The Commissioner also mentioned several pledges that Africa has received from different corners which have eventually not realized. Unless adequate assistance is provided to the continent, it would be very difficult for it to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Konare said. Despite their multifaceted problems, Africans and their organization AU are striving to realize rapid development, good governance and democracy in the continent and these endeavours need the assistance of the developed nations. "Africa needs not only it's of development aid but also its debt burden has to be minimized or relieved," the Commissioner said. The AU is also doing its level best in solving various problems of the continent through dialogue, the Commissioner added. According to Konare, Africa is the continent of the future. "We are the young, new market. We can not talk of the future of the world without talking about Africa," he said. Meanwhile, President Koehler has also held discussions with Speakers of the Houses of Peoples' Representatives and of the Federation here yesterday, ENA reported. During the talks, the two sides exchanged views on national and international issues. The German delegation led by President Koehler also visited the German Community School located in an area known as Aware here in the metropolis. During his visit, President Koehler had held discussion with the students of the school. President Koehler along the Addis Ababa City Mayor Arkebe Equaby also visited the apartments being built with the assistance of the German Government. Briefing the German delegation, Arkebe said the City Administration would construct 200,000 residential units in the next five years. Arkebe also told the delegation that the construction of the apartments being undertaken in cooperation with the German Technical Cooperation would help alleviate poverty and create job opportunities. President Koehler on the occasion appreciated the efforts being made by the city administration to mitigate housing problems. ===================================== Pol.ethiopia Dec.17,2004 ========================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Send holiday email and support a worthy cause. Do good. http://celebrity.mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu Dec 23 10:09:42 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:38 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041223080942.97829.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> December 22, 2004 President receives credentials ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis said yesterday that Ethiopia is desirous of further consolidating its cooperation with Algeria, Iran, Kuwait and Mexico. Girma said that Ethiopia is keen to further strengthen its trade and investment cooperation with the aforementioned countries in the years ahead. President Girma was receiving letters of credence of the newly appointed ambassadors of these countries at the National Palace. While receiving the Algerian Ambassador Aouam Nur Eddzne, Girma said Ethiopia is interested to strengthen its political ties with Algeria, as it did in the economic sector. The Algerian Ambassador told journalists after the audience that he had also delivered a message from President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to President Girma. During the talks with the newly appointed Iranian Ambassador that Kiomars Fotouhi Chiam, President Girma said the two countries need to further strengthen their economic cooperation. He also called upon Iranian entrepreneurs to invest in Ethiopia. The ambassador said on his part that Iranian investors have already been engaged in aluminum production, among others, in Ethiopia and added that several other entrepreneurs are also desirous of investing in the agricultural sector. While conferring with the newly appointed Kuwaiti Ambassador Faisal Aladwani, President Girma said that Kuwaiti entrepreneurs would be beneficiary of they invest in Ethiopia. He also urged the ambassador to persuade Kuwaitis to visit the various tourist sites in Ethiopia. Ambassador Faisal pointed out on his part that his country had granted loan for the execution of development projects and installation of power line in the Afar State. The ambassadors of Iran and Kuwait said that during their talks with the President they have reaffirmed their respective country's support for Ethiopia's five-point peace proposal to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute. While receiving the credentials of the Mexican Ambassador who is residing in Nairobi, Kenya, Margarita Diegez, President Girma requested the ambassador that Mexico need to open its embassy in Addis Ababa, as Ethiopia is the seat of African Union and other international organizations, according to a spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. House endorses civil aviation security bill ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The House of Peoples' Representatives has endorsed a draft proclamation providing for the Civil Aviation Security. It also referred two other bills for pertinent standing committees for further scrutiny. In its regular session yesterday, the House endorsed the report and recommendations submitted to it by the Foreign, Defence and Security Affairs Standing Committee. Ethiopia, one of the founding members of the International Civil Aviation Organization, has ratified the international civil aviation convention in 1944. The bill would be instrumental in carrying out security activities in an integrated manner. The House meanwhile, referred a bill providing for ratifying an agreement on tourism cooperation between Ethiopia and the Sudan to the Information and cultural Affairs Standing Committee. It also referred a bill related to export trade to the Trade and Industry Affairs Standing Committee. ETC says striving to deliver standard service by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation (ETC) said that it is striving to realize efficient and multiples of services to its customers. It says it is also accessing zonal reports, considering customers complaints and analyzing what is set by the Corporation as standard services. At a consultative meeting it organized with the Addis Eastern District customers and administrators at the premises of the Corporation's head office yesterday, Telecom Business Service Department Manager Abayneh Ababe said that the corporation is undertaking reforms in the areas of operation, infrastructure and service delivery to meet the demands of its customers. The manager said that the Corporation is initiating the public to acquire a sense of ownership and ask their rights when and where it is necessary. Likewise, consultative meetings like this one were held six times so far and they are thought to be instrumental in enabling everyone examine the defects and discharge his duty and responsibility, Abayneh said. Communication Division Manager with the Corporation Abdurahim Ahmed on his part said that efforts have been underway to pinpoint the problems and provide the necessary solutions as soon as possible. He added that the Corporation analyzed reports of different branches, heard customers complaints and undertook sight visits to different centres to improve its services concerning the future few months plan of the Corporation, Abdurahim indicated that 200,000 mobile lines would be distributed among Addis Ababa customers while 150,000 lines would go to states and 104 towns get the service. Moreover, preparations are underway to implement additional 600,000 mobile lines, he said. On the occasion ETC Eastern Addis Ababa District Manager Samuel Barbe also said that the district would provide fixed and mobile phones as well as Internet services for 18,000, 37,446 and 5,225 clients respectively this fiscal year. In addition 420 public phones would be fixed in the district while 26 new telephone centres would be operational, he said. According to the manager, progresses have been made in the service delivery, financial management as well as construction of infrastructures in the district. He said that problems are also solve quickly and technical failures are corrected within a maximum of one week while 95 per cent of the money from service provision is collected monthly. In addition, some 36,600 new cables would be installed and 12 million birr is expected to be collected every month from customers, the manager said. At the consultation, explanations were provided to the participants on the services of the Corporation including the new. Broadband Multimedia and a pilot project on implementing civil service reform on some of the centres in the district. It was also mentioned that many institutions are requesting to get the Bradband Multimedia service noticing improvements that have been made in the selected centres regarding the service delivery system. In addition, new lines are being provided within 16 days as opposed to the previous 25 days, while maintenance works are completed in a maximum of 17 days as opposed to 31 days, service charges are within 18 days, not in 29 days like the past, the manager said. Internet congestions, failure to respond to the feedbacks regarding maintenance of telephone and Internet lines, failure in prioritizing customers mobile phone demands bill exaggerations as well as unfairness and short due time to collect service charges were some of the complains raised by the participants. In response to the complaints, the officials and various department representatives agreed to correct them and improve their failure. They specially agreed to give greater attention to 168 golden customers in the district who pay a bill of 5,000 - 8,000 birr. ============================== Pol.ethiopia Dec.23,2004 ====================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? All your favorites on one personal page – Try My Yahoo! http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu Dec 23 11:17:19 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:38 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041223091719.36335.qmail@web53308.mail.yahoo.com> December 23, 2004 Eritrea most likely to face isolation for rejecting peace proposal: Political Scientist ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Eritrea is most likely to face isolation for its rejection of the much-admired peace proposal put forward by Ethiopia to resolve the Ethiopia-Eritrea border dispute, Deputy Dean of the Addis Ababa University said. The rejection by Eritrea of the peace proposal would entail cynicism as to its attentiveness to international responsibilities, says Assistant Professor Mohammed Habib. A political scientist in international law, Mohammed said that Eritrea would face pressures from the international community for keeping at bay the peace proposal that has been welcomed already by the member countries of the European Union, the African Union, the United Nations and numerous other international organizations. The professor said that accepting decisions in principle is not a new thing for there were various cases in which border disputes were resolved through such process. South American, European, Middle East countries and recently Nigeria and Cameroon have managed to resolve their border dispute by accepting decisions "in principle", he said. Resorting to peaceful means to ensure rights is civil in as much as it is non-optional to maintain national interest and sovereignty, he said, adding conversely warlike attitude would be tantamount to narrowing development opportunities and endangering one's sovereignty. He said Ethiopia would not have gained such a suddent shower of welcome after welcome, had its proposal been in contravention of international law. Meanwhile, the Tigray State Women's Association has expressed its support for peace initiative. Association Chairwoman Tamirat Belay said yesterday that the association appreciates the new peace proposal for war is destructive both to human live's and property. Tamirat also said the association lauds the new peace initiative as war impedes the on-going national efforts geared toward reducing poverty and bringing about speedy economic development. The chairwoman said members of the association would rally behind the government with a view to ensuring peace between the two countries since women and children are highly vulnerable to war. She urged on the occasion the Eritrean women to put pressure on the incumbent Eritrean government to accept the tnw peace initiative. Tigray Women's Association has more than 450,000 members at present. New party attains legal recognition ADDIS ABABA (ENA) The National Electoral Board has given certificate of legal recognition to a new political party the Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement. Board Political Parties Registration Acting Head Mekonnen Wondimu told ENA yesterday that the Movement operating at national level is the 75th to attain legal recognition. According to the Board, 16 political parties operate at national level and the rest at regional level. UNSC welcomes Ethiopia's New Peace Initiative ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The United Nationsl Security Council (UNSC) has welcomed Ethiopia's new peace intiaitive forwarded to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute, the Ministry of Information disclosed here yesterday. According to current Council President Abdella Balli of Algeria, the Security Council has accepted the five point peace proposal adopted by the House of Peoples' Representatives November 25,2004 the ministry said in a press statement sent to ENA. Appreciating activities underway to resolve the dispute, the Security Council noted that the two countries need to promote good neighborliness and peaceful co-existence by ending the dispute. Pointing out that the two nations should iron our their differences only through peaceful means in accordance with the Algiers Peace Accord, the Security Council warned the two countries to refrain from any provocative act. Any provocative act in the bordre area would be considered disruptive to peace in the region, said the Security Council in a statement issued Tuesday. Members of the Security Council have expressed their commitment to extend the necessary support for the success of the peace efforts being made by Secretary General Kofi Annan's special envoy Loyd Axworthy and the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) as well. Premier appoints university presidents ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has appointed Dr. Belay Kassa and Dr. Yared Wondimkun as Presidents of the Alemaya and Gondar Universities respectively. According to a letter the Office of the Prime Minister sent to ENA yesterday, the appointment takes effect December 24. Dr. Belay Kassa has served the Alemaya University since 1975 E.C. as instructor, researcher, academic and research deputy president as well as different departments at various times, the Office said. Similarly, Dr. Yared Wondimkun has made able contributions during his service years as instructor, researcher and have much experience discharging his duties and responsibilities in his capacity as department head to dean of the university, the Office said. China, Ethiopia say committed to expand all-round partnership ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The heads of Chinese and Ethiopian legislative bodies said Tuesday that the two countries have strongpolitical will to further expand partnership and all-round cooperation, Xinhuanet reported from Beijing. Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China, and Mulatu Teshome, Speaker of the House of the Federation, made the comment during their meeting in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Tuesday. Both the NPC and the Ethiopian Parliament play an important role in the political life of their countries, Wu said adding that the NPC is ready to join efforts with its Ethiopian counterpart to make positive contributions to the all-round development of the bilateral relations. The two sides have maintained cooperation in recent years, he said. Mulatu said on his part that the two countries share broad common interests and that bilateral relations between them have been growing in recent years. He said the enhanced mutual trust will serve as a basis for expansion of trade and investment between the two countries. He said the exchanges and cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries will also play a pivotal rol in the development of the bilateral relations. Exchange of visits between senior leaders of the two countries has been frequent in the past two years. This is the second time that Mulatu visited China over the past few years. His current visit follows Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's visit to China in November. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabal visted Ethiopia last December when he attended the opening ceremony of the Second Ministerial Conference of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum. Mualtu said the China-Africa Cooperation Forum serves as a bridge of exchanges and cooperation between African and China, which helps both sides overcome their distance and become even closer to each other. Wu said China highly values its relationship with Africa. He said China is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with all African countreis within the framework of the China Africa Cooperation Forum, so as to furhter deepen the long-term, stable, equal and mutually beneficial partnership between China and Africa. China and Ethiopia established diplomatic relations more thatn 30 years ago. Over the years, the two countries have conducted fruitful cooperation in such fields as politics, trade economy, culture, education, health and international affairs. Wu said China is ready to Cooperate with Ethiopia to strengthen the all-round partnership between the two countries. ================================= pol.ethiopia Dec.23,2004 =================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Jazz up your holiday email with celebrity designs. Learn more. http://celebrity.mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Dec 27 14:13:44 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:38 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041227121344.22758.qmail@web53308.mail.yahoo.com> December 25, 2004 Eritreans ought to pressurize gov't to accept Ethiopia's peace proposal: Ministry ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the need that Eritreans at home and in the Diaspora should pressurize their government to accept Ethiopia' five-point new peace initiative met to resolve the Ethio-Eritrean Government should realize that the border dispute between the two countries would only be solved through peaceful means. It said the new peace proposal invites the Eritrean Government to enter into negotiation to resolve the dispute peacefully. The Ministry said that failure to accept the new peace proposal on the part of the Eritrean Government would lead the two countries to unwanted situations, which it said, would also be a threat to the peace and stability in East Africa. It said Ethiopia has repeatedly confirmed that it would not go to war unless forced to do so, as democracy and development are its two top most agendas. It said Ethiopia believes that the dispute could be resolved through peaceful means and the principle of give and take. Board to dispatch special documents ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The National Electoral Board announced that election materials have been prepared for dispatch to 31 special constituencies. The Constitution stipulates that a constituency embracing any given area inhabited by 100,000 people population is less than 100,000 are given special representation. Officials with the office of the Board told ENA that the special constituencies will thus receive the regular and special election materials which will enable them to participate in the election and get seats in the House of Peoples' Representatives as well as state councils. The officials made the announcement at the opening here yesterday of a training to election executives by the Boards Civics Education Training Centre for the third time in a series. Some 139 election executives drawn from the Southern Nations, Nationalities and peoples, Benshangul-Gumiz, Gambella and Harari states, where the nationalities with special representation rights live, are attending the three-day training. Earlier, special election documents were dispatched to the Kunama and Irob special constituencies in the Tigray State and to the Argoba Special Constituency in the Amhara State. Meanwhile, the North Shoa Zone Electoral Board Office in the Amhara State said it has distributed election materials to the respective constituencies. Office Head Tesemma Kebede told ENA yesterday that the election materials include posters, documents and voter ID cards, among others. The office distributed the materials to 14 constituencies beginning 18 December. Tesemma said the constituencies will in turn redistribute the election materials to 941 polling stations in the zone up to the beginning of January 1997 E.C. According to the Head, All Ethiopia Unity Party (AEUP) and an independent candidate have been collecting candidature endorsement signatures in the zone. Council of Minister refers bill providing for amendment of election law ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Council of Ministers during its regular session yesterday referred a bill providing for the amendment of the election proclamation to the House of Peoples' Representatives for endorsement. The council endorsed the bill prepared and submitted by the Ministry of Justice after including necessary amendments. The council endorsed and referred the bill after it was found important to incorporate the numerous points of amendment recommended by opposition political parties, Office of the Prime Minister told ENA in a statement yesterday. The council also made some amendments found essential to enhance the rights of citizens to elect and be elected. The amendments are believed to further enhance the democratic system being nurtured in the country and to further nourish the implementation of the upcoming national and state elections. It has been decided that most of the amendments be enforced in the 2005 elections, the statement said, adding the council passed resolution for inclusion of a provisional period for the enactment after the elections of those stipulations in the amendment related to the reorganization of constituencies in line with results of population census and those pertinent to the electoral board. The council thus unanimously referred the bill to the House of Peoples' Representatives for endorsement. All stakeholders' efforts indispensable to make upcoming election free, fair ADDIS ABABA - The Ministry of Information, in its weekly statement issued yesterday said that it is a universal fact that a democratic order has a decisive role in promoting development, peace and respect the rights of citizens. In addition to this, the weekly statement pointed out that a free and fair election is one of the expressions and main feature of any democratic system. In our country, active participation of the entire people is of a paramount importance to ensure progress in every aspect of life, the statement indicated. Not, only it is a better option, but also it is indispensable for the survival of our country, the statement added. It also said, it is from this fundamental principle all citizens and political parties are showing keen interest in upcoming election. Of course, it is recalled that the implementation of a democratic election has been demonstrated in the past two elections, the statement asserted. However, anyone, who could remember the process of the two elections, there were some irregularities due to inexperience and backward culture the statement said. In spite of this, the upcoming election is hoped to be implemented under better conditions by drawing lessons from past experiences, the statement further reiterated. Finally, it said that one must not keep away from the election process at any point in time. December 26, 2004 National Team win CECAFA Al-Amoudi Senior Challenge Cup ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The CECAFA Al-Amoudi Senior Challenge Cup, sponsored by business tycoon Sheikh Mohammed Hussien Al Amoudi, wrapped up here in the African Capital Addis Ababa yesterday with Ethiopia beating Burundi 3-0. Sudan beat Kenya 2-1 to take the third place. President Girma Wolde-Giorgis awarded the trophy to captain of the Ethiopian Squad Zewdu Bekele. The playoffs at the Addis Ababa Stadium were attended by close to 30,000 spectators. Government officials like Capacity Building Minister Teferra Waluwa, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Ambassador Tehsome Toga, Mayor Arkebe Equbay, and CECAFA officials, including President of Ethiopian Football Federation Dr. Ashebir Wolde-Giorgis, dignitaries, and diplomats and invited guests were also present. This is the third time for the Ethiopian National Football Team to clinch the CECAFA Cup and thus the trophy remains here in Addis - the same wish Al-Amoudi made at the opening a fortnight ago at the launching of the tournament. "I wish all to play well, but I want the trophy to remain in Addis." Nine Central and Eastern African countries participated in the 28th CECAFA AL-Amoudi Senior Challenge Cup. All the four national teams Ethiopia, Burundi, Sudan and Kenya received prize money according to their standing. The Ethiopian National Team displayed superiority all through the 90 minutes and the two minutes added time. Ethiopia has so far participated in 10 of the 28 CECAFA events. Meanwhile, prior to the final match diplomats and workers of the Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, have sent message of fortuity to the Ethiopian National Team to win the final. In their message, the diplomats and workers expressed joy at the victory the Ethiopian National Team clinched in the match against Kenya and wished to win the final. Earlier Friday, President of the Ethiopian Football Federation Dr. Ashebir said the 28th CECAFA event in Addis was a success. He said the two million birr envisaged from ticket sales has already been secured. Dr. Ashebir said the success was attributable to the support of the people, the government and Sheikh Mohammed Hussien Al-Amoudi who sponsored the event here in the African capital. State Minister speaks of increased grants, loans, debt cancellation ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Grants, loans and debt cancellation Ethiopia is receiving from foreign governments, international organizations and institutions is growing more steadily than ever, State Minister of Finance and Economic Development (MoFED) said. The amount of grants and loans Ethiopia is receiving over the past three years is on the increase owing to political stability and peace in the country, Dr. Mulu Ketsela told ENA Friday. Political stability and peace are considered as major criteria for donors and creditors, she said adding during Ethio-Eritrea war grants and loans were largely halted. Ethiopia obtained seven billion birr grants and loans during 1996 E.C. of which 1.5 billion birr was provided in loan, the state minister said. The increased assistance is attributable to the development directions the country pursues, as they are inter-related to realize poverty reduction and MDGs, she said. She said Ethiopia has won 3.3 billion US dollar debt reduction per the agreement reached by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB) board as it has met the criteria set in the Heavily Indebt Poor Countries (HIPCs) Initiative. Most debt cancellations came from Paris Club Creditors, she said, adding that the recent 67 million euros debt cancellation agreement signed with the government of German was part of this. The state minister also indicated that the French government cancelled 5.5 million euros Ethiopia's debt December 20,2004. She said the sum that would other wise go to debt servicing would be used to budget subsidy. The state minister said the grants and loans obtained are primarily utilized for poverty reduction, food security, road construction, health education and other infrastructure facilities. According to Dr. Mulu, US of America, Japan, Germany, Britain, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands and Ireland are in the forefront in terms of support. International Development Association (IDA), the African Development Fund (ADF), the European Union (EU), UNICEF, UNDP and WFP, are among the major financial institutions and international organizations, that provide support to Ethiopia, she added. Badme, Shiraro town residents call on Eritrean people to accept New Peace Initiative ADDIS ABABA (ENA/WIC) - Residents in Badme and Shiraro towns of the Tigray State urged the Eritrean people to exert utmost efforts toward the implementation of the new peace initiative proposed by the Ethiopian government to resolve the border dispute with Eritrea through negotiation. Over 10,000 residents living in the two towns of the state made the call to the Eritrean people recently after discussing the five-point peace initiative. The Eritrean people should put pressure on the incumbent Eritrean government to accept the peace proposal since it would bring about a lasting solution to the Ethio-Eritrea border conflict. The residents said the Eritrean people oppose the option of war to solve the border crisis as war impedes development, good neighborliness and damages human lives and property. The peoples of Ethiopia and Eritrea should not be alienated for all by the war-mongering Eritrean government, the residents said, adding the Eritrean people should comprehend the position of the Ethiopian people toward bringing about sustainable peace between the two countries. The residents said they laud the decision of the Ethiopian government as the new peace initiative clearly shows the government's commitment to the well being of the peoples of the country, to bring about sustainable peace, development, and social progress. Meanwhile employees and administrative staff of the Addis Tannery Share Company expressed their support to the five-point peace proposal. Speaking at a discussion forum organized to sensitize the factory community on the overall objective of the peace initiative, Company General Manager Solomon Getu said the peace plan has aimed at protecting the rights of the Ethiopian peoples making its prior agenda and strategy on peace and development. He noted that Ethiopia was dragged in to war by the war mongering government of Eritrea as the latter had tried to meet its parasitic interests forcibly on the peoples and government of Ethiopia. He said that Ethiopia has once again shown its commitment for the prevalence of lasting and durable peace in both countries. Employees of the factory said on their part that all the wars waged for years in the country have left the peoples of Ethiopia in abject poverty, which according to them the direction devised by the Ethiopian government in settling disputes through negotiations is believed to ensure mutual coexistence and stability between the two countries. According to the employees, the prevalence of lasting and durable peace is crucial in becoming competitive and profitable. Similarly, The Oromia State Justice and Security Bureau said the militia and reserve army of the state have expressed their support to the new peace initiative. Militia Department Head with the Bureau, Wondimu Biratu told WIC Friday that the militia and the reserve army, after discussing the peace initiative, agreed to support and contribute their part to the implementation of the peace initiative. He said the peace initiative won the support of members of the militia and the reserve army as it manifested the government's desire in ensuring peace to the public and good relations with the international community, as war does not contribute anything to national development. The members also said the Eritrean people should grasp and contribute to the peace initiative as it is the only solution for the problem as well as ensuring peace, development and good relations between the peoples of the two countries, headed. ==================================== Pol.ethiopia Dec. 27,2004 ======================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - You care about security. So do we. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue Dec 28 11:11:34 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:38 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041228091134.72175.qmail@web53309.mail.yahoo.com> December 28, 2004 Ethiopia, Sudan, Yemen begin 3rd tripartite summit ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopia, Sudan and Yemen began their joint meeting in Khartoum, Sudan early yesterday. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, presidents Omar Hassan Al-Bashir and Ali Abdullah Saleh are expected to hold in-depth discussions on the peace processes in the Sudan and Somalia as well as issues of regional interest. The summit will also hear a report submitted to it by the Foreign Ministers and Senior Experts who held their meeting earlier. The summit is also attended by the newly elected Somali President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, Ethiopian Ambassador to the Sudan Gedafo Mohammed said. The tripartite pact, which is known as Sen'a forum, aims at bringing about prosperity by working for common peace and development. The Ethiopian delegation, led by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi arrived in Khartoum late Sunday, according to an Ethiopian Radio Reporter. Sudanese President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir and his cabinet members accorded a warm welcome to Prime Minister Meles. President Al-Bashir threw a dinner reception in honour of the leaders. Executives say ready to make elections impartial Board dispatches materials ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Election Executives have launched intensive effort to make the forthcoming state and national elections free and fair. Election Coordinators and Executives of the Benshangul-Gumuz, Gambella and Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples states as well as Dire Dawa Administration expressed their readiness to conduct the elections in a free and democratic manner. They told ENA yesterday that they have received good training offered by the Board that would help them conduct the elections in a free and democratic manner thereby enabling them discharge their responsibilities effectively. Scrutinizing candidature endorsement signatures were the responsibility of kebele administration previously but now the duty of stations to be established by the board where executives and observers will be assigned, they said. A joint forum comprising the Board and contesting political parties which will receive grievances and complaints at constituency level, will be also established they said. Meanwhile, the National Electoral Board said it has dispatched election materials to five states. Board Logistic Distribution Section Head Biruk Wondosen told ENA yesterday that candidate and voter registration forms as well as other related documents were sent to Gambella, Benshangul-Gumuz and Harari states as well as Dire Dawa Administration. He said 2,292 carton materials were dispatched to the states where they will be distributed among 6,876 polling stations. UNHCR commits 9 mln. USD to refugees here ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The United Nations Higher Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) said recently that it has earmarked nine million US Dollars to Ethiopia reducing its budget from the previous by ten per cent, the Regional Liaison Office said. The office told Capital, a weekly business newspaper, recently that about 17,000 Somali refugees are expected to be repatriated by December 2005. The office also indicated that the UNHCR staff, who were evacuated from Gambella in 2003 due to the conflict situation there, have been re-deployed. Recent figure released from the same office indicate that 116,459 Sudanese, Somali and Eritrean refugees currently live in seven camps throughout Ethiopia including Addis Ababa. ================================== Pol.ethiopia Dec.28,2004 ======================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - now with 250MB free storage. Learn more. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Dec 29 10:23:50 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:38 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041229082350.55706.qmail@web53308.mail.yahoo.com> December 29, 2004 Sena'a Cooperation Forum said being enhanced, 3rd summit concludes ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Sena'a Cooperation Forum with its documents of agreement set the legal framework facilitating the cooperation between and among member countries, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said. The Ethiopian high-level delegation led by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi returned home yesterday after attending the 3rd Summit of the Forum held in Khartoum, Sudan. Meles told Ethiopian Radio reporter that heeding to the option for peaceful dialogue is the most viable way to bring about peace and development in the region. Meles said there is reason to hope for the enhancement of the peace situation in the region, now that the peace processes in the Sudan and Somalia have reached a new chapter. The Sena'a Cooperation Forum will move ahead incorporating countries in the region in addition to founding members Ethiopia, Sudan and Yemen, an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Acting Director of Asia and the Middle East Affairs Directorate with the ministry Addis Dilnesa said the Cooperation Forum has prioritized regional peace as a common interest. The Forum has also been enhanced through the years after its founding. The Second Sena'a Forum held in Addis Ababa was concluded after Ethiopia, Sudan and Yemen signed agreement documents that laid the foundation for the cooperation among the three countries, he said. Agreement has also been signed among the three countries in the Khartoum summit enabling them to work jointly in the prevention of illegal trade, and others issues related to trade and economy, he said. The fact that Somalia has joined the Forum as the fourth member demonstrates the increasing acceptance it has been gaining. Prime Minister Meles led his delegation back home after attending the Forum. Senior government officials welcomed the delegation upon arrival at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. The 3rd Summit of the Sena'a Cooperation Forum, concluded late Monday a 16-point resolution. Accepting Somalia's membership request, the forum also called on others that cherish its ideals to do so. The resolution focuses on issues in Somalia, the Sudan and on the Ethiopia-Eritrea dispute as well as the tripartite cooperation. President's Omar Hassan Al-Beshir and Ali Abdullah Saleh have expressed support to the new peace proposal put forward by the Ethiopian Government to resolve the border dispute with Eritrea. The two leaders also called on Ethiopia and Eritrea to quickly enter into dialogue which, they said, would enable them reach at an agreement to ensure lasting peace. According to the resolution, the newly elected Somali Government should be supported to take hold in Somalia. A new chapter shading a light of hope for the future of Somalia has come through the efforts of the peoples of Somalia, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU). Arab League Secretary General amr Mussa on the occasion pledged that the League would solicit international support for reconstruction in Somalia. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and President Saleh indicated the need for a comprehensive agreement in the Sudan, and called on the international community to play greater role in the reconstruction efforts there. Prime Minister Meles said that the tripartite cooperation should also lead to people-to-people relations through regular trade and cultural exhibitions by the member countries. The Summit decided that Yemen host the 4th Cooperation Forum. President discusses socio-economic issues with elderly DIRE DAWA (ENA) - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis discussed with the elderly various socio-economic issues in the Dire Dawa Administration yesterday at the Dire Dawa Palace. The elderly requested the government on the occasion to do its level best in assisting the activities being made to asphalt the Dire Dawa-Dewole Road, expanding higher learning institutions, and strengthening the Ethio-Djibouti Railway. The elderly also urged the government to transform the existing Interim Administrative Council of the Dire Dawa City into a permanent administration. In response to the requests, the president said the asphalting of the Dire Dawa-Dewole Road would be started soon. President Girma also said a feasibility study has been in progress to asphalt the Dire Dawa-Me'eso Road with a view to improving the development of lowland localities in the area. Alemaya University has already planned to open a branch in Dire Dawa during the current academic year, the president noted, adding other higher learning institutions would be opened step-by-step. According to the president, the government has been taking various measures toward revitalizing the Ethio-Djibouti Railway. Girma also said the interim administration of the town would be replaced by a permanent administrative council through election. President Girma urged the elderly, religious leaders, and the public at large to make concerted efforts toward containing the spread of HIV/AIDS that has been severely damaging the productive workforce of the country. President Girma Monday visited the new power plant, the industry site work on the construction of residential units, and other development projects. AAU invites political parties to take part in further debates ADDIS ABABA - The Office of the President of the Addis Ababa University (AAU) has invited interested political parties to take part in further debates four political issues. According to press releases the AAU sent to the Herald yesterday, the university has received reports from different quarters to host debates on public issues other than those it organized previously. The issues the university chose to hold debate on are-peace, land tenure, agricultural industrialization and prospects for a democratic public culture. The first debate will be held shortly with a special focus on the five-point peace plan, the university said and called on those parties who intend to take part to notify the Office of the President by 31 December 2004. UNMEE's documentary "Next Steps to Peace" premiered ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - UNMEE Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General has said resolving the border dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea through dialogue would be vital for the development of both countries and for good neighborliness. Cheikh-Tidiane Gaye made the remarks here yesterday at the Official launching and screening of UNMEE's documentary titled: "Next Steps to Peace". Gaye said it was only through dialogue that the border dispute between the two countries could be resolved sustainably. The Mission's Public Information Office produced the documentary, which is a sequel to "First Steps to Peace". "Next Steps to Peace" casts in retrospect, the images of the UNMEE's collaboration with Ethiopia and Eritrea and key partners in advancing the peace process, through the monitoring of cessation of hostilities, and maintaining the sanctity of the Temporary Security Zone including its efforts at facilitating reconciliation, humanitarian support, building confidence among internally displaced populations and keeping the people informed of development in the peace process, Gaye said. He said the documentary also shows the Mission's endeavours being made to render medical services to the people, community development through Quick Impact Projects and regular supply of water to Ethiopians and Eritreans living along portray peacekeepers protecting civilians from the risk of mines through systematic and painstaking mine clearance processes." "The documentary not only highlights touches upon the various emergencies and difficulties encountered by the Mission," he said. "In spite of these challenges, however, you will realize from the film that UNMEE has demonstrated its commitment to keeping the cease-fire and ensuring that the peace process remains firmly on track," he said. He expressed gratitude to the Addis Ababa Municipal authorities for providing facilities for the ceremony. Gaye responded to queries posed by spectators on the Mission's future activities and the new peace proposal Ethiopia has put forward to resolve the dispute with Eritrea. The "First Steps to Peace" chronicles the major events within the Mission area that took place under the auspices of the UNMEE between September 2001 and mid 2003. Afar State to get First-ever University SEMERA (ENA) - The Ministry of Education (MoE) Monday received a 100-hectares site in Semera town for the construction of a university. State President Special Secretary Mohammed Yayu handed over the site plan to Ministry Public Relations Service Head Birhanu Alebachew. Speaking on the occasion, Mohammed said that the state government would do everything possible toward the successful completion of the construction of the new university, the first of its kind in the state. Physical work on the university construction project would be launched soon, Birhanu said, adding the university would have a capacity of receiving some 600 students upon completion of the first phase of the construction. In fact, the university would have a capacity of enrolling 10,000 students every academic year when it goes fully operational, he added. According to the Head, the Ministry plans to establish 13 universities at different areas of the country during the next five years with a view to raising the enrolment of higher learning institutions. The respective heads of the Education and Labour and Urban Development bureaus as well as representatives from other government offices of the state were in attendance at the ceremony. ================================= Pol.ethiopia Dec. 29,2004 ===================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - You care about security. So do we. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri Dec 31 14:13:37 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:38 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Itmes Message-ID: <20041231121337.32007.qmail@web53309.mail.yahoo.com> December 31, 2004 Religious leaders call upon Eritrean counterparts to strengthen peace effort ADDIS ABABA (ENA/WIC) - Leaders of four religious institutions in Ethiopia have called upon their counterparts in Eritrea to strengthen their peace efforts and make pressure on the Eritrean Government to accept Ethiopia's new five-point peace proposal put forward to solve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute, the Ministry of Information said. The religious leaders of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, the Ethiopian Catholic Church, the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council and the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane-Yesus made the call while conferring with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi on the new peace proposal, the Ministry said in its statement sent to ENA last Monday. They called upon Eritrean religious leaders to further consolidate the peace efforts they have launched previously, it said. Patriarch of EOC His Holiness Abune-Paulos, Archbishop of the Ethiopian Catholic Church Abune-Berhane Eyesus, Vice President of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council Sheik Elias Redwan and President of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane-Yesus the Reverend Itefa Gobena recalled that their religious institutions have been exerting efforts independently and jointly with their counterparts in Eritrea ever since the conflict between the two countries has erupted to resolve the dispute between the two sides peacefully. Pointing out that the war between the two countries had claimed the lives of many, they called for the enhancement of efforts underway to bring about a lasting solution to the dispute to avoid similar human tragedy, the statement said. They said, as peace is fundamental for everything including all-round development, they were motivated to express support for the peace initiative again jointly in addition to their previous independent support. Similarly, scholars and representatives of civic societies called on the general public for the effective implementation of the peace plan issued by Ethiopia so as to settle its border dispute with Eritrea in a peaceful and lasting manner. The sections of the society, at a panel discussion held here yesterday at ETV Studio, said the public in both countries should strive for the practical implementation of the five-point peace proposal as it would give the two countries the opportunity to redirect their focus on achieving sustainable development. Participants of the panel discussion stated that ensuring lasting peace in both neighbouring countries is believed to have irreplaceable role in expediting development and prosperity in the countries. The international community in general and the peoples of Eritrea in particular should put pressure on the government of Eritrea to accept the New Peace Initiative, they said. They noted that the Ethiopian government had done its level best in settling the dispute in dialogue and negotiation in the pre and post war period with the government of Eritrea. The issuance of the peace proposal has once again confirmed the commitment of Ethiopia in resolving differences through only peaceful way, the participants added. They, therefore, said the public should well understand the peace plan and mobilize for its practical implementation, as it would pave the way to ensuring socio economic development and good governance in the country. Walta Information Centre, in cooperation with the Ethiopian Television and Radio Enterprise, organized the panel discussion. Meanwhile, the inhabitants of 15 woredas in East Gojjam Zone last Tuesday expressed their support for the new peace initiative proposed by the Ethiopian Government to resolve the border dispute with Eritrea. Zonal Information Office Representative Gahsaye Getahun told WIC that civil servants, high school students, preparatory students, technical and vocational students as well as teachers of various institutions have expressed their readiness to contribute to the realization of the peace proposal following extensive deliberations. Similarly, 20,000 members of the Amhara Women's Association in the zone said as women had been suffering from various economic and social problems during wars in the past they fully support the new peace initiative. Women cannot become beneficiaries of their rights unless sustainable peace prevails, they said, and agreed that the dispute should only be resolved by peaceful means. Meanwhile, farmers in W.Hararghe Zone, Oromia State said that the new peace proposal put forward by Ethiopia to resolve the dispute with Eritrea would create for the peoples of Ethiopia and Eritrea dependable conditions to invest all energy in development activities. During meetings, the farmers in 11 woredas said the peace inititatve will ensure the security of the peoples of both countries and enable them to strive towards development. EPRDF to field 161 candidates in Addis ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) announced that it will field 161 candidates for the upcoming elections in Addis. EPRDF Addis Ababa Organizational Affairs Head Ali Siraj said that 23 of the candidates will be vying for seats in the House of Peoples' Representatives and 138 in the Addis Ababa City Government. Women candidates number 30. Ali said that the candidates were selected on the basis of their competence to implement the peace, development and democracy programme. The candidates represent the various nations and nationalities. The candidates will soon be evaluated by the electorate, front organ Abyotawi Democracy quoted Ali as saying. Minister calls for governmental organizations, business community stronger partnership ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Minister of Trade and Industry has indicated the need for coordination to back up the ongoing efforts to improve contacts between governmental organizations in the field of infrastructure and the private sector. Improvement in infrastructure services will expedite the industrial sector development, said Girma Birru here yesterday at the 6th joint discussion forum between the government and the business community. He indicated the need for EEPCo, ETC and other organizations in the field of infrastructure to provide efficient and meaningful services as per the special attention the government attaches to the private sector, he said. Lack of coordination in the partnership between pertinent governmental organizations and the business community would weaken industrial productivity, he indicated. He said governmental organizations in the field of infrastructure should consult with the business community in their project planning. The minister presided over the half-day consultation forum, which discussed the reports of various pertinent organizations. ======================== pol.ethiopia Dec. 31, 2004 =============== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Take Yahoo! Mail with you! Get it on your mobile phone. http://mobile.yahoo.com/maildemo From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu Dec 2 10:42:36 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:42 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041202084236.35477.qmail@web53308.mail.yahoo.com> December 1, 2004 House refers draft proclamations to Standing Committee ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The House of Peoples' Representatives referred two amended draft proclamations establishing the Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, and the one providing for the Law of Special Procedure and Evidence to its Legal and Administrative Affairs Standing Committee for further scrutiny. In its 8th regular meeting, the House referred the two bills after detailed discussions. The draft proclamation on the establishment of the Commission stresses that the amendment was made with a view to enabling it discharge its duties and responsibilities in a more accountable and transparent manner. According to the draft proclamation, the duties and responsibilities of the Commission were redefined in line with the country's Penal Code, and the roles and functions of other legal institutions. Members of the House urged on the occasion the Standing Committee to carry out thorough deliberations on the draft proclamation of the Establishment of the Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission. President delivers World AIDS Day message Women of high profile take voluntary blood test ADDIS ABABA (ENA/EH) - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis has yesterday delivered a message in connection with this year's World AIDS Day. President Girma stressed the need to take maximum care through integrated efforts to prevent the most vulnerable sections of the society, girls and women, from HIV/AIDS. He called on the public to join forces to protect women from gender violence in a bid to help bring HIV/AIDS intervention activities to a success. From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Dec 6 14:26:19 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:42 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041206122619.56913.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> December 4, 2004 Meles says New Peace Initiative will not threaten sovereignty ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said the New Peace Initiative Ethiopia has put forth to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute would not in any way threaten the sovereignty of the nation. In a news conference he gave here yesterday, Prime Minister Meles said ensuring the sovereignty of Ethiopia was concluded when the blatant Eritrean Government war of aggression on Ethiopia was averted successfully through the sacrifices of dozens of heroic Ethiopian youth. Pointing out sovereignty is not the rights of alien things, Meles said sovereignty is a situation in which people can be able to exercise their rights on self-determination and other related rights. Sovereignty is a situation in which people can accept what they want or reject what they don't want, it is not a situation one can impose its desire or interest on them as it wants, Meles said. Meles said indeed, the aggression imposed by the Eritrean Government on Ethiopia in 1990 E.C. was a violation of the sovereignty of Ethiopia but the issue of ensuring the sovereignty of Ethiopia was concluded soon after the reversal of the Eritrean war of aggression by force, Meles said. Council discuss bills, passes decision ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Council of Ministers discussed and passed a decision on various draft proclamations in its 119th regular session held here yesterday, according to a press statement issued by the Ministry of the Office of the Prime Minister. The bills providing for the issuance of Sole Agent Status for Specific Foreign Trade Sectors for Limited Time, Security Cooperation Agreement signed between the Ethiopia and Yemeni governments, Agreement Reached on Preventing Organized Cross Boundary crime and tourism cooperation agreement between the governments of Ethiopia and the Sudan were some of the draft proclamations in which the decisions were passed on by the Council. Regarding the bill providing the issuance of Representation for Limited Foreign Trade Sector for Certain Period of Time, it was pointed out during the discussion that Ethiopia has not benefited as required compared with its rich animal resources due to lack of strong promotional work that would enable it to penetrate foreign markets, the statement said. Accordingly, the Council referred the bills after making some amendments to the House of Peoples' Representatives' for approval. Concerning the draft proclamation to ratify the agreement on Security Cooperation signed between the governments of Ethiopia and Yemen, the Council discussed the proclamation's importance in preventing terrorist attacks being carried out by anti-people and governments on both nations and drug traffickers as well as catch and bring to the court of justice fugitive criminals. The Council referred the bill to the House for approval after endorsing it with a unanimous vote. Regarding the draft proclamation to ratify the Agreement on Preventing Organized Cross Boundary Crime, the Council extensively discussed the significance of the bill in Preventing Cross Boundary and Organized Crimes, the statement said. Lasting peace precondition for sustainable dev't: Ministry ADDIS ABABA - Wars and conflicts must cease as creating a peaceful environment in our country and our region is a prerequisite for economic development and democratization, the Ministry of Information said. According to the ministry's weekly statement issued yesterday, Ethiopia is known as a country which suffered from successive wars of resistance against external aggression as well as numerous internal conflicts. The wars and conflicts compounded with deficient economic policies have relegated the country to abject poverty and backwardness and wars and conflicts that continued in our region for years have also resulted in similar conditions, the statement said. Ethiopia would benefit the most if sustainable peace were attained in the country and in the region as a whole, it added. The people and Government of Ethiopia have employed maximum effort to ensure lasting peace in the country as well as in the region for the last 13 years, it said. This has so far proved there were no major conflicts internally and strenuous efforts are underway to completely avert the root causes of all conflicts, the statement said. The statement further said that Ethiopia has established good relations with all its neighbors except Eritrea and it has exerted every effort to resolve the conflict with that country through peaceful means. The Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) has also offered a new peace initiative to address the conflict with Eritrea, the statement said. Taking into account the short and long term benefits of the country and based on the deep insight regarding the value of lasting peace, Ethiopia chose the path of peace with a great sense of responsibility and commitment, the statement underlined. December 5, 2004 Meles receives Kagame's message, holds talks with EC official ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi received a message sent from the Rwandan President Paul Kagame. President Kagame's special envoys delivered the message to Prime Minister Meles yesterday. Kagame's message mainly focused on ways to further consolidate the cooperation of the two countries and issues related to Africa. The special envoys said Prime Minister Meles has assured them his country's readiness to work in cooperation with Rwanda for economic development and bring about sustainable peace and stability in the Great Lakes Region. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Meles yesterday met and held discussions with Development Cooperation Commissioner of the European Commission (EU), Lewis Michel. The two sides exchanged views on the infrastructure development activities and food security programmes in Ethiopia as well as the situation in the Horn of Africa. Prime Minister Meles and head of the EC delegation Michel raised and discussed the Ethiopian Government involvement in the road sector development. They also looked into the measures taken by the government to ensure food security in the country, according to an official with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who attended the discussion. The Peace process and the efforts exerted to bring about sustainable economic development and establish stability in the Horn of Africa were also raised in the course of the discussion. UN begins scaling down peacekeepers ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The UN Peacekeeping Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) began scaling down its force this week, AFP reported quoting a spokesman announcement. The down-sizing began on Wednesday and we will let you know when it will be finished. That will probably be in January 2005, UNMEE spokesman Gail Bindley-Taylor Sainte told a news conference in Asmara on Thursday. UNMEE currently numbers some 3,600 troops, of which some 500 are expected to leave, according to the UN. The peacekeepers are mostly stationed in a buffer corridor in Eritrea that hugs the length of the 1,000 kilometres borders between the two states. Kohler calls for enhanced aid for Africa ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - German President Horst Kohler has called on the international community, including his country, to considerably increase financial help for the struggling continent. Kohler, who earlier served as Director of the International Monetary Fund, said it was a matter of self-respect for Europeans to generously assist African nations in their struggle for more peace and democracy and against poverty. Addressing an audience at the University of Tubingen in southwestern Germany, Kohler warned the industrialized world against neglecting the current problems in Africa demanding European countries in particular to step up their efforts to help African nations overcome their post-colonial problems. He cited ensuring fair trade conditions as an important contribution in the fight against poverty in Africa. Security and peace in the industrialized world would not be maintained forever if the problems in Africa are neglected or ignored, he added. The President also urged the international community to help build democratic institutions in Africa as a prerequisite for ensuring law and order in that continent. He praised the African Union's endeavours to take Africa's problems into its own hands, which according to the President, is sending a strong signal that Africa is willing to deal with its problems on a cross-border basis. Kohler would be on official tour to Sierra Leone, Benin, Ethiopia and Djibouti as of the coming week. Nations laud Ethiopia's overtures for peace with Eritrea ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Japan Thursday expressed its approval of Ethiopia's move to start dialogue with Eritrean in order to resolve the border dispute that has kept relations between the two neighbors severed for the last six years. Japan also welcomed the Ethiopian government decision to accept, in principle, the ruling of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC), Angola Press (ANGOP) reported on Friday. "This decision of the Ethiopian Government will provide impetus to start the border demarcation promptly … and facilitate the peace process between the two countries based on the spirit of mutual concession," said a statement by the Japanese Foreign Affairs Ministry through its embassy here. On 25 November 2004, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi announced in the House of Peoples' Representatives that Ethiopia had adjusted its position to start dialogue with Eritrea with the view to working with EEBC. Several countries have since expressed their support to Ethiopia's new peace proposal to start political dialogue with Eritrea. The countries include Austria, China, France, Germany, Russia, the UK and the European Union. Affirming that it backed peaceful means to resolve the border dispute, China has expressed hope that Ethiopia and Eritrea could make joint efforts to dispel their differences as early as possible and restore neighborly amity. "China has always paid much attention to the peace process in Ethiopia and Eritrea and supports the two countries in holding consultations and dialogue on the basis of the Algiers Agreement," said Beijing's Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhang Qiyue. Meanwhile, France has described the peace initiative proposed by Ethiopia as "constructive and acceptable." In addition, Paris has pledged consultancy, technical, professional and other support to ensure the realization of a peace pact between Ethiopia and Eritrea. On the new peace proposal by Ethiopia, the British Embassy in Addis Ababa said: "This is a welcome development. It represents an important step forward which the international community has been urging the Ethiopian government to take." In a joint statement released through the embassy, UK Secretary of State of International Development Hilary Benn, and UK Minister for Africa Chris Mullin said: "We hope that Ethiopia and Eritrea can now move forward together towards the resolution of this long and tragic dispute. The UK stands ready to help in any way we can." Austria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ursula Plassnik, has hailed the willingness of Ethiopia to accept, in principle, the EEBC decision on demarcation of the border and to collaborate again with the Commission. The EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), Javier Solana said in a statement that Ethiopia's decision would lead to a speedy start of the demarcation of the border. The EU, Solana added, "encourages the government of Eritrea to respond positively to Ethiopia's offer of talks about the root causes of the conflict, with a view to normalizing relations between the two countries." =============================== Pol.ethiopia Dec.6,2004 ====================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Dec 8 13:53:40 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:42 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041208115340.30750.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> December 7, 2004 Meles receives Mubarak's message, attends regional meeting ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi yesterday received a message sent by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Meles said the activities being implemented under the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) were showing encouraging progress. Meles received Mubarak's message as delivered to him by the visiting Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit. He said the NBI projects are very much significant for the peoples of the riparian countries. Meles said Ethiopia would carry on with its efforts towards the realization of the ongoing joint activities by the riparian countries. During talks with the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Meles said the cooperation between Ethiopia and Egypt has been growing. The cooperation between the two countries should be enhanced in various areas of cooperation, a senior government official who attended the meeting said. Meles pledged his government's support for prospective Egyptian investors who want to establish projects here in Ethiopia. He said enhancement of cooperation between the two countries in trade; investment and other areas would be to the best interests of the peoples of the two countries. After the meeting with Meles, the Egyptian Foreign Minister told journalists that Mubarak's message is to the theme revolving mainly around the bilateral cooperation between Ethiopia and Egypt has been growing. The cooperation between the two countries should be enhanced in various areas of cooperation, a senior government official who attended the meeting said. Meles pledged his government's support for prospective Egyptian investors who want to establish projects here in Ethiopia. He said enhancement of cooperation between the two countries in trade; investment and other areas would be to the best interests of the peoples of the two countries. After the meeting with Meles, the Egyptian Foreign Minister told journalists that Mubarak's message is to the theme revolving mainly around the bilateral cooperation between the two countries, which has to date been gathering momentum. Mubarak expressed in his message the desire of Egypt to further bolster its cooperation with Ethiopia in a wide range of fields including trade and investment, Gheit said. In the message, President Mubarak invited Meles to visit Egypt. Prime Minister Meles was also yesterday in Nairobi, Kenya to attend the Commission for Africa Regional Consultative Meeting. The Regional meeting for Eastern and Horn of Africa was to voice its perspective on the problems it faces and solutions for positive action for Africa. The regional consultation is one of five across Africa where specialist knowledge from civil society will formulate practical policy guidelines to accelerate and sustain Africa's growth, including meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The meeting will also deliberate on appropriate and complimentary support from the rich nations. Among items on the agenda, include aid and debt, conflicts and resolution, energy and conservation, HIV/AIDS and development, indigenous knowledge, gender and health, development and constitutionalism, governance and corruption, leadership and integrity, and justice and human rights. The Commission for Africa set up by British Prime Minister Tony Blair has 17 Commissioners including Prime Minister Meles and other leaders of African countries and prominent personalities. Ethiopian gov't invites int'l organizations, governments to observe upcoming elections ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopia government has said it invited international organizations and a number of governments to observe the upcoming national and state elections. The government has made the necessary preparations to see to it that the upcoming 3rd national and state elections be conducted in a free and democratic manner, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told ENA yesterday. The international organizations the Ethiopian government has invited to send their delegations to observe the elections are The United Nations, the African Union, the European Union, the Pan African Parliament, and the Arab League. It also invited the United States, Canada, Israel, India, China, Japan, Russia and Turkey governments to send their observers. Egypt, Greece welcome Ethiopia's new peace proposal Agreement reached to reactivate Joint Commission meet ADDIS ABABA (ENA/EH) - Egypt welcomes the new peace initiative Ethiopia offered to resolve the border dispute with Eritrea, Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit said. Gheit and Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin also announced that the two countries have agreed on the reactivation of the Ethio-Egypt Joint Commission. Following talks with his Ethiopian counterpart later on Sunday, the visiting Egyptian Foreign Minister said that Egypt would provide support to the Ethiopian government in its efforts to resolve the border dispute with Eritrea peacefully. Gheit expressed hope that the five-point peace initiative the Ethiopian government has proposed would be realized. He said Ethiopia and Egypt have reached at an agreement to enhance their economic and political cooperation. Seyoum on his part said that the relations of the two countries date back to ancient times, adding the two countries are keen to enhance cooperation in the trade and investment fields. Egypt, which is a country well advanced in the industrial sector, offers a wide market for Ethiopia's exports of animal products, floriculture, horticultural and other products in which the two countries can forge cooperation, he said. He said the two countries are currently enjoying relations in the political and diplomatic fields based on trust and understanding. The two countries have agreed to resume their joint commission meeting in the coming five or six months, according to Seyoum. He expressed hope that the private sectors of the two countries would be represented as per the agreement. The Egyptian Foreign Minister is here to seek ways of advancing the cooperation between Ethiopia and Egypt. Meanwhile, the Embassy of Greece in Addis Ababa welcomed the Ethiopian peace plan on the Ethio-Eritrea relations, and the border issue in particular, as approved by the Ethiopian Parliament last Thursday, and considers it in the framework of the EU relevant statement, as a firm step in the right direction, a press release from the embassy said. According to the release, resuming cooperation of Ethiopia and Eritrea with the Boundary Commission for the finalization of the whole process will be a very positive development opening the door for an overall settlement of the bilateral issues between the two neighbouring friendly states. "Greece, in her dual capacity, as Member State of the EU and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the period 2005-2007, will spare no efforts to contribute to the early resolution of the issue for the benefit of all peoples in the region," the release added. FMs of Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt holds second trilateral meet ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Foreign ministers of Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt have held the second trilateral meeting here yesterday. The foreign ministers have held talks on political, economic and commercial issues of trilateral cooperation, an official with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who attended the meeting said. The ministers also decided the deputy foreign ministers to get together in Cairo and prepare political and economic agenda issues and fix the date for the 3rd ministerial meeting, the official said. The ministers passed various resolutions in the areas of politics and economy during the first trilateral meeting held in Cairo, the official said adding the decisions passed with regard to water is promising. The trilateral business forum is scheduled to be held in January 2005 in Khartoum, Sudan. Eritrea slams EU for welcoming Ethiopia's peace proposal ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Eritrean Foreign Affairs Ministry has slammed the European Union (EU) for welcoming Ethiopia's new peace proposal. The Ministry late Saturday also announced that the Eritrean government wouldn't accept the peace proposal. The Ministry in a statement attached the European Union for welcoming the five-point peace proposal put fourth by the Ethiopian government. According to the statement, the Eritrean government has officially rejected Ethiopia's peace proposal. December 8, 2004 Ministry issues new draft guideline on use of air time and space by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The Ministry of Information issued a new guideline yesterday on the use of state-owned mass media by political parties contesting in the forthcoming state and national elections, scheduled to be held next May. Information Minister Bereket Simon told the gathering at the premises of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia which consists of mass media executives and representatives of political parties, indicating that the new draft guideline would enable both the ruling party and the opposition parties to make use of media air time and space fairly in the upcoming election campaigns. According to the minister, the draft guideline that considers three criteria on the allocation of time for the campaign has a unique democratic feature which enables the opposition parties become more beneficiaries in disseminating their programmes. "The time arrangement also considers 63 per cent of the airtime and space to be equally shared among all political parties, 27 per cent based on the parties' seat in the parliament and 10 per cent for those which didn't get seats in the parliament. This shows that 44 per cent goes to the ruling party and 56 per cent to the opposition parties," the minister said. Bereket also told the gathering that "200 hours in 114 days are allocated for the parties to introduce their programmes to the general public which would start officially as of January 19, 2005. The parties could also have the right to buy air time from the media to introduce their programmes to the public paying similar amount of money like other commercial advertisements," the minister added. As to the minister the parties have to introduce their name, emblem, their parties' office location while introducing their programmes to the general public through the media. In addition, they have to identify the authoritative person who permitted them, inform the content of their message to the media executives and present it to the media 48 hours before transmission which by no means is edited by the media professionals. However, if the contents are against the constitution of the country, the media have every right not to transmit it pointing out the reason to the parties. Representatives of the opposition parties on their part responded positively to the time allocation and indicated that the time is enough if effectively utilized. However, they underlines the importance of neutral committee to follow up the procedures and letting the private-owned electronic media be allowed to launch broadcasting prior to the time set for the campaign. In response to the questions raised, the minister indicated the government's readiness to look into a possible changes on the draft directive through negotiation and the provision of licence to private electronic media is on the streamline. The minister also indicated that the guideline would enable the media to enhance public participation, providing the necessary information regarding election and aware citizens to actively participate in the election. Speaker calls on society to continue striving for practicality of constitution Says conducive situations created for observers ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives called on the society to continue striving for the practical implementation of the national constitution as it is the major instrument in building democracy and reduce poverty. The Speaker, Dawit Yohannes said the efforts launched by the public to translate into deeds the national constitution over the last decade were encouraging and commendable. He made the call during an interview with ENA here yesterday in connection with the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the national constitution. Dawit said it has been able to organize Human Rights Commission and Ombudsman through the maximum efforts made by the people in the country since the reported period. The organization of the two institutions is instrumental in applying the constitution practically. The adoption of the national constitution 10 years ago had enabled nations and nationalities to enjoy their freedom and democratic rights as well as determine their fate, Dawit said. The national constitution has also ensured the peoples democratic rights by extricating them from repressive oppression while enabling them to develop their culture and speak with their own vernaculars, he said. The Speaker said it has also ensured freedom of speech, organization and the right to self-determination. The constitutions, during the past consecutive governments, were serving only the ruling classes while the existing one ensures the supremacy of the broad mass by enabling them to benefit from development achievements, Dawit said. The members of the House celebrate today the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the national constitution by identifying and finding solutions to weaknesses and evaluating the changes the constitution has brought about until now, he said. The national constitution was adopted on December 8, 1987 E.C. Meanwhile, the Speaker said conducive situations have been created for observers of the upcoming regional and national elections. While conferring with delegates of European Commission here yesterday, Dawit said the participation of various opposition parties in the next May election would make the election democratic. According to a press statement issued by the House of Peoples' Representatives, Dawit told the delegates that the forthcoming national election would be more democratic than the other two previous elections. He also explained to the delegates about the political debate being held between the ruling party, EPRDF and opposition parties on various policy issues. House adopts two bills, refers two others ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The House of Peoples' Representatives adopted two bills while referring two other to pertinent Standing Committees for further scrutiny. During its regular session held here yesterday, the House endorsed the bills providing for Public Procurement and establishing its control agency and the loan agreement between Ethiopia and the African Development Bank (ADB). The Budgetary and Finance Affairs Standing Committee said in its report that the bills would enable to appropriately utilize the high amount of budget being allocated by the government. Besides, the draft proclamation would ensure accountability and transparency while enabling to provide efficient and effective services, it added. The Committee has also pointed out the contribution of the 250.53 million birr loan agreement between Ethiopia and ADB in enhancing the country's food security programme. The House approved the bills with unanimous vote. The House has also referred the bills on the 13 million USD loan agreement between Ethiopia and the Arab Bank for economic development in Africa and the 25 million euro loan agreement between Ethiopia and European Investment Bank to the Budgetary and Finance Affairs Standing Committee for further scrutiny. =============================== Pol.ethiopia Dec. 08,2004 ==================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? All your favorites on one personal page – Try My Yahoo! http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu Dec 9 10:48:49 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:42 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041209084849.99454.qmail@web53308.mail.yahoo.com> December 9, 2004 Meles calls for speedy Ethio-Djibouti telecommunications agreement implementation Japan desires to further strengthen cooperation ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi calls for the speedy implementation of the agreement Ethiopia and Djibouti have signed to cooperate in the area of telecommunications. The Ethio-Djibouti telecommunications agreement is one of the agreements the two countries signed last year for cooperation in infrastructure development and other sectors during the visit by high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi to Djibouti. Meles made the call here yesterday during talks with Djiboutian Minister of Communications, Culture, Posts and Telecommunications Rifki Abdoulkader. Meles said speedy implementation of the agreements including the one reached for cooperation in telecommunications would help catapult development in the two neighbouring countries. Implementation of the various agreements concluded between Ethiopia and Djibouti would be to the best interests of the peoples of the two countries, Meles said. Discussions between the two parties, according to Ethiopian Ambassador to Djibouti who attended the talks, focused on ways of propelling the implementation of the Ethio-Djibouti agreement in the telecommunications sector. The agreement in the area of telecommunications provides for New Microwave Link Construction and Terrestrial Fiber Optic Capable Construction between Ethiopia and Djibouti. He indicated that Ethiopia has since been working out various activities for the realization of the agreement. Abdoulkader told journalists after the talks with Prime Minister Meles that his country has been exerting efforts to implement the agreement. The development cooperation between the two countries has reached a new height in the framework of the historic and long standing relations, he said. Abdoukader told journalists after the talks with Prime Minister Meles that his country has been exerting efforts to implement the agreement. The development cooperation between the two countries has reached a new height in the framework of the historic and long standing relations, he said. Abdoukader arrived Tuesday leading a ten-member delegation on a working visit to Ethiopia. Meanwhile, a senior Japanese Government official said, Japan is desirous of further strengthening the existing economic cooperation with Ethiopia. During talks with the Prime Minister Meles yesterday, Parliamentary Secretary of the Foreign Ministry of Japan Katsuyuki Kawai said his government attaches special attention to cooperation with Ethiopia. Kawai said Japan is one of the forefront development partners of Ethiopia assisting national efforts geared towards bringing about sustainable development in the country. Ethiopia will remain a priority to Japan's overseas cooperation, a senior official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs quoted Kawai as saying. Kawai said the Japanese Government lauds and believes that the new peace initiative would resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border crisis peacefully and through negotiations. He also said Japan would remain committed to assisting efforts aimed at ensuring peace and stability in Africa. Prime Minister Meles said on his part the Government of Japan has been providing unreserved assistances to Ethiopia with a view to ensuring speedy economic growth in the country. Especially, Meles said development cooperation between the two countries is centered on development and expansion of infrastructure across the nation. Tokyo International Conference for Africa's Development (TICAD) has helped to boost Japan's assistance to the development of Africa. Prime Minister Meles and the visiting official also discussed other in. Africa Europe Dialogue shows enthusiasm in welcoming Ethiopia's five-point peace proposal ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Africa Europe Dialogue, a body established to enhance the multifarious cooperation between the two continents, enthusiastically welcomed the 5-point peace proposal put fourth by Ethiopia to resolve the dispute with Eritrea. The announcement came in a declaration the Africa Europe Dialogue issued at the conclusion of its 3rd Ministerial Meeting held on November 4 here at the African Union Headquarters, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told ENA in a press release. The meeting was presided over by Foreign Affairs Minister of the Netherlands Bernard Bot and Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister who is Chairperson of the AU Executive Council Ouyemi Adeniji and was attended by Mozambique Foreign Affairs Minister, EU Commissioner for Development, Aid and Human Rights, Africa Director of Luxemberg Foreign Affairs Ministry as well as AU line Commissioners. (The Netherlands is the current President of the EU Commission.) In their declaration, they said the Ethiopian Government's 5-point peace proposal would solve the problem created in the Ethio-Eritrea peace process. They expressed the readiness of the European Union and the African Union to support and cooperate in the process of border demarcation between Ethiopia and Eritrea and the normalization. The approval by the Ministries of the Peace Initiative is a major victory in Ethiopia's development and democratization endeavours and its peaceful struggle, the Ministry said. Meanwhile, the Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU) said, Ethiopian workers reject war as an alternative to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border crisis since war impedes efforts geared toward ensuring industrial peace, sustainable development, and social progress across the nation. The workers believe that there is no better alternative except peace to produce quality products and enhance competitiveness in the global market, CETU Deputy President Zenebe Kebede told Abiyotawi Democracy organ of the EPRDF. In an interview with the organ, Zenebe said the workers shun any alternative other than peace as war hinders efforts geared toward reducing poverty and bringing about sustainable social progress. The workers would play their level best for the successful implementation of the new peace initiative since the five-point peace proposal drains the prospect of another war, the deputy president said. According to the official, the workers stand in unison toward the peaceful resolution of the Ethio-Eritrea border crisis as war affects the country's economy negatively. He said the Ethio-Eritrea conflict should be resolved peacefully through negotiations since war would not bring about a lasting solution for the border crisis. The people in Shire Endaselassie town in the Tigray State have also said they embrace the new peace proposal the Ethiopian Government put forth as it enables to bring about sustainable peace in the region. At the conclusion of their meeting here yesterday, the residents of the town said it was with the prevalence of peace in the region that poverty alleviation efforts would bear fruits. Ethiopia's 5-point peace proposal in non-optional to bring about sustainable peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea in particular and the region in general, they said. They expressed readiness to do all what it takes from them for the implementation of the peace proposal. The proposal is of great significance to Eritrea, they said and called on the people of Eritrea to press ahead of its realization. Similarly, heads of various organizations and officials of kebele administration under the Dire Dawa Administration have vowed acceptance of the new peace proposal Ethiopia issued to bring about sustainable peace with Eritrea. They voiced acceptance of the peace proposal at a meeting in Dire Dawa town heads of the respective organizations and executive members of the nine-kebele administrations held Tuesday. They said the proposal put forth to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute would help the people to speed up development. Acceptance "in principle" of the Border Commission's ruling would show Ethiopia's firm stance for peace, they said, adding it would help the country to rally the peace forces behind to enhance development. The proposal would enable to dissipate apprehensions for yet another war, they said, adding it would pave the way for the country to carry on with development. 10th anniversary of FDRE Constitution celebrated ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The 10th anniversary of the endorsement of the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic was celebrated here on Wednesday at the House of Peoples Representatives. Hon. Speaker Dawit Yohannes said the Constitution safeguards the rights of the Ethiopian peoples to development. Dawit said the Constitution ensures all the rights that enable the people to tread on the path to development. The Constitution enables the realization of the federal government structures and development goals and makes the system suited to peace and prosperity, Dawit said. The Constitution paves the way for putting in place the institutions necessary for collaborative and coordinated efforts by the Federal and State Governments towards poverty eradication and the attainment of development, Dawit said. The celebration of the 10th anniversary of the day on which the Constitution has been endorsed provides the opportunity to take note of the priority measures that need to be taken for the enhancement of peace and development, he said. Speaker of the House of the Federation Dr. Mulatu Teshome on his part said the Constitution guarantees the human and democratic rights of the nations, nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia. With the Constitution, he said, gender equality has been ensured and equality of cultures and religions guaranteed, he said. The Constitution has opened a new chapter for the creation of the new Ethiopia making it a country of hope and bright future, he said. Chief of the Oromia State Government Juneidi Sado on his part said the day of the endorsement of the Constitution of FDRE is a great day of joy and jubilation that reflects a major victory gained by the incumbent generation. The day sealed the transformation of the long oppressed citizens into an historic chapter of justice and democracy, he said. The 10th anniversary provides the opportunity to renew commitments for the realization of popular democratic objectives, he indicated. The Constitution enables the people of the Somali State to take pride in their identity, to speak their language and to be administered and judged under the jurisdictions of their constituents, said Minister of Mines Ambassador Mohamoud Drir. He said the people in the state have become the legitimate shareholders in the economic building of the nation as the Constitution ensures their basic rights. New peace initiative lends fresh impetus to peace process: Scholar by Getahun Amogne ADDIS ABABA - President of the Ethiopian International Institute for Peace and Development (EIIPD), Prof. Kinfe Abraham described Ethiopia's new five-point peace plan to peacefully resolve the border dispute with Eritrea as an important diplomatic initiative to break the stalemate and move the peace process for ward. In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald yesterday, Prof. Kinfe said the peace initiative would be instrumental in allowing the two countries to enter into a comprehensive dialogue on all matters of mutual concern. "It is in the enlightened self interest of Ethiopia and Eritrea to travel the extra mile and exploit the diplomatic option to resolve the lingering boundary dispute," said the Professor, who has researched extensively and authored several books on issues including the two nations and the Horn of Africa. Both Ethiopia and Eritrea could not afford another destructive war, he said, adding that it would be of paramount importance for the people and governments of the two nations to put an end to hostilities and pool their resources towards addressing their strategic adversaries of poverty and diseases. Prof. Kinfe further indicated that Ethiopia's peace proposal would help the international community revitalize its mediation efforts. The plan also provides facilitators with good material to work on thereby preventing the possibility of another conflict, he noted. "The peace initiative also offers a strategic choice for moving towards normalization via negotiations while at the same time denying enemies fertile ground to foment enmity between neighbouring countries including Ethiopia and Eritrea," he added. ============================== Pol.ethiopia Dec. 9,2004 =================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Dec 13 15:55:15 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:42 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041213135515.10064.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> December 11, 2004 Meles, Seyoum hold talks with Swedish Int'l Development Cooperation Minister ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation said, her government will double its development assistance to Ethiopia. The announcement was made while leader of the visiting Swedish delegation Carin Jamtin met and held talks with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi here yesterday. Jamtin on the occasion expressed of her Government's readiness to further enhance support to Ethiopia in various sectors of development. Swedish assistance would continue in tune with the Ethiopian Government's development directions, she said. The 50th anniversary of the commencement of diplomatic relations between the two countries is being celebrated, she said, adding that the Ethio-Swedish relations and cooperation have been raised to a new height. Jamtin said her delegation's discussions with Prime Minister Meles centered on the Ethio-Swedish bilateral development cooperation, the upcoming 3rd national and state elections in Ethiopia as well as on the peace proposal put forward by the Ethiopian Government to resolve the border dispute with Eritrea. She affirmed her government's support in the activities being made to make the upcoming elections free and democratic. Sweden has embraced the stand of the European Union on the Ethiopian government's New Peace Initiative. EU is one of the numerous bilateral and multilateral international bodies that welcome Ethiopia's peace proposal. Prime Minister Meles said Sweden has been supporting Ethiopia's efforts being made to bring about speedy development. Meles said Swedish development support to Ethiopia is significant. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Syoum Mesfin said, the Government of Sweden has rendered immense development assistance over the last 50 years. Seyoum made the remark during talks with the visiting Swedish delegation led by Carim Jamtin here yesterday. He said the Swedish Government and the people of the country have been contributing a lot in efforts geared towards reducing poverty and capacity building endeavours in Ethiopia. The Ethio-Swedish development cooperation also covers, among others, the areas of human rights and democracy, private sector, justice sector reform, research and education, he said, adding that the development cooperation has been strengthening from time to time. Carin Jamtin said on her part that apart from other support programmes, the Swedish Government has been offering direct budgetary support to Ethiopia's poverty reduction programme. She said Sweden has plans to boost the amount of development assistance to Ethiopia in the coming European year. The discussion made between the two parties is also focused on ways of further strengthening their development cooperation and bringing about durable peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. They have also discussed the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute and the five-point peace proposal forwarded by the Ethiopian Government. Seyoum and Jamtin on the occasion signed a reciprocal agreement providing for the protection and promotion of investment between the two countries. The Swedish delegation was to leave for home later yesterday concluding its three-day visit to Ethiopia. No evidence to Eritrean border crossing allegation: UNMEE ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Eritrea has accused Ethiopian troops of crossing the border, burning and looting houses, but a senior U.N. official said Thursday he sad not seen any evidence to back up the allegations, Reuters reported. Eritrea said in a statement on its web site that the Ethiopian troops set fire to ten houses and robbed the inhabitants and kidnapped five people, but Major General Ragender Singh, the force commander of the U.N. Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE), said: "I flew myself over the area where the alleged incident took place this morning, but I found no evidence of burnt houses, according to Reuters. According to AFP report, Singh said Thursday that regular meetings between UNMEE, Eritrea and Ethiopia were held in a cordial and constructive environment. The situation in the Temporary Security Zone continues to be stable and peaceful, there are no major incidents, he said. New Peace Initiative gets local, int'l support ADDIS ABABA - The Ministry of Information, in its weekly statement issued yesterday, said that the New Peace Initiative forwarded by the Ethiopian Government to resolve the boundary dispute with Eritrea has earned tremendous local and international support. Citizens from various segments of the society have deliberated on the peace initiative and expressed their support and commitment to work for its realization, the statement indicated. The statement further said that the promising signs of the feasibility of the country's goal to ensure rapid and sustainable development for the benefit of the Ethiopian people were evident during the last few peaceful years. The progress registered in the socioeconomic sector should not be underestimated, the statement added. According to the statement, the Ethiopian peoples are aware of the fact that if peace is disturbed; the nascent economic development and democratization would certainly be at a great danger. The statement pointed out that it is due to this awareness that the Ethiopian people have applauded the peace initiative wholeheartedly. It also said information emerging from reliable sources indicates that the Eritrean people are in favour of the New Peace Initiative. The statement vehemently stated that it is only the Eritrean Government that has officially rejected the peace initiative. It says, it must be clear to every one that it is not only the Ethiopian peoples and government that would benefit, but also the region in particular and the international community in general. December 12, 2004 Meles holds talks with U.S. Congressman ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has said preparations are in the pipeline for free and fair conduct of the upcoming national and state elections. Meles made the announcement during talks with the member of the international Affairs Committee of the U.S. Congress Donald Payne here yesterday. Meles said the Government of Ethiopia has already extended invitations to the European Union, a number of countries in other continents and international organizations to send their delegates to observe the process of the upcoming 3rd national and state elections. The government has been putting in place enabling conditions to see to it that the upcoming elections are conducted in a democratic manner, he told Payne. Prime Minister Meles told the U.S. Congressman that Ethiopia, out of its firm commitments for peace, has put forward the five-point peace proposal to resolve the dispute with Eritrea. Ethiopia demands support from the U.S. Government and the international community for the implementation of the peace proposal, unofficial with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who attended the meeting quoted Meles as saying. After talks with Meles, Congressman Payne told journalists that the discussions between the two parties focused on Ethiopia's economic conditions, the upcoming elections as well as on the peace proposal the country put forward to resolve the dispute with Eritrea. Payne said his government, in line with its policy, would provide support for the conduct of democratic election. Payne said he received telling briefing from Prime Minister Meles Zenawi about Ethiopia's five-point proposal put forward to resolve the dispute with Eritrea. German President begins official visit today ADDIS ABABA - German President Horst Koehler arrives here today on a four-day official visit to Ethiopia. During his stay here, he scheduled to hold talks with President Girma Wolde-Giorgis, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and other senior government officials as well as representatives of the various non-governmental organizations. He would also meet Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU) prof. Alpha Oumar Konare and other AU officials. The Polish-born Koehelr, 61 is married and has a daughter and a son. He received his PhD in economics in 1977 from the Tubingen University. CECAFA Cup opens, National Team win first match ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The 28th CECAFA Cup opened here in Addis Ababa yesterday in the presence of President Girma Wolde-Giorgis and numerous African and international football officials and dignitaries. The Ethiopian National Team beat their Burundian counterpart 2 to 1. The CECAFA 2004 is named Al Amoudi Senior Challenge Cup, after the business tycoon Sheikh Mohammed Hussien Al Amoudi, who sponsored the championship. Nine of the 11 countries in the Sub-region are in Addis for the CECAFA Cup. The opening match was between Znazibar and Rwanda. Rwanda won 4 to 1. U.S to support nat'l anti-retroviral treatment programme ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - The United States Government disclosed its commitment in support of Ethiopia's National anti-retroviral Treatment Programme with particular emphasis to rescuing women and girls from the HIV/AIDS pandemic. In a press conference organized Wednesday, the visiting U.S. Government team said that Ethiopia is among those 15 focus countries worldwide to benefit from the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. Assistant U.S Global AIDS Coordinator and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Mark Dybul said that the visit of the team signifies the deep and profound commitment of the U.S Government to partner with Ethiopia in the fight against HIV/AIDS through the support of the national anti-retroviral treatment programme. The visit has also provided the opportunity to hold discussions with concerned governmental and non-governmental organizations on ways and means of facilitating the implementation of U.S President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which is the largest international held initiative dedicated to the fight against HIV/AIDS, he added. Nothing that Ethiopia is among the focus countries receiving significant support in its efforts exerted towards the arrest of the deadly disease, he stated that the U.S President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief has envisaged allocating more than 60 million USD for the support of the country's national strategy on HIV/AIDS in the year 2005. He added that the Emergency Plan has also targeted the provision of anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment to two million people, prevent seven million new infections and providing care and support to about ten million people infected and affected by the pandemic. In addition to providing ARV drugs, he said, the U.S would provide support in capacity building of the Ethiopian health care system and infrastructure to deliver anti-retroviral treatment programme, including training of health care professionals and the establishment of an effective supply chain management system and of laboratory services to monitor the treatment. It would also exert utmost efforts in support of the local production of ARV drugs having low cost and high generic quality, he said. Addis, Leipzig sign twin cities agreement ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Addis Ababa City Administration and Leipzig City in Germany have entered into a partnership agreement that would enable them foster socio-economic relations. The two twin cities reached agreement to support each other in a bid to accelerate progress, Mayor Arkebe Equbay said while signing the agreement with Mayor of Leipzig City Council Wolrgang Tiefensee here yesterday. Arkebe said the city government is committed to take the partnership to a higher level of cooperation. The City has faced a number of challenges and opportunities, he said adding poverty is the key challenge while pro-poor policies and strategies have been put in place to address the problems. The city government has launched integrated housing development programme that promotes the development of micro and small enterprises to address housing and unemployment problems, the mayor said. Speaking about the threat posed by HIV/AIDS Arkebe said, "… our efforts would be undermined unless the problem posed to our society by HIV/AIDS is fought vigorously". In this regard, the city has paid due attention to community participation in combating the pandemic, he said. Much remains to be done to alleviate the city's problems, as it is the headquarters of the African Union, Wolfgang Tiefensee said. Tiefensee said the city government should foster its relations with other sister cities of advanced countries to bring about the desired transformation. Leipzig City had similar impediments 20 years ago, the mayor said adding it resolved the problems through integrated working mechanism. Manager of Leipzig City and other guests attended the signing ceremony held at the Addis Ababa City Administration Office. ================================== Pol.ethiopia Dec.13,2004 ====================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue Dec 14 13:28:23 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:42 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041214112823.61944.qmail@web53306.mail.yahoo.com> December 14, 2004 Meles, Koehler say Ethio-German relations gaining momentum 67 mln. euro debt cancellation agreement singed by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and German President His Excellency Prof. Dr. Horst Koehler said that the bilateral relations between the two countries have gained momentum. In a joint press briefing they gave to local journalists and international correspondents at the National Palace yesterday, Meles said that the exchange of high delegation visits between Ethiopia and Germany is a reflection of amicable relations between the two countries. "We are celebrating this year the centenary of diplomatic relations between Germany and Ethiopia. We in Ethiopia believe that despite the century-old very close ties and relations, the two countries have never achieved a very high level of cooperation than at this stage," Meles said. Asked about Ethio-Eritrea's border dispute, Meles said that his country is committed to deal with dialogue and address the root causes of the problem. According to the Prime Minister, agreements have been reached on a wide-range of issues that would be instrumental in enhancing the bilateral cooperation between the two countries. President Koehler on his part commended Ethiopia's measures in tackling poverty and backwardness and expressed his country's commitment to further consolidate the bilateral relations between two sisterly countries. "I can tell you how I was impressed that the government of Ethiopia is strengthening democracy and dealing with human rights issues. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Meles, this country moves in the right direction. The changes made would help the country and its people move forward," the president said. "Germany sees Ethiopia as a partner for economic development and I am sure further debates and discussions lead to stronger ties between the two countries, especially in the areas of technical and vocational trainings," he said. Speaking of the Ethio-Eritrea border issue, the president said that war is against the interest of the peoples of the two nations. The two governments have to do their level best in solving their problems peacefully and strive to combating their daunting enemies - poverty and backwardness. They both discussed issues pertinent to combating HIV/AIDS. The governments of Ethiopia and Germany also signed yesterday a debt cancellation agreement for a total of around 67 million euro. State Minister of Finance and Economic Development Dr. Mulu Ketsela and the Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office Kerstin Muller, singed the agreement at the National Palace in the presence of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and German President Horst Koehler. After signing the agreement, Minister of State Muller said that the debt cancellation would support Ethiopia in its economic reform effort and fighting poverty. "I welcome Ethiopia's increased investment in education, agriculture and infrastructure, which is laying the foundations for sustainable development and the reduction of poverty in the country. We will continue to support Ethiopia as our traditionally close and amicable relations enter a second century," she said. Dr. Mulu on her part told journalists that the agreement shows the enhancement of the bilateral cooperation between the two countries every year. According to the State Minister, Germany is helping Ethiopia's economic endeavours especially in providing technical assistance. "The new bilateral consultation negotiation that would begin in March 2005 would have also great contribution for further enhancing the cooperation between the two countries," she said. Ethiopia succeeded in fulfilling eligibility criteria for the Cologne Debt Initiative (HIPC) in April 2004. The basis of the agreement is the 13 October 2004 arrangement by all affected Paris Club creditors to grant Ethiopia a debt relief on 90 per cent of state guaranteed debt from export transactions, embassy press release indicated. The release further states that the German Government is willing to waive 100 per cent of the country's debts, as Federal Chancellor Gerhard Schroder announced at of the EU Africa Summit in Cairo in April 2000 and confirmed during his visit to Ethiopia in January 2004. After canceling financial cooperation liabilities of approximately 54 million euro in 1990, the Federal Government has now forgiven Ethiopia a total of around 97 million euro in commercial debts since 1993, the release added. Germany is supporting Ethiopia mainly in capacity building, food security and education areas, it was learnt. Meanwhile, ENA said a delegation led by State Secretary for Economic and Labour Affairs of Germany Rudolf Anzinger visited the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) here yesterday, a press release issued by MTI said. According to the release the ministry sent to ENA, Trade and Industry Minister Girma Birru held discussion with the delegation on issue of investments ties between the two countries. Officials from the Investment Commission and the Development Bank of Ethiopia gave briefings to the delegation about the incentives and favourable investment atmosphere existing in the country as well as the provision of loan services. Speaker says gov't committed to ensure child rights ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives said Ethiopia has issued and been implementing various regulations aimed at ensuring child rights. Dawit Yohannes said the Ethiopian Government has given special attention to preventing child labour exploitation and child abuse. He made the remark in a speech he delivered here yesterday during an official launching of the National Children's Plan of Action at the United Nations Conference Centre. There are 4.6 million orphans under the age of 17 in the country, Dawit said quoting a data by the Ministry of Health. He said most of the stated number of children lost both of their parents as a result of HIV/AIDS. The orphans have been unable to continue their education, he said, adding that female orphans are exposed to sexual abuse. The issuance of the National Children's Plan of Action shows how the government is committed to ensuring the rights of children, Dawit said. He also called upon donor organizations and stakeholders to extend support to the successful implementation of the plan of action. Speaking on his part, labour and Social Affairs Minister Hassen Abdella said the Plan of Action to be implemented from 2003 to 2010 would help orphans to lead a healthy life, get access to education and prevent child abuse as child labour exploitation. The two-day meeting would extensively deliberate on the plan of action. Board says launches effort to remove partisan election executives ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The National Electoral Board said it has launched an all-out effort to remove election executives who have become members of political parties and councils under various circumstances with a view to avoiding partisanships during the forthcoming national election. Board Deputy Head Tesfaye Mengesha said the Board had exerted maximum efforts to make sure that election executives are free from political partisanships. Tesfaye made the statement while opening the first training organized for heads of constituencies that opened here yesterday. He said the Board is now ready to replace partisan election executives with non-partisan ones. Tesfaye said similar measures would be taken on election executives who are found to be members of political parties or council members. Orientations will be given to the trainees on the recruition of election executives, their duties and responsibilities as well as the establishment of constituencies and polling stations. Registration of candidates and voters, casting votes and electoral laws and their implementation will be included in the orientations. Contending parties debate on rural dev't policy, land ownership by Getachew Dibaba ADDIS ABABA - The ruling Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Front (EPRDF) and opposition parties Coalition of Unity and Democracy (CUD) and United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) Sunday debated on rural development policy and land ownership. In the debate organized by the Inter-Africa Group for contestant parties for the upcoming election, and held at UN Convention Centre, representatives of CUD and UEDF said the rural development policy and strategy pursed by the government is not effective to address multifarious challenges of farmers while EPRDF representatives said the policy is a critical tool to put the country on the path of sustainable development. CUD said the policy is exacerbating hunger and putting the number of people living in absolute poverty on the rise. According to CUD, the rural development policy does not put emphasis on large-scale irrigation and address the demand-side, which the party said are critical factors in boosting the productivity of the agriculture. Ethiopian farmers depend largely on rain-fed agriculture rather than irrigation and that leaves them vulnerable to climatic shocks, it said. The party cited land ownership, structural inconsistency and nation wide uniformity of development programmes as major problems of the policy. CUD, accordingly stressed abrogating the article of the Constitution, which bans policy flexibility, private ownership, sale and exchange of land. The present land tenure system, CUD said, does not encourage farmers to exert all-out efforts to augment agricultural productivity. This in turn contributes to soil degradation and declining of soil fertility, the party said. Representatives of UEDF also said that members of the ruling party at grassroots level are hampering farmers from improving the performance of agriculture. The ruling party members force the farmers to assemble unwillingly and organize for political purpose at multifarious levels, they said. As development agents are poorly trained and politically affiliated, the lives of farmers are getting worse, UEDF added. EPRDF, however, said that encouraging results have been witnessed over the last few years by the rural development policy, which aims at ensuring speedy economic growth so as to take the country out of abject poverty. The ruling party said that the policy was designed in line with the resources of the country. It said land and labour are immense resources, which have the potential in extricating the country from the abyss of poverty in shortest time possible. According to EPRDF, private ownership of the land in the current Ethiopian situation would pose threats to lives of farmers, which account for 85 per cent of the total population. It further said private ownership of land would put farmers at the mercy of few individuals. According to EPRDF, the rural development policy was developed in such a way to ensure fair economic growth, build free market economy and disentangle the country from aid-dependency. EPRDF said the policy is bearing fruits through the efforts exerted in addressing deep-rooted problems of the farmers. The policy and strategy provided favourable environment to promote education, health and infrastructure, among others. Enhancing the capacity of farmers through training and education, provision of improved seed, development of small-scale irrigation and water harvesting scheme and establishment of financial institutions were cited by EPRDF representatives as major steps taken to ensure food security. ==================================== Pol.ethiopia Dec.14,2004 ======================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Easier than ever with enhanced search. Learn more. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Dec 15 09:55:32 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:42 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041215075533.11698.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> December 15, 2004 Electoral Board to begin document dispatch ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The National Electoral Board (NEB) announced that preparations have been finalized to distribute election materials including registration forms for candidates as well as voters to the 35,000 constituencies across the country. The first round distribution will begin Friday to constituencies in the Amhara, Tigray and Afar states, Board Logistics, Assignment and Distribution Head Biruk Wondwosen told ENA yesterday. Sufficient documents have been made handy for distribution to the 9,469 constituencies in the three states, he added. According to Biruk, election executives who are here in Addis on training will deliver the election materials to their respective constituencies. The registration of candidates and voters is scheduled to take place across the nation from January 9 to February 7,2005. Meanwhile, the Gambella People Democratic Movement has taken its 85 election candidates out for public comments. Some 82 of the candidates facing the comments will be vying for seats in the state council and the others for membership in the House of Peoples Representatives, Movement Deputy Chairperson Umed Ubang told ENA yesterday. The criteria the Movement has set for nomination of the candidates include commitments to fight corruption, parochialism and to solve problems and promote democratic outlooks, he indicated. Good ethics and having no criminal records are the other paradigms against which the candidates are being checked, he said. Candidates will be made eligible also on the bases of their strong stand to helping build the new Ethiopia based on peoples' unity and willful coexistence, the free economic system and based on their adherence to the supremacy of people, he indicated. If candidates fail at the face of public comments and members, other prospective candidates who would also go through the same process would replace them, he added. Some 24 of the candidates are female and representatives of farmers, he said. Nomination has taken into consideration the balanced representation of nationalities. New Peace Initiative said only alternative to resolve problems ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Leaders of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council say the New Peace Initiative proposed by Ethiopia is the only alternative to bring about development and close relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The leaders said they have understood from past joint meetings the interest of Eritrean religious leaders for peace. Eritrea should accept the New Peace Initiative considering the devastating effect of war on humans and property, Council Deputy President, Sheik Elias Redwan and Secretary General of the Council, Hajji Yesuf Ali told ENA yesterday. Democracy, good governance and progress could be achieved where peace prevails, the officials said. The resultant effect of war is ignorance, famine, migration and instability, they said adding leaders of Eritrea should allow their people benefit from peace by accepting the New Peace Initiative proposed by Ethiopia. They said they are certain that the peoples of Eritrea seek peace, adding Eritrean religious leaders have shown interest during discussions religious leaders of the two countries held in the past. The give and take principle is not unique to Ethiopia and Eritrea, the officials said adding Israel had left petroleum treasure which built on Sinai desert without any compensation during a roundtable meeting Egypt and Israel held in 1967. The leadership in Eritrea should know that problems could be peacefully resolved if the two countries negotiate, the officials indicated. They said Eritrean leaders should succumb to peace with a view to bringing about peace between the two countries. Meanwhile, civil servants in East Shoa Zone of Oromia State expressed support for the new peace proposal forwarded by the Government of Ethiopia to peacefully resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute. In a meeting they held in Zeway town Monday, the civil servants said that the peace initiative shows how the Ethiopian Government is committed to peace. They said the peace initiative would enable the country to embark up its development endeavour aimed a reducing poverty. They said the peace proposal would enable to renew the relations between the two neighbouring states. Similarly, teachers and other civil servants in Dilla town Gedio Zone of Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples State have expressed support to the new peace proposal. The teachers and workers voiced their support saying the peace proposal would bring about sustainable settlement to the dispute between the two neighbouring countries. During discussions they held recently, the teachers and workers said the peace initiative which won appreciation from the international community would enable Ethiopia to further enhance its multi-sectoral development efforts. With the proposal, Ethiopia once again demonstrates its firm commitments for peace, they said. Gov't committed to safeguard rights of Ethiopians in Diaspora ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Government has been doing its level best to enhance the participation of Ethiopians in Diaspora in the development of their country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. The government is committed to encourage Ethiopians living abroad to participate in the overall development endeavours in their native land, the Ministry quoted Minister Councilor of the Ethiopian Embassy in Kuwait, Tesfaye Haile-Mariam as saying. Tesfaye made the statement recently while discussing with members of the Ethiopian community in Kuwait. He said the government is committed to safeguard the rights of its citizens living abroad and help them get better job opportunities. Tesfaye said Ethiopians living in Kuwait should strengthen their attachments to their country through the embassy, as it is instrumental in safeguarding their rights and contributing their share towards the development of the country. They should also play a leading role in searching market for Ethiopian export products and attracting investment into Ethiopia, he said. The members of the community on their part vowed to strengthen their attachment to their homeland and actively participate in the development of their country. Some 150 Ethiopians were in attendance at the meeting, according to the ministry. ============================== Pol.ethiopia Dec.15,2004 ========================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Send holiday email and support a worthy cause. Do good. http://celebrity.mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri Dec 17 15:52:29 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:42 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041217135229.85248.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> December 16, 2004 US allocate 20 mln. USD to support half a million orphans by Yemane Terefe ADDIS ABABA - The United States allocated 20 million USD through Save the Children (SC/US) and its partners to support over half a million orphans and other vulnerable children in the coming five years in Ethiopia. Speaking at programme entitled "Positive Change: Children, Communities and Care (PC3)" held at the Exhibition Centre yesterday, President Girma Wolde-Giorgis said that due to various man-made and natural reasons, children are becoming more vulnerable and demanding more protection and support. The president added that the HIV/AIDS epidemic has tremendously increased the number of orphaned children in Ethiopia. He also said with the number of children that require protection and support soaring and ever larger numbers of adults are falling ill with HIV/AIDS and extended family dependency have simply been over-whelmed. According to him, the Government of Ethiopia has put in place a multi-sectoral response mechanism to curb the multifarious impacts of the epidemic. Accordingly, national and regional HIV/AIDS councils and secretariats are working hand in hand with concerned organizations and are bringing positive impact in the effort to tackle the problem. Mr. Adam Keehn, SC/US Director on his part said HIV/AIDS is of course a problem to day, but its impact on the lives of children would continue for several generations. As the number of impoverished children rise, their insecurity worsens, education, and work opportunities decline, nurturing and support systems erode and mortality rises, the director said. "It is better to devote resources toward strengthening the abilities of families and communities to care for orphans and other vulnerable children. Community-based solutions will have broader impact, and more support should go to extended families that care for orphans, to improve income generating opportunities as well as to credit and health care services," he added. He indicated that the PC3 partnership intends to improve the wellbeing of orphans and other vulnerable children (OVC) and families affected by HIV/AIDS. The programme will also utilize the extensive experience with expertise in community-based to increase the use of community supports and protective practices for OVC, caregivers and families. Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Hassen Abdella also said that according to the recent national report on HIV/AIDS, out of 4.6 million orphaned children under seventeen years of age, a considerable number of children are accounted to lose their parents due to the epidemic. He also said that the HIV/AIDS pandemic has tremendously increased the number of child headed households, changing cultural patterns of childcare, and putting an incredible strain on social safety nets. The PC3 project agreement was signed on the occasion among the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, HAPCO Head and SC/US Director. Billboard that depicts future hope of orphaned children was also unveiled in the presence of President Girma. EOC calls on Eritrean religious leaders to strive for peace proposal implementation ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) called upon religious leaders in Eritrea to contribute their share toward the implementation of Ethiopia's five-point peace initiative aimed at peacefully resolving the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute. In a statement he gave here yesterday, EOC Patriarch His Holiness Abune Paulos urged the Eritrean religious leaders to denounce the alternative of dragging the peoples of the two countries into war and do their level best for the practical application on the practical application of the new peace proposal. He said EOC strongly supports the New Peace Initiative and would strive for its implementation. The Patriarch recalled that the people in the country on their part were offering prayers for the prevalence of peace in Ethiopia, Eritrea and the world as well. Pointing out that the new peace proposal is the sole alternative for bringing about peace between the two countries, Abune Paulos said much is expected from Eritreans in ensuring the peace gained through the sacrifices of many people by taking into account the consequences of war would bring on the peoples of the two nations. The EOC along with pertinent bodies will continue to strive for the implementation of the peace initiative in the two countries, he said. Delegation says trade, investment progressing in Ethiopia ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopia has shown great progress in the trade and investment sector, State Secretary in the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour Rudolf Anzinger said. The State Secretary, who is also head of the German business delegation, made the remark while holding discussion with members of the Ethiopian Private Sector and Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce (ECC) here yesterday. He said in the conversations they made so far, the delegation has been assured that the Ethiopian Government is trying to improve the working conditions by removing bureaucratic bottlenecks, introducing reliability and acceleration in the decision making processes, among others. According to the State Secretary, these reforms and the stable domestic-policy conditions make Ethiopia attractive even for long-term investment. The development of industry, the utilization of agricultural potentials and the exploitation of mineral resources require a good infrastructure, he said, adding that this is an area in which German companies are particularly skilled. Some of the firms represented in the delegation have long been operating in Ethiopia and are aspiring to expand their activities, he said. Deputy President of the ECC Solomon Afework said on the occasion that the numerous business contacts between Ethiopia and German companies has made Germany one of the most important trading partners for Ethiopia. According to Solomon, Germany comprises an average annual trade of more than 100 million US dollars. He said the visits that have been made so far by the German business delegations this year alone and the fact that a good number of potential business partners from Ethiopia represented here in the discussion are clear indicators of the growing interest to do business between the two countries. During its stay here, the German business delegation will further make discussions with the Ethiopian entrepreneurs on the issues of bilateral trade and investment relations. President Koehler reaffirms German's support to Africa by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - German President His Excellency Prof. Dr. Horst Koehler reaffirmed his country's commitment to increase its development assistance to Africa. Addressing members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, German delegates and other invited guests at the Conference Hall of the African Union (AU) yesterday, the President reassured that his country is willing to put all efforts for the betterment of the continent. Though Africa needs further improvements in the areas of good governance, aid management democracy and human rights, Germany is ready to extend its development support, Koehler said. The president underlined the importance of good governance and self-responsibility to bring about economic and social progress in the continent. Accordingly, the president indicated the importance of full participation of the society and the pivotal role of administrators and officials of the continent. He further emphasized that every effort must be made to ensure full participation of all sections of the society in the political process to enable Africans contribute to economic development and share the benefits that it brings. For Africa has its own unique character as part of rich diversity, which makes out planet what it is the continent should be free from hazards so as to give its citizens conducive working environment, the president said. "I can not accept anyone who invokes this special character to justify lack of action and abuses directed against the fellow citizens," Prof. Dr. Koehler said. The president also underlined the importance of informing the developed world about Africa by pointing out deficiencies, misconceptions and misunderstandings. "Such openness on both sides in my view is essential to true partnership," he said. "Let us work together to ensure that we in the North should not learn about Africa primarily through reports of famine, asylum seekers, civil war and child soldiers," he added. According to the president, Africa is especially hard hit by devastating diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria. In addition, armed conflicts are still daily realities in many parts of the continent, he said. The president also said Africa needs much more assistance to tackle scourges of mankind and provision of extra money in addition to the funds requires to boost economic development. Moreover, HIV/AIDS requires more preventive information and education, Prof. Dr. Horst said. He further said, "While HIV/AIDS prevention may appear costly and difficult to measure its success, the costs of war are incomparably higher than any cost that causes human suffering." Prof. Dr. Horst commended the progress in the area of security, as it helps to improve domestic capacity and foreign investment flow. He also commended efforts of NEPAD and other regional organizations. The President also expressed German's commitment to increase its annual development assistance to Africa emphasizing wise use of money only for the intended purpose. Chairperson of the African Union Commission Prof. Alpha Oumar Konare on his part lauded German's conviction in supporting various development projects in Africa. The Commissioner also mentioned several pledges that Africa has received from different corners which have eventually not realized. Unless adequate assistance is provided to the continent, it would be very difficult for it to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Konare said. Despite their multifaceted problems, Africans and their organization AU are striving to realize rapid development, good governance and democracy in the continent and these endeavours need the assistance of the developed nations. "Africa needs not only it's of development aid but also its debt burden has to be minimized or relieved," the Commissioner said. The AU is also doing its level best in solving various problems of the continent through dialogue, the Commissioner added. According to Konare, Africa is the continent of the future. "We are the young, new market. We can not talk of the future of the world without talking about Africa," he said. Meanwhile, President Koehler has also held discussions with Speakers of the Houses of Peoples' Representatives and of the Federation here yesterday, ENA reported. During the talks, the two sides exchanged views on national and international issues. The German delegation led by President Koehler also visited the German Community School located in an area known as Aware here in the metropolis. During his visit, President Koehler had held discussion with the students of the school. President Koehler along the Addis Ababa City Mayor Arkebe Equaby also visited the apartments being built with the assistance of the German Government. Briefing the German delegation, Arkebe said the City Administration would construct 200,000 residential units in the next five years. Arkebe also told the delegation that the construction of the apartments being undertaken in cooperation with the German Technical Cooperation would help alleviate poverty and create job opportunities. President Koehler on the occasion appreciated the efforts being made by the city administration to mitigate housing problems. ===================================== Pol.ethiopia Dec.17,2004 ========================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Send holiday email and support a worthy cause. Do good. http://celebrity.mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu Dec 23 10:09:42 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:42 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041223080942.97829.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> December 22, 2004 President receives credentials ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis said yesterday that Ethiopia is desirous of further consolidating its cooperation with Algeria, Iran, Kuwait and Mexico. Girma said that Ethiopia is keen to further strengthen its trade and investment cooperation with the aforementioned countries in the years ahead. President Girma was receiving letters of credence of the newly appointed ambassadors of these countries at the National Palace. While receiving the Algerian Ambassador Aouam Nur Eddzne, Girma said Ethiopia is interested to strengthen its political ties with Algeria, as it did in the economic sector. The Algerian Ambassador told journalists after the audience that he had also delivered a message from President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to President Girma. During the talks with the newly appointed Iranian Ambassador that Kiomars Fotouhi Chiam, President Girma said the two countries need to further strengthen their economic cooperation. He also called upon Iranian entrepreneurs to invest in Ethiopia. The ambassador said on his part that Iranian investors have already been engaged in aluminum production, among others, in Ethiopia and added that several other entrepreneurs are also desirous of investing in the agricultural sector. While conferring with the newly appointed Kuwaiti Ambassador Faisal Aladwani, President Girma said that Kuwaiti entrepreneurs would be beneficiary of they invest in Ethiopia. He also urged the ambassador to persuade Kuwaitis to visit the various tourist sites in Ethiopia. Ambassador Faisal pointed out on his part that his country had granted loan for the execution of development projects and installation of power line in the Afar State. The ambassadors of Iran and Kuwait said that during their talks with the President they have reaffirmed their respective country's support for Ethiopia's five-point peace proposal to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute. While receiving the credentials of the Mexican Ambassador who is residing in Nairobi, Kenya, Margarita Diegez, President Girma requested the ambassador that Mexico need to open its embassy in Addis Ababa, as Ethiopia is the seat of African Union and other international organizations, according to a spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. House endorses civil aviation security bill ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The House of Peoples' Representatives has endorsed a draft proclamation providing for the Civil Aviation Security. It also referred two other bills for pertinent standing committees for further scrutiny. In its regular session yesterday, the House endorsed the report and recommendations submitted to it by the Foreign, Defence and Security Affairs Standing Committee. Ethiopia, one of the founding members of the International Civil Aviation Organization, has ratified the international civil aviation convention in 1944. The bill would be instrumental in carrying out security activities in an integrated manner. The House meanwhile, referred a bill providing for ratifying an agreement on tourism cooperation between Ethiopia and the Sudan to the Information and cultural Affairs Standing Committee. It also referred a bill related to export trade to the Trade and Industry Affairs Standing Committee. ETC says striving to deliver standard service by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation (ETC) said that it is striving to realize efficient and multiples of services to its customers. It says it is also accessing zonal reports, considering customers complaints and analyzing what is set by the Corporation as standard services. At a consultative meeting it organized with the Addis Eastern District customers and administrators at the premises of the Corporation's head office yesterday, Telecom Business Service Department Manager Abayneh Ababe said that the corporation is undertaking reforms in the areas of operation, infrastructure and service delivery to meet the demands of its customers. The manager said that the Corporation is initiating the public to acquire a sense of ownership and ask their rights when and where it is necessary. Likewise, consultative meetings like this one were held six times so far and they are thought to be instrumental in enabling everyone examine the defects and discharge his duty and responsibility, Abayneh said. Communication Division Manager with the Corporation Abdurahim Ahmed on his part said that efforts have been underway to pinpoint the problems and provide the necessary solutions as soon as possible. He added that the Corporation analyzed reports of different branches, heard customers complaints and undertook sight visits to different centres to improve its services concerning the future few months plan of the Corporation, Abdurahim indicated that 200,000 mobile lines would be distributed among Addis Ababa customers while 150,000 lines would go to states and 104 towns get the service. Moreover, preparations are underway to implement additional 600,000 mobile lines, he said. On the occasion ETC Eastern Addis Ababa District Manager Samuel Barbe also said that the district would provide fixed and mobile phones as well as Internet services for 18,000, 37,446 and 5,225 clients respectively this fiscal year. In addition 420 public phones would be fixed in the district while 26 new telephone centres would be operational, he said. According to the manager, progresses have been made in the service delivery, financial management as well as construction of infrastructures in the district. He said that problems are also solve quickly and technical failures are corrected within a maximum of one week while 95 per cent of the money from service provision is collected monthly. In addition, some 36,600 new cables would be installed and 12 million birr is expected to be collected every month from customers, the manager said. At the consultation, explanations were provided to the participants on the services of the Corporation including the new. Broadband Multimedia and a pilot project on implementing civil service reform on some of the centres in the district. It was also mentioned that many institutions are requesting to get the Bradband Multimedia service noticing improvements that have been made in the selected centres regarding the service delivery system. In addition, new lines are being provided within 16 days as opposed to the previous 25 days, while maintenance works are completed in a maximum of 17 days as opposed to 31 days, service charges are within 18 days, not in 29 days like the past, the manager said. Internet congestions, failure to respond to the feedbacks regarding maintenance of telephone and Internet lines, failure in prioritizing customers mobile phone demands bill exaggerations as well as unfairness and short due time to collect service charges were some of the complains raised by the participants. In response to the complaints, the officials and various department representatives agreed to correct them and improve their failure. They specially agreed to give greater attention to 168 golden customers in the district who pay a bill of 5,000 - 8,000 birr. ============================== Pol.ethiopia Dec.23,2004 ====================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? All your favorites on one personal page – Try My Yahoo! http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu Dec 23 11:17:19 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:42 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041223091719.36335.qmail@web53308.mail.yahoo.com> December 23, 2004 Eritrea most likely to face isolation for rejecting peace proposal: Political Scientist ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Eritrea is most likely to face isolation for its rejection of the much-admired peace proposal put forward by Ethiopia to resolve the Ethiopia-Eritrea border dispute, Deputy Dean of the Addis Ababa University said. The rejection by Eritrea of the peace proposal would entail cynicism as to its attentiveness to international responsibilities, says Assistant Professor Mohammed Habib. A political scientist in international law, Mohammed said that Eritrea would face pressures from the international community for keeping at bay the peace proposal that has been welcomed already by the member countries of the European Union, the African Union, the United Nations and numerous other international organizations. The professor said that accepting decisions in principle is not a new thing for there were various cases in which border disputes were resolved through such process. South American, European, Middle East countries and recently Nigeria and Cameroon have managed to resolve their border dispute by accepting decisions "in principle", he said. Resorting to peaceful means to ensure rights is civil in as much as it is non-optional to maintain national interest and sovereignty, he said, adding conversely warlike attitude would be tantamount to narrowing development opportunities and endangering one's sovereignty. He said Ethiopia would not have gained such a suddent shower of welcome after welcome, had its proposal been in contravention of international law. Meanwhile, the Tigray State Women's Association has expressed its support for peace initiative. Association Chairwoman Tamirat Belay said yesterday that the association appreciates the new peace proposal for war is destructive both to human live's and property. Tamirat also said the association lauds the new peace initiative as war impedes the on-going national efforts geared toward reducing poverty and bringing about speedy economic development. The chairwoman said members of the association would rally behind the government with a view to ensuring peace between the two countries since women and children are highly vulnerable to war. She urged on the occasion the Eritrean women to put pressure on the incumbent Eritrean government to accept the tnw peace initiative. Tigray Women's Association has more than 450,000 members at present. New party attains legal recognition ADDIS ABABA (ENA) The National Electoral Board has given certificate of legal recognition to a new political party the Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement. Board Political Parties Registration Acting Head Mekonnen Wondimu told ENA yesterday that the Movement operating at national level is the 75th to attain legal recognition. According to the Board, 16 political parties operate at national level and the rest at regional level. UNSC welcomes Ethiopia's New Peace Initiative ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The United Nationsl Security Council (UNSC) has welcomed Ethiopia's new peace intiaitive forwarded to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute, the Ministry of Information disclosed here yesterday. According to current Council President Abdella Balli of Algeria, the Security Council has accepted the five point peace proposal adopted by the House of Peoples' Representatives November 25,2004 the ministry said in a press statement sent to ENA. Appreciating activities underway to resolve the dispute, the Security Council noted that the two countries need to promote good neighborliness and peaceful co-existence by ending the dispute. Pointing out that the two nations should iron our their differences only through peaceful means in accordance with the Algiers Peace Accord, the Security Council warned the two countries to refrain from any provocative act. Any provocative act in the bordre area would be considered disruptive to peace in the region, said the Security Council in a statement issued Tuesday. Members of the Security Council have expressed their commitment to extend the necessary support for the success of the peace efforts being made by Secretary General Kofi Annan's special envoy Loyd Axworthy and the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) as well. Premier appoints university presidents ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has appointed Dr. Belay Kassa and Dr. Yared Wondimkun as Presidents of the Alemaya and Gondar Universities respectively. According to a letter the Office of the Prime Minister sent to ENA yesterday, the appointment takes effect December 24. Dr. Belay Kassa has served the Alemaya University since 1975 E.C. as instructor, researcher, academic and research deputy president as well as different departments at various times, the Office said. Similarly, Dr. Yared Wondimkun has made able contributions during his service years as instructor, researcher and have much experience discharging his duties and responsibilities in his capacity as department head to dean of the university, the Office said. China, Ethiopia say committed to expand all-round partnership ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The heads of Chinese and Ethiopian legislative bodies said Tuesday that the two countries have strongpolitical will to further expand partnership and all-round cooperation, Xinhuanet reported from Beijing. Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China, and Mulatu Teshome, Speaker of the House of the Federation, made the comment during their meeting in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Tuesday. Both the NPC and the Ethiopian Parliament play an important role in the political life of their countries, Wu said adding that the NPC is ready to join efforts with its Ethiopian counterpart to make positive contributions to the all-round development of the bilateral relations. The two sides have maintained cooperation in recent years, he said. Mulatu said on his part that the two countries share broad common interests and that bilateral relations between them have been growing in recent years. He said the enhanced mutual trust will serve as a basis for expansion of trade and investment between the two countries. He said the exchanges and cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries will also play a pivotal rol in the development of the bilateral relations. Exchange of visits between senior leaders of the two countries has been frequent in the past two years. This is the second time that Mulatu visited China over the past few years. His current visit follows Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's visit to China in November. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabal visted Ethiopia last December when he attended the opening ceremony of the Second Ministerial Conference of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum. Mualtu said the China-Africa Cooperation Forum serves as a bridge of exchanges and cooperation between African and China, which helps both sides overcome their distance and become even closer to each other. Wu said China highly values its relationship with Africa. He said China is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with all African countreis within the framework of the China Africa Cooperation Forum, so as to furhter deepen the long-term, stable, equal and mutually beneficial partnership between China and Africa. China and Ethiopia established diplomatic relations more thatn 30 years ago. Over the years, the two countries have conducted fruitful cooperation in such fields as politics, trade economy, culture, education, health and international affairs. Wu said China is ready to Cooperate with Ethiopia to strengthen the all-round partnership between the two countries. ================================= pol.ethiopia Dec.23,2004 =================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Jazz up your holiday email with celebrity designs. Learn more. http://celebrity.mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Dec 27 14:13:44 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:42 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041227121344.22758.qmail@web53308.mail.yahoo.com> December 25, 2004 Eritreans ought to pressurize gov't to accept Ethiopia's peace proposal: Ministry ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the need that Eritreans at home and in the Diaspora should pressurize their government to accept Ethiopia' five-point new peace initiative met to resolve the Ethio-Eritrean Government should realize that the border dispute between the two countries would only be solved through peaceful means. It said the new peace proposal invites the Eritrean Government to enter into negotiation to resolve the dispute peacefully. The Ministry said that failure to accept the new peace proposal on the part of the Eritrean Government would lead the two countries to unwanted situations, which it said, would also be a threat to the peace and stability in East Africa. It said Ethiopia has repeatedly confirmed that it would not go to war unless forced to do so, as democracy and development are its two top most agendas. It said Ethiopia believes that the dispute could be resolved through peaceful means and the principle of give and take. Board to dispatch special documents ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The National Electoral Board announced that election materials have been prepared for dispatch to 31 special constituencies. The Constitution stipulates that a constituency embracing any given area inhabited by 100,000 people population is less than 100,000 are given special representation. Officials with the office of the Board told ENA that the special constituencies will thus receive the regular and special election materials which will enable them to participate in the election and get seats in the House of Peoples' Representatives as well as state councils. The officials made the announcement at the opening here yesterday of a training to election executives by the Boards Civics Education Training Centre for the third time in a series. Some 139 election executives drawn from the Southern Nations, Nationalities and peoples, Benshangul-Gumiz, Gambella and Harari states, where the nationalities with special representation rights live, are attending the three-day training. Earlier, special election documents were dispatched to the Kunama and Irob special constituencies in the Tigray State and to the Argoba Special Constituency in the Amhara State. Meanwhile, the North Shoa Zone Electoral Board Office in the Amhara State said it has distributed election materials to the respective constituencies. Office Head Tesemma Kebede told ENA yesterday that the election materials include posters, documents and voter ID cards, among others. The office distributed the materials to 14 constituencies beginning 18 December. Tesemma said the constituencies will in turn redistribute the election materials to 941 polling stations in the zone up to the beginning of January 1997 E.C. According to the Head, All Ethiopia Unity Party (AEUP) and an independent candidate have been collecting candidature endorsement signatures in the zone. Council of Minister refers bill providing for amendment of election law ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Council of Ministers during its regular session yesterday referred a bill providing for the amendment of the election proclamation to the House of Peoples' Representatives for endorsement. The council endorsed the bill prepared and submitted by the Ministry of Justice after including necessary amendments. The council endorsed and referred the bill after it was found important to incorporate the numerous points of amendment recommended by opposition political parties, Office of the Prime Minister told ENA in a statement yesterday. The council also made some amendments found essential to enhance the rights of citizens to elect and be elected. The amendments are believed to further enhance the democratic system being nurtured in the country and to further nourish the implementation of the upcoming national and state elections. It has been decided that most of the amendments be enforced in the 2005 elections, the statement said, adding the council passed resolution for inclusion of a provisional period for the enactment after the elections of those stipulations in the amendment related to the reorganization of constituencies in line with results of population census and those pertinent to the electoral board. The council thus unanimously referred the bill to the House of Peoples' Representatives for endorsement. All stakeholders' efforts indispensable to make upcoming election free, fair ADDIS ABABA - The Ministry of Information, in its weekly statement issued yesterday said that it is a universal fact that a democratic order has a decisive role in promoting development, peace and respect the rights of citizens. In addition to this, the weekly statement pointed out that a free and fair election is one of the expressions and main feature of any democratic system. In our country, active participation of the entire people is of a paramount importance to ensure progress in every aspect of life, the statement indicated. Not, only it is a better option, but also it is indispensable for the survival of our country, the statement added. It also said, it is from this fundamental principle all citizens and political parties are showing keen interest in upcoming election. Of course, it is recalled that the implementation of a democratic election has been demonstrated in the past two elections, the statement asserted. However, anyone, who could remember the process of the two elections, there were some irregularities due to inexperience and backward culture the statement said. In spite of this, the upcoming election is hoped to be implemented under better conditions by drawing lessons from past experiences, the statement further reiterated. Finally, it said that one must not keep away from the election process at any point in time. December 26, 2004 National Team win CECAFA Al-Amoudi Senior Challenge Cup ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The CECAFA Al-Amoudi Senior Challenge Cup, sponsored by business tycoon Sheikh Mohammed Hussien Al Amoudi, wrapped up here in the African Capital Addis Ababa yesterday with Ethiopia beating Burundi 3-0. Sudan beat Kenya 2-1 to take the third place. President Girma Wolde-Giorgis awarded the trophy to captain of the Ethiopian Squad Zewdu Bekele. The playoffs at the Addis Ababa Stadium were attended by close to 30,000 spectators. Government officials like Capacity Building Minister Teferra Waluwa, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Ambassador Tehsome Toga, Mayor Arkebe Equbay, and CECAFA officials, including President of Ethiopian Football Federation Dr. Ashebir Wolde-Giorgis, dignitaries, and diplomats and invited guests were also present. This is the third time for the Ethiopian National Football Team to clinch the CECAFA Cup and thus the trophy remains here in Addis - the same wish Al-Amoudi made at the opening a fortnight ago at the launching of the tournament. "I wish all to play well, but I want the trophy to remain in Addis." Nine Central and Eastern African countries participated in the 28th CECAFA AL-Amoudi Senior Challenge Cup. All the four national teams Ethiopia, Burundi, Sudan and Kenya received prize money according to their standing. The Ethiopian National Team displayed superiority all through the 90 minutes and the two minutes added time. Ethiopia has so far participated in 10 of the 28 CECAFA events. Meanwhile, prior to the final match diplomats and workers of the Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, have sent message of fortuity to the Ethiopian National Team to win the final. In their message, the diplomats and workers expressed joy at the victory the Ethiopian National Team clinched in the match against Kenya and wished to win the final. Earlier Friday, President of the Ethiopian Football Federation Dr. Ashebir said the 28th CECAFA event in Addis was a success. He said the two million birr envisaged from ticket sales has already been secured. Dr. Ashebir said the success was attributable to the support of the people, the government and Sheikh Mohammed Hussien Al-Amoudi who sponsored the event here in the African capital. State Minister speaks of increased grants, loans, debt cancellation ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Grants, loans and debt cancellation Ethiopia is receiving from foreign governments, international organizations and institutions is growing more steadily than ever, State Minister of Finance and Economic Development (MoFED) said. The amount of grants and loans Ethiopia is receiving over the past three years is on the increase owing to political stability and peace in the country, Dr. Mulu Ketsela told ENA Friday. Political stability and peace are considered as major criteria for donors and creditors, she said adding during Ethio-Eritrea war grants and loans were largely halted. Ethiopia obtained seven billion birr grants and loans during 1996 E.C. of which 1.5 billion birr was provided in loan, the state minister said. The increased assistance is attributable to the development directions the country pursues, as they are inter-related to realize poverty reduction and MDGs, she said. She said Ethiopia has won 3.3 billion US dollar debt reduction per the agreement reached by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB) board as it has met the criteria set in the Heavily Indebt Poor Countries (HIPCs) Initiative. Most debt cancellations came from Paris Club Creditors, she said, adding that the recent 67 million euros debt cancellation agreement signed with the government of German was part of this. The state minister also indicated that the French government cancelled 5.5 million euros Ethiopia's debt December 20,2004. She said the sum that would other wise go to debt servicing would be used to budget subsidy. The state minister said the grants and loans obtained are primarily utilized for poverty reduction, food security, road construction, health education and other infrastructure facilities. According to Dr. Mulu, US of America, Japan, Germany, Britain, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands and Ireland are in the forefront in terms of support. International Development Association (IDA), the African Development Fund (ADF), the European Union (EU), UNICEF, UNDP and WFP, are among the major financial institutions and international organizations, that provide support to Ethiopia, she added. Badme, Shiraro town residents call on Eritrean people to accept New Peace Initiative ADDIS ABABA (ENA/WIC) - Residents in Badme and Shiraro towns of the Tigray State urged the Eritrean people to exert utmost efforts toward the implementation of the new peace initiative proposed by the Ethiopian government to resolve the border dispute with Eritrea through negotiation. Over 10,000 residents living in the two towns of the state made the call to the Eritrean people recently after discussing the five-point peace initiative. The Eritrean people should put pressure on the incumbent Eritrean government to accept the peace proposal since it would bring about a lasting solution to the Ethio-Eritrea border conflict. The residents said the Eritrean people oppose the option of war to solve the border crisis as war impedes development, good neighborliness and damages human lives and property. The peoples of Ethiopia and Eritrea should not be alienated for all by the war-mongering Eritrean government, the residents said, adding the Eritrean people should comprehend the position of the Ethiopian people toward bringing about sustainable peace between the two countries. The residents said they laud the decision of the Ethiopian government as the new peace initiative clearly shows the government's commitment to the well being of the peoples of the country, to bring about sustainable peace, development, and social progress. Meanwhile employees and administrative staff of the Addis Tannery Share Company expressed their support to the five-point peace proposal. Speaking at a discussion forum organized to sensitize the factory community on the overall objective of the peace initiative, Company General Manager Solomon Getu said the peace plan has aimed at protecting the rights of the Ethiopian peoples making its prior agenda and strategy on peace and development. He noted that Ethiopia was dragged in to war by the war mongering government of Eritrea as the latter had tried to meet its parasitic interests forcibly on the peoples and government of Ethiopia. He said that Ethiopia has once again shown its commitment for the prevalence of lasting and durable peace in both countries. Employees of the factory said on their part that all the wars waged for years in the country have left the peoples of Ethiopia in abject poverty, which according to them the direction devised by the Ethiopian government in settling disputes through negotiations is believed to ensure mutual coexistence and stability between the two countries. According to the employees, the prevalence of lasting and durable peace is crucial in becoming competitive and profitable. Similarly, The Oromia State Justice and Security Bureau said the militia and reserve army of the state have expressed their support to the new peace initiative. Militia Department Head with the Bureau, Wondimu Biratu told WIC Friday that the militia and the reserve army, after discussing the peace initiative, agreed to support and contribute their part to the implementation of the peace initiative. He said the peace initiative won the support of members of the militia and the reserve army as it manifested the government's desire in ensuring peace to the public and good relations with the international community, as war does not contribute anything to national development. The members also said the Eritrean people should grasp and contribute to the peace initiative as it is the only solution for the problem as well as ensuring peace, development and good relations between the peoples of the two countries, headed. ==================================== Pol.ethiopia Dec. 27,2004 ======================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - You care about security. So do we. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue Dec 28 11:11:34 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:42 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041228091134.72175.qmail@web53309.mail.yahoo.com> December 28, 2004 Ethiopia, Sudan, Yemen begin 3rd tripartite summit ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopia, Sudan and Yemen began their joint meeting in Khartoum, Sudan early yesterday. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, presidents Omar Hassan Al-Bashir and Ali Abdullah Saleh are expected to hold in-depth discussions on the peace processes in the Sudan and Somalia as well as issues of regional interest. The summit will also hear a report submitted to it by the Foreign Ministers and Senior Experts who held their meeting earlier. The summit is also attended by the newly elected Somali President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, Ethiopian Ambassador to the Sudan Gedafo Mohammed said. The tripartite pact, which is known as Sen'a forum, aims at bringing about prosperity by working for common peace and development. The Ethiopian delegation, led by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi arrived in Khartoum late Sunday, according to an Ethiopian Radio Reporter. Sudanese President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir and his cabinet members accorded a warm welcome to Prime Minister Meles. President Al-Bashir threw a dinner reception in honour of the leaders. Executives say ready to make elections impartial Board dispatches materials ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Election Executives have launched intensive effort to make the forthcoming state and national elections free and fair. Election Coordinators and Executives of the Benshangul-Gumuz, Gambella and Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples states as well as Dire Dawa Administration expressed their readiness to conduct the elections in a free and democratic manner. They told ENA yesterday that they have received good training offered by the Board that would help them conduct the elections in a free and democratic manner thereby enabling them discharge their responsibilities effectively. Scrutinizing candidature endorsement signatures were the responsibility of kebele administration previously but now the duty of stations to be established by the board where executives and observers will be assigned, they said. A joint forum comprising the Board and contesting political parties which will receive grievances and complaints at constituency level, will be also established they said. Meanwhile, the National Electoral Board said it has dispatched election materials to five states. Board Logistic Distribution Section Head Biruk Wondosen told ENA yesterday that candidate and voter registration forms as well as other related documents were sent to Gambella, Benshangul-Gumuz and Harari states as well as Dire Dawa Administration. He said 2,292 carton materials were dispatched to the states where they will be distributed among 6,876 polling stations. UNHCR commits 9 mln. USD to refugees here ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The United Nations Higher Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) said recently that it has earmarked nine million US Dollars to Ethiopia reducing its budget from the previous by ten per cent, the Regional Liaison Office said. The office told Capital, a weekly business newspaper, recently that about 17,000 Somali refugees are expected to be repatriated by December 2005. The office also indicated that the UNHCR staff, who were evacuated from Gambella in 2003 due to the conflict situation there, have been re-deployed. Recent figure released from the same office indicate that 116,459 Sudanese, Somali and Eritrean refugees currently live in seven camps throughout Ethiopia including Addis Ababa. ================================== Pol.ethiopia Dec.28,2004 ======================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - now with 250MB free storage. Learn more. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Dec 29 10:23:50 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:42 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041229082350.55706.qmail@web53308.mail.yahoo.com> December 29, 2004 Sena'a Cooperation Forum said being enhanced, 3rd summit concludes ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Sena'a Cooperation Forum with its documents of agreement set the legal framework facilitating the cooperation between and among member countries, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said. The Ethiopian high-level delegation led by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi returned home yesterday after attending the 3rd Summit of the Forum held in Khartoum, Sudan. Meles told Ethiopian Radio reporter that heeding to the option for peaceful dialogue is the most viable way to bring about peace and development in the region. Meles said there is reason to hope for the enhancement of the peace situation in the region, now that the peace processes in the Sudan and Somalia have reached a new chapter. The Sena'a Cooperation Forum will move ahead incorporating countries in the region in addition to founding members Ethiopia, Sudan and Yemen, an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Acting Director of Asia and the Middle East Affairs Directorate with the ministry Addis Dilnesa said the Cooperation Forum has prioritized regional peace as a common interest. The Forum has also been enhanced through the years after its founding. The Second Sena'a Forum held in Addis Ababa was concluded after Ethiopia, Sudan and Yemen signed agreement documents that laid the foundation for the cooperation among the three countries, he said. Agreement has also been signed among the three countries in the Khartoum summit enabling them to work jointly in the prevention of illegal trade, and others issues related to trade and economy, he said. The fact that Somalia has joined the Forum as the fourth member demonstrates the increasing acceptance it has been gaining. Prime Minister Meles led his delegation back home after attending the Forum. Senior government officials welcomed the delegation upon arrival at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. The 3rd Summit of the Sena'a Cooperation Forum, concluded late Monday a 16-point resolution. Accepting Somalia's membership request, the forum also called on others that cherish its ideals to do so. The resolution focuses on issues in Somalia, the Sudan and on the Ethiopia-Eritrea dispute as well as the tripartite cooperation. President's Omar Hassan Al-Beshir and Ali Abdullah Saleh have expressed support to the new peace proposal put forward by the Ethiopian Government to resolve the border dispute with Eritrea. The two leaders also called on Ethiopia and Eritrea to quickly enter into dialogue which, they said, would enable them reach at an agreement to ensure lasting peace. According to the resolution, the newly elected Somali Government should be supported to take hold in Somalia. A new chapter shading a light of hope for the future of Somalia has come through the efforts of the peoples of Somalia, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU). Arab League Secretary General amr Mussa on the occasion pledged that the League would solicit international support for reconstruction in Somalia. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and President Saleh indicated the need for a comprehensive agreement in the Sudan, and called on the international community to play greater role in the reconstruction efforts there. Prime Minister Meles said that the tripartite cooperation should also lead to people-to-people relations through regular trade and cultural exhibitions by the member countries. The Summit decided that Yemen host the 4th Cooperation Forum. President discusses socio-economic issues with elderly DIRE DAWA (ENA) - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis discussed with the elderly various socio-economic issues in the Dire Dawa Administration yesterday at the Dire Dawa Palace. The elderly requested the government on the occasion to do its level best in assisting the activities being made to asphalt the Dire Dawa-Dewole Road, expanding higher learning institutions, and strengthening the Ethio-Djibouti Railway. The elderly also urged the government to transform the existing Interim Administrative Council of the Dire Dawa City into a permanent administration. In response to the requests, the president said the asphalting of the Dire Dawa-Dewole Road would be started soon. President Girma also said a feasibility study has been in progress to asphalt the Dire Dawa-Me'eso Road with a view to improving the development of lowland localities in the area. Alemaya University has already planned to open a branch in Dire Dawa during the current academic year, the president noted, adding other higher learning institutions would be opened step-by-step. According to the president, the government has been taking various measures toward revitalizing the Ethio-Djibouti Railway. Girma also said the interim administration of the town would be replaced by a permanent administrative council through election. President Girma urged the elderly, religious leaders, and the public at large to make concerted efforts toward containing the spread of HIV/AIDS that has been severely damaging the productive workforce of the country. President Girma Monday visited the new power plant, the industry site work on the construction of residential units, and other development projects. AAU invites political parties to take part in further debates ADDIS ABABA - The Office of the President of the Addis Ababa University (AAU) has invited interested political parties to take part in further debates four political issues. According to press releases the AAU sent to the Herald yesterday, the university has received reports from different quarters to host debates on public issues other than those it organized previously. The issues the university chose to hold debate on are-peace, land tenure, agricultural industrialization and prospects for a democratic public culture. The first debate will be held shortly with a special focus on the five-point peace plan, the university said and called on those parties who intend to take part to notify the Office of the President by 31 December 2004. UNMEE's documentary "Next Steps to Peace" premiered ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - UNMEE Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General has said resolving the border dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea through dialogue would be vital for the development of both countries and for good neighborliness. Cheikh-Tidiane Gaye made the remarks here yesterday at the Official launching and screening of UNMEE's documentary titled: "Next Steps to Peace". Gaye said it was only through dialogue that the border dispute between the two countries could be resolved sustainably. The Mission's Public Information Office produced the documentary, which is a sequel to "First Steps to Peace". "Next Steps to Peace" casts in retrospect, the images of the UNMEE's collaboration with Ethiopia and Eritrea and key partners in advancing the peace process, through the monitoring of cessation of hostilities, and maintaining the sanctity of the Temporary Security Zone including its efforts at facilitating reconciliation, humanitarian support, building confidence among internally displaced populations and keeping the people informed of development in the peace process, Gaye said. He said the documentary also shows the Mission's endeavours being made to render medical services to the people, community development through Quick Impact Projects and regular supply of water to Ethiopians and Eritreans living along portray peacekeepers protecting civilians from the risk of mines through systematic and painstaking mine clearance processes." "The documentary not only highlights touches upon the various emergencies and difficulties encountered by the Mission," he said. "In spite of these challenges, however, you will realize from the film that UNMEE has demonstrated its commitment to keeping the cease-fire and ensuring that the peace process remains firmly on track," he said. He expressed gratitude to the Addis Ababa Municipal authorities for providing facilities for the ceremony. Gaye responded to queries posed by spectators on the Mission's future activities and the new peace proposal Ethiopia has put forward to resolve the dispute with Eritrea. The "First Steps to Peace" chronicles the major events within the Mission area that took place under the auspices of the UNMEE between September 2001 and mid 2003. Afar State to get First-ever University SEMERA (ENA) - The Ministry of Education (MoE) Monday received a 100-hectares site in Semera town for the construction of a university. State President Special Secretary Mohammed Yayu handed over the site plan to Ministry Public Relations Service Head Birhanu Alebachew. Speaking on the occasion, Mohammed said that the state government would do everything possible toward the successful completion of the construction of the new university, the first of its kind in the state. Physical work on the university construction project would be launched soon, Birhanu said, adding the university would have a capacity of receiving some 600 students upon completion of the first phase of the construction. In fact, the university would have a capacity of enrolling 10,000 students every academic year when it goes fully operational, he added. According to the Head, the Ministry plans to establish 13 universities at different areas of the country during the next five years with a view to raising the enrolment of higher learning institutions. The respective heads of the Education and Labour and Urban Development bureaus as well as representatives from other government offices of the state were in attendance at the ceremony. ================================= Pol.ethiopia Dec. 29,2004 ===================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - You care about security. So do we. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri Dec 31 14:13:37 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:42 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Itmes Message-ID: <20041231121337.32007.qmail@web53309.mail.yahoo.com> December 31, 2004 Religious leaders call upon Eritrean counterparts to strengthen peace effort ADDIS ABABA (ENA/WIC) - Leaders of four religious institutions in Ethiopia have called upon their counterparts in Eritrea to strengthen their peace efforts and make pressure on the Eritrean Government to accept Ethiopia's new five-point peace proposal put forward to solve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute, the Ministry of Information said. The religious leaders of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, the Ethiopian Catholic Church, the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council and the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane-Yesus made the call while conferring with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi on the new peace proposal, the Ministry said in its statement sent to ENA last Monday. They called upon Eritrean religious leaders to further consolidate the peace efforts they have launched previously, it said. Patriarch of EOC His Holiness Abune-Paulos, Archbishop of the Ethiopian Catholic Church Abune-Berhane Eyesus, Vice President of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council Sheik Elias Redwan and President of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane-Yesus the Reverend Itefa Gobena recalled that their religious institutions have been exerting efforts independently and jointly with their counterparts in Eritrea ever since the conflict between the two countries has erupted to resolve the dispute between the two sides peacefully. Pointing out that the war between the two countries had claimed the lives of many, they called for the enhancement of efforts underway to bring about a lasting solution to the dispute to avoid similar human tragedy, the statement said. They said, as peace is fundamental for everything including all-round development, they were motivated to express support for the peace initiative again jointly in addition to their previous independent support. Similarly, scholars and representatives of civic societies called on the general public for the effective implementation of the peace plan issued by Ethiopia so as to settle its border dispute with Eritrea in a peaceful and lasting manner. The sections of the society, at a panel discussion held here yesterday at ETV Studio, said the public in both countries should strive for the practical implementation of the five-point peace proposal as it would give the two countries the opportunity to redirect their focus on achieving sustainable development. Participants of the panel discussion stated that ensuring lasting peace in both neighbouring countries is believed to have irreplaceable role in expediting development and prosperity in the countries. The international community in general and the peoples of Eritrea in particular should put pressure on the government of Eritrea to accept the New Peace Initiative, they said. They noted that the Ethiopian government had done its level best in settling the dispute in dialogue and negotiation in the pre and post war period with the government of Eritrea. The issuance of the peace proposal has once again confirmed the commitment of Ethiopia in resolving differences through only peaceful way, the participants added. They, therefore, said the public should well understand the peace plan and mobilize for its practical implementation, as it would pave the way to ensuring socio economic development and good governance in the country. Walta Information Centre, in cooperation with the Ethiopian Television and Radio Enterprise, organized the panel discussion. Meanwhile, the inhabitants of 15 woredas in East Gojjam Zone last Tuesday expressed their support for the new peace initiative proposed by the Ethiopian Government to resolve the border dispute with Eritrea. Zonal Information Office Representative Gahsaye Getahun told WIC that civil servants, high school students, preparatory students, technical and vocational students as well as teachers of various institutions have expressed their readiness to contribute to the realization of the peace proposal following extensive deliberations. Similarly, 20,000 members of the Amhara Women's Association in the zone said as women had been suffering from various economic and social problems during wars in the past they fully support the new peace initiative. Women cannot become beneficiaries of their rights unless sustainable peace prevails, they said, and agreed that the dispute should only be resolved by peaceful means. Meanwhile, farmers in W.Hararghe Zone, Oromia State said that the new peace proposal put forward by Ethiopia to resolve the dispute with Eritrea would create for the peoples of Ethiopia and Eritrea dependable conditions to invest all energy in development activities. During meetings, the farmers in 11 woredas said the peace inititatve will ensure the security of the peoples of both countries and enable them to strive towards development. EPRDF to field 161 candidates in Addis ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) announced that it will field 161 candidates for the upcoming elections in Addis. EPRDF Addis Ababa Organizational Affairs Head Ali Siraj said that 23 of the candidates will be vying for seats in the House of Peoples' Representatives and 138 in the Addis Ababa City Government. Women candidates number 30. Ali said that the candidates were selected on the basis of their competence to implement the peace, development and democracy programme. The candidates represent the various nations and nationalities. The candidates will soon be evaluated by the electorate, front organ Abyotawi Democracy quoted Ali as saying. Minister calls for governmental organizations, business community stronger partnership ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Minister of Trade and Industry has indicated the need for coordination to back up the ongoing efforts to improve contacts between governmental organizations in the field of infrastructure and the private sector. Improvement in infrastructure services will expedite the industrial sector development, said Girma Birru here yesterday at the 6th joint discussion forum between the government and the business community. He indicated the need for EEPCo, ETC and other organizations in the field of infrastructure to provide efficient and meaningful services as per the special attention the government attaches to the private sector, he said. Lack of coordination in the partnership between pertinent governmental organizations and the business community would weaken industrial productivity, he indicated. He said governmental organizations in the field of infrastructure should consult with the business community in their project planning. The minister presided over the half-day consultation forum, which discussed the reports of various pertinent organizations. ======================== pol.ethiopia Dec. 31, 2004 =============== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Take Yahoo! Mail with you! Get it on your mobile phone. http://mobile.yahoo.com/maildemo From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu Dec 2 10:42:36 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:15 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041202084236.35477.qmail@web53308.mail.yahoo.com> December 1, 2004 House refers draft proclamations to Standing Committee ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The House of Peoples' Representatives referred two amended draft proclamations establishing the Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, and the one providing for the Law of Special Procedure and Evidence to its Legal and Administrative Affairs Standing Committee for further scrutiny. In its 8th regular meeting, the House referred the two bills after detailed discussions. The draft proclamation on the establishment of the Commission stresses that the amendment was made with a view to enabling it discharge its duties and responsibilities in a more accountable and transparent manner. According to the draft proclamation, the duties and responsibilities of the Commission were redefined in line with the country's Penal Code, and the roles and functions of other legal institutions. Members of the House urged on the occasion the Standing Committee to carry out thorough deliberations on the draft proclamation of the Establishment of the Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission. President delivers World AIDS Day message Women of high profile take voluntary blood test ADDIS ABABA (ENA/EH) - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis has yesterday delivered a message in connection with this year's World AIDS Day. President Girma stressed the need to take maximum care through integrated efforts to prevent the most vulnerable sections of the society, girls and women, from HIV/AIDS. He called on the public to join forces to protect women from gender violence in a bid to help bring HIV/AIDS intervention activities to a success. From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Dec 6 14:26:19 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:15 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041206122619.56913.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> December 4, 2004 Meles says New Peace Initiative will not threaten sovereignty ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said the New Peace Initiative Ethiopia has put forth to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute would not in any way threaten the sovereignty of the nation. In a news conference he gave here yesterday, Prime Minister Meles said ensuring the sovereignty of Ethiopia was concluded when the blatant Eritrean Government war of aggression on Ethiopia was averted successfully through the sacrifices of dozens of heroic Ethiopian youth. Pointing out sovereignty is not the rights of alien things, Meles said sovereignty is a situation in which people can be able to exercise their rights on self-determination and other related rights. Sovereignty is a situation in which people can accept what they want or reject what they don't want, it is not a situation one can impose its desire or interest on them as it wants, Meles said. Meles said indeed, the aggression imposed by the Eritrean Government on Ethiopia in 1990 E.C. was a violation of the sovereignty of Ethiopia but the issue of ensuring the sovereignty of Ethiopia was concluded soon after the reversal of the Eritrean war of aggression by force, Meles said. Council discuss bills, passes decision ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Council of Ministers discussed and passed a decision on various draft proclamations in its 119th regular session held here yesterday, according to a press statement issued by the Ministry of the Office of the Prime Minister. The bills providing for the issuance of Sole Agent Status for Specific Foreign Trade Sectors for Limited Time, Security Cooperation Agreement signed between the Ethiopia and Yemeni governments, Agreement Reached on Preventing Organized Cross Boundary crime and tourism cooperation agreement between the governments of Ethiopia and the Sudan were some of the draft proclamations in which the decisions were passed on by the Council. Regarding the bill providing the issuance of Representation for Limited Foreign Trade Sector for Certain Period of Time, it was pointed out during the discussion that Ethiopia has not benefited as required compared with its rich animal resources due to lack of strong promotional work that would enable it to penetrate foreign markets, the statement said. Accordingly, the Council referred the bills after making some amendments to the House of Peoples' Representatives' for approval. Concerning the draft proclamation to ratify the agreement on Security Cooperation signed between the governments of Ethiopia and Yemen, the Council discussed the proclamation's importance in preventing terrorist attacks being carried out by anti-people and governments on both nations and drug traffickers as well as catch and bring to the court of justice fugitive criminals. The Council referred the bill to the House for approval after endorsing it with a unanimous vote. Regarding the draft proclamation to ratify the Agreement on Preventing Organized Cross Boundary Crime, the Council extensively discussed the significance of the bill in Preventing Cross Boundary and Organized Crimes, the statement said. Lasting peace precondition for sustainable dev't: Ministry ADDIS ABABA - Wars and conflicts must cease as creating a peaceful environment in our country and our region is a prerequisite for economic development and democratization, the Ministry of Information said. According to the ministry's weekly statement issued yesterday, Ethiopia is known as a country which suffered from successive wars of resistance against external aggression as well as numerous internal conflicts. The wars and conflicts compounded with deficient economic policies have relegated the country to abject poverty and backwardness and wars and conflicts that continued in our region for years have also resulted in similar conditions, the statement said. Ethiopia would benefit the most if sustainable peace were attained in the country and in the region as a whole, it added. The people and Government of Ethiopia have employed maximum effort to ensure lasting peace in the country as well as in the region for the last 13 years, it said. This has so far proved there were no major conflicts internally and strenuous efforts are underway to completely avert the root causes of all conflicts, the statement said. The statement further said that Ethiopia has established good relations with all its neighbors except Eritrea and it has exerted every effort to resolve the conflict with that country through peaceful means. The Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) has also offered a new peace initiative to address the conflict with Eritrea, the statement said. Taking into account the short and long term benefits of the country and based on the deep insight regarding the value of lasting peace, Ethiopia chose the path of peace with a great sense of responsibility and commitment, the statement underlined. December 5, 2004 Meles receives Kagame's message, holds talks with EC official ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi received a message sent from the Rwandan President Paul Kagame. President Kagame's special envoys delivered the message to Prime Minister Meles yesterday. Kagame's message mainly focused on ways to further consolidate the cooperation of the two countries and issues related to Africa. The special envoys said Prime Minister Meles has assured them his country's readiness to work in cooperation with Rwanda for economic development and bring about sustainable peace and stability in the Great Lakes Region. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Meles yesterday met and held discussions with Development Cooperation Commissioner of the European Commission (EU), Lewis Michel. The two sides exchanged views on the infrastructure development activities and food security programmes in Ethiopia as well as the situation in the Horn of Africa. Prime Minister Meles and head of the EC delegation Michel raised and discussed the Ethiopian Government involvement in the road sector development. They also looked into the measures taken by the government to ensure food security in the country, according to an official with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who attended the discussion. The Peace process and the efforts exerted to bring about sustainable economic development and establish stability in the Horn of Africa were also raised in the course of the discussion. UN begins scaling down peacekeepers ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The UN Peacekeeping Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) began scaling down its force this week, AFP reported quoting a spokesman announcement. The down-sizing began on Wednesday and we will let you know when it will be finished. That will probably be in January 2005, UNMEE spokesman Gail Bindley-Taylor Sainte told a news conference in Asmara on Thursday. UNMEE currently numbers some 3,600 troops, of which some 500 are expected to leave, according to the UN. The peacekeepers are mostly stationed in a buffer corridor in Eritrea that hugs the length of the 1,000 kilometres borders between the two states. Kohler calls for enhanced aid for Africa ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - German President Horst Kohler has called on the international community, including his country, to considerably increase financial help for the struggling continent. Kohler, who earlier served as Director of the International Monetary Fund, said it was a matter of self-respect for Europeans to generously assist African nations in their struggle for more peace and democracy and against poverty. Addressing an audience at the University of Tubingen in southwestern Germany, Kohler warned the industrialized world against neglecting the current problems in Africa demanding European countries in particular to step up their efforts to help African nations overcome their post-colonial problems. He cited ensuring fair trade conditions as an important contribution in the fight against poverty in Africa. Security and peace in the industrialized world would not be maintained forever if the problems in Africa are neglected or ignored, he added. The President also urged the international community to help build democratic institutions in Africa as a prerequisite for ensuring law and order in that continent. He praised the African Union's endeavours to take Africa's problems into its own hands, which according to the President, is sending a strong signal that Africa is willing to deal with its problems on a cross-border basis. Kohler would be on official tour to Sierra Leone, Benin, Ethiopia and Djibouti as of the coming week. Nations laud Ethiopia's overtures for peace with Eritrea ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Japan Thursday expressed its approval of Ethiopia's move to start dialogue with Eritrean in order to resolve the border dispute that has kept relations between the two neighbors severed for the last six years. Japan also welcomed the Ethiopian government decision to accept, in principle, the ruling of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC), Angola Press (ANGOP) reported on Friday. "This decision of the Ethiopian Government will provide impetus to start the border demarcation promptly … and facilitate the peace process between the two countries based on the spirit of mutual concession," said a statement by the Japanese Foreign Affairs Ministry through its embassy here. On 25 November 2004, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi announced in the House of Peoples' Representatives that Ethiopia had adjusted its position to start dialogue with Eritrea with the view to working with EEBC. Several countries have since expressed their support to Ethiopia's new peace proposal to start political dialogue with Eritrea. The countries include Austria, China, France, Germany, Russia, the UK and the European Union. Affirming that it backed peaceful means to resolve the border dispute, China has expressed hope that Ethiopia and Eritrea could make joint efforts to dispel their differences as early as possible and restore neighborly amity. "China has always paid much attention to the peace process in Ethiopia and Eritrea and supports the two countries in holding consultations and dialogue on the basis of the Algiers Agreement," said Beijing's Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhang Qiyue. Meanwhile, France has described the peace initiative proposed by Ethiopia as "constructive and acceptable." In addition, Paris has pledged consultancy, technical, professional and other support to ensure the realization of a peace pact between Ethiopia and Eritrea. On the new peace proposal by Ethiopia, the British Embassy in Addis Ababa said: "This is a welcome development. It represents an important step forward which the international community has been urging the Ethiopian government to take." In a joint statement released through the embassy, UK Secretary of State of International Development Hilary Benn, and UK Minister for Africa Chris Mullin said: "We hope that Ethiopia and Eritrea can now move forward together towards the resolution of this long and tragic dispute. The UK stands ready to help in any way we can." Austria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ursula Plassnik, has hailed the willingness of Ethiopia to accept, in principle, the EEBC decision on demarcation of the border and to collaborate again with the Commission. The EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), Javier Solana said in a statement that Ethiopia's decision would lead to a speedy start of the demarcation of the border. The EU, Solana added, "encourages the government of Eritrea to respond positively to Ethiopia's offer of talks about the root causes of the conflict, with a view to normalizing relations between the two countries." =============================== Pol.ethiopia Dec.6,2004 ====================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Dec 8 13:53:40 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:15 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041208115340.30750.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> December 7, 2004 Meles receives Mubarak's message, attends regional meeting ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi yesterday received a message sent by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Meles said the activities being implemented under the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) were showing encouraging progress. Meles received Mubarak's message as delivered to him by the visiting Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit. He said the NBI projects are very much significant for the peoples of the riparian countries. Meles said Ethiopia would carry on with its efforts towards the realization of the ongoing joint activities by the riparian countries. During talks with the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Meles said the cooperation between Ethiopia and Egypt has been growing. The cooperation between the two countries should be enhanced in various areas of cooperation, a senior government official who attended the meeting said. Meles pledged his government's support for prospective Egyptian investors who want to establish projects here in Ethiopia. He said enhancement of cooperation between the two countries in trade; investment and other areas would be to the best interests of the peoples of the two countries. After the meeting with Meles, the Egyptian Foreign Minister told journalists that Mubarak's message is to the theme revolving mainly around the bilateral cooperation between Ethiopia and Egypt has been growing. The cooperation between the two countries should be enhanced in various areas of cooperation, a senior government official who attended the meeting said. Meles pledged his government's support for prospective Egyptian investors who want to establish projects here in Ethiopia. He said enhancement of cooperation between the two countries in trade; investment and other areas would be to the best interests of the peoples of the two countries. After the meeting with Meles, the Egyptian Foreign Minister told journalists that Mubarak's message is to the theme revolving mainly around the bilateral cooperation between the two countries, which has to date been gathering momentum. Mubarak expressed in his message the desire of Egypt to further bolster its cooperation with Ethiopia in a wide range of fields including trade and investment, Gheit said. In the message, President Mubarak invited Meles to visit Egypt. Prime Minister Meles was also yesterday in Nairobi, Kenya to attend the Commission for Africa Regional Consultative Meeting. The Regional meeting for Eastern and Horn of Africa was to voice its perspective on the problems it faces and solutions for positive action for Africa. The regional consultation is one of five across Africa where specialist knowledge from civil society will formulate practical policy guidelines to accelerate and sustain Africa's growth, including meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The meeting will also deliberate on appropriate and complimentary support from the rich nations. Among items on the agenda, include aid and debt, conflicts and resolution, energy and conservation, HIV/AIDS and development, indigenous knowledge, gender and health, development and constitutionalism, governance and corruption, leadership and integrity, and justice and human rights. The Commission for Africa set up by British Prime Minister Tony Blair has 17 Commissioners including Prime Minister Meles and other leaders of African countries and prominent personalities. Ethiopian gov't invites int'l organizations, governments to observe upcoming elections ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopia government has said it invited international organizations and a number of governments to observe the upcoming national and state elections. The government has made the necessary preparations to see to it that the upcoming 3rd national and state elections be conducted in a free and democratic manner, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told ENA yesterday. The international organizations the Ethiopian government has invited to send their delegations to observe the elections are The United Nations, the African Union, the European Union, the Pan African Parliament, and the Arab League. It also invited the United States, Canada, Israel, India, China, Japan, Russia and Turkey governments to send their observers. Egypt, Greece welcome Ethiopia's new peace proposal Agreement reached to reactivate Joint Commission meet ADDIS ABABA (ENA/EH) - Egypt welcomes the new peace initiative Ethiopia offered to resolve the border dispute with Eritrea, Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit said. Gheit and Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin also announced that the two countries have agreed on the reactivation of the Ethio-Egypt Joint Commission. Following talks with his Ethiopian counterpart later on Sunday, the visiting Egyptian Foreign Minister said that Egypt would provide support to the Ethiopian government in its efforts to resolve the border dispute with Eritrea peacefully. Gheit expressed hope that the five-point peace initiative the Ethiopian government has proposed would be realized. He said Ethiopia and Egypt have reached at an agreement to enhance their economic and political cooperation. Seyoum on his part said that the relations of the two countries date back to ancient times, adding the two countries are keen to enhance cooperation in the trade and investment fields. Egypt, which is a country well advanced in the industrial sector, offers a wide market for Ethiopia's exports of animal products, floriculture, horticultural and other products in which the two countries can forge cooperation, he said. He said the two countries are currently enjoying relations in the political and diplomatic fields based on trust and understanding. The two countries have agreed to resume their joint commission meeting in the coming five or six months, according to Seyoum. He expressed hope that the private sectors of the two countries would be represented as per the agreement. The Egyptian Foreign Minister is here to seek ways of advancing the cooperation between Ethiopia and Egypt. Meanwhile, the Embassy of Greece in Addis Ababa welcomed the Ethiopian peace plan on the Ethio-Eritrea relations, and the border issue in particular, as approved by the Ethiopian Parliament last Thursday, and considers it in the framework of the EU relevant statement, as a firm step in the right direction, a press release from the embassy said. According to the release, resuming cooperation of Ethiopia and Eritrea with the Boundary Commission for the finalization of the whole process will be a very positive development opening the door for an overall settlement of the bilateral issues between the two neighbouring friendly states. "Greece, in her dual capacity, as Member State of the EU and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the period 2005-2007, will spare no efforts to contribute to the early resolution of the issue for the benefit of all peoples in the region," the release added. FMs of Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt holds second trilateral meet ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Foreign ministers of Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt have held the second trilateral meeting here yesterday. The foreign ministers have held talks on political, economic and commercial issues of trilateral cooperation, an official with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who attended the meeting said. The ministers also decided the deputy foreign ministers to get together in Cairo and prepare political and economic agenda issues and fix the date for the 3rd ministerial meeting, the official said. The ministers passed various resolutions in the areas of politics and economy during the first trilateral meeting held in Cairo, the official said adding the decisions passed with regard to water is promising. The trilateral business forum is scheduled to be held in January 2005 in Khartoum, Sudan. Eritrea slams EU for welcoming Ethiopia's peace proposal ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Eritrean Foreign Affairs Ministry has slammed the European Union (EU) for welcoming Ethiopia's new peace proposal. The Ministry late Saturday also announced that the Eritrean government wouldn't accept the peace proposal. The Ministry in a statement attached the European Union for welcoming the five-point peace proposal put fourth by the Ethiopian government. According to the statement, the Eritrean government has officially rejected Ethiopia's peace proposal. December 8, 2004 Ministry issues new draft guideline on use of air time and space by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The Ministry of Information issued a new guideline yesterday on the use of state-owned mass media by political parties contesting in the forthcoming state and national elections, scheduled to be held next May. Information Minister Bereket Simon told the gathering at the premises of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia which consists of mass media executives and representatives of political parties, indicating that the new draft guideline would enable both the ruling party and the opposition parties to make use of media air time and space fairly in the upcoming election campaigns. According to the minister, the draft guideline that considers three criteria on the allocation of time for the campaign has a unique democratic feature which enables the opposition parties become more beneficiaries in disseminating their programmes. "The time arrangement also considers 63 per cent of the airtime and space to be equally shared among all political parties, 27 per cent based on the parties' seat in the parliament and 10 per cent for those which didn't get seats in the parliament. This shows that 44 per cent goes to the ruling party and 56 per cent to the opposition parties," the minister said. Bereket also told the gathering that "200 hours in 114 days are allocated for the parties to introduce their programmes to the general public which would start officially as of January 19, 2005. The parties could also have the right to buy air time from the media to introduce their programmes to the public paying similar amount of money like other commercial advertisements," the minister added. As to the minister the parties have to introduce their name, emblem, their parties' office location while introducing their programmes to the general public through the media. In addition, they have to identify the authoritative person who permitted them, inform the content of their message to the media executives and present it to the media 48 hours before transmission which by no means is edited by the media professionals. However, if the contents are against the constitution of the country, the media have every right not to transmit it pointing out the reason to the parties. Representatives of the opposition parties on their part responded positively to the time allocation and indicated that the time is enough if effectively utilized. However, they underlines the importance of neutral committee to follow up the procedures and letting the private-owned electronic media be allowed to launch broadcasting prior to the time set for the campaign. In response to the questions raised, the minister indicated the government's readiness to look into a possible changes on the draft directive through negotiation and the provision of licence to private electronic media is on the streamline. The minister also indicated that the guideline would enable the media to enhance public participation, providing the necessary information regarding election and aware citizens to actively participate in the election. Speaker calls on society to continue striving for practicality of constitution Says conducive situations created for observers ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives called on the society to continue striving for the practical implementation of the national constitution as it is the major instrument in building democracy and reduce poverty. The Speaker, Dawit Yohannes said the efforts launched by the public to translate into deeds the national constitution over the last decade were encouraging and commendable. He made the call during an interview with ENA here yesterday in connection with the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the national constitution. Dawit said it has been able to organize Human Rights Commission and Ombudsman through the maximum efforts made by the people in the country since the reported period. The organization of the two institutions is instrumental in applying the constitution practically. The adoption of the national constitution 10 years ago had enabled nations and nationalities to enjoy their freedom and democratic rights as well as determine their fate, Dawit said. The national constitution has also ensured the peoples democratic rights by extricating them from repressive oppression while enabling them to develop their culture and speak with their own vernaculars, he said. The Speaker said it has also ensured freedom of speech, organization and the right to self-determination. The constitutions, during the past consecutive governments, were serving only the ruling classes while the existing one ensures the supremacy of the broad mass by enabling them to benefit from development achievements, Dawit said. The members of the House celebrate today the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the national constitution by identifying and finding solutions to weaknesses and evaluating the changes the constitution has brought about until now, he said. The national constitution was adopted on December 8, 1987 E.C. Meanwhile, the Speaker said conducive situations have been created for observers of the upcoming regional and national elections. While conferring with delegates of European Commission here yesterday, Dawit said the participation of various opposition parties in the next May election would make the election democratic. According to a press statement issued by the House of Peoples' Representatives, Dawit told the delegates that the forthcoming national election would be more democratic than the other two previous elections. He also explained to the delegates about the political debate being held between the ruling party, EPRDF and opposition parties on various policy issues. House adopts two bills, refers two others ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The House of Peoples' Representatives adopted two bills while referring two other to pertinent Standing Committees for further scrutiny. During its regular session held here yesterday, the House endorsed the bills providing for Public Procurement and establishing its control agency and the loan agreement between Ethiopia and the African Development Bank (ADB). The Budgetary and Finance Affairs Standing Committee said in its report that the bills would enable to appropriately utilize the high amount of budget being allocated by the government. Besides, the draft proclamation would ensure accountability and transparency while enabling to provide efficient and effective services, it added. The Committee has also pointed out the contribution of the 250.53 million birr loan agreement between Ethiopia and ADB in enhancing the country's food security programme. The House approved the bills with unanimous vote. The House has also referred the bills on the 13 million USD loan agreement between Ethiopia and the Arab Bank for economic development in Africa and the 25 million euro loan agreement between Ethiopia and European Investment Bank to the Budgetary and Finance Affairs Standing Committee for further scrutiny. =============================== Pol.ethiopia Dec. 08,2004 ==================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? All your favorites on one personal page – Try My Yahoo! http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu Dec 9 10:48:49 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:15 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041209084849.99454.qmail@web53308.mail.yahoo.com> December 9, 2004 Meles calls for speedy Ethio-Djibouti telecommunications agreement implementation Japan desires to further strengthen cooperation ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi calls for the speedy implementation of the agreement Ethiopia and Djibouti have signed to cooperate in the area of telecommunications. The Ethio-Djibouti telecommunications agreement is one of the agreements the two countries signed last year for cooperation in infrastructure development and other sectors during the visit by high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi to Djibouti. Meles made the call here yesterday during talks with Djiboutian Minister of Communications, Culture, Posts and Telecommunications Rifki Abdoulkader. Meles said speedy implementation of the agreements including the one reached for cooperation in telecommunications would help catapult development in the two neighbouring countries. Implementation of the various agreements concluded between Ethiopia and Djibouti would be to the best interests of the peoples of the two countries, Meles said. Discussions between the two parties, according to Ethiopian Ambassador to Djibouti who attended the talks, focused on ways of propelling the implementation of the Ethio-Djibouti agreement in the telecommunications sector. The agreement in the area of telecommunications provides for New Microwave Link Construction and Terrestrial Fiber Optic Capable Construction between Ethiopia and Djibouti. He indicated that Ethiopia has since been working out various activities for the realization of the agreement. Abdoulkader told journalists after the talks with Prime Minister Meles that his country has been exerting efforts to implement the agreement. The development cooperation between the two countries has reached a new height in the framework of the historic and long standing relations, he said. Abdoukader told journalists after the talks with Prime Minister Meles that his country has been exerting efforts to implement the agreement. The development cooperation between the two countries has reached a new height in the framework of the historic and long standing relations, he said. Abdoukader arrived Tuesday leading a ten-member delegation on a working visit to Ethiopia. Meanwhile, a senior Japanese Government official said, Japan is desirous of further strengthening the existing economic cooperation with Ethiopia. During talks with the Prime Minister Meles yesterday, Parliamentary Secretary of the Foreign Ministry of Japan Katsuyuki Kawai said his government attaches special attention to cooperation with Ethiopia. Kawai said Japan is one of the forefront development partners of Ethiopia assisting national efforts geared towards bringing about sustainable development in the country. Ethiopia will remain a priority to Japan's overseas cooperation, a senior official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs quoted Kawai as saying. Kawai said the Japanese Government lauds and believes that the new peace initiative would resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border crisis peacefully and through negotiations. He also said Japan would remain committed to assisting efforts aimed at ensuring peace and stability in Africa. Prime Minister Meles said on his part the Government of Japan has been providing unreserved assistances to Ethiopia with a view to ensuring speedy economic growth in the country. Especially, Meles said development cooperation between the two countries is centered on development and expansion of infrastructure across the nation. Tokyo International Conference for Africa's Development (TICAD) has helped to boost Japan's assistance to the development of Africa. Prime Minister Meles and the visiting official also discussed other in. Africa Europe Dialogue shows enthusiasm in welcoming Ethiopia's five-point peace proposal ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Africa Europe Dialogue, a body established to enhance the multifarious cooperation between the two continents, enthusiastically welcomed the 5-point peace proposal put fourth by Ethiopia to resolve the dispute with Eritrea. The announcement came in a declaration the Africa Europe Dialogue issued at the conclusion of its 3rd Ministerial Meeting held on November 4 here at the African Union Headquarters, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told ENA in a press release. The meeting was presided over by Foreign Affairs Minister of the Netherlands Bernard Bot and Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister who is Chairperson of the AU Executive Council Ouyemi Adeniji and was attended by Mozambique Foreign Affairs Minister, EU Commissioner for Development, Aid and Human Rights, Africa Director of Luxemberg Foreign Affairs Ministry as well as AU line Commissioners. (The Netherlands is the current President of the EU Commission.) In their declaration, they said the Ethiopian Government's 5-point peace proposal would solve the problem created in the Ethio-Eritrea peace process. They expressed the readiness of the European Union and the African Union to support and cooperate in the process of border demarcation between Ethiopia and Eritrea and the normalization. The approval by the Ministries of the Peace Initiative is a major victory in Ethiopia's development and democratization endeavours and its peaceful struggle, the Ministry said. Meanwhile, the Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU) said, Ethiopian workers reject war as an alternative to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border crisis since war impedes efforts geared toward ensuring industrial peace, sustainable development, and social progress across the nation. The workers believe that there is no better alternative except peace to produce quality products and enhance competitiveness in the global market, CETU Deputy President Zenebe Kebede told Abiyotawi Democracy organ of the EPRDF. In an interview with the organ, Zenebe said the workers shun any alternative other than peace as war hinders efforts geared toward reducing poverty and bringing about sustainable social progress. The workers would play their level best for the successful implementation of the new peace initiative since the five-point peace proposal drains the prospect of another war, the deputy president said. According to the official, the workers stand in unison toward the peaceful resolution of the Ethio-Eritrea border crisis as war affects the country's economy negatively. He said the Ethio-Eritrea conflict should be resolved peacefully through negotiations since war would not bring about a lasting solution for the border crisis. The people in Shire Endaselassie town in the Tigray State have also said they embrace the new peace proposal the Ethiopian Government put forth as it enables to bring about sustainable peace in the region. At the conclusion of their meeting here yesterday, the residents of the town said it was with the prevalence of peace in the region that poverty alleviation efforts would bear fruits. Ethiopia's 5-point peace proposal in non-optional to bring about sustainable peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea in particular and the region in general, they said. They expressed readiness to do all what it takes from them for the implementation of the peace proposal. The proposal is of great significance to Eritrea, they said and called on the people of Eritrea to press ahead of its realization. Similarly, heads of various organizations and officials of kebele administration under the Dire Dawa Administration have vowed acceptance of the new peace proposal Ethiopia issued to bring about sustainable peace with Eritrea. They voiced acceptance of the peace proposal at a meeting in Dire Dawa town heads of the respective organizations and executive members of the nine-kebele administrations held Tuesday. They said the proposal put forth to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute would help the people to speed up development. Acceptance "in principle" of the Border Commission's ruling would show Ethiopia's firm stance for peace, they said, adding it would help the country to rally the peace forces behind to enhance development. The proposal would enable to dissipate apprehensions for yet another war, they said, adding it would pave the way for the country to carry on with development. 10th anniversary of FDRE Constitution celebrated ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The 10th anniversary of the endorsement of the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic was celebrated here on Wednesday at the House of Peoples Representatives. Hon. Speaker Dawit Yohannes said the Constitution safeguards the rights of the Ethiopian peoples to development. Dawit said the Constitution ensures all the rights that enable the people to tread on the path to development. The Constitution enables the realization of the federal government structures and development goals and makes the system suited to peace and prosperity, Dawit said. The Constitution paves the way for putting in place the institutions necessary for collaborative and coordinated efforts by the Federal and State Governments towards poverty eradication and the attainment of development, Dawit said. The celebration of the 10th anniversary of the day on which the Constitution has been endorsed provides the opportunity to take note of the priority measures that need to be taken for the enhancement of peace and development, he said. Speaker of the House of the Federation Dr. Mulatu Teshome on his part said the Constitution guarantees the human and democratic rights of the nations, nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia. With the Constitution, he said, gender equality has been ensured and equality of cultures and religions guaranteed, he said. The Constitution has opened a new chapter for the creation of the new Ethiopia making it a country of hope and bright future, he said. Chief of the Oromia State Government Juneidi Sado on his part said the day of the endorsement of the Constitution of FDRE is a great day of joy and jubilation that reflects a major victory gained by the incumbent generation. The day sealed the transformation of the long oppressed citizens into an historic chapter of justice and democracy, he said. The 10th anniversary provides the opportunity to renew commitments for the realization of popular democratic objectives, he indicated. The Constitution enables the people of the Somali State to take pride in their identity, to speak their language and to be administered and judged under the jurisdictions of their constituents, said Minister of Mines Ambassador Mohamoud Drir. He said the people in the state have become the legitimate shareholders in the economic building of the nation as the Constitution ensures their basic rights. New peace initiative lends fresh impetus to peace process: Scholar by Getahun Amogne ADDIS ABABA - President of the Ethiopian International Institute for Peace and Development (EIIPD), Prof. Kinfe Abraham described Ethiopia's new five-point peace plan to peacefully resolve the border dispute with Eritrea as an important diplomatic initiative to break the stalemate and move the peace process for ward. In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald yesterday, Prof. Kinfe said the peace initiative would be instrumental in allowing the two countries to enter into a comprehensive dialogue on all matters of mutual concern. "It is in the enlightened self interest of Ethiopia and Eritrea to travel the extra mile and exploit the diplomatic option to resolve the lingering boundary dispute," said the Professor, who has researched extensively and authored several books on issues including the two nations and the Horn of Africa. Both Ethiopia and Eritrea could not afford another destructive war, he said, adding that it would be of paramount importance for the people and governments of the two nations to put an end to hostilities and pool their resources towards addressing their strategic adversaries of poverty and diseases. Prof. Kinfe further indicated that Ethiopia's peace proposal would help the international community revitalize its mediation efforts. The plan also provides facilitators with good material to work on thereby preventing the possibility of another conflict, he noted. "The peace initiative also offers a strategic choice for moving towards normalization via negotiations while at the same time denying enemies fertile ground to foment enmity between neighbouring countries including Ethiopia and Eritrea," he added. ============================== Pol.ethiopia Dec. 9,2004 =================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Dec 13 15:55:15 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:15 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041213135515.10064.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> December 11, 2004 Meles, Seyoum hold talks with Swedish Int'l Development Cooperation Minister ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation said, her government will double its development assistance to Ethiopia. The announcement was made while leader of the visiting Swedish delegation Carin Jamtin met and held talks with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi here yesterday. Jamtin on the occasion expressed of her Government's readiness to further enhance support to Ethiopia in various sectors of development. Swedish assistance would continue in tune with the Ethiopian Government's development directions, she said. The 50th anniversary of the commencement of diplomatic relations between the two countries is being celebrated, she said, adding that the Ethio-Swedish relations and cooperation have been raised to a new height. Jamtin said her delegation's discussions with Prime Minister Meles centered on the Ethio-Swedish bilateral development cooperation, the upcoming 3rd national and state elections in Ethiopia as well as on the peace proposal put forward by the Ethiopian Government to resolve the border dispute with Eritrea. She affirmed her government's support in the activities being made to make the upcoming elections free and democratic. Sweden has embraced the stand of the European Union on the Ethiopian government's New Peace Initiative. EU is one of the numerous bilateral and multilateral international bodies that welcome Ethiopia's peace proposal. Prime Minister Meles said Sweden has been supporting Ethiopia's efforts being made to bring about speedy development. Meles said Swedish development support to Ethiopia is significant. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Syoum Mesfin said, the Government of Sweden has rendered immense development assistance over the last 50 years. Seyoum made the remark during talks with the visiting Swedish delegation led by Carim Jamtin here yesterday. He said the Swedish Government and the people of the country have been contributing a lot in efforts geared towards reducing poverty and capacity building endeavours in Ethiopia. The Ethio-Swedish development cooperation also covers, among others, the areas of human rights and democracy, private sector, justice sector reform, research and education, he said, adding that the development cooperation has been strengthening from time to time. Carin Jamtin said on her part that apart from other support programmes, the Swedish Government has been offering direct budgetary support to Ethiopia's poverty reduction programme. She said Sweden has plans to boost the amount of development assistance to Ethiopia in the coming European year. The discussion made between the two parties is also focused on ways of further strengthening their development cooperation and bringing about durable peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. They have also discussed the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute and the five-point peace proposal forwarded by the Ethiopian Government. Seyoum and Jamtin on the occasion signed a reciprocal agreement providing for the protection and promotion of investment between the two countries. The Swedish delegation was to leave for home later yesterday concluding its three-day visit to Ethiopia. No evidence to Eritrean border crossing allegation: UNMEE ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Eritrea has accused Ethiopian troops of crossing the border, burning and looting houses, but a senior U.N. official said Thursday he sad not seen any evidence to back up the allegations, Reuters reported. Eritrea said in a statement on its web site that the Ethiopian troops set fire to ten houses and robbed the inhabitants and kidnapped five people, but Major General Ragender Singh, the force commander of the U.N. Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE), said: "I flew myself over the area where the alleged incident took place this morning, but I found no evidence of burnt houses, according to Reuters. According to AFP report, Singh said Thursday that regular meetings between UNMEE, Eritrea and Ethiopia were held in a cordial and constructive environment. The situation in the Temporary Security Zone continues to be stable and peaceful, there are no major incidents, he said. New Peace Initiative gets local, int'l support ADDIS ABABA - The Ministry of Information, in its weekly statement issued yesterday, said that the New Peace Initiative forwarded by the Ethiopian Government to resolve the boundary dispute with Eritrea has earned tremendous local and international support. Citizens from various segments of the society have deliberated on the peace initiative and expressed their support and commitment to work for its realization, the statement indicated. The statement further said that the promising signs of the feasibility of the country's goal to ensure rapid and sustainable development for the benefit of the Ethiopian people were evident during the last few peaceful years. The progress registered in the socioeconomic sector should not be underestimated, the statement added. According to the statement, the Ethiopian peoples are aware of the fact that if peace is disturbed; the nascent economic development and democratization would certainly be at a great danger. The statement pointed out that it is due to this awareness that the Ethiopian people have applauded the peace initiative wholeheartedly. It also said information emerging from reliable sources indicates that the Eritrean people are in favour of the New Peace Initiative. The statement vehemently stated that it is only the Eritrean Government that has officially rejected the peace initiative. It says, it must be clear to every one that it is not only the Ethiopian peoples and government that would benefit, but also the region in particular and the international community in general. December 12, 2004 Meles holds talks with U.S. Congressman ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has said preparations are in the pipeline for free and fair conduct of the upcoming national and state elections. Meles made the announcement during talks with the member of the international Affairs Committee of the U.S. Congress Donald Payne here yesterday. Meles said the Government of Ethiopia has already extended invitations to the European Union, a number of countries in other continents and international organizations to send their delegates to observe the process of the upcoming 3rd national and state elections. The government has been putting in place enabling conditions to see to it that the upcoming elections are conducted in a democratic manner, he told Payne. Prime Minister Meles told the U.S. Congressman that Ethiopia, out of its firm commitments for peace, has put forward the five-point peace proposal to resolve the dispute with Eritrea. Ethiopia demands support from the U.S. Government and the international community for the implementation of the peace proposal, unofficial with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who attended the meeting quoted Meles as saying. After talks with Meles, Congressman Payne told journalists that the discussions between the two parties focused on Ethiopia's economic conditions, the upcoming elections as well as on the peace proposal the country put forward to resolve the dispute with Eritrea. Payne said his government, in line with its policy, would provide support for the conduct of democratic election. Payne said he received telling briefing from Prime Minister Meles Zenawi about Ethiopia's five-point proposal put forward to resolve the dispute with Eritrea. German President begins official visit today ADDIS ABABA - German President Horst Koehler arrives here today on a four-day official visit to Ethiopia. During his stay here, he scheduled to hold talks with President Girma Wolde-Giorgis, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and other senior government officials as well as representatives of the various non-governmental organizations. He would also meet Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU) prof. Alpha Oumar Konare and other AU officials. The Polish-born Koehelr, 61 is married and has a daughter and a son. He received his PhD in economics in 1977 from the Tubingen University. CECAFA Cup opens, National Team win first match ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The 28th CECAFA Cup opened here in Addis Ababa yesterday in the presence of President Girma Wolde-Giorgis and numerous African and international football officials and dignitaries. The Ethiopian National Team beat their Burundian counterpart 2 to 1. The CECAFA 2004 is named Al Amoudi Senior Challenge Cup, after the business tycoon Sheikh Mohammed Hussien Al Amoudi, who sponsored the championship. Nine of the 11 countries in the Sub-region are in Addis for the CECAFA Cup. The opening match was between Znazibar and Rwanda. Rwanda won 4 to 1. U.S to support nat'l anti-retroviral treatment programme ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - The United States Government disclosed its commitment in support of Ethiopia's National anti-retroviral Treatment Programme with particular emphasis to rescuing women and girls from the HIV/AIDS pandemic. In a press conference organized Wednesday, the visiting U.S. Government team said that Ethiopia is among those 15 focus countries worldwide to benefit from the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. Assistant U.S Global AIDS Coordinator and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Mark Dybul said that the visit of the team signifies the deep and profound commitment of the U.S Government to partner with Ethiopia in the fight against HIV/AIDS through the support of the national anti-retroviral treatment programme. The visit has also provided the opportunity to hold discussions with concerned governmental and non-governmental organizations on ways and means of facilitating the implementation of U.S President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which is the largest international held initiative dedicated to the fight against HIV/AIDS, he added. Nothing that Ethiopia is among the focus countries receiving significant support in its efforts exerted towards the arrest of the deadly disease, he stated that the U.S President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief has envisaged allocating more than 60 million USD for the support of the country's national strategy on HIV/AIDS in the year 2005. He added that the Emergency Plan has also targeted the provision of anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment to two million people, prevent seven million new infections and providing care and support to about ten million people infected and affected by the pandemic. In addition to providing ARV drugs, he said, the U.S would provide support in capacity building of the Ethiopian health care system and infrastructure to deliver anti-retroviral treatment programme, including training of health care professionals and the establishment of an effective supply chain management system and of laboratory services to monitor the treatment. It would also exert utmost efforts in support of the local production of ARV drugs having low cost and high generic quality, he said. Addis, Leipzig sign twin cities agreement ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Addis Ababa City Administration and Leipzig City in Germany have entered into a partnership agreement that would enable them foster socio-economic relations. The two twin cities reached agreement to support each other in a bid to accelerate progress, Mayor Arkebe Equbay said while signing the agreement with Mayor of Leipzig City Council Wolrgang Tiefensee here yesterday. Arkebe said the city government is committed to take the partnership to a higher level of cooperation. The City has faced a number of challenges and opportunities, he said adding poverty is the key challenge while pro-poor policies and strategies have been put in place to address the problems. The city government has launched integrated housing development programme that promotes the development of micro and small enterprises to address housing and unemployment problems, the mayor said. Speaking about the threat posed by HIV/AIDS Arkebe said, "… our efforts would be undermined unless the problem posed to our society by HIV/AIDS is fought vigorously". In this regard, the city has paid due attention to community participation in combating the pandemic, he said. Much remains to be done to alleviate the city's problems, as it is the headquarters of the African Union, Wolfgang Tiefensee said. Tiefensee said the city government should foster its relations with other sister cities of advanced countries to bring about the desired transformation. Leipzig City had similar impediments 20 years ago, the mayor said adding it resolved the problems through integrated working mechanism. Manager of Leipzig City and other guests attended the signing ceremony held at the Addis Ababa City Administration Office. ================================== Pol.ethiopia Dec.13,2004 ====================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue Dec 14 13:28:23 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:15 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041214112823.61944.qmail@web53306.mail.yahoo.com> December 14, 2004 Meles, Koehler say Ethio-German relations gaining momentum 67 mln. euro debt cancellation agreement singed by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and German President His Excellency Prof. Dr. Horst Koehler said that the bilateral relations between the two countries have gained momentum. In a joint press briefing they gave to local journalists and international correspondents at the National Palace yesterday, Meles said that the exchange of high delegation visits between Ethiopia and Germany is a reflection of amicable relations between the two countries. "We are celebrating this year the centenary of diplomatic relations between Germany and Ethiopia. We in Ethiopia believe that despite the century-old very close ties and relations, the two countries have never achieved a very high level of cooperation than at this stage," Meles said. Asked about Ethio-Eritrea's border dispute, Meles said that his country is committed to deal with dialogue and address the root causes of the problem. According to the Prime Minister, agreements have been reached on a wide-range of issues that would be instrumental in enhancing the bilateral cooperation between the two countries. President Koehler on his part commended Ethiopia's measures in tackling poverty and backwardness and expressed his country's commitment to further consolidate the bilateral relations between two sisterly countries. "I can tell you how I was impressed that the government of Ethiopia is strengthening democracy and dealing with human rights issues. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Meles, this country moves in the right direction. The changes made would help the country and its people move forward," the president said. "Germany sees Ethiopia as a partner for economic development and I am sure further debates and discussions lead to stronger ties between the two countries, especially in the areas of technical and vocational trainings," he said. Speaking of the Ethio-Eritrea border issue, the president said that war is against the interest of the peoples of the two nations. The two governments have to do their level best in solving their problems peacefully and strive to combating their daunting enemies - poverty and backwardness. They both discussed issues pertinent to combating HIV/AIDS. The governments of Ethiopia and Germany also signed yesterday a debt cancellation agreement for a total of around 67 million euro. State Minister of Finance and Economic Development Dr. Mulu Ketsela and the Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office Kerstin Muller, singed the agreement at the National Palace in the presence of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and German President Horst Koehler. After signing the agreement, Minister of State Muller said that the debt cancellation would support Ethiopia in its economic reform effort and fighting poverty. "I welcome Ethiopia's increased investment in education, agriculture and infrastructure, which is laying the foundations for sustainable development and the reduction of poverty in the country. We will continue to support Ethiopia as our traditionally close and amicable relations enter a second century," she said. Dr. Mulu on her part told journalists that the agreement shows the enhancement of the bilateral cooperation between the two countries every year. According to the State Minister, Germany is helping Ethiopia's economic endeavours especially in providing technical assistance. "The new bilateral consultation negotiation that would begin in March 2005 would have also great contribution for further enhancing the cooperation between the two countries," she said. Ethiopia succeeded in fulfilling eligibility criteria for the Cologne Debt Initiative (HIPC) in April 2004. The basis of the agreement is the 13 October 2004 arrangement by all affected Paris Club creditors to grant Ethiopia a debt relief on 90 per cent of state guaranteed debt from export transactions, embassy press release indicated. The release further states that the German Government is willing to waive 100 per cent of the country's debts, as Federal Chancellor Gerhard Schroder announced at of the EU Africa Summit in Cairo in April 2000 and confirmed during his visit to Ethiopia in January 2004. After canceling financial cooperation liabilities of approximately 54 million euro in 1990, the Federal Government has now forgiven Ethiopia a total of around 97 million euro in commercial debts since 1993, the release added. Germany is supporting Ethiopia mainly in capacity building, food security and education areas, it was learnt. Meanwhile, ENA said a delegation led by State Secretary for Economic and Labour Affairs of Germany Rudolf Anzinger visited the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) here yesterday, a press release issued by MTI said. According to the release the ministry sent to ENA, Trade and Industry Minister Girma Birru held discussion with the delegation on issue of investments ties between the two countries. Officials from the Investment Commission and the Development Bank of Ethiopia gave briefings to the delegation about the incentives and favourable investment atmosphere existing in the country as well as the provision of loan services. Speaker says gov't committed to ensure child rights ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives said Ethiopia has issued and been implementing various regulations aimed at ensuring child rights. Dawit Yohannes said the Ethiopian Government has given special attention to preventing child labour exploitation and child abuse. He made the remark in a speech he delivered here yesterday during an official launching of the National Children's Plan of Action at the United Nations Conference Centre. There are 4.6 million orphans under the age of 17 in the country, Dawit said quoting a data by the Ministry of Health. He said most of the stated number of children lost both of their parents as a result of HIV/AIDS. The orphans have been unable to continue their education, he said, adding that female orphans are exposed to sexual abuse. The issuance of the National Children's Plan of Action shows how the government is committed to ensuring the rights of children, Dawit said. He also called upon donor organizations and stakeholders to extend support to the successful implementation of the plan of action. Speaking on his part, labour and Social Affairs Minister Hassen Abdella said the Plan of Action to be implemented from 2003 to 2010 would help orphans to lead a healthy life, get access to education and prevent child abuse as child labour exploitation. The two-day meeting would extensively deliberate on the plan of action. Board says launches effort to remove partisan election executives ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The National Electoral Board said it has launched an all-out effort to remove election executives who have become members of political parties and councils under various circumstances with a view to avoiding partisanships during the forthcoming national election. Board Deputy Head Tesfaye Mengesha said the Board had exerted maximum efforts to make sure that election executives are free from political partisanships. Tesfaye made the statement while opening the first training organized for heads of constituencies that opened here yesterday. He said the Board is now ready to replace partisan election executives with non-partisan ones. Tesfaye said similar measures would be taken on election executives who are found to be members of political parties or council members. Orientations will be given to the trainees on the recruition of election executives, their duties and responsibilities as well as the establishment of constituencies and polling stations. Registration of candidates and voters, casting votes and electoral laws and their implementation will be included in the orientations. Contending parties debate on rural dev't policy, land ownership by Getachew Dibaba ADDIS ABABA - The ruling Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Front (EPRDF) and opposition parties Coalition of Unity and Democracy (CUD) and United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) Sunday debated on rural development policy and land ownership. In the debate organized by the Inter-Africa Group for contestant parties for the upcoming election, and held at UN Convention Centre, representatives of CUD and UEDF said the rural development policy and strategy pursed by the government is not effective to address multifarious challenges of farmers while EPRDF representatives said the policy is a critical tool to put the country on the path of sustainable development. CUD said the policy is exacerbating hunger and putting the number of people living in absolute poverty on the rise. According to CUD, the rural development policy does not put emphasis on large-scale irrigation and address the demand-side, which the party said are critical factors in boosting the productivity of the agriculture. Ethiopian farmers depend largely on rain-fed agriculture rather than irrigation and that leaves them vulnerable to climatic shocks, it said. The party cited land ownership, structural inconsistency and nation wide uniformity of development programmes as major problems of the policy. CUD, accordingly stressed abrogating the article of the Constitution, which bans policy flexibility, private ownership, sale and exchange of land. The present land tenure system, CUD said, does not encourage farmers to exert all-out efforts to augment agricultural productivity. This in turn contributes to soil degradation and declining of soil fertility, the party said. Representatives of UEDF also said that members of the ruling party at grassroots level are hampering farmers from improving the performance of agriculture. The ruling party members force the farmers to assemble unwillingly and organize for political purpose at multifarious levels, they said. As development agents are poorly trained and politically affiliated, the lives of farmers are getting worse, UEDF added. EPRDF, however, said that encouraging results have been witnessed over the last few years by the rural development policy, which aims at ensuring speedy economic growth so as to take the country out of abject poverty. The ruling party said that the policy was designed in line with the resources of the country. It said land and labour are immense resources, which have the potential in extricating the country from the abyss of poverty in shortest time possible. According to EPRDF, private ownership of the land in the current Ethiopian situation would pose threats to lives of farmers, which account for 85 per cent of the total population. It further said private ownership of land would put farmers at the mercy of few individuals. According to EPRDF, the rural development policy was developed in such a way to ensure fair economic growth, build free market economy and disentangle the country from aid-dependency. EPRDF said the policy is bearing fruits through the efforts exerted in addressing deep-rooted problems of the farmers. The policy and strategy provided favourable environment to promote education, health and infrastructure, among others. Enhancing the capacity of farmers through training and education, provision of improved seed, development of small-scale irrigation and water harvesting scheme and establishment of financial institutions were cited by EPRDF representatives as major steps taken to ensure food security. ==================================== Pol.ethiopia Dec.14,2004 ======================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Easier than ever with enhanced search. Learn more. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Dec 15 09:55:32 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:15 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041215075533.11698.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> December 15, 2004 Electoral Board to begin document dispatch ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The National Electoral Board (NEB) announced that preparations have been finalized to distribute election materials including registration forms for candidates as well as voters to the 35,000 constituencies across the country. The first round distribution will begin Friday to constituencies in the Amhara, Tigray and Afar states, Board Logistics, Assignment and Distribution Head Biruk Wondwosen told ENA yesterday. Sufficient documents have been made handy for distribution to the 9,469 constituencies in the three states, he added. According to Biruk, election executives who are here in Addis on training will deliver the election materials to their respective constituencies. The registration of candidates and voters is scheduled to take place across the nation from January 9 to February 7,2005. Meanwhile, the Gambella People Democratic Movement has taken its 85 election candidates out for public comments. Some 82 of the candidates facing the comments will be vying for seats in the state council and the others for membership in the House of Peoples Representatives, Movement Deputy Chairperson Umed Ubang told ENA yesterday. The criteria the Movement has set for nomination of the candidates include commitments to fight corruption, parochialism and to solve problems and promote democratic outlooks, he indicated. Good ethics and having no criminal records are the other paradigms against which the candidates are being checked, he said. Candidates will be made eligible also on the bases of their strong stand to helping build the new Ethiopia based on peoples' unity and willful coexistence, the free economic system and based on their adherence to the supremacy of people, he indicated. If candidates fail at the face of public comments and members, other prospective candidates who would also go through the same process would replace them, he added. Some 24 of the candidates are female and representatives of farmers, he said. Nomination has taken into consideration the balanced representation of nationalities. New Peace Initiative said only alternative to resolve problems ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Leaders of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council say the New Peace Initiative proposed by Ethiopia is the only alternative to bring about development and close relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The leaders said they have understood from past joint meetings the interest of Eritrean religious leaders for peace. Eritrea should accept the New Peace Initiative considering the devastating effect of war on humans and property, Council Deputy President, Sheik Elias Redwan and Secretary General of the Council, Hajji Yesuf Ali told ENA yesterday. Democracy, good governance and progress could be achieved where peace prevails, the officials said. The resultant effect of war is ignorance, famine, migration and instability, they said adding leaders of Eritrea should allow their people benefit from peace by accepting the New Peace Initiative proposed by Ethiopia. They said they are certain that the peoples of Eritrea seek peace, adding Eritrean religious leaders have shown interest during discussions religious leaders of the two countries held in the past. The give and take principle is not unique to Ethiopia and Eritrea, the officials said adding Israel had left petroleum treasure which built on Sinai desert without any compensation during a roundtable meeting Egypt and Israel held in 1967. The leadership in Eritrea should know that problems could be peacefully resolved if the two countries negotiate, the officials indicated. They said Eritrean leaders should succumb to peace with a view to bringing about peace between the two countries. Meanwhile, civil servants in East Shoa Zone of Oromia State expressed support for the new peace proposal forwarded by the Government of Ethiopia to peacefully resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute. In a meeting they held in Zeway town Monday, the civil servants said that the peace initiative shows how the Ethiopian Government is committed to peace. They said the peace initiative would enable the country to embark up its development endeavour aimed a reducing poverty. They said the peace proposal would enable to renew the relations between the two neighbouring states. Similarly, teachers and other civil servants in Dilla town Gedio Zone of Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples State have expressed support to the new peace proposal. The teachers and workers voiced their support saying the peace proposal would bring about sustainable settlement to the dispute between the two neighbouring countries. During discussions they held recently, the teachers and workers said the peace initiative which won appreciation from the international community would enable Ethiopia to further enhance its multi-sectoral development efforts. With the proposal, Ethiopia once again demonstrates its firm commitments for peace, they said. Gov't committed to safeguard rights of Ethiopians in Diaspora ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Government has been doing its level best to enhance the participation of Ethiopians in Diaspora in the development of their country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. The government is committed to encourage Ethiopians living abroad to participate in the overall development endeavours in their native land, the Ministry quoted Minister Councilor of the Ethiopian Embassy in Kuwait, Tesfaye Haile-Mariam as saying. Tesfaye made the statement recently while discussing with members of the Ethiopian community in Kuwait. He said the government is committed to safeguard the rights of its citizens living abroad and help them get better job opportunities. Tesfaye said Ethiopians living in Kuwait should strengthen their attachments to their country through the embassy, as it is instrumental in safeguarding their rights and contributing their share towards the development of the country. They should also play a leading role in searching market for Ethiopian export products and attracting investment into Ethiopia, he said. The members of the community on their part vowed to strengthen their attachment to their homeland and actively participate in the development of their country. Some 150 Ethiopians were in attendance at the meeting, according to the ministry. ============================== Pol.ethiopia Dec.15,2004 ========================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Send holiday email and support a worthy cause. Do good. http://celebrity.mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri Dec 17 15:52:29 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:15 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041217135229.85248.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> December 16, 2004 US allocate 20 mln. USD to support half a million orphans by Yemane Terefe ADDIS ABABA - The United States allocated 20 million USD through Save the Children (SC/US) and its partners to support over half a million orphans and other vulnerable children in the coming five years in Ethiopia. Speaking at programme entitled "Positive Change: Children, Communities and Care (PC3)" held at the Exhibition Centre yesterday, President Girma Wolde-Giorgis said that due to various man-made and natural reasons, children are becoming more vulnerable and demanding more protection and support. The president added that the HIV/AIDS epidemic has tremendously increased the number of orphaned children in Ethiopia. He also said with the number of children that require protection and support soaring and ever larger numbers of adults are falling ill with HIV/AIDS and extended family dependency have simply been over-whelmed. According to him, the Government of Ethiopia has put in place a multi-sectoral response mechanism to curb the multifarious impacts of the epidemic. Accordingly, national and regional HIV/AIDS councils and secretariats are working hand in hand with concerned organizations and are bringing positive impact in the effort to tackle the problem. Mr. Adam Keehn, SC/US Director on his part said HIV/AIDS is of course a problem to day, but its impact on the lives of children would continue for several generations. As the number of impoverished children rise, their insecurity worsens, education, and work opportunities decline, nurturing and support systems erode and mortality rises, the director said. "It is better to devote resources toward strengthening the abilities of families and communities to care for orphans and other vulnerable children. Community-based solutions will have broader impact, and more support should go to extended families that care for orphans, to improve income generating opportunities as well as to credit and health care services," he added. He indicated that the PC3 partnership intends to improve the wellbeing of orphans and other vulnerable children (OVC) and families affected by HIV/AIDS. The programme will also utilize the extensive experience with expertise in community-based to increase the use of community supports and protective practices for OVC, caregivers and families. Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Hassen Abdella also said that according to the recent national report on HIV/AIDS, out of 4.6 million orphaned children under seventeen years of age, a considerable number of children are accounted to lose their parents due to the epidemic. He also said that the HIV/AIDS pandemic has tremendously increased the number of child headed households, changing cultural patterns of childcare, and putting an incredible strain on social safety nets. The PC3 project agreement was signed on the occasion among the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, HAPCO Head and SC/US Director. Billboard that depicts future hope of orphaned children was also unveiled in the presence of President Girma. EOC calls on Eritrean religious leaders to strive for peace proposal implementation ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) called upon religious leaders in Eritrea to contribute their share toward the implementation of Ethiopia's five-point peace initiative aimed at peacefully resolving the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute. In a statement he gave here yesterday, EOC Patriarch His Holiness Abune Paulos urged the Eritrean religious leaders to denounce the alternative of dragging the peoples of the two countries into war and do their level best for the practical application on the practical application of the new peace proposal. He said EOC strongly supports the New Peace Initiative and would strive for its implementation. The Patriarch recalled that the people in the country on their part were offering prayers for the prevalence of peace in Ethiopia, Eritrea and the world as well. Pointing out that the new peace proposal is the sole alternative for bringing about peace between the two countries, Abune Paulos said much is expected from Eritreans in ensuring the peace gained through the sacrifices of many people by taking into account the consequences of war would bring on the peoples of the two nations. The EOC along with pertinent bodies will continue to strive for the implementation of the peace initiative in the two countries, he said. Delegation says trade, investment progressing in Ethiopia ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopia has shown great progress in the trade and investment sector, State Secretary in the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour Rudolf Anzinger said. The State Secretary, who is also head of the German business delegation, made the remark while holding discussion with members of the Ethiopian Private Sector and Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce (ECC) here yesterday. He said in the conversations they made so far, the delegation has been assured that the Ethiopian Government is trying to improve the working conditions by removing bureaucratic bottlenecks, introducing reliability and acceleration in the decision making processes, among others. According to the State Secretary, these reforms and the stable domestic-policy conditions make Ethiopia attractive even for long-term investment. The development of industry, the utilization of agricultural potentials and the exploitation of mineral resources require a good infrastructure, he said, adding that this is an area in which German companies are particularly skilled. Some of the firms represented in the delegation have long been operating in Ethiopia and are aspiring to expand their activities, he said. Deputy President of the ECC Solomon Afework said on the occasion that the numerous business contacts between Ethiopia and German companies has made Germany one of the most important trading partners for Ethiopia. According to Solomon, Germany comprises an average annual trade of more than 100 million US dollars. He said the visits that have been made so far by the German business delegations this year alone and the fact that a good number of potential business partners from Ethiopia represented here in the discussion are clear indicators of the growing interest to do business between the two countries. During its stay here, the German business delegation will further make discussions with the Ethiopian entrepreneurs on the issues of bilateral trade and investment relations. President Koehler reaffirms German's support to Africa by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - German President His Excellency Prof. Dr. Horst Koehler reaffirmed his country's commitment to increase its development assistance to Africa. Addressing members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, German delegates and other invited guests at the Conference Hall of the African Union (AU) yesterday, the President reassured that his country is willing to put all efforts for the betterment of the continent. Though Africa needs further improvements in the areas of good governance, aid management democracy and human rights, Germany is ready to extend its development support, Koehler said. The president underlined the importance of good governance and self-responsibility to bring about economic and social progress in the continent. Accordingly, the president indicated the importance of full participation of the society and the pivotal role of administrators and officials of the continent. He further emphasized that every effort must be made to ensure full participation of all sections of the society in the political process to enable Africans contribute to economic development and share the benefits that it brings. For Africa has its own unique character as part of rich diversity, which makes out planet what it is the continent should be free from hazards so as to give its citizens conducive working environment, the president said. "I can not accept anyone who invokes this special character to justify lack of action and abuses directed against the fellow citizens," Prof. Dr. Koehler said. The president also underlined the importance of informing the developed world about Africa by pointing out deficiencies, misconceptions and misunderstandings. "Such openness on both sides in my view is essential to true partnership," he said. "Let us work together to ensure that we in the North should not learn about Africa primarily through reports of famine, asylum seekers, civil war and child soldiers," he added. According to the president, Africa is especially hard hit by devastating diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria. In addition, armed conflicts are still daily realities in many parts of the continent, he said. The president also said Africa needs much more assistance to tackle scourges of mankind and provision of extra money in addition to the funds requires to boost economic development. Moreover, HIV/AIDS requires more preventive information and education, Prof. Dr. Horst said. He further said, "While HIV/AIDS prevention may appear costly and difficult to measure its success, the costs of war are incomparably higher than any cost that causes human suffering." Prof. Dr. Horst commended the progress in the area of security, as it helps to improve domestic capacity and foreign investment flow. He also commended efforts of NEPAD and other regional organizations. The President also expressed German's commitment to increase its annual development assistance to Africa emphasizing wise use of money only for the intended purpose. Chairperson of the African Union Commission Prof. Alpha Oumar Konare on his part lauded German's conviction in supporting various development projects in Africa. The Commissioner also mentioned several pledges that Africa has received from different corners which have eventually not realized. Unless adequate assistance is provided to the continent, it would be very difficult for it to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Konare said. Despite their multifaceted problems, Africans and their organization AU are striving to realize rapid development, good governance and democracy in the continent and these endeavours need the assistance of the developed nations. "Africa needs not only it's of development aid but also its debt burden has to be minimized or relieved," the Commissioner said. The AU is also doing its level best in solving various problems of the continent through dialogue, the Commissioner added. According to Konare, Africa is the continent of the future. "We are the young, new market. We can not talk of the future of the world without talking about Africa," he said. Meanwhile, President Koehler has also held discussions with Speakers of the Houses of Peoples' Representatives and of the Federation here yesterday, ENA reported. During the talks, the two sides exchanged views on national and international issues. The German delegation led by President Koehler also visited the German Community School located in an area known as Aware here in the metropolis. During his visit, President Koehler had held discussion with the students of the school. President Koehler along the Addis Ababa City Mayor Arkebe Equaby also visited the apartments being built with the assistance of the German Government. Briefing the German delegation, Arkebe said the City Administration would construct 200,000 residential units in the next five years. Arkebe also told the delegation that the construction of the apartments being undertaken in cooperation with the German Technical Cooperation would help alleviate poverty and create job opportunities. President Koehler on the occasion appreciated the efforts being made by the city administration to mitigate housing problems. ===================================== Pol.ethiopia Dec.17,2004 ========================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Send holiday email and support a worthy cause. Do good. http://celebrity.mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu Dec 23 10:09:42 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:15 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041223080942.97829.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> December 22, 2004 President receives credentials ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis said yesterday that Ethiopia is desirous of further consolidating its cooperation with Algeria, Iran, Kuwait and Mexico. Girma said that Ethiopia is keen to further strengthen its trade and investment cooperation with the aforementioned countries in the years ahead. President Girma was receiving letters of credence of the newly appointed ambassadors of these countries at the National Palace. While receiving the Algerian Ambassador Aouam Nur Eddzne, Girma said Ethiopia is interested to strengthen its political ties with Algeria, as it did in the economic sector. The Algerian Ambassador told journalists after the audience that he had also delivered a message from President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to President Girma. During the talks with the newly appointed Iranian Ambassador that Kiomars Fotouhi Chiam, President Girma said the two countries need to further strengthen their economic cooperation. He also called upon Iranian entrepreneurs to invest in Ethiopia. The ambassador said on his part that Iranian investors have already been engaged in aluminum production, among others, in Ethiopia and added that several other entrepreneurs are also desirous of investing in the agricultural sector. While conferring with the newly appointed Kuwaiti Ambassador Faisal Aladwani, President Girma said that Kuwaiti entrepreneurs would be beneficiary of they invest in Ethiopia. He also urged the ambassador to persuade Kuwaitis to visit the various tourist sites in Ethiopia. Ambassador Faisal pointed out on his part that his country had granted loan for the execution of development projects and installation of power line in the Afar State. The ambassadors of Iran and Kuwait said that during their talks with the President they have reaffirmed their respective country's support for Ethiopia's five-point peace proposal to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute. While receiving the credentials of the Mexican Ambassador who is residing in Nairobi, Kenya, Margarita Diegez, President Girma requested the ambassador that Mexico need to open its embassy in Addis Ababa, as Ethiopia is the seat of African Union and other international organizations, according to a spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. House endorses civil aviation security bill ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The House of Peoples' Representatives has endorsed a draft proclamation providing for the Civil Aviation Security. It also referred two other bills for pertinent standing committees for further scrutiny. In its regular session yesterday, the House endorsed the report and recommendations submitted to it by the Foreign, Defence and Security Affairs Standing Committee. Ethiopia, one of the founding members of the International Civil Aviation Organization, has ratified the international civil aviation convention in 1944. The bill would be instrumental in carrying out security activities in an integrated manner. The House meanwhile, referred a bill providing for ratifying an agreement on tourism cooperation between Ethiopia and the Sudan to the Information and cultural Affairs Standing Committee. It also referred a bill related to export trade to the Trade and Industry Affairs Standing Committee. ETC says striving to deliver standard service by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation (ETC) said that it is striving to realize efficient and multiples of services to its customers. It says it is also accessing zonal reports, considering customers complaints and analyzing what is set by the Corporation as standard services. At a consultative meeting it organized with the Addis Eastern District customers and administrators at the premises of the Corporation's head office yesterday, Telecom Business Service Department Manager Abayneh Ababe said that the corporation is undertaking reforms in the areas of operation, infrastructure and service delivery to meet the demands of its customers. The manager said that the Corporation is initiating the public to acquire a sense of ownership and ask their rights when and where it is necessary. Likewise, consultative meetings like this one were held six times so far and they are thought to be instrumental in enabling everyone examine the defects and discharge his duty and responsibility, Abayneh said. Communication Division Manager with the Corporation Abdurahim Ahmed on his part said that efforts have been underway to pinpoint the problems and provide the necessary solutions as soon as possible. He added that the Corporation analyzed reports of different branches, heard customers complaints and undertook sight visits to different centres to improve its services concerning the future few months plan of the Corporation, Abdurahim indicated that 200,000 mobile lines would be distributed among Addis Ababa customers while 150,000 lines would go to states and 104 towns get the service. Moreover, preparations are underway to implement additional 600,000 mobile lines, he said. On the occasion ETC Eastern Addis Ababa District Manager Samuel Barbe also said that the district would provide fixed and mobile phones as well as Internet services for 18,000, 37,446 and 5,225 clients respectively this fiscal year. In addition 420 public phones would be fixed in the district while 26 new telephone centres would be operational, he said. According to the manager, progresses have been made in the service delivery, financial management as well as construction of infrastructures in the district. He said that problems are also solve quickly and technical failures are corrected within a maximum of one week while 95 per cent of the money from service provision is collected monthly. In addition, some 36,600 new cables would be installed and 12 million birr is expected to be collected every month from customers, the manager said. At the consultation, explanations were provided to the participants on the services of the Corporation including the new. Broadband Multimedia and a pilot project on implementing civil service reform on some of the centres in the district. It was also mentioned that many institutions are requesting to get the Bradband Multimedia service noticing improvements that have been made in the selected centres regarding the service delivery system. In addition, new lines are being provided within 16 days as opposed to the previous 25 days, while maintenance works are completed in a maximum of 17 days as opposed to 31 days, service charges are within 18 days, not in 29 days like the past, the manager said. Internet congestions, failure to respond to the feedbacks regarding maintenance of telephone and Internet lines, failure in prioritizing customers mobile phone demands bill exaggerations as well as unfairness and short due time to collect service charges were some of the complains raised by the participants. In response to the complaints, the officials and various department representatives agreed to correct them and improve their failure. They specially agreed to give greater attention to 168 golden customers in the district who pay a bill of 5,000 - 8,000 birr. ============================== Pol.ethiopia Dec.23,2004 ====================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? All your favorites on one personal page – Try My Yahoo! http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu Dec 23 11:17:19 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:15 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041223091719.36335.qmail@web53308.mail.yahoo.com> December 23, 2004 Eritrea most likely to face isolation for rejecting peace proposal: Political Scientist ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Eritrea is most likely to face isolation for its rejection of the much-admired peace proposal put forward by Ethiopia to resolve the Ethiopia-Eritrea border dispute, Deputy Dean of the Addis Ababa University said. The rejection by Eritrea of the peace proposal would entail cynicism as to its attentiveness to international responsibilities, says Assistant Professor Mohammed Habib. A political scientist in international law, Mohammed said that Eritrea would face pressures from the international community for keeping at bay the peace proposal that has been welcomed already by the member countries of the European Union, the African Union, the United Nations and numerous other international organizations. The professor said that accepting decisions in principle is not a new thing for there were various cases in which border disputes were resolved through such process. South American, European, Middle East countries and recently Nigeria and Cameroon have managed to resolve their border dispute by accepting decisions "in principle", he said. Resorting to peaceful means to ensure rights is civil in as much as it is non-optional to maintain national interest and sovereignty, he said, adding conversely warlike attitude would be tantamount to narrowing development opportunities and endangering one's sovereignty. He said Ethiopia would not have gained such a suddent shower of welcome after welcome, had its proposal been in contravention of international law. Meanwhile, the Tigray State Women's Association has expressed its support for peace initiative. Association Chairwoman Tamirat Belay said yesterday that the association appreciates the new peace proposal for war is destructive both to human live's and property. Tamirat also said the association lauds the new peace initiative as war impedes the on-going national efforts geared toward reducing poverty and bringing about speedy economic development. The chairwoman said members of the association would rally behind the government with a view to ensuring peace between the two countries since women and children are highly vulnerable to war. She urged on the occasion the Eritrean women to put pressure on the incumbent Eritrean government to accept the tnw peace initiative. Tigray Women's Association has more than 450,000 members at present. New party attains legal recognition ADDIS ABABA (ENA) The National Electoral Board has given certificate of legal recognition to a new political party the Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement. Board Political Parties Registration Acting Head Mekonnen Wondimu told ENA yesterday that the Movement operating at national level is the 75th to attain legal recognition. According to the Board, 16 political parties operate at national level and the rest at regional level. UNSC welcomes Ethiopia's New Peace Initiative ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The United Nationsl Security Council (UNSC) has welcomed Ethiopia's new peace intiaitive forwarded to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute, the Ministry of Information disclosed here yesterday. According to current Council President Abdella Balli of Algeria, the Security Council has accepted the five point peace proposal adopted by the House of Peoples' Representatives November 25,2004 the ministry said in a press statement sent to ENA. Appreciating activities underway to resolve the dispute, the Security Council noted that the two countries need to promote good neighborliness and peaceful co-existence by ending the dispute. Pointing out that the two nations should iron our their differences only through peaceful means in accordance with the Algiers Peace Accord, the Security Council warned the two countries to refrain from any provocative act. Any provocative act in the bordre area would be considered disruptive to peace in the region, said the Security Council in a statement issued Tuesday. Members of the Security Council have expressed their commitment to extend the necessary support for the success of the peace efforts being made by Secretary General Kofi Annan's special envoy Loyd Axworthy and the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) as well. Premier appoints university presidents ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has appointed Dr. Belay Kassa and Dr. Yared Wondimkun as Presidents of the Alemaya and Gondar Universities respectively. According to a letter the Office of the Prime Minister sent to ENA yesterday, the appointment takes effect December 24. Dr. Belay Kassa has served the Alemaya University since 1975 E.C. as instructor, researcher, academic and research deputy president as well as different departments at various times, the Office said. Similarly, Dr. Yared Wondimkun has made able contributions during his service years as instructor, researcher and have much experience discharging his duties and responsibilities in his capacity as department head to dean of the university, the Office said. China, Ethiopia say committed to expand all-round partnership ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The heads of Chinese and Ethiopian legislative bodies said Tuesday that the two countries have strongpolitical will to further expand partnership and all-round cooperation, Xinhuanet reported from Beijing. Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China, and Mulatu Teshome, Speaker of the House of the Federation, made the comment during their meeting in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Tuesday. Both the NPC and the Ethiopian Parliament play an important role in the political life of their countries, Wu said adding that the NPC is ready to join efforts with its Ethiopian counterpart to make positive contributions to the all-round development of the bilateral relations. The two sides have maintained cooperation in recent years, he said. Mulatu said on his part that the two countries share broad common interests and that bilateral relations between them have been growing in recent years. He said the enhanced mutual trust will serve as a basis for expansion of trade and investment between the two countries. He said the exchanges and cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries will also play a pivotal rol in the development of the bilateral relations. Exchange of visits between senior leaders of the two countries has been frequent in the past two years. This is the second time that Mulatu visited China over the past few years. His current visit follows Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's visit to China in November. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabal visted Ethiopia last December when he attended the opening ceremony of the Second Ministerial Conference of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum. Mualtu said the China-Africa Cooperation Forum serves as a bridge of exchanges and cooperation between African and China, which helps both sides overcome their distance and become even closer to each other. Wu said China highly values its relationship with Africa. He said China is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with all African countreis within the framework of the China Africa Cooperation Forum, so as to furhter deepen the long-term, stable, equal and mutually beneficial partnership between China and Africa. China and Ethiopia established diplomatic relations more thatn 30 years ago. Over the years, the two countries have conducted fruitful cooperation in such fields as politics, trade economy, culture, education, health and international affairs. Wu said China is ready to Cooperate with Ethiopia to strengthen the all-round partnership between the two countries. ================================= pol.ethiopia Dec.23,2004 =================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Jazz up your holiday email with celebrity designs. Learn more. http://celebrity.mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Dec 27 14:13:44 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:15 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041227121344.22758.qmail@web53308.mail.yahoo.com> December 25, 2004 Eritreans ought to pressurize gov't to accept Ethiopia's peace proposal: Ministry ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the need that Eritreans at home and in the Diaspora should pressurize their government to accept Ethiopia' five-point new peace initiative met to resolve the Ethio-Eritrean Government should realize that the border dispute between the two countries would only be solved through peaceful means. It said the new peace proposal invites the Eritrean Government to enter into negotiation to resolve the dispute peacefully. The Ministry said that failure to accept the new peace proposal on the part of the Eritrean Government would lead the two countries to unwanted situations, which it said, would also be a threat to the peace and stability in East Africa. It said Ethiopia has repeatedly confirmed that it would not go to war unless forced to do so, as democracy and development are its two top most agendas. It said Ethiopia believes that the dispute could be resolved through peaceful means and the principle of give and take. Board to dispatch special documents ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The National Electoral Board announced that election materials have been prepared for dispatch to 31 special constituencies. The Constitution stipulates that a constituency embracing any given area inhabited by 100,000 people population is less than 100,000 are given special representation. Officials with the office of the Board told ENA that the special constituencies will thus receive the regular and special election materials which will enable them to participate in the election and get seats in the House of Peoples' Representatives as well as state councils. The officials made the announcement at the opening here yesterday of a training to election executives by the Boards Civics Education Training Centre for the third time in a series. Some 139 election executives drawn from the Southern Nations, Nationalities and peoples, Benshangul-Gumiz, Gambella and Harari states, where the nationalities with special representation rights live, are attending the three-day training. Earlier, special election documents were dispatched to the Kunama and Irob special constituencies in the Tigray State and to the Argoba Special Constituency in the Amhara State. Meanwhile, the North Shoa Zone Electoral Board Office in the Amhara State said it has distributed election materials to the respective constituencies. Office Head Tesemma Kebede told ENA yesterday that the election materials include posters, documents and voter ID cards, among others. The office distributed the materials to 14 constituencies beginning 18 December. Tesemma said the constituencies will in turn redistribute the election materials to 941 polling stations in the zone up to the beginning of January 1997 E.C. According to the Head, All Ethiopia Unity Party (AEUP) and an independent candidate have been collecting candidature endorsement signatures in the zone. Council of Minister refers bill providing for amendment of election law ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Council of Ministers during its regular session yesterday referred a bill providing for the amendment of the election proclamation to the House of Peoples' Representatives for endorsement. The council endorsed the bill prepared and submitted by the Ministry of Justice after including necessary amendments. The council endorsed and referred the bill after it was found important to incorporate the numerous points of amendment recommended by opposition political parties, Office of the Prime Minister told ENA in a statement yesterday. The council also made some amendments found essential to enhance the rights of citizens to elect and be elected. The amendments are believed to further enhance the democratic system being nurtured in the country and to further nourish the implementation of the upcoming national and state elections. It has been decided that most of the amendments be enforced in the 2005 elections, the statement said, adding the council passed resolution for inclusion of a provisional period for the enactment after the elections of those stipulations in the amendment related to the reorganization of constituencies in line with results of population census and those pertinent to the electoral board. The council thus unanimously referred the bill to the House of Peoples' Representatives for endorsement. All stakeholders' efforts indispensable to make upcoming election free, fair ADDIS ABABA - The Ministry of Information, in its weekly statement issued yesterday said that it is a universal fact that a democratic order has a decisive role in promoting development, peace and respect the rights of citizens. In addition to this, the weekly statement pointed out that a free and fair election is one of the expressions and main feature of any democratic system. In our country, active participation of the entire people is of a paramount importance to ensure progress in every aspect of life, the statement indicated. Not, only it is a better option, but also it is indispensable for the survival of our country, the statement added. It also said, it is from this fundamental principle all citizens and political parties are showing keen interest in upcoming election. Of course, it is recalled that the implementation of a democratic election has been demonstrated in the past two elections, the statement asserted. However, anyone, who could remember the process of the two elections, there were some irregularities due to inexperience and backward culture the statement said. In spite of this, the upcoming election is hoped to be implemented under better conditions by drawing lessons from past experiences, the statement further reiterated. Finally, it said that one must not keep away from the election process at any point in time. December 26, 2004 National Team win CECAFA Al-Amoudi Senior Challenge Cup ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The CECAFA Al-Amoudi Senior Challenge Cup, sponsored by business tycoon Sheikh Mohammed Hussien Al Amoudi, wrapped up here in the African Capital Addis Ababa yesterday with Ethiopia beating Burundi 3-0. Sudan beat Kenya 2-1 to take the third place. President Girma Wolde-Giorgis awarded the trophy to captain of the Ethiopian Squad Zewdu Bekele. The playoffs at the Addis Ababa Stadium were attended by close to 30,000 spectators. Government officials like Capacity Building Minister Teferra Waluwa, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Ambassador Tehsome Toga, Mayor Arkebe Equbay, and CECAFA officials, including President of Ethiopian Football Federation Dr. Ashebir Wolde-Giorgis, dignitaries, and diplomats and invited guests were also present. This is the third time for the Ethiopian National Football Team to clinch the CECAFA Cup and thus the trophy remains here in Addis - the same wish Al-Amoudi made at the opening a fortnight ago at the launching of the tournament. "I wish all to play well, but I want the trophy to remain in Addis." Nine Central and Eastern African countries participated in the 28th CECAFA AL-Amoudi Senior Challenge Cup. All the four national teams Ethiopia, Burundi, Sudan and Kenya received prize money according to their standing. The Ethiopian National Team displayed superiority all through the 90 minutes and the two minutes added time. Ethiopia has so far participated in 10 of the 28 CECAFA events. Meanwhile, prior to the final match diplomats and workers of the Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, have sent message of fortuity to the Ethiopian National Team to win the final. In their message, the diplomats and workers expressed joy at the victory the Ethiopian National Team clinched in the match against Kenya and wished to win the final. Earlier Friday, President of the Ethiopian Football Federation Dr. Ashebir said the 28th CECAFA event in Addis was a success. He said the two million birr envisaged from ticket sales has already been secured. Dr. Ashebir said the success was attributable to the support of the people, the government and Sheikh Mohammed Hussien Al-Amoudi who sponsored the event here in the African capital. State Minister speaks of increased grants, loans, debt cancellation ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Grants, loans and debt cancellation Ethiopia is receiving from foreign governments, international organizations and institutions is growing more steadily than ever, State Minister of Finance and Economic Development (MoFED) said. The amount of grants and loans Ethiopia is receiving over the past three years is on the increase owing to political stability and peace in the country, Dr. Mulu Ketsela told ENA Friday. Political stability and peace are considered as major criteria for donors and creditors, she said adding during Ethio-Eritrea war grants and loans were largely halted. Ethiopia obtained seven billion birr grants and loans during 1996 E.C. of which 1.5 billion birr was provided in loan, the state minister said. The increased assistance is attributable to the development directions the country pursues, as they are inter-related to realize poverty reduction and MDGs, she said. She said Ethiopia has won 3.3 billion US dollar debt reduction per the agreement reached by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB) board as it has met the criteria set in the Heavily Indebt Poor Countries (HIPCs) Initiative. Most debt cancellations came from Paris Club Creditors, she said, adding that the recent 67 million euros debt cancellation agreement signed with the government of German was part of this. The state minister also indicated that the French government cancelled 5.5 million euros Ethiopia's debt December 20,2004. She said the sum that would other wise go to debt servicing would be used to budget subsidy. The state minister said the grants and loans obtained are primarily utilized for poverty reduction, food security, road construction, health education and other infrastructure facilities. According to Dr. Mulu, US of America, Japan, Germany, Britain, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands and Ireland are in the forefront in terms of support. International Development Association (IDA), the African Development Fund (ADF), the European Union (EU), UNICEF, UNDP and WFP, are among the major financial institutions and international organizations, that provide support to Ethiopia, she added. Badme, Shiraro town residents call on Eritrean people to accept New Peace Initiative ADDIS ABABA (ENA/WIC) - Residents in Badme and Shiraro towns of the Tigray State urged the Eritrean people to exert utmost efforts toward the implementation of the new peace initiative proposed by the Ethiopian government to resolve the border dispute with Eritrea through negotiation. Over 10,000 residents living in the two towns of the state made the call to the Eritrean people recently after discussing the five-point peace initiative. The Eritrean people should put pressure on the incumbent Eritrean government to accept the peace proposal since it would bring about a lasting solution to the Ethio-Eritrea border conflict. The residents said the Eritrean people oppose the option of war to solve the border crisis as war impedes development, good neighborliness and damages human lives and property. The peoples of Ethiopia and Eritrea should not be alienated for all by the war-mongering Eritrean government, the residents said, adding the Eritrean people should comprehend the position of the Ethiopian people toward bringing about sustainable peace between the two countries. The residents said they laud the decision of the Ethiopian government as the new peace initiative clearly shows the government's commitment to the well being of the peoples of the country, to bring about sustainable peace, development, and social progress. Meanwhile employees and administrative staff of the Addis Tannery Share Company expressed their support to the five-point peace proposal. Speaking at a discussion forum organized to sensitize the factory community on the overall objective of the peace initiative, Company General Manager Solomon Getu said the peace plan has aimed at protecting the rights of the Ethiopian peoples making its prior agenda and strategy on peace and development. He noted that Ethiopia was dragged in to war by the war mongering government of Eritrea as the latter had tried to meet its parasitic interests forcibly on the peoples and government of Ethiopia. He said that Ethiopia has once again shown its commitment for the prevalence of lasting and durable peace in both countries. Employees of the factory said on their part that all the wars waged for years in the country have left the peoples of Ethiopia in abject poverty, which according to them the direction devised by the Ethiopian government in settling disputes through negotiations is believed to ensure mutual coexistence and stability between the two countries. According to the employees, the prevalence of lasting and durable peace is crucial in becoming competitive and profitable. Similarly, The Oromia State Justice and Security Bureau said the militia and reserve army of the state have expressed their support to the new peace initiative. Militia Department Head with the Bureau, Wondimu Biratu told WIC Friday that the militia and the reserve army, after discussing the peace initiative, agreed to support and contribute their part to the implementation of the peace initiative. He said the peace initiative won the support of members of the militia and the reserve army as it manifested the government's desire in ensuring peace to the public and good relations with the international community, as war does not contribute anything to national development. The members also said the Eritrean people should grasp and contribute to the peace initiative as it is the only solution for the problem as well as ensuring peace, development and good relations between the peoples of the two countries, headed. ==================================== Pol.ethiopia Dec. 27,2004 ======================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - You care about security. So do we. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue Dec 28 11:11:34 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:15 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041228091134.72175.qmail@web53309.mail.yahoo.com> December 28, 2004 Ethiopia, Sudan, Yemen begin 3rd tripartite summit ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopia, Sudan and Yemen began their joint meeting in Khartoum, Sudan early yesterday. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, presidents Omar Hassan Al-Bashir and Ali Abdullah Saleh are expected to hold in-depth discussions on the peace processes in the Sudan and Somalia as well as issues of regional interest. The summit will also hear a report submitted to it by the Foreign Ministers and Senior Experts who held their meeting earlier. The summit is also attended by the newly elected Somali President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, Ethiopian Ambassador to the Sudan Gedafo Mohammed said. The tripartite pact, which is known as Sen'a forum, aims at bringing about prosperity by working for common peace and development. The Ethiopian delegation, led by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi arrived in Khartoum late Sunday, according to an Ethiopian Radio Reporter. Sudanese President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir and his cabinet members accorded a warm welcome to Prime Minister Meles. President Al-Bashir threw a dinner reception in honour of the leaders. Executives say ready to make elections impartial Board dispatches materials ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Election Executives have launched intensive effort to make the forthcoming state and national elections free and fair. Election Coordinators and Executives of the Benshangul-Gumuz, Gambella and Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples states as well as Dire Dawa Administration expressed their readiness to conduct the elections in a free and democratic manner. They told ENA yesterday that they have received good training offered by the Board that would help them conduct the elections in a free and democratic manner thereby enabling them discharge their responsibilities effectively. Scrutinizing candidature endorsement signatures were the responsibility of kebele administration previously but now the duty of stations to be established by the board where executives and observers will be assigned, they said. A joint forum comprising the Board and contesting political parties which will receive grievances and complaints at constituency level, will be also established they said. Meanwhile, the National Electoral Board said it has dispatched election materials to five states. Board Logistic Distribution Section Head Biruk Wondosen told ENA yesterday that candidate and voter registration forms as well as other related documents were sent to Gambella, Benshangul-Gumuz and Harari states as well as Dire Dawa Administration. He said 2,292 carton materials were dispatched to the states where they will be distributed among 6,876 polling stations. UNHCR commits 9 mln. USD to refugees here ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The United Nations Higher Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) said recently that it has earmarked nine million US Dollars to Ethiopia reducing its budget from the previous by ten per cent, the Regional Liaison Office said. The office told Capital, a weekly business newspaper, recently that about 17,000 Somali refugees are expected to be repatriated by December 2005. The office also indicated that the UNHCR staff, who were evacuated from Gambella in 2003 due to the conflict situation there, have been re-deployed. Recent figure released from the same office indicate that 116,459 Sudanese, Somali and Eritrean refugees currently live in seven camps throughout Ethiopia including Addis Ababa. ================================== Pol.ethiopia Dec.28,2004 ======================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - now with 250MB free storage. Learn more. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Dec 29 10:23:50 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:15 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20041229082350.55706.qmail@web53308.mail.yahoo.com> December 29, 2004 Sena'a Cooperation Forum said being enhanced, 3rd summit concludes ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Sena'a Cooperation Forum with its documents of agreement set the legal framework facilitating the cooperation between and among member countries, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said. The Ethiopian high-level delegation led by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi returned home yesterday after attending the 3rd Summit of the Forum held in Khartoum, Sudan. Meles told Ethiopian Radio reporter that heeding to the option for peaceful dialogue is the most viable way to bring about peace and development in the region. Meles said there is reason to hope for the enhancement of the peace situation in the region, now that the peace processes in the Sudan and Somalia have reached a new chapter. The Sena'a Cooperation Forum will move ahead incorporating countries in the region in addition to founding members Ethiopia, Sudan and Yemen, an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Acting Director of Asia and the Middle East Affairs Directorate with the ministry Addis Dilnesa said the Cooperation Forum has prioritized regional peace as a common interest. The Forum has also been enhanced through the years after its founding. The Second Sena'a Forum held in Addis Ababa was concluded after Ethiopia, Sudan and Yemen signed agreement documents that laid the foundation for the cooperation among the three countries, he said. Agreement has also been signed among the three countries in the Khartoum summit enabling them to work jointly in the prevention of illegal trade, and others issues related to trade and economy, he said. The fact that Somalia has joined the Forum as the fourth member demonstrates the increasing acceptance it has been gaining. Prime Minister Meles led his delegation back home after attending the Forum. Senior government officials welcomed the delegation upon arrival at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. The 3rd Summit of the Sena'a Cooperation Forum, concluded late Monday a 16-point resolution. Accepting Somalia's membership request, the forum also called on others that cherish its ideals to do so. The resolution focuses on issues in Somalia, the Sudan and on the Ethiopia-Eritrea dispute as well as the tripartite cooperation. President's Omar Hassan Al-Beshir and Ali Abdullah Saleh have expressed support to the new peace proposal put forward by the Ethiopian Government to resolve the border dispute with Eritrea. The two leaders also called on Ethiopia and Eritrea to quickly enter into dialogue which, they said, would enable them reach at an agreement to ensure lasting peace. According to the resolution, the newly elected Somali Government should be supported to take hold in Somalia. A new chapter shading a light of hope for the future of Somalia has come through the efforts of the peoples of Somalia, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU). Arab League Secretary General amr Mussa on the occasion pledged that the League would solicit international support for reconstruction in Somalia. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and President Saleh indicated the need for a comprehensive agreement in the Sudan, and called on the international community to play greater role in the reconstruction efforts there. Prime Minister Meles said that the tripartite cooperation should also lead to people-to-people relations through regular trade and cultural exhibitions by the member countries. The Summit decided that Yemen host the 4th Cooperation Forum. President discusses socio-economic issues with elderly DIRE DAWA (ENA) - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis discussed with the elderly various socio-economic issues in the Dire Dawa Administration yesterday at the Dire Dawa Palace. The elderly requested the government on the occasion to do its level best in assisting the activities being made to asphalt the Dire Dawa-Dewole Road, expanding higher learning institutions, and strengthening the Ethio-Djibouti Railway. The elderly also urged the government to transform the existing Interim Administrative Council of the Dire Dawa City into a permanent administration. In response to the requests, the president said the asphalting of the Dire Dawa-Dewole Road would be started soon. President Girma also said a feasibility study has been in progress to asphalt the Dire Dawa-Me'eso Road with a view to improving the development of lowland localities in the area. Alemaya University has already planned to open a branch in Dire Dawa during the current academic year, the president noted, adding other higher learning institutions would be opened step-by-step. According to the president, the government has been taking various measures toward revitalizing the Ethio-Djibouti Railway. Girma also said the interim administration of the town would be replaced by a permanent administrative council through election. President Girma urged the elderly, religious leaders, and the public at large to make concerted efforts toward containing the spread of HIV/AIDS that has been severely damaging the productive workforce of the country. President Girma Monday visited the new power plant, the industry site work on the construction of residential units, and other development projects. AAU invites political parties to take part in further debates ADDIS ABABA - The Office of the President of the Addis Ababa University (AAU) has invited interested political parties to take part in further debates four political issues. According to press releases the AAU sent to the Herald yesterday, the university has received reports from different quarters to host debates on public issues other than those it organized previously. The issues the university chose to hold debate on are-peace, land tenure, agricultural industrialization and prospects for a democratic public culture. The first debate will be held shortly with a special focus on the five-point peace plan, the university said and called on those parties who intend to take part to notify the Office of the President by 31 December 2004. UNMEE's documentary "Next Steps to Peace" premiered ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - UNMEE Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General has said resolving the border dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea through dialogue would be vital for the development of both countries and for good neighborliness. Cheikh-Tidiane Gaye made the remarks here yesterday at the Official launching and screening of UNMEE's documentary titled: "Next Steps to Peace". Gaye said it was only through dialogue that the border dispute between the two countries could be resolved sustainably. The Mission's Public Information Office produced the documentary, which is a sequel to "First Steps to Peace". "Next Steps to Peace" casts in retrospect, the images of the UNMEE's collaboration with Ethiopia and Eritrea and key partners in advancing the peace process, through the monitoring of cessation of hostilities, and maintaining the sanctity of the Temporary Security Zone including its efforts at facilitating reconciliation, humanitarian support, building confidence among internally displaced populations and keeping the people informed of development in the peace process, Gaye said. He said the documentary also shows the Mission's endeavours being made to render medical services to the people, community development through Quick Impact Projects and regular supply of water to Ethiopians and Eritreans living along portray peacekeepers protecting civilians from the risk of mines through systematic and painstaking mine clearance processes." "The documentary not only highlights touches upon the various emergencies and difficulties encountered by the Mission," he said. "In spite of these challenges, however, you will realize from the film that UNMEE has demonstrated its commitment to keeping the cease-fire and ensuring that the peace process remains firmly on track," he said. He expressed gratitude to the Addis Ababa Municipal authorities for providing facilities for the ceremony. Gaye responded to queries posed by spectators on the Mission's future activities and the new peace proposal Ethiopia has put forward to resolve the dispute with Eritrea. The "First Steps to Peace" chronicles the major events within the Mission area that took place under the auspices of the UNMEE between September 2001 and mid 2003. Afar State to get First-ever University SEMERA (ENA) - The Ministry of Education (MoE) Monday received a 100-hectares site in Semera town for the construction of a university. State President Special Secretary Mohammed Yayu handed over the site plan to Ministry Public Relations Service Head Birhanu Alebachew. Speaking on the occasion, Mohammed said that the state government would do everything possible toward the successful completion of the construction of the new university, the first of its kind in the state. Physical work on the university construction project would be launched soon, Birhanu said, adding the university would have a capacity of receiving some 600 students upon completion of the first phase of the construction. In fact, the university would have a capacity of enrolling 10,000 students every academic year when it goes fully operational, he added. According to the Head, the Ministry plans to establish 13 universities at different areas of the country during the next five years with a view to raising the enrolment of higher learning institutions. The respective heads of the Education and Labour and Urban Development bureaus as well as representatives from other government offices of the state were in attendance at the ceremony. ================================= Pol.ethiopia Dec. 29,2004 ===================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - You care about security. So do we. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri Dec 31 14:13:37 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:15 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Itmes Message-ID: <20041231121337.32007.qmail@web53309.mail.yahoo.com> December 31, 2004 Religious leaders call upon Eritrean counterparts to strengthen peace effort ADDIS ABABA (ENA/WIC) - Leaders of four religious institutions in Ethiopia have called upon their counterparts in Eritrea to strengthen their peace efforts and make pressure on the Eritrean Government to accept Ethiopia's new five-point peace proposal put forward to solve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute, the Ministry of Information said. The religious leaders of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, the Ethiopian Catholic Church, the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council and the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane-Yesus made the call while conferring with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi on the new peace proposal, the Ministry said in its statement sent to ENA last Monday. They called upon Eritrean religious leaders to further consolidate the peace efforts they have launched previously, it said. Patriarch of EOC His Holiness Abune-Paulos, Archbishop of the Ethiopian Catholic Church Abune-Berhane Eyesus, Vice President of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council Sheik Elias Redwan and President of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane-Yesus the Reverend Itefa Gobena recalled that their religious institutions have been exerting efforts independently and jointly with their counterparts in Eritrea ever since the conflict between the two countries has erupted to resolve the dispute between the two sides peacefully. Pointing out that the war between the two countries had claimed the lives of many, they called for the enhancement of efforts underway to bring about a lasting solution to the dispute to avoid similar human tragedy, the statement said. They said, as peace is fundamental for everything including all-round development, they were motivated to express support for the peace initiative again jointly in addition to their previous independent support. Similarly, scholars and representatives of civic societies called on the general public for the effective implementation of the peace plan issued by Ethiopia so as to settle its border dispute with Eritrea in a peaceful and lasting manner. The sections of the society, at a panel discussion held here yesterday at ETV Studio, said the public in both countries should strive for the practical implementation of the five-point peace proposal as it would give the two countries the opportunity to redirect their focus on achieving sustainable development. Participants of the panel discussion stated that ensuring lasting peace in both neighbouring countries is believed to have irreplaceable role in expediting development and prosperity in the countries. The international community in general and the peoples of Eritrea in particular should put pressure on the government of Eritrea to accept the New Peace Initiative, they said. They noted that the Ethiopian government had done its level best in settling the dispute in dialogue and negotiation in the pre and post war period with the government of Eritrea. The issuance of the peace proposal has once again confirmed the commitment of Ethiopia in resolving differences through only peaceful way, the participants added. They, therefore, said the public should well understand the peace plan and mobilize for its practical implementation, as it would pave the way to ensuring socio economic development and good governance in the country. Walta Information Centre, in cooperation with the Ethiopian Television and Radio Enterprise, organized the panel discussion. Meanwhile, the inhabitants of 15 woredas in East Gojjam Zone last Tuesday expressed their support for the new peace initiative proposed by the Ethiopian Government to resolve the border dispute with Eritrea. Zonal Information Office Representative Gahsaye Getahun told WIC that civil servants, high school students, preparatory students, technical and vocational students as well as teachers of various institutions have expressed their readiness to contribute to the realization of the peace proposal following extensive deliberations. Similarly, 20,000 members of the Amhara Women's Association in the zone said as women had been suffering from various economic and social problems during wars in the past they fully support the new peace initiative. Women cannot become beneficiaries of their rights unless sustainable peace prevails, they said, and agreed that the dispute should only be resolved by peaceful means. Meanwhile, farmers in W.Hararghe Zone, Oromia State said that the new peace proposal put forward by Ethiopia to resolve the dispute with Eritrea would create for the peoples of Ethiopia and Eritrea dependable conditions to invest all energy in development activities. During meetings, the farmers in 11 woredas said the peace inititatve will ensure the security of the peoples of both countries and enable them to strive towards development. EPRDF to field 161 candidates in Addis ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) announced that it will field 161 candidates for the upcoming elections in Addis. EPRDF Addis Ababa Organizational Affairs Head Ali Siraj said that 23 of the candidates will be vying for seats in the House of Peoples' Representatives and 138 in the Addis Ababa City Government. Women candidates number 30. Ali said that the candidates were selected on the basis of their competence to implement the peace, development and democracy programme. The candidates represent the various nations and nationalities. The candidates will soon be evaluated by the electorate, front organ Abyotawi Democracy quoted Ali as saying. Minister calls for governmental organizations, business community stronger partnership ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Minister of Trade and Industry has indicated the need for coordination to back up the ongoing efforts to improve contacts between governmental organizations in the field of infrastructure and the private sector. Improvement in infrastructure services will expedite the industrial sector development, said Girma Birru here yesterday at the 6th joint discussion forum between the government and the business community. He indicated the need for EEPCo, ETC and other organizations in the field of infrastructure to provide efficient and meaningful services as per the special attention the government attaches to the private sector, he said. Lack of coordination in the partnership between pertinent governmental organizations and the business community would weaken industrial productivity, he indicated. He said governmental organizations in the field of infrastructure should consult with the business community in their project planning. The minister presided over the half-day consultation forum, which discussed the reports of various pertinent organizations. ======================== pol.ethiopia Dec. 31, 2004 =============== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Take Yahoo! Mail with you! Get it on your mobile phone. http://mobile.yahoo.com/maildemo