From officeofthespeaker@yahoo.com Wed Sep 1 13:50:05 2004 From: officeofthespeaker@yahoo.com (Amsalework Belay) Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2004 06:50:05 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040901135005.37488.qmail@web60001.mail.yahoo.com> --0-748285582-1094046605=:37242 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Alage ATVET Collage graduates 3,560 dev't agents Meles urges graduates to face with determining painstaking fight against poverty, backwardness by Getahun Amogne ALAGE - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has called upon graduates of Agricultural Technique and Vocational Education Training (ATVET) colleges throughout the country to tighten up their belts for the tenacious struggle against poverty and backwardness deep-seated in rural Ethiopia. Meles said the graduates should prepare themselves to take up the daunting task of transforming the age-old subsistence agriculture by introducing modern and adaptable technologies and thereby improving the livelihood to the rural population. The Premier made the remarks on Sunday at the commencement of 3,560 development agents of the Alage ATVET college who completed a three-year practical and theoretical training in the fields of plant science, animal science, natural resources conservation and animals health. "There cannot be nay more noble mission than this. There cannot be a more level playing field than this to demonstrate commitment to a sacred cause," Meles told the first batch graduates who were exhilarated by his presence. "You should be proud to be deployed as pioneers in this highly regarded mission." The Prime Minister also said that it would not be an easy task to lead an intensified fight against poverty and backwardness in rural Ethiopia, where basic infrastructure and Social service facilities have still remained luxuries. "You are on the other hand, joining a tireless farming and pastoral society respectful of its development partners and keen to learn the path-way out of poverty and backwardness. You are also going to places with abundant resources that could yield high product with little efforts," he said. The Premier expressed his conviction that through aggressive intervention change is achievable in the near future. Meles also pledged the unreserved support of this government to the graduates in their exacting tasks ahead. Sate Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Belay Ejigu, on his part noted that the government has launched agriclutural technique and vocational training in 25 colleges across the country since 1994 E.C. with a view to mainly realizing commercial farming through the introduction of modern technologies. Currently, there are 38,000 trainees in the colleges including the 9,4000 development agents to be graduated this Ethiopian year, he said, adding that they would be assigned to the 15,000 farmers' training centres being established across the country. Head of the Alage ATVET College, Yishak Beredo, said that the graduates have received a 70 per cent practical and 30 per cent theoretical training, which, he said, has helped them acquire detailed skills in their fields. The trainees were also deployed for n eight-month apprenticeship in their respective areas in a bid to familiarize them with the opportunities and challenges they would face in their careers, he said. Some of the graduates approached by the Herald have expressed their readiness to face the challenges they would encounter and bring about tangible results in the agriculture sector. They also affirmed their determination to use the skills they have acquired for opening up new chapter in this country by breaking Ethiopia's reputation as living on hand outs and improving the standards of living of the farming and pastoral communities. Prime Minister Meles handed out diplomas to the graduates and awarded medals to those with outstanding performances. Trainees of the remaining colleges would graduate until early September, according to information obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Senior government officials including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Addisu Leggesse attended the ceremony. Triumphant athletes accorded heroe's welcome by a Staff Reporter ADDIS ABABA - The Victorious Ethiopian athletes were accorded a heroe's welcome yesterday upon their arrival from Athens where the 28th Olympiad was held. As the national flag carrier landed, a very wild whistling and scream of praise filled the air. Families of the athletes were on the brink to take their heroes and heroines into an embrace while government officials on hand to welcome the squad were beaming with sincere delight. Dr. Mulatu Teshome, Speaker of the House of the Federation, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture ambassador Teshome Toga, Addis Ababa City Mayor Arkebe Equbay, State Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Bisrat Gashaw Tena garlanded the athletes with flower and headgear embroidered with the tricolor of the national flag. Chanting fans carrying placards in praise of the athletes' stretch all the side walks to the Addis Ababa Stadium where a grand reception was organized. When the athletes entered the stadium and go around the track greeting the fans sitting in every corner of the stadium, the latter acknowledged with a standing ovation and extreme shouts of delight. The fans went on calling the names of their heroes and heroines and singing victory songs, which interrupted welcoming speeches of officials. The all-time great athletics legend Haile Gebre-Selassie said in his speech that all the success was made possible with the support of the people. Known for her bubbling smile, Derartu Tulu echoed the same message and expressed the squad's indebtedness to the Ethiopian people for their unreserved support until the end of the Olympiad. The welcoming ceremony was transmitted live on radio and ETV. Ethiopia won two gold, three silver and two bronze medals at the 28th games sitting on 28th position among the 202 participating countries. ========================= pol. ethiopia sept. 1, 2004 ====================== --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? New and Improved Yahoo! Mail - 100MB free storage! --0-748285582-1094046605=:37242 Content-Type: text/html; charset=us-ascii

Alage ATVET Collage graduates 3,560 dev't agents

Meles urges graduates to face with determining painstaking fight against poverty, backwardness

by Getahun Amogne

ALAGE - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has called upon graduates of Agricultural Technique and Vocational Education Training (ATVET) colleges throughout the country to tighten up their belts for the tenacious struggle against poverty and backwardness deep-seated in rural Ethiopia.

Meles said the graduates should prepare themselves to take up the daunting task of transforming the age-old subsistence agriculture by introducing modern and adaptable technologies and thereby improving the livelihood to the rural population.

The Premier made the remarks on Sunday at the commencement of 3,560 development agents of the Alage ATVET college who completed a three-year practical and theoretical training in the fields of plant science, animal science, natural resources conservation and animals health.

"There cannot be nay more noble mission than this. There cannot be a more level playing field than this to demonstrate commitment to a sacred cause," Meles told the first batch graduates who were exhilarated by his presence. "You should be proud to be deployed as pioneers in this highly regarded mission."

The Prime Minister also said that it would not be an easy task to lead an intensified fight against poverty and backwardness in rural Ethiopia, where basic infrastructure and Social service facilities have still remained luxuries.

"You are on the other hand, joining a tireless farming and pastoral society respectful of its development partners and keen to learn the path-way out of poverty and backwardness. You are also going to places with abundant resources that could yield high product with little efforts," he said.

The Premier expressed his conviction that through aggressive intervention change is achievable in the near future. Meles also pledged the unreserved support of this government to the graduates in their exacting tasks ahead.

Sate Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Belay Ejigu, on his part noted that the government has launched agriclutural technique and vocational training in 25 colleges across the country since 1994 E.C. with a view to mainly realizing commercial farming through the introduction of modern technologies.

Currently, there are 38,000 trainees in the colleges including the 9,4000 development agents to be graduated this Ethiopian year, he said, adding that they would be assigned to the 15,000 farmers' training centres being established across the country.

Head of the Alage ATVET College, Yishak Beredo, said that the graduates have received a 70 per cent practical and 30 per cent theoretical training, which, he said, has helped them acquire detailed skills in their fields.

The trainees were also deployed for n eight-month apprenticeship in their respective areas in a bid to familiarize them with the opportunities and challenges they would face in their careers, he said.

Some of the graduates approached by the Herald have expressed their readiness to face the challenges they would encounter and bring about tangible results in the agriculture sector.

They also affirmed their determination to use the skills they have acquired for opening up new chapter in this country by breaking Ethiopia's reputation as living on hand outs and improving the standards of living of the farming and pastoral communities.

Prime Minister Meles handed out diplomas to the graduates and awarded medals to those with outstanding performances.

Trainees of the remaining colleges would graduate until early September, according to information obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Senior government officials including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Addisu Leggesse attended the ceremony.

 

Triumphant athletes accorded heroe's welcome

by a Staff Reporter

ADDIS ABABA - The Victorious Ethiopian athletes were accorded a heroe's welcome yesterday upon their arrival from Athens where the 28th Olympiad was held.

As the national flag carrier landed, a very wild whistling and scream of praise filled the air. Families of the athletes were on the brink to take their heroes and heroines into an embrace while government officials on hand to welcome the squad were beaming with sincere delight.

Dr. Mulatu Teshome, Speaker of the House of the Federation, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture ambassador Teshome Toga, Addis Ababa City Mayor Arkebe Equbay, State Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Bisrat Gashaw Tena garlanded the athletes with flower and headgear embroidered with the tricolor of the national flag.

Chanting fans carrying placards in praise of the athletes' stretch all the side walks to the Addis Ababa Stadium where a grand reception was organized.

When the athletes entered the stadium and go around the track greeting the fans sitting in every corner of the stadium, the latter acknowledged with a standing ovation and extreme shouts of delight. The fans went on calling the names of their heroes and heroines and singing victory songs, which interrupted welcoming speeches of officials.

The all-time great athletics legend Haile Gebre-Selassie said in his speech that all the success was made possible with the support of the people. Known for her bubbling smile, Derartu Tulu echoed the same message and expressed the squad's indebtedness to the Ethiopian people for their unreserved support until the end of the Olympiad.

The welcoming ceremony was transmitted live on radio and ETV.

Ethiopia won two gold, three silver and two bronze medals at the 28th games sitting on 28th position among the 202 participating countries.

=========================

pol. ethiopia

sept. 1, 2004

======================

 

 

Do you Yahoo!?
New and Improved Yahoo! Mail - 100MB free storage! --0-748285582-1094046605=:37242-- From polethiopia@yahoo.com Fri Sep 10 12:44:20 2004 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Fri, 10 Sep 2004 05:44:20 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040910124420.8153.qmail@web53304.mail.yahoo.com> September 10, 2004 AU Extraordinary Summit opens in Ouagadougou ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The 3rd Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union opened yesterday in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. the summit, being attended by several leaders of African countries, including Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, aimed at finding "remedies" for unemployment and underemployment as well as discuss ways of reducing poverty in Africa. Addressing the summit Nigerian President Olesagun Obasanjo, who is also AU current Chairperson, said African countries should give priories to job creation and investment, among others. Obasanjo said it is only possible to reduce poverty in the continent when African countries are able to create job opportunities to their citizens. He said African countries are also need to endorse and implement a plan of action aimed at reducing unemployment and poverty which has been designed in the last two years. In his remark to the summit, President Blaise Compaore of Burkina Faso said millions of Africans need to get access to jobs. Compaore also said good governance, peace and stability as well as social security have to be ensured in order to be able to reduce poverty and create more jobs in the continent. He also called upon member countries of the African Union to adopt the plan of action, which he said, would enable to create more jobs and ensure food security as well as carry out other economic significant activities. Speaking on his part Chairperson of the Commission of Africa Union Alpha Oumar Knoare said conflicts and lack of good governance have hampered Africa to create job opportunities and reduce poverty. He said unless the United Nations-designed Millennium Development Goals are effectively implemented, Africa couldn't be able to reduce poverty. Addressing the Summit Director General of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Juan Somavia said the Special attention given by African countries to the expansion of job opportunities and reduce poverty shows their commitment to bring about change and sustainable development in the region. He also expressed ILO's strong commitment to efforts being made to expand jobs and minimize poverty. The Director General said the enhancement of the private sector of economy should also be considered into account. The goal of the summit is to discuss ways to create eight million jobs annually over the next decade, so as to accommodate the expanding labour force within the continent, which is expected to top 360 million by 2015. Embassies, consulate offices urged to promote Ethiopian trade ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The embassies and consulate offices established in various parts of the world should serve as a centre for the promotion of Ethiopian trade, minister of foreign affairs said yesterday. Speaking at the ongoing annual meeting of the Ethiopian diplomats, Seyoum Mesfin said each embassy office should conduct an in-depth marketing study in a bid to increase the volume of export trade. He said it should be the responsibility of the embassies to prepare documents that could be used as a guideline for Ethiopian products, the capacity and offence of exporters. The minister said the diplomats representing the country should be committed to introduce the Ethiopian exportable products to the international markets. The embassies and consulate offices should be engaged in conducting continuos marketing researches aimed at promoting local products to the global market. He said establishing confidence between the supplier and the buyer could enable to penetrate to the markets and assess the opportunities for the local products. The Ethiopians in the Diaspora could greatly contribute to the initiative and provide valuable information bout potential buyers, as the marketing study couldn't be conducted by the embassies alone. Network to be established to prevent fistula in Ethiopia ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - Ministry of Health, Ethiopian Roads Authority and other non-governmental health and transport organizations agreed Wednesday to establish a nationwide network to jointly prevent the occurrence of fistula in Ethiopia. After a day-long discussion on the availability of transport for pregnant women so that they can reach health care centres in time to get treatment, the participants concluded that there should be constant link between road building programmes and health institutions. They therefore agreed to support each other in a way that can create easily accessible transport system to avoid delay, which usually leads to the occurrence of fistula. Accordingly, World Bank will fund three million USD to create link that would alleviate the problem in the Amhara and SNNP states. World Bank's Transport Sector consultant, Dr. Wendy M. Walker, to WIC studies show that the biggest impediment for access to health car is lack of transport, both in terms of roads and services. The Bank's Public Health specialist, Dr. John Stephen Osika, said the project will also include capacity building programmes for health care workers at health posts so that they can identify the high risk pregnancies early enough and refer them to higher health institutions. Dr. Osika also said Amhara and Southern Nation, Nationalities and Peoples states are selected for the first phase because of the high occurrence of fistula and availability of hospitals in Bahir Dar and Yirgalem. Ethiopian Roads Authority Representative Ato Tadele Debela said his office would participate in the project by constructing feeder roads that can help people reach health facilities on time when the need arises. September 10, 2004 EPRDF determined to hold upcoming elections in free, democratic manner: Official ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Members of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) are expected to compete in the upcoming elections in a free and democratic manner, Minister of Information said. In an interview with Abyotawi Democracy, organ of the EPRDF, Bereket Simon said whatever may be the outcome of the election, the members and supporters f the Front should uphold the democratic principles of elections. Bereket who is also executive member of EPRDF said any violation of election, regularities wouldn't be tolerated, adding that those who breached established rules would be brought to the law of courts. He said members of the Front should consider the issue and take precautionary measures prior to making decisions. The minister said there are members and organizations of the Front which are registering encouraging results in the rural and urban areas where they are active. He said members of the Front should be elected by wining the hearts and the minds of their constituencies. The minister said EPRDF wouldn’t attempt to undermine established rules for the mere reason to be elected, adding that it is believed that all members of the Front would understand the position of the ruling party that end. The task waiting ahead is the establishment of good governance and expediting development endeavours alongside conducting the national election a free and fair manner, the minister said. He said the previously held elections were conducted in a democratic manner where all contestant political parties were given equal opportunities, adding that the neutral Electoral Board organized and led those elections. the minister said there is an opportuntity that the upcoming electiosn would be held in a better way than the previous ones. EPRDF has out in place sound macro-economic policies believed to be instrumental in addressing the basic needs of the society. The harnessing of rivers and the harvesting of rain waters has shown encouraging results in changing the lives of the rural people, he said. The government has been engaged in the supply of agricultural inputs and expansion of extension packages in a bid to bring about sustainable economic development, according to Bereket. he said following the measure taken, it was possible to resettle about 10,000 family heads infertile areas. The Coalition of EPRDF is expected to hold their annual conference, which would share experiences form the achievements of the past. Addis to host African Commission meet ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The African commission comprising 17 commissioners including Prime Minister Meles Zenawi would hold its second meeting in October 2004 in Addis Ababa, the Ministry of Information said. The ministry told ENA on Wednesday that British Prime Minister Tony Blair launched the Commission for Africa in 2004 with the conviction that the world will not be secured unless the multifaceted social and economic problems that faced the impoverished continent are effectively solved. "Africa is the only continent to have grown poorer in the past 25 years, 44 million children do not go to school, millions as, you know, die through famine, or disease, or conflict, and Africa risks being left even further behind," Prime Minister Blair said in February this year when launching the Commission in London. The Commission, which Tony Blair will chair, will bring together leaders from the developed world and Africa. Of the 17 commissioners, nine will be from Africa. The Africans include President Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania, Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, K.Y, Amoako of the Economic Commission for Africa and Anna Tibaijuka, a UN Under Secretary and Executive Director of UN Habitat. The Commission, whose 1st meet was held in London in May, will meet in Ethiopia in October before a final report is published in April. Blair said that he would use Britain's presidency of two organizations next year to focus attention on the continent. In 2005, Britain will be in charge of both the European Union and the G8 - the club of the world's richest countries. The idea for an Africa Commission came from former pop star, and long time campaigner against African poverty, Bob Geldof. The Ethiopian Government and the people would do everything in their power to successfully host the meeting as the previous international and continental organization conferences held here in the past, the ministry said. Eritrea closes UNMEE's crucial supply route ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) expressed disappointment Tuesday after the Eritrean Government reimposed restrictions of movement along a crucial supply rout for its peacekeepers, IRIN reported. UNMEE said it had received a letter from the Eritrean authorities saying they could no longer use the Asmara-Keren-Barentu road. Deputy spokesman George Somerwill said the road had been closed for unknown reasons, considerably hampering the work of the peacekeepers. "I would not necessarily call it unfair. I would just say that it simply is a situation which makes our work considerably harder." Somerwill said Tuesday. The closure means key supplies to peacekeeping troops in Western Eritrea would take an extra 10 to 12 hours to deliver. UNMEE might need to resort to using helicopters, the spokesman told IRIN. UNMEE arrived in Ethiopia and Eritrea in 2000 to help monitor a 25-kilometer buffer zone that separates the two countries. "We are here to keep the peace, basically," Somerwill added. "We are here for the two governments so I think if our lives are made harder, then our work is made more difficult. In the end, it is the two peoples who are going to suffer; the people of Ethiopia and the people of Eritrea." The restriction on using the supply road - which was imposed in March - had been lifted last month after high-level interventions and calls from the UN Security Council. UNMEE insisted despite the closure that its relationship with the Eritrean authorities would not be harmed. "UNMEE will continue to maintain as positive a relationship as it can with both parties as well have done in the past, but it is nevertheless disappointing that this has happened," the spokesman said. Later this month, the 15-strong UN Security Council is expected to meet in New York to discuss the renewal of UNMEE's six-month mandate. Recently, Ethiopia has given its approval for a direct flight between the two countries to enable UNMEE's smooth operations. ITSO conference to be held here ADDIS ABABA (ENA)- Ethiopia will host the annual regional conference of the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO), the Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation (ETC) has announced. The ITSO Conference is scheduled to be held here in Addis Ababa, the AU Headquarters, on 13 and 15 September, manager of communications main section with ETC Abdurahim Ahmed told ENA yesterday. More than 120 technology experts drawn from numerous African countries are expected to attend the conference. The agenda include an assessment of the level of development in Africa of the satellite communications technology as well as the sharing of experiences of the countries like Ethiopia that have been making remarkable advances in the field. Ethiopia was favored to host the conference owing to the big-scale capacity building measures the government has been taking to enhance and intensify the information communication technology. Ethiopia will be sharing its experiences gained in the field, particularly in its school-net programme that well streamlines education with the attainment of speedy national development, Abdurahim said. Currently, Ethiopia has been implementing, through the Board Bank V-sat Project, the school-net programme that has made, to date, more than 450 schools across the nation beneficiaries of IT services, he indicated. The Woreda-Net Broad Band V-sat Project is also nearing completion to enable IT networks access to more than 600 woreda administrations, he said. Ethiopia leads Africa in its satellite coverage, with its satellite link with more than 20 countries via 172 lines, receiving services from satellite receivers placed in geo-stationary orbits above the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Meanwhile, the Graduate School of Telecommunications and Information Technology at the Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding with the Telkon Centre of Excellence at Rhodes University, and IT Group Business Connexions paving the way for technology to boost distance education and agricultural research in Ethiopia. The partners signed the agreements at the 8th annual Southern African Networks and Applications Conference (SATNAC) at Stellenbosch, ETC said. Reuben September, Telkon's Chief Technical Officer, said: "Telkom is delighted at being able to assist NEPAD to achieve one of its objectives to expand the ICT blue-print in Africa as a catalyst for job creation and economic development." September said the Ethiopian Government had engaged in an intensive project aimed at creating a national ICT system and infrastructure that will support the flow of information to all levels of the country's economic and social structures. Primary consideration ahs been given to the provision of education, health and distance education, government data networks and Internet services. At the signing ceremony, both Dr. Nega from Ethiopia and Gerald Maina of Namibia said they were delighted with the initiative as it will bring the education institutions closer together and promote mutual cooperation. ==================== pol.ethiopia Sept.10,2004 =============== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Address AutoComplete - You start. We finish. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail From polethiopia@yahoo.com Tue Sep 14 13:37:10 2004 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue, 14 Sep 2004 06:37:10 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Itmes Message-ID: <20040914133710.13938.qmail@web53304.mail.yahoo.com> September 14, 2004 Diplomats, business community members meet ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - A meeting held here yesterday between members of the business community and diplomats recognized the need for the latter to play the role of market promotion for Ethiopian exports and of relevant information supply. Participants of the meeting noted also that Ethiopian diplomats and investors should work in a coordinated manner in popularizing Ethiopia's export items. The business community members have called for the availability of updated information on international market prices, which is in the nature of fluctuation. According to President of the Ethiopian Manufacturing Industries Association, Teshome Kebede, diplomats can play vital roles in identifying technology sources and facilitating ways for their transfer as Ethiopia is in the stage of technological transfer. Deputy Chief of Mission with the Ethiopian Embassy in the U.S., Dr. Brook Hailu said on the occasion that coordination was lacking in finding expanded markets for Ethiopia's export items, and called for enhanced efforts towards stronger coordination. Dr. Brook expressed his embassy's commitments to discharge its duty, whose principal mission is economic diplomacy as has been expressed in the Civil Service Reform Programme. The Ethiopian investors on their part called on the embassy to find markets in the U.S. for the export items, which include, among others coffee and oil seeds. Irish parliamentary officials to pay visit here ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Irish Parliament would visit Ethiopia from September 13-19 and 23-24, 2004. The aim of the visit is to familiarize the Joint Committee with how the substantial development cooperation support which Ireland provides to Ethiopia is used, the political and economic structures in the country and issues such as good governance and relations with neighbouring countries, according to a press release the Embassy of Ireland sent to ENA yesterday. During their visit, the delegation would meet and hold discussions with high government officials, including Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, Minister of Finance and Economic Development Sufian Ahmed, representatives of opposition political parties, civil society and NGOs, among others, it said. Chairman Dr. Michael Woods, and Vice-Chairman Pat Carey, would be accompanied by Dermot O'Mahony, policy advisor to the committee, the release said. Ethiopia is one of the 6th partner countries for the Irish Government's bilateral cooperation programme in Africa. The others are Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Lesotho and Zambia, while a smaller programme is also supported in South Africa. Ireland's Development Cooperation support to Ethiopia in 2003 was 24 million euro while it is expected to be 27.5 million euro in 2004, the release said. It said the fund is provided at federal and state levels to the health and education sector development programmes, for state level budget support in the Tigray State food security, HIV/AIDS interventions, the Civil Service Reform Programme, Good Governance and Democratization and the Government's Rural Travel and Transport Programme. 2 more political parties certified ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The National Electoral Board has issued certificates of recognition for two political parties. The board told ENA that the certified political parties are the Afar Revolutionary Democratic Front (ARDF) and the Ethiopians' Democratic League (EDL). The board said ARDF was certified as a state political party while EDL as a national political party while EDL as a national political party. The number of certified political parties in Ethiopia to date has reached 68, it indicated. =========================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.14,2004 =================================== _______________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Declare Yourself - Register online to vote today! http://vote.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Wed Sep 15 13:18:50 2004 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed, 15 Sep 2004 06:18:50 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040915131850.89890.qmail@web53305.mail.yahoo.com> September 15, 2004 Ireland keen to increase dev't assistance Meles holds talks with German delegation ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Irish Government desires to increase the amount of development assistance it is providing to Ethiopia, Chairman of the Joint Committee of Foreign Affairs of the Irish Parliament said. While conferring with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi here yesterday, the Chairman, Dr. Michael Woods said the increase in Irish's development assistance is made due to the further enhancement of the bilateral cooperation between the two countries. He also said the Irish Government would work with its counter-parts in the development of education and health services in Ethiopia. The visit of the Irish delegation to Ethiopia is aimed at evaluating the implementation of the various projects being carried out here in order to increase its development assistance to the country, Dr. Woods said. "Ireland is the seventh largest contributor on worldwide bases per head of population to the UN funds. We are pressing actually to go higher on that with 0.41 per cent of our Gross National Product per head of population," Dr. Woods said. Meles told Dr. Woods on his part that the bilateral cooperation between the two countries has reached at excellent stage. Prime Minister Meles briefed the Irish delegation headed by Dr. Woods on the upcoming national election to be held in Ethiopia, the peace efforts in the Sudan and Somalia. He said various activities are being carried out to make the forthcoming national election free and democratic. Meles also mentioned that Ethiopia has sent peacekeeping forces to Burundi and Liberia because of its high commitment to ensure peace and stability in the African continent. The Irish delegation arrived here Monday on a nine-day working visit. While here, the delegation is expected to hold talks with senior government officials, members of parliament and representatives of the civil societies. The Irish delegation also said it would persuade Irish entrepreneurs to invest in Ethiopia. Chairman Michael Woods said the delegation would do its level best to encourage Irish investors to invest in tourism and other sectors of investment. He made the statement while holding talks here yesterday with State Minister for Finance and Economic Development DR. Mulu Ketsela. Dr. Woods told the state minister that in addition to the development assistance Ireland is providing, it will persuade Irish entrepreneurs to investment in Ethiopia. He expressed his country's readiness to work together with Ethiopia in the human resources development in the education sector. The Irish Government also desires to increase the amount of development assistance it is providing Ethiopia. The Irish annual development assistance, which was 1.65 million euros in 1994, has reached this year to 27.5 million euros. Dr. Mulu said on her part that Ethiopia has created a fertile ground for investment especially in the areas of tourism, industry and floriculture development. She also mentioned the budgetary constraints the country faces and called on the Irish Government that its aid should focus in this area. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and the Parliamentary State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of Germany, Walter Kolbow held talks yesterday on bilateral issues including on issues of defence relations between the two countries. Meles and Kolbow's talks centered on ways of further strengthening the bilateral cooperation and defence relations in the years ahead. The Prime Minister and Kolbow had agreed to further enhance the bilateral cooperation existing between the two countries through technical and training support, according to a spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They also exchanged views on the Ethio-Eritrea's prevailing situations and the reserve to be established in East Africa. Meles expressed Ethiopia's strong commitment to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute peace-fully. Kolbow came to Ethiopia to evaluate the Ethio-German bilateral cooperation in the defence sector, according to the spokesperson. He is also expected to hold talks with the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union and other senior authorities of the AU. AU to convene continental conference on landmines ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Africa Union (AU) will convene, at its headquarters in Addis Ababa, the second continental conference of African experts on landmines from 15-17 September 2004. The conference, which aims to celebrate a common African position, based on the relevant decision of the OAU/AU will bring together experts from the AU will bring together experts from the AU member states dealing with various aspects of the landmine issues, along with observer states and organizations. According to an AU press release sent to ENA yesterday, the conference follows the 5th ordinary session of the Executive Council of the AU, held in Addis Ababa last June. The report of the experts meeting will be considered by an AU ministerial meeting to be held on the margins of the UN General Assembly session on 24 September 2004. TPLF to hold 6th organizational conference Makalle (ENA) - The 6th organizational conference of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) is to convene in Makalle today. Organizational head with the Front Gobezay Wolde-Aregay told ENA yesterday that the conference which will be in session for two days is expected to discuss about measures taken to speed up development, establish durable peace and democratic institution in the state. Over 1000 participants are expected to attend the conference, he said. Diplomats urged to back nation building process ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Diplomats representing the country in various parts of the world should be in the forefront of the struggle to gain support for Ethiopia's development endeavours from the international community, Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin said yesterday. Speaking at the conclusion of the annual meeting of Ethiopian diplomats, Seyoum said the diplomats should strive to change the image of the country that has been wrongly perceived. He said the diplomats have been entrusted with the heavy responsibility to enable the Ethiopian in the Diaspora to contribute their share to development and growth endeavours back at home. The minister said the diplomats should present the efforts exerted to bring about sustainable development and establish democratic institutions to the countries they are assigned. He said the incumbent government has taken constructive measures believed to be instrumental in addressing the socio-economic problems of the nation. The diplomats should portray their country, as a place where there is a political will to change the grim reality. Presently, Ethiopia has been engaged in the reduction of the wide spread poverty for that the contribution of the diplomats is imperative, Seyoum said. ===================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.15,2004 ============================ _______________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Declare Yourself - Register online to vote today! http://vote.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Thu Sep 16 13:31:32 2004 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Thu, 16 Sep 2004 06:31:32 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040916133132.84307.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> September 16, 2004 Ethiopia Strategy Support Programme launched by Getachew Dibaba ADDIS ABABA - Ethiopia Strategy Support Programme (ESSP) an initiative to improve and strengthen the country's rural development strategy to better meet the chronic poverty and food security challenges, was launched here yesterday. The ESSP is designed to improve the data and knowledge available to Ethiopian policymakers on a broad range of food security issues, to address specific gaps in knowledge in this arena, and to thereby strengthen the country's capacity for applied research and policy analysis that directly impacts rural development. Stating the high priority, the Ethiopian Government places on its rural development and food security strategies, Dr. Neway Gebre-Ab, Director of the Ethiopian Development Research Institute (EDRI) and Chief Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister, pointed out the need to resolve many complex issues to ensure their implementation and success in the programme inception workshop at the Addis Ababa Hilton. He also stressed the need to strengthen the country's capacity to tackle the challenges facing small holder farmers and rural communities by collaborating with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) which closely worked with the EDRI and other institutions in the establishment of ESSP. In his opening remarks, State Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Belay Ejigu also called for a genuine partnership to reverse the incidence of poverty by making agriculture a profitable business. "This requires beyond generic talks. There must be active participation and collaboration on specific programme, such as the ESSP," he said. Dr. Eleni Zaude Gabre-Medhin, ESSP Programme Leader and IFPRI Senior Research Fellow, on her part underscored the need to focus on small holder agriculture, environmental effects, market development, understanding the country's role in the global economy and a myriad of other issues. "The ESSP will address a number of related challenges, including the need to mobilize and integrate smallholder farmers into the global agricultural system in a way that benefits them and their communities," Dr. Eleni noted. A Rural Economy Knowledge Support System (REKSS), actionable applied research and policy analysis capacity strengthening are three pillars of the programme, according to the programme leader. REKSS aims at integrating knowledge and conduct analyses on the rural economy as well as to track the impact of rural investments and activities while actionable applied research is meant to improve or fill knowledge gaps in rural development. The three-year initial programme has an annual budget of one million USD to be secured from various international organizations. Over 100 researcher, donor representatives, policymakers and representatives from state bureaux of agriculture and economic planning were in attendance at the day-long workshop that aimed at identifying important knowledge gaps related to Ethiopia's rural development strategy and mobilizing key partners and stakeholders, among others. Nationals organize demonstrations demanding Axum Obelisk return ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopians have organized demonstrations outside the Italian embassies in London and Washington, DC demanding the return of the Axum Obelisk, a 24-metre high ancient monolith or carved rock, BBC reported Tuesday. The Obelisk, a sign of civilization in Ethiopia thousands of years ago, was on display on a traffic island in Rome. The Obelisk which was removed in 1936 during the Italian occupation of Ethiopia was dismantled last year but the Italian authorities have not set a return date citing logistical problems. "Well, you see we have been waiting for too long. It should have been returned in accordance with the peace talks in 1947. It should have been returned in accordance with the bilateral agreement between Italy and Ethiopia signed in 1997," BBC quoted Prof. Richard Pankrust as saying on the occasion. "And it is now almost a year since it was dismantled and nothing has been happened. We need an actual date after all we have been waiting over 50 years," he said. UNMEE to stay along Ethiopia-Eritrea border ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution extending the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) until March 15,2005, the Ministry of Information said. The Council also approved adjustments to the operation as recommended last week by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in a report. Those modifications include the replacement of the Slovak military demining contingent with a modest commercial capacity, as well as a timetable for reducing the number of troops operating in the buffer zone. While taking note of some positive developments between the two countries, which signed a cessation of hostilities agreement in June 2000, the Council stressed again the responsibility of both sides for the implementation of the Algiers Agreement and the decision of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission. It also called on both parties "to show political leadership to achieve a full normalization of their relationship, including through the adoption of further confidence building measures." Boeing, Ethiopian vow to further strengthen business partnership by Biniyam Wubishet ADDIS ABABA - Director, International Sales Commercial Airplanes with Boeing, Ihssane Mounir said that Ethiopian Airlines is one of the four biggest business partners in Africa and the most successful airlines in the world as it confirms the company's increased commitment to strengthen the forty years old partnership. Speaking at a press conference held here at Sheraton Addis yesterday, Ihssane said that Ethiopian is one of the very few 'self-sufficient, dependable sustainably profitable, staffed with strong management prudent and intelligently choice taker, strong brand in the transport and finance world air line in the continent. He also indicated that the Ethiopian Government's non-interference in. The airline industry is one of its uniqueness contributory to its success. He said that the 9/11 terrorist attack decreased dramatically the total airplane Boeing delivered and revenue of several airlines severely, except the EAL. "Ethiopian is one of handful airlines in the world that survive 9/11. Even the most giant airlines were the victims of that attack. But it didn't happen to EAL," he added. According to him, in this era when the air transport is still growing, Boeing wants to keep its relation stronger with Ethiopian than ever. "We feel very honoured that our name is attached to a world class airline such as EAL. Really, the honour is honest. We hope we are going to continue to earn that honour and our airplane will keep coming to Ethiopia," he said. He also indicated that the African airlines demanded 570 airplanes in its fleet to give better and competitive service. Ethiopian CEO, Girma Wake on his part said on the occasion that the airline in still determined to work together with Boeing not because they have worked for a long time but it is still producing the kinds of airplanes that the national carrier needs. "The airlines will continue to look forward to give better service to its clients and Boeing would continue to give the lion's share," Ato Girma added. "We are friends. But it is not friendship that sells." he said. According to him, the efficiency of the airplanes and the timely technical assistance offered by Boeing cemented the two business partners so far and hoped would continue in the future. We want to offer best services that could make us competitive with other airlines and as usual we expect Boeing to meet those demands to keep going together. 'We have never been dissatisfied with Boeing,' he added. Deputy Speaker meets Irish delegation ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives said the parliament was playing the role of further strengthening the democratization process underway in Ethiopia. Dr. Petros Olango made the remarks here yesterday during talks with the Irish delegation. Dr. Petros said a wide-range of activities were being carried out currently by the House in the area of capacity building as well as in strengthening the Human Rights Commission and the Ombudsman. Ethiopia has been steadily enhancing its participation through the Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on issues concerning the sub-region, Dr. Petros said. Ethiopia has been showing solidarity with African countries by sending peacekeeping contingents where necessary, he said. Dr. Petros commended the support the Irish Government has been making for the multifarious development endeavours in Ethiopia. He told the Irish delegation that opposition parties would further be encouraged to participate in the upcoming national elections. He said various activities were being carried out also to empower women, and this was reflected in the recent decision by the EPRDF to raise the number of women contestants in the upcoming elections. Chairman of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Irish Parliament, Dr. Michael Woods on his part indicated the need for the House to further enhance its roles in efforts to creating transparency and accountability. Dr. Woods said the House has a great role to play in ensuring transparency and accountability, like its Irish counterpart does. He commended the House for the activities in launching in the area of capacity building and indicated the need to enhance the participation of civil society. He said the Irish Government regards highly its relations with Ethiopia. He said the economic and other cooperation between Ethiopia and Ireland would further be strengthened. ==================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.16,2004 ============================= _______________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Declare Yourself - Register online to vote today! http://vote.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Mon Sep 20 13:10:20 2004 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Mon, 20 Sep 2004 06:10:20 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040920131020.40956.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> September 18, 2004 President underscores key role of CSOs in enhancing good governance, democratization by Getahun Amogne ADDIS ABABA - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis said Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) should play a crucial role in the efforts to realize good governance, democratization and development through enhanced public awareness and mobilization initiatives. Opening a day-long symposium on 'Civil Society and Governance' here yesterday, President Girma said the government has been putting in place policy and legal frameworks that would enable CSOs to operate freely and contribute their share to the ongoing nation-building process. "Civil Society Organizations need to be aware of their roles and that of the government to work together towards societal transformation in the political, social and economic spheres," the President told the Public Policy Forum of the Inter-Africa Group. The number of local and international associations in Ethiopia has increased steadily over the past ten years, he said, adding that it has now reached 2,060 from that of 70 in 1986 E.C. The President also hailed the initiative taken by CSOs to institute a self-regulatory code of conduct, which, he said, would go a long way in ensuring accountability and transparency in their operations. Earlier, Acting Executive Director of Inter Africa Group, Meaza Ashenafi, said the purpose of the public policy dialogue was to promote understanding on the respective roles of the government and civil society and to forge an appropriate partnership between the two. Inter-Africa Group would, as part of its Public Policy Forum Project, organize similar forums in Addis Ababa and state towns on issues related to media, youth, human rights, women, economy, HIV/AIDS as well as election forums, she said. Meaza also said that Inter-Africa Group would convene a dialogue forum among the ruling and opposition parties by the end of next week, which would be televised, live. In a paper he presented under the theme: Policy and Legal Environment for Civil Society Participation, Minister of Justice Harka Haroye said his ministry has now begun registration and renewal of licenses of CSOs within hours abolishing cumbersome bureaucratic procedures thereby saving the time and costs of service seekers. The draft NGO legislation has been extensively discussed by stakeholders, he said, and added that the law would be instrumental in ensuring transparency and accountability. The draft legislation is expected to be presented to the Council of Ministers by next week. Discussion papers on civil society and governance issues were presented to the symposium attended by members of CSOs, representatives of governmental institutions and the media. Efficient foreign relations service said valuable to ensure rapid, sustainable dev't (Ministry of Information, Friday, September 17,2004) The national effort to ensure rapid and sustainable economic development as well as the establishment of a democratic system requires special focus and intensive activities in key areas of various sectors. It has been said time and again that the main national goal is directed against poverty and backwardness. This needs the identification of priorities, which must be coordinated, cost-effectively, and result-oriented. In this aspect, there are promising activities so far. The annual meeting of the Ethiopian diplomats and employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which had been in session, for about two weeks, and which wound up this week, was relevant to the issue under consideration. High Officials of the various federal ministries including H.E. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, made presentations and held discussions with the diplomats and other officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the major activities and focal areas of our external relations, which are intended to enhance the national effort underway to bring about rapid and sustainable development. Extensive discussions were conducted on the problems and on possible solutions to promote trade and attract foreign investment to the country. It is important to recall that the main objective of the country's task in external relations is to support the on-going activities to overcome poverty and backwardness, as clearly stated in the Foreign Affairs and Security Policy document. Seeking international markets for Ethiopian products and attracting foreign investment are taken as the major activities of all Ethiopian foreign missions. Creating a conductive environment to persuade the Ethiopian Diaspora and foreign citizens of Ethiopian origin to participate in various sectors of development, is the other challenge that deserves attention in our foreign relations service. Moreover, soliciting development aid, grants, and loans as well as lobbying to secure debt cancellation are among the major tasks of the foreign relations sector. These were indeed the fundamental areas of activity highlighted at the annual meeting of the Ethiopian delegates and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is essential to note that the effective activity of the external relations sector has a major positive impact on enhancing the efforts underway to extricate the country from poverty and backwardness. It must be borne in mind that we are in the new millennium where fast exchange of information plays a major role in the process of creating fortune. Under the conditions where production of commodities is nothing without the promotion work on quality, demand and quantity of the products play a major role and is believed to be a serious challenge ahead for our embassies and consulate offices. In the global situation where there is a stiff competition to attract foreign investment, that the task of attracting such investments to out country demands relentless foreign relations efforts, is indeed unquestionable. Likewise, implementing effective mechanisms to secure economic aid, grants, loans and credit cancellation also require exerting extensive efforts and the adoptions of expeditious mechanisms. In line with this, the annual session organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) for its internal and external staff, offers a major advantage and benefit to the country. It is believed that the diplomats have acquired due awareness from the session and identified key areas of major activities in the New Year. In addition to that a favourable environment has already been created in which the federal executive offices coordinate the implementation of their practical activities with our embassies abroad. The participants of the annual session of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have expressed their commitment to exert relentless efforts to implement the priority task set at the end of the session. Finally, this coordinated and interdependent effort between the internal and external relations sectors will make a major contribution to the realization of the national vision to overcome poverty and backwardness in the shortest possible time. General situation in Mission area militarily stable: UNMEE ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The general situation in the Mission area remains military stable, the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) said Thursday. There have been no significant changes in troop locations or dispositions reported during the past week, according to UNMEE. UNMEE conducted 577 ground and twelve air reconnaissance patrols throughout the Area of Responsibility (AOR). In all sectors, UNMEE peace-keepers continued to provide medical assistance to local civilians, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), along with supplies of bulk water to civilian communities in the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ) and the Adjacent Areas, it said. Personnel of the British Peace Support Training Team are currently visiting the Mission area for the specific purpose of conducting a Training Needs Analysis and validating the Kenya Army Engineer Squadron deployed on humanitarian demining operations, it indicated. It is to be recalled that on 14 September 2004, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1560, which extended UNMEE's mandate for another six months to 15 March 2005. September 19, 2004 Five int'l press institutions invited to attend discussion on draft press law ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ministry of Information has invited five international press institutions for discussions on the draft press law of the country. The discussion on the Ethiopian draft press law is scheduled for 28 Sept. 2004, Information and Public Relations Department Head with the ministry, Zemedkun Tekle told ENA yesterday. Zemedkun said the invited press institutions include; Article 19, International Press Institute, Internationals Media Support, International Federation of Journalists, and Media Foundation for West Africa. The Article 19 and the International Press Institute have so far confirmed acceptance of the invitation, he said, the remaining institutions are also expected to join the discussion. He said important ideas to be forwarded during the discussion would be incorporated in the draft press law. According to the head, the Ministry of Information has undertaken a series of discussion forums on the draft press law with stakeholders in a bid to formulate valuable press law instrumental for the strengthening of development and democracy in the country. Ethiopia's coffee export doubles ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopia supplied increased amount of coffee to the international market last year due to improved flavor and quality. Currently, over 30 countries import Ethiopian coffee, Coffee and Teal Quality Control Centre with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said. The centre also announced plan to export over 161,000 tonnes of coffee during the current budget year. The amount of coffee exported over the past five years doubled due to improvement in the quality and distinct flavour, centre head, Abraham Begashaw told ENA Friday. Some 144,000 tonnes of coffee was exported during the past Ethiopian budget year, he said. Accordingly, the country secured 200 million dollars in revenue, the head said. The coffee exported last Ethiopian year exceeded from the previous year by 20,000 tonnes, he said. He said the centre undertakes close inspection on export coffee with a view to maintaining the quality. Presently, over 30 countries including Germany, Japan and England import Ethiopian coffee, according to Abraham. Due attention attached to the agriculture sector development highly contributes to the income the country obtains from the sector, he said. Abraham said three quality control centres would be set up in selected coffee growing areas in Oromia, Gambella and the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples' states this year. ======================================== Pol.ethiopia SEpt.20,2004 ============================= _______________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Declare Yourself - Register online to vote today! http://vote.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Tue Sep 21 12:51:52 2004 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue, 21 Sep 2004 05:51:52 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040921125152.56439.qmail@web53306.mail.yahoo.com> September 21, 2004 Meles says CDC's support to health sector substantial Ethiopia said focus country to benefit from US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been contributing a significant share in public health services sector. While conferring with CDC Director Dr. Julie Gerberding here yesterday, Prime Minister Meles said Ethiopia gives special place to the support being given by the centre to health services sector in the country. Meles expressed his country's desire to further strengthen the existing cooperation between Ethiopia and the centre. He said the support being extended by CDC would have a significant contribution for the enhancement of the country's health services development programme. Meles told the director that Ethiopia has been utilizing appropriately the fund it received from President Bush's Initiative and Global Fund for HIV/AIDS intervention activities, according to a senior government official. Gerberiding told journalists after the talks that the discussion between Meles and her centered on HIV/AIDS. She said the objectives of her visit to Ethiopia are to attend the 4th Global Tuberculosis (TB) HIV Working Group Meeting and the activities being carried out in the country by CDC. Meanwhile, Gerberding said U.S President Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief has allotted 43 million US dollars to Ethiopia in 2004 in support of national efforts geared toward containing HIV/AIDS. At a press conference held here yesterday, Gerberding said the US Government is committed to assisting Ethiopia toward improving health services in the country. Dr. Gerberding said Ethiopia is one of the 15 focus countries world wide to benefit from the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. She said the US Government would continue assisting Ethiopia in expanding the access to HIV testing and counseling services. Expanding access to HIV testing and counseling is thus a key priority, the director said. "I will be signing a (VCT) project agreement worth 186,000 US dollars at the Empress Zewditu Memorial Hospital and another five-year cooperative agreement worth over 2.5 million US dollars to assist blood services in the country," she said. The director said she would be donating laboratory equipment and supplies worth 685,000 US dollars to Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI). Prime Minister appoints four senior gov't officials ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi gave appointments to four senior government officials including Mulugeta AlemSeged, the Office of the Prime Minister said. The office told ENA late yesterday that, Mulugeta Alem-Seged has been appointed as advisor of the National Security Affairs Minister as of 14 September 2004 in accordance with the newly reorganized structure of the Office of the Office of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister also appointed Birhanu Adelo as head of the Office of the Prime Minister and Minister of Cabinet Affairs as of 14 September 2004. Meles assigned Beyene GebreMeskel as Director General of the Privatization and Government Owned Development Enterprises Supervisory Authority as of 10 September 2004. Meles also appointed Dr. Tshehaynesh Mesele Director of the Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute as of 21 September 2004, the office said. Japanese parliamentarians to visit Ethiopia ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Embassy of Japan to Ethiopia says a delegation led by Dr. Shozaburo JIMI, from the Japan-African Union Parliamentary Friendship Association who is member of the Japanese Diet, will be visiting Ethiopia from 20-21 September, 2004. The embassy stated in a press release it sent to ENA yesterday that the purpose of the parliamentarians' visit is to meet Ethiopian dignitaries to strengthen the relationship between Ethiopia and Japan. The Japanese parliamentarians will hold talks with President Girma Wolde-Giorgis, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and State Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Tekeda Alemu and other senior government officials, it said. Meanwhile, the three members delegation visit two projects supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) today the press release said. The release said the projects are namely the Project for Capacity Building of Alemgena Training and Testing Centre (ATTC), and Groundwater Development and Water Supply Training Project (GWD and WSP). It said the ATTC Project was launched in April 2002 while the GWD and WSP started in 1998 to last up to 2003. JICA is planning to hand over equipment worth of 2.3 million birr to ATTC, according to the release. Kenenisa, Isinbayeva named athletes of the year ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopian runner Kenenisa Bekele and Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva were named Sunday as the International Association of Athletics Federations' male and female athletes of the year, Reuters reported from Monaco. Kenenisa 22, won the world cross country long and short course titles for the third consecutive time this year. He set a world indoor 5,000 record and also broke his compatriot Haile Gebre-Selassie's world outdoor 5,000 and 10,000 marks before going on to win the Olympic 10,000 metres title in Athens followed by a silver medal behind Morocco's Hicham El Guerrouj in the 5,000. Isinbayeva, also 22, won the Olympic title and set eight world records, three of them indoors, Reuters said. El Guerrouj was given a special award for the male performance of the year with his Olympic 1,500 and 5,000 double. Britain's Kelly Holmes, who won the 800 and 1,500 double in Athens, won the women's performance of the year award. Kenenisa and Isinbayeva succeeded last year's winners Hicham El-Guerrouj of Morocco and South Africa's Hestrie Cloete. =================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.21,2004 ===================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Take Yahoo! Mail with you! Get it on your mobile phone. http://mobile.yahoo.com/maildemo From polethiopia@yahoo.com Thu Sep 23 13:33:50 2004 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Thu, 23 Sep 2004 06:33:50 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040923133350.36168.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> September 22, 2004 President, Premier confer with Ethio-Japan Parliamentary League President ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis has indicated the need for Ethiopia and Japan to further strengthen their all round cooperation. Girma made the remark here yesterday during talks with the President of the Ethio-Japan Parliamentary League Dr. Jimi Saburo. According to the President, the sound cooperation between Ethiopia and Japan should further be bolstered in the areas of trade and investment. After holding talks with the President, Dr. Saburo said the talks focused on ways of further enhancing the all round cooperation between the two countries. He said the Ethio-Japan cooperation has steadily been growing. Dr. Saburo has pressed his government increase the development assistance for Ethiopia and make financial support for the Abay Bridge project, an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Meanwhile, Dr. Jimi Shozaburo pledged that he will exert efforts to bring about enhanced support of the Japanese Government to the food security and sustainable development endeavours in Ethiopia. After talks with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi later here yesterday, Dr. Shozaburo told journalists that the government of Japan desires to support Ethiopia's food security programme. He said the Government of Japan will enhance its support to the multi-sector development endeavours in Ethiopia under the cooperation pact between the two countries. The G8 countries to which Japan is a member have endorsed a plan of action that would enable to draw support in the implementation of food security programmes in Ethiopia and other countries, he said. Dr. Shozaburo on the occasion commended Prime Minister Meles for his participation at the TICAD III Summit in Tokyo in September last year. Prime Minister Meles said the cooperation between Ethiopia and Japan has been taken to a new height. The cooperation between the two countries should further be strengthened, the official who attended the meeting quoted Meles as saying. Japan is among the countries who are supporting Ethiopia's development endeavours, he said. He expressed gratitude to the Japanese Government for the significant support it has been providing to Ethiopia. Meles and Dr. Shozaburo deliberated on the multifarious Ethio-Japan cooperation and the Abbay Bridge Project whose design work has already got underway, the official said. They exchanged views also on other bilateral and international issues. Dr. Saburo had paid visit to Ethiopia two years ago. The Japanese delegation led by him is now on a three-day visit to the country. CDC offers financial assistance for blood bank establishment ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ministry of Health and U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) yesterday signed a five million US dollar agreement enabling the former establish eight blood blanks and strengthen existing ones in a period of five years. About 2.5 million US dollars will be released next October. Health Minister Dr. Kebede Tadesse said at the signing ceremony that the financial support has a paramount importance in reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases. CDC Director Dr. Julie Gerberding expressed her Centre's readiness to extend support to strengthening and expansion of the health service sector in Ethiopia. She stressed the need that Ethiopia should combat the spread of HIV/AIDS by ensuring the safety of blood supply. Dr. Kebede, and Dr. Gerberding signed the agreement. Deputy Speaker says Ethiopia active in political, economic activities in Africa Japan donates equipment to ATTC ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives says Ethiopia has been involved in the political and economic activities in Africa in addition to a full-swing national food security and poverty reduction endeavours. Dr. Pertos Olango made the remark here yesterday during talks with a delegation led by President of the Ethio-Japan Parliamentary League Dr. Jimi Shozaburo. He told the delegation that Ethiopia has launched the implementation of capacity building streamlined in all sectors, particularly at the grass roots level, with a view to reducing poverty. According to Dr. Petros a wideranging food security activities are being implemented as part of efforts to come out self-sufficient in food in the shortest time possible. The initiative shown to date by G8 countries to support the food security endeavours in Ethiopia explains the success the government is achieving in this front, the Deputy Speaker said. He said the support expressed by delegates of the Japanese Government participating in the G8 Summit for enhanced cooperation for Ethiopia's food security endeavours reaffirms that Japan is among the forerunner development partners of the Ethiopian peoples. Ethiopia will remain committed to the development ideals of the Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and other development initiatives in Africa as well as to the endeavours to ward off conflicts and bring about economic development. He appeared for the enhanced support of Japan in this front. He commended the multilateral and trilateral financial and project support being extended by the Japanese Government to Ethiopia. Dr. Shozaburo on the occasion said Ethiopia and Japan have maintained their long-standing relations, and called for enhanced endeavours in Ethiopia in the activities geared towards food security and poverty alleviation. He said the endeavours of the Ethiopian Parliament to enhance the democratization are commendable. Meanwhile, the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) yesterday handed over various equipment worth 1.9 million birr to the Alemgena Training and Testing Centre of the Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA). Dr. Jimi Shozaburo, Chairman of the Ethio-Japan Parliamentary Friendship League handed over the donation to ERA General Manager Zayid Wolde-Gebriel. Dr Shozaburo, who is also member of the Japanese Parliament and Vice-President of the priority areas of development cooperation to Ethiopia focuses on assisting in the road sector development as roads infrastructure is vital for development. Zayid on his part said the Japanese Government has been making similar donations in line with the cooperation agreement with ERA. The Japanese Government has significantly contributed to the road sector in Ethiopia, he said. The Addis Ababa - Goha Tsion Road project was implemented with the support secured from JICA. ATTC Head Haily Chekun on his part said the donation coming from the Japanese Government plays significant role in the centre's capacity building. ATTC has so far trained more than 15,000 professionals in various fields of the sector. ATTC was established in 1956. Meles holds talks with newly appointed UNDP Resident Representative, WHO official UNDP Representative assumes office ADDIS ABABA (ENA/EH) - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will enhance its development cooperation in the areas which Ethiopia has prioritized, the newly appointed UNDP representative to Ethiopia said. Modibo Toure after conferring with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi here yesterday told journalists that UNDP will continue with its support to Ethiopia focusing on sustainable development and poverty reduction. UNDP has been assisting in the realization of the development policies and strategies of the Ethiopian Government, Toure said. Toure expressed commitment to further the amicable relations between Ethiopia and the UNDP in particular and the UN in general. He said the discussions with the Prime Minister enable him to clearly understand the activities being carried out to translate into practice the development policies and strategies. UNDP has earmarked 121 million US dollars for development intervention in Ethiopia in the year 2005, Toure said. In addition, the programme will exert efforts to solicit additional funds for use in implementation of development projects in Ethiopia, he said. Prime Minister Meles also told Toure about the activities underway to attract foreign direct investment into Ethiopia. He told Toure that a number of entrepreneurs from various countries have invested particularly in the floriculture and horticulture development. Newly appointed United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative and United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ethiopia, Mr. Modibo Toure officially submitted his credentials to the Ethiopian Government last Friday, September 17,2004. UNDP Office press release faxed to the Herald yesterday said that Mr. Toure joined the UN specialized agency in September 1990 assuming increasingly higher-level responsibilities in various assignments both at the Headquarters and in the field. Mr. Toure just completed a three year assignment in Cahd (2001-2004) as UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative and recently as Humanitarian Coordinator, the release said. According to the release, prior to joining the UN, Mr. Toure worked in the private sector in the US as well as in the civil service in Mali. Holder of MBA degree as well as a degree in Economics, Mr. Toure is married and a father of three children. In another development, Assistant Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) said it will continue supporting Ethiopia's health services delivery. WHO assistant director Dr. Jack Chow after talks with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi here yesterday told journalists that his organization has been assisting in the health delivery programmes in Ethiopia. Dr. Chow said WHO has been working closely with the Ethiopian Government in the implementation of policies and strategies in the sector. He pledged enhanced support to the health sector development, particularly to HIV, TB and malaria prevention and treatment. WHO will exert efforts to make medicines available at lower prices as part of its intervention in the prevention of diseases, he said. WHO will support health extension services programmes in Ethiopia, he said. Prime Minister Meles told Dr. Chow that the health services extension programme is believed to register positive results. The support of WHO and other partners is significant for the successful implementation of the country's health programme, an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who attended the meeting quoted Meles as saying. Prime Minister Meles commended WHO and the International Fund for their assistance in the activities launched in Ethiopia to prevent HIV, TB and Malaria. September 23, 2004 ANDM vows to conduct elections in democratic manner BAHIRDAR (ENA) - The Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM) declared its resolve yesterday to conduct the upcoming national and state elections in a democratic manner. The participants of the ANDM organizational conference said, candidates to be fielded would contest in a free and transparent manner against opposition parties which are active in the state, according to spokesperson of the Movement. They said that the peaceful competitions would enable the electorates to cast their vote for their own choice. ANDM would play a leading role in facilitating ways and fielding candidates who could win the hearts and minds of the electorates. The conference participants asserted that election observers invited by the Federal Government would be given every opportunity to help them accomplish their responsibilities in a neutral and independent way. ANDM would raise women participation both at the state council and the Federal Parliament to 30 per cent it was learnt. The organizational conference of ANDM that was in session for three days rounded up yesterday by adopting a resolution. Electoral Board says preparation of materials required for referendum completed ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The preparation of all the necessary materials needed for the referendum that will determine the fate of 461 kebeles bordering Oromia and Somali states has been finalized, the National Electoral Board said. Board Deputy Head Tesfaye Mengesha told ENA yesterday that the preparation of registration cards, ballots, ballot boxes, among others, was completed. He said the dispatching of relevant documents and materials to the stated areas would begin on 2 October 2004. Tesfaye said the Board has allocated 3.4 million birr for the implementation of the referendum from its own budget. The Board has called upon the two states to discharge the responsibilities entrusted to them for the success of the referendum. Both states have territorial claims on the stated number of kebeles, whose fate are to be determined through referendum. AEUP suspends membership from opposition unity ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The All Ethiopian Unity Party (AEUP) says it has suspended its membership from the opposition unity. The party said the move of the opposition unity lacks transparency, accountability and it is inconsistent with its fundamental principles. The Ethiopian Democratic Forces Unity (EDFU) has been engaged in a destructive move that could strengthen the position and prolong the power of the ruling party, according to a statement AEUP sent to ENA yesterday. EDFU was established on the platform to bring together the opposition parties and spearhead their struggle in a peaceful way and form a coalition government by winning the national elections, it said. AEUP, however, said the EDFU declared that it would form a transitional government provided that it won the elections which the party described as a flagrant violation of the agreements made. Although removing the ruling party was a common agenda of members of the opposition unity, it should be made clear that most of the parties have differences from their detailed objectives to organizational structures. Some are organized along ethnic lines and others are national political parties, it said. The differences among the opposition parties are irreconcilable and couldn't enable to develop a common political platform, it said. The opposition unity has ignored all the requests forwarded by AEUP to correct the documents distributed in violation of the agreements reached at the congress. Some of the documents distributed were primarily designed to serve the interests of some individuals and were against the spirit of the founding congress. The opposition unity has been engaged in a destructive propaganda instead of entertaining the requests in a free and democratic manner. AEUP said it participation in the opposition unity was meaningless other than giving way to time consuming fruitless discussions. ==================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.23,2004 ========================= _______________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Declare Yourself - Register online to vote today! http://vote.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Fri Sep 24 12:50:06 2004 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Fri, 24 Sep 2004 05:50:06 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040924125006.30618.qmail@web53310.mail.yahoo.com> September 24, 2004 Deputy Speaker calls for strong commitment, vision to protect torture victims by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives Dr. Petros Olango underscored the need for strong commitment and vision in protecting, healing and supporting victims of torture. Opening a two-day sub-Saharan Africa regional workshop on "Net-working Among Rehabilitation Centres Working Against Torture" at the Imperial Hotel yesterday, Dr. Petros said that making torture victims productive and active participants in the development endeavour of their respective countries could only be possible when survivors are cured from the psychosocial effect of the trauma. "Today, Africa is looking forward for the unification. African parliaments have crucial role to play in the unification. As to Ethiopia, we will play our duties and responsibilities in the Pan African Parliaments to create a conflict-free Africa," the Deputy Speaker reaffirmed. According to Dr. Petros, Ethiopia has committed itself to protecting this group of society and respecting the democratic rights of all its citizens through the Human Right Commission and the Office of the Ombudsman created under the Parliament. AU Social Affairs Commissioner Adv. Gawanas Bience Philomina on her part indicated that the Commission's commitment to continue its advocacy for the elimination of torture and the resolution of all conflicts through dialogue rather than arms and weapons. After indicating that torture is a gross violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in particular reference to Africa, also of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, the Commissioner emphasized on the need to oppose torture and armed conflicts in all its forms and machinations so as to make them a thing of history on this continent. Chairman of the Board of the Rehabilitation Centre for Victims of Torture in Ethiopia, Dr. Abraham Asnake, also indicated that the country is on the right track of building democracy and establishing democratic institution. "All law enforcement agencies are given training on the constitution of the country and human right. All prison officials are required to understand the basic human right and are not expected to use torture as a means of investigation. The Ministry of Justice supervises the prisons and investigates if complaints are lodged," he said. Various papers are expected to be presented at the workshop sponsored by the International Rehabilitation Council for Victims of Torture (IRCT). EU urges Ethiopia, Eritrea to abide by Algiers Peace Accord ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The European Union urged Ethiopia and Eritrea Wednesday to implement the Algiers Peace Agreement and bread the deadlock over the demarcation process of their borders, Reuters reported. The EU reiterated its unreserved support to the peace process between Ethiopia and Eritrea saying the two parties needs peace and stability to be able to concentrate on the serious problems they are facing. Keeping the peace mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea is necessary to ensure stability in the region, the EU said hailing the UN resolution, which recently extended the UNMEE mandate for six months. NEB makes 2005 national elections timetable public ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The National Electoral Board (NEB) has made official the timetable for the 2005 national elections. According to the timetable, the date of voting for the House of Peoples Representative and state councils has been slated for 15 May 2005. NEB told ENA yesterday that the Board during its regular meeting on September 14,2004, endorsed the timetable for the federal and state governments' elections. Accordingly, the days between October 30, 2004 and January 6, 2005 will be the period within which candidates solicit endorsement signatures at their respective constituencies on the forms to be made available at woreda education offices at their respective woredas of residence. Candidates will then begin to canvass officially beginning February 19, according to the timetable that also slated the period between January 9 and February 7 as the time of votes' registration. February 3 and 4 are the dates for special registration of voters. On June 8, NEB shall endorse and announce national voting outcomes, the Board said. HIV/AIDS battle Business community to focus on workplace programmes by Biniyam Wubishet ADDIS ABABA - Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce (AACC) Vice-President said yesterday that the business community would focus on workplace intervention programmes in the fight against HIV/AIDS that has increasing negative impact on the country's business activities. Opening the 4th Business and HIV/AIDS National Conference Eyesus-Work Zafu said that workplace business and HIV/AIDS programmes are the best strategy and top priority to speed up the response of Ethiopian business to the pandemic. According to him, the business community's response came in 2001 following the decision passed during the 24th General Assembly of AACC to mainstream business sand HIV issues saying HIV/AIDS is a business and development challenge. "Since then, different activities have been undertaken in areas of awareness creation, training and orphan support initiatives through the business and HIV/AIDS Secretariat," he added. Addis Ababa City Administration Health Bureau Head, Dr. Eyob Kamil said on the occasion that the government still believes that the business community has a dual responsibility both in reducing poverty and protecting its family from HIV/AIDS, the community being the main development partner. Dr. Eyob also indicated that though the provision of care and support to HIV orphans and elders is the responsibility of the society, it strongly demands the active involvement of businesspersons. He also assured the business community that the City Government would work hand in hand in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Business and HIV/AIDS Secretariat Tamirat Admassu said while presenting 'Components of Workplace Programmes' that the objective is to ensure a non-discriminatory working atmosphere regardless of HIV status, keep confidentiality of workers, as well as the provision of care and support. He also said that the major programme components are education and care as well as support. According to him, lack of commitment both from employers and employees, funds and expertise (especially in small and medium sized enterprise) are the challenges for implementing workplace programme. The AACC on the occasion donated 20,000 birr to the Abebech Gobena and Hana Orphanages. The two-day national conference is expected to discuss different aspects of workplace intervention. ============================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.24,2004 ====================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Read only the mail you want - Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail From polethiopia@yahoo.com Wed Sep 29 09:16:13 2004 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed, 29 Sep 2004 02:16:13 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040929091613.37711.qmail@web53310.mail.yahoo.com> September 25, 2004 Nation obtains over 600 mln. USD for HSDP ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Over 600 million US dollars has been secured from donors and financial institutions both in loans and grants for the Health Sector Development Programme that would be undertaken for the next five years in Ethiopia, minister of health said. Minister of Health Dr. Kebede Tadesse made the remark at the conclusion of the 6th annual Review Meeting (ARM) of the Health Sector Development Programme (HSDP) that was held here. He said 400 million US dollars of the stated sum would be used for the eradication of tuberculosis and the balance could be used to contain the spread of HIV/AIDS, malaria eradication and to support other diseases related programmes, he said. According to Dr. Kebede the grant was obtained from the global fund, Bush initiative and USAID and the loan was from the World Bank. Progress and achievements have been made in 16 health service extension programmes, in the training and graduation of 2800 health extension workers by January 2005 and in the completion of studies on the accelerated expansion of primary health care coverage, among others, he said. Representative of USAID to Ethiopia Susan Anthony said on her part that if the ongoing implementation of the health extension programme in the country continues in the same pace, it will be possible to expand basic health services very rapidly. She said the support from partners should be strengthened in order to realize the programme successfully. The review meeting has examined the implementation status of 1995 E.C and 1996 E.C sector plans, the progress in the implementation of the Health Extension Package Programme, the federal and state experiences in the preparation of Strategic Planning and Management, among others. Representatives of higher learning and health institutions, NGOs, and donors working with the government, among others were in attendance at the five-day review meeting. Africa lobbies for UN Security Council seats ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - African nations stepped up their campaign Thursday for greater representation on the UN Security Council, with Senegal calling for two permanent seats, AFP reported. Reform of the 15-nation Security Council has the firm support of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, who set up a high-level panel that is to make proposals for change in December, AFP said. "The world, now more than ever, needs a strong United Nations with reinforced legitimacy," Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade is quoted as saying in a speech to the UN General Assembly. African nations want the continent to be given "at least two permanent seats and two additional nonpermanent seats," Wade said. On Tuesday, Brazil, Germany, India and Japan launched a united bid for permanent UN Security Council seats, arguing that expanded membership was crucial to addressing new global threats. The four nations also voiced support for the addition of an African permanent seat and the expansion of the non-permanent membership, AFP said. The Council has had the same five permanent members with veto power since the United Nations was established in the wake of World War II: Britain, China, France, the United States and Russia, as successor to the Soviet Union. Ten other nations are elected as non-permanent Olusegun Obasanjo echoed the need for those regions of the world that are unrepresented at the heart of the United Nation's top decision-making body to be given a voice. "Africa, whose issues occupy a substantial part of the Security Council's time, ought to be accorded priority consideration for permanent membership," Obasanjo is quoted as saying. Obasanjo said expansion of Council membership was crucial to making the United Nations "more representative, effective and acceptable." Petty trade booming along Ethio-Sudan common borders GONDAR (ENA) - The amicable bilateral cooperation that existed between the governments of Ethiopia and the Sudan has encouraged border trade along the two countries, the north-west customs coordinating office said. Office head Haile-Gebriel Worku told ENA Thursday that the traders in Metema town, chilga Woreda of the North Gondar Zone in the Amhara State have been engaged in border trade with a registered working capital of about 2,000 birr. He said the traders have been selling various products on both sides of the borders for the last six months. Traders from Geleabt (Sudan) were also selling various goods at the Metema markets, he said. Some 300 Metema town residents have received licences to engage in trade along the common borders of the two countries, according to the office head. The Ethiopian traders are expected to supply agricultural and dairy products to markets in Sudanese towns while the Sudanese would bring agricultural and industrial products to the Ethiopian towns established along the borders, according to agreements reached between the two governments. The border trades have a great contribution in promoting the people -to-people relations along with their economic advantages, he said. September 26, 2004 House Speaker to leave for Geneva ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian delegation led by Speaker of the House of the Federation Dr. Mulatu Teshome is to leave for Switzerland today to attend the 11th Assembly of the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU). The House of the Federation told ENA that the five member delegation would take part in the assembly due to be held in Geneva from September 28- October 1, 2004. Parliamentary Speakers from various countries, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and scholars of the Geneva University are expected to attend the assembly. ECA to host governance meet here ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - About one thousand delegates from allover Africa including presidents, activists, businesspeople, journalists and academics will gather in Addis Ababa from 11-15 October to participate in vigorous debate on strengthening governance in Africa. The UN's Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) would host the 4th African Development Forum (ADFIV) under the theme of Governance for a Progressing Africa. Improved governance was chosen as this year's theme in recognition of the essential role it can play in transforming Africa's economies, according to an ECA press release issued Friday. It is one of the pillars of the New Partnership for Africas Development (NEPAD), it said. The African Development Forum is an ECA initiative intended to advance an African-driven development agenda. It aims to initiate dialogue, build consensus and mobilize partnerships around African stakeholders. City Police Commission marks Rank Transfer Day 121 members promoted by Yemane Terefe ADDIS ABABA - The Addis Ababa City Government Police Commission yesterday marked Rank Transfer Day with the promotion of 121 members for excelling in their performance in accordance with Federal Police Commission Proclamation No. 313/1995 Article "7" No. "11". City Police Commissioner Befkadu Tolera said on the occasion that the rank transfer was aimed at boosting the morale of the police members to serve the public honestly and maintain law and order thereby ensuring peace and security in the metropolis. He also said that the main task of the police is to prevent or otherwise investigate crime and bring alleged criminals to justice. According to the Commissioner, 14, 35,56,12 and 4 were promoted to the tanks of Commanders, Deputy Commanders, Chief Inspectors, Inspectors and Deputy Inspectors respectively. Mayor of the City Government and Guest Honour Arkebe Equbay on his part said that the City Police Commission is entrusted with the task of maintaining peace and stability of the metropolis and safeguarding the constitution. To serve the public, the police institution should be equipped with better professional capacity, embued with democratic culture and honesty," he added. The Mayor also called upon city residents to work closely with the police to maintain peace and stability thereby become beneficiaries of the development activities well underway in the metropolis. Federal Police Commissioner Workineh Gebeyehu also noted that police plays a key role in the national poverty reduction effort and bring about sustainable development. He added promotion would no more be given in counting years of service but by performing notable activities. ECA to host governance meet here ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - About one thousand delegates from allover Africa including presidents, activists, businesspeople, journalists and academics will gather in Addis Ababa from 11-15 October to participate in vigorous debate on strengthening governance in Africa. The UN's Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) would host the 4th African Development Forum (ADFIV) under the theme of Governance for a Progressing Africa. Improved governance was chose as this year's theme in recognition of the essential role it can play in transforming Africa's economies, according to an ECA press release issued Friday. It is one of the pillars of the New Partnership for Africas Development (NEPAD), it said. The African Development Forum is an ECA initiative intended to advance an African-driven development agenda. It aims to initiate dialogue, build consensus and mobilize partnerships around African stakeholders. Ethiopian cargo plane begins carrying flowers to Europe ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Airlines launched a once weekly cargo flight to export flowers to the European markets as part of the initiatives taken to encourage foreign trade. Minister of State for Trade and Industry Fantaye Biftu said Friday that the cooperation of the Ethiopian Airlines to carry the products to the foreign markets would give impetus to the development of the sector in the country. He said the Ethiopian Government would continue providing support to the flori-culture development. The Ethiopian Airlines would launch a twice-weekly flight to meet the demands of the customers beginning in October. Chairperson of the Ethiopian Floriculturalists Association Tsegaye Abebe said over 14.4 million euros was expected to be obtained from the sale of flowers this year. He said the income from the sector during the 2004 was 4.8 million euros, adding that the flowers industry has created 3,700 jobs to compatriots. Netherlands Ambassador to Ethiopia Rob Vermass said many entrepreneurs in his country have shown interest to take part in the flower industry, as the investment atmosphere in Ethiopia is conducive. So far 15 companies have been engaged in the agricultural sector and others are preparing to come to Ethiopia soon, he said. Two higher learning officials resign ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The resignation of Dr. Gemechu Megerssa and DR. Mintesinot Behailu has been accepted as per their request, Ministry of Information said. The Ministry told ENA Friday that Dr. Gemechu was appointed as Director of the Agency for Higher Learning Accreditation and Quality Monitoring and Dr. Mintesinot was also assigned as Director for the Strategic Centre of Higher Learning. The resignation of the two officials has been accepted as of 25 September 2004, the ministry said. ===================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.29,2004 =========================== _______________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Declare Yourself - Register online to vote today! http://vote.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Wed Sep 29 12:58:07 2004 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed, 29 Sep 2004 05:58:07 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040929125807.12438.qmail@web53310.mail.yahoo.com> September 28, 2004 Premier reaffirms commitment to African PeaceKeeping effort Liberia, Burundi contingents receive awards, certificates by Haile-Gebriel Endeshaw ADDIS ABABA - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi reaffirmed that the Ethiopian people and government were ready to intensify involvement in peacekeeping mission in Africa. Handing out medal awards and certificates to the units of the Defence Forces deployed to Burundi and Liberia, Meles, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the National Armed Forces said that their iron discipline has won the admiration of the peoples of the two countries. "Due to this, the country is being asked to involve in such similar peacekeeping missions. In view of the firm support of the Ethiopian people and government to African peace, I would like to assure our readiness to involve in the peace-keeping mission in an intensified manner," the Premier said. Lt. General Samora Yenus, Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian Armed Forces said earlier that the Ethiopian peacekeeping contingents in Burundi and Liberia have discharged their responsibility with a unique heroic feat. Samora further said that the Ethiopian Defence Forces would continue to relentlessly work for a peaceful and prosperous world. According to a press release obtained from the Ministry of Defence, Wegagan Battalion, that was deployed to Burundi in August 2003 and served in the peace mission for 11 months apart from accomplishing its mission, the Battalion integrated itself with the local people helping them mitigate their social problems. The 852-member unit returned home early last month handing over the mission to the newly dispatched Ethiopian battalion. The other Ethiopian peace-keeping contingent, the 87th Brigade, which served for eight months in Liberia under the auspices of the UN, returned home this month with a success story behind it. The Brigade greatly contributed to pacifying war-torn Liberia by establishing disarming centres and actually disarming those in possession of illegal arms. Moreover, it discharged its responsibilities of stabilizing the vast region and looking after the security of workers of international charity organizations, officials of the UN peacekeeping force and that of military observers. Political parties debate civil society, good governance issues by Getahun Amogne ADDIS ABABA - Three political parties, including the ruling Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), debated about their positions regarding Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and good governance last Sunday. Two opposition parties, the All Ethiopian Unity Party (AEUP) ad Unity of Ethiopian Democratic Party (UEDP) as well as EPRDF presented their views on the role of CSOs in good governance and development efforts at a Public Policy Forum of the Inter-Africa Group broadcast live on state radio and television. Information Minister Bereket Simon, who represented EPRDF along with Justice Minister Harka Haroye said that good governance and development could be guaranteed through the direct and massive participation of the public. "EPRDF believes that the general public mobilized on its free will contributes significantly to ensuring good governance rather that those members of the civil society whose projects are expensive and are very much influenced by their donors,") Bereket said. Bereket also said that over the last 13 years, EPRDF has been putting in place various legal and institutional frameworks aimed at creating an enabling environment for the public to release their energies in building effective government administrations that promote the rule of law and development. Officials of AEUP on their part argued that the EPRDF-led government has been suspicious of CSOs as it lacks accountability and transparency in its systems. They also accused the ruling party of interfering in the internal affairs of CSOs in breach of constitutional provisions. UEDP on its part criticized the government for drafting an NGO legislation, which, it said, is totally disabling for the operation of CSOs. UEDP also held EPRDF accountable for illegally changing the leaderships of the Ethiopian Teachers' Association (ETA) and the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists' Association (EFJA). EPRDF officials responded that the supervision and control of CSOs in the new legislation was meant to make sure that the resources solicited in the name of poor Ethiopians are used for the intended purpose. The supervision, which, they said, is a common practice in many countries, would be carried out in accordance with established regulations. ETA and EFJA were engaged in political agitation leaving aside their establishment objectives, Bereket said, adding that the change of leadership in these associations was initiated by the members themselves who were dissatisfied by their activities. The political parties also responded to questions posed by members of the civil society and journalists. "EPRDF is ready to accept any feasible ideas that are of public interest," Bereket responded to a question about forging partnership. "However, despite the inflated perceptions they have for themselves, we believe that NGOs have limitations in executing mass-based development projects." With regard to enhancing women's participation, EPRDF said the problems of women could only be solved by addressing socio-economic problems in rural localities by actively involving them in the process rather than conference advocacy by urban elites. Commenting on questions related to the draft press law, Bereket said extensive deliberations with stakeholders were held and important ideas included in the draft. Further discussions with international press agencies would also be held soon to refine the law before it is passed to parliament, he added. Asked about their alternatives to enhance women's participation, UEDP officials said they were striving to have more women member in their party. They said women's participation in the decision-making process could not be maximized unless the existing electoral law is changed. AEUP accused the EPRDF-led government of imposing its revolutionary democracy principles upon CSOs under the guise if Civil Society Capacity Building Programme. Responding to questions about the rampant mismanagement of resources in CSOs, both oppositions said this should be controlled through a self-regulatory mechanism of the organizations and by their funding agencies. Bereket rejected to allegation of imposing revolutionary democracy outlook on CSOs as unfounded. He added that the capacity building programme was meant to create an enabling environment for CSOs in their development and democratization endeavours. He further stated that NGOs are not considered as strong development partners since 60-80 per cent of their total budget is spent in overhead costs. The huge amount of money they require for a single project also makes their contribution in significant in poor countries like Ethiopia, he added. Bereket also said that following the renewal process, EPRDF has been taking various constructive measures to fight corruption and realize transparency and accountability. He cited the policy deliberation forums conducted its a cross-section of the society including the AAU staff and the business community as encouraging moves in the right direction. He also expressed his party's support for such policy dialogue forums, which, he said, were instrumental in making upcoming elections free and fair. Three other opposition parties failed to appear for the debate though they were invited, the organizers said. Inter-Africa Group plans to convene similar forums on various national issues until May. September 29, 2004 Ethiopia has no different agenda other than reducing poverty, ensuring food security: Seyoum ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopia has no a different agenda other than establishing durable peace and stability, which is the prime factor for expediting economic development, Foreign Minister Seyoum said. Addressing the ongoing 59th General Assembly of the United Nations yesterday in New York, USA, Seyoum said Ethiopia has been committed to seek a peaceful solution to the Ethio-Eritrea border conflict. He said the common enemy of the peoples of Ethiopia and Eritrea is only poverty, adding that there is no reason that the peoples of the two countries should develop a feeling of enmity. Seeking a solution to the border conflict by means of force has no ground according to the provisions stipulated in the Algiers Peace Accord, he said adding that the two countries should avoid military confrontations and ensure durable and lasting peace in the region. He said searching a peaceful solution to the conflict is the duty of the two countries, adding that UN Security Council has passed various decisions urging the parties to work for peace. The minister said reducing the level of corruption and ensuring food security is the major priority of Ethiopia. A country like Ethiopia, which is home to many nationalities shouldn't have a different agenda other than building a democratic system. He said Ethiopia has been contributing to the prevalence of peace and stability in Africa in its capacity as a member of the AU's Peace and Security Council. He said the Ethiopian peacekeeping forces have been deployed in Burundi and Liberia to support the peace efforts in the sisterly African countries. Government appoints two State Ministers ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The government has appointed Melaku Fenta and Dr. Tewodros Adhanom as State Ministers of Federal Affairs and Health respectively. Melaku was appointed to the post effective September 25,2004, the Ministry of Information told ENA yesterday. Melaku was serving as head of the Civil Services Reform Programme Office with the Ministry. Dr. Tewodros was also appointed State Minister of Health effective September 15. He was serving as health bureau head of the Tigray State Government. Gov't desires to establish responsible, vibrant media ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - It was the interest of the Ethiopian Government to pave the way for the growth of an independent, critical and balanced, vibrant and credible media in the country, Minister of Information Bereket Simon said. At a discussion forum organized with representatives of the international press institutions about the draft press law, Bereket said the incumbent government has taken various constructive measures aimed at establishing a press that could be instrumental in promoting peace and understanding and democratic institutions. He said the draft press law was initiated based on the freedom of press as enshrined in the supreme law of the land. The minister said following a series of discussions held with the pertinent bodies amendments have been made. Despite the measures taken on part of the government to establish a free press that is responsible, accountable and a competitive, some international media institutions have chosen to relay on deliberately distorted and politically motivated misrepresentation of facts. The ideas generated from the various forums have been included in the draft press law, he said. He said the draft press law would be sent to the Council of Ministers with the amended features adding that it would be referred to the House of Peoples' Representatives for an extensive discussion prior to its approach. ===================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.29,2004 ========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From officeofthespeaker at yahoo.com Wed Sep 1 15:50:05 2004 From: officeofthespeaker at yahoo.com (Amsalework Belay) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:37 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040901135005.37488.qmail@web60001.mail.yahoo.com> Alage ATVET Collage graduates 3,560 dev't agents Meles urges graduates to face with determining painstaking fight against poverty, backwardness by Getahun Amogne ALAGE - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has called upon graduates of Agricultural Technique and Vocational Education Training (ATVET) colleges throughout the country to tighten up their belts for the tenacious struggle against poverty and backwardness deep-seated in rural Ethiopia. Meles said the graduates should prepare themselves to take up the daunting task of transforming the age-old subsistence agriculture by introducing modern and adaptable technologies and thereby improving the livelihood to the rural population. The Premier made the remarks on Sunday at the commencement of 3,560 development agents of the Alage ATVET college who completed a three-year practical and theoretical training in the fields of plant science, animal science, natural resources conservation and animals health. "There cannot be nay more noble mission than this. There cannot be a more level playing field than this to demonstrate commitment to a sacred cause," Meles told the first batch graduates who were exhilarated by his presence. "You should be proud to be deployed as pioneers in this highly regarded mission." The Prime Minister also said that it would not be an easy task to lead an intensified fight against poverty and backwardness in rural Ethiopia, where basic infrastructure and Social service facilities have still remained luxuries. "You are on the other hand, joining a tireless farming and pastoral society respectful of its development partners and keen to learn the path-way out of poverty and backwardness. You are also going to places with abundant resources that could yield high product with little efforts," he said. The Premier expressed his conviction that through aggressive intervention change is achievable in the near future. Meles also pledged the unreserved support of this government to the graduates in their exacting tasks ahead. Sate Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Belay Ejigu, on his part noted that the government has launched agriclutural technique and vocational training in 25 colleges across the country since 1994 E.C. with a view to mainly realizing commercial farming through the introduction of modern technologies. Currently, there are 38,000 trainees in the colleges including the 9,4000 development agents to be graduated this Ethiopian year, he said, adding that they would be assigned to the 15,000 farmers' training centres being established across the country. Head of the Alage ATVET College, Yishak Beredo, said that the graduates have received a 70 per cent practical and 30 per cent theoretical training, which, he said, has helped them acquire detailed skills in their fields. The trainees were also deployed for n eight-month apprenticeship in their respective areas in a bid to familiarize them with the opportunities and challenges they would face in their careers, he said. Some of the graduates approached by the Herald have expressed their readiness to face the challenges they would encounter and bring about tangible results in the agriculture sector. They also affirmed their determination to use the skills they have acquired for opening up new chapter in this country by breaking Ethiopia's reputation as living on hand outs and improving the standards of living of the farming and pastoral communities. Prime Minister Meles handed out diplomas to the graduates and awarded medals to those with outstanding performances. Trainees of the remaining colleges would graduate until early September, according to information obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Senior government officials including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Addisu Leggesse attended the ceremony. Triumphant athletes accorded heroe's welcome by a Staff Reporter ADDIS ABABA - The Victorious Ethiopian athletes were accorded a heroe's welcome yesterday upon their arrival from Athens where the 28th Olympiad was held. As the national flag carrier landed, a very wild whistling and scream of praise filled the air. Families of the athletes were on the brink to take their heroes and heroines into an embrace while government officials on hand to welcome the squad were beaming with sincere delight. Dr. Mulatu Teshome, Speaker of the House of the Federation, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture ambassador Teshome Toga, Addis Ababa City Mayor Arkebe Equbay, State Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Bisrat Gashaw Tena garlanded the athletes with flower and headgear embroidered with the tricolor of the national flag. Chanting fans carrying placards in praise of the athletes' stretch all the side walks to the Addis Ababa Stadium where a grand reception was organized. When the athletes entered the stadium and go around the track greeting the fans sitting in every corner of the stadium, the latter acknowledged with a standing ovation and extreme shouts of delight. The fans went on calling the names of their heroes and heroines and singing victory songs, which interrupted welcoming speeches of officials. The all-time great athletics legend Haile Gebre-Selassie said in his speech that all the success was made possible with the support of the people. Known for her bubbling smile, Derartu Tulu echoed the same message and expressed the squad's indebtedness to the Ethiopian people for their unreserved support until the end of the Olympiad. The welcoming ceremony was transmitted live on radio and ETV. Ethiopia won two gold, three silver and two bronze medals at the 28th games sitting on 28th position among the 202 participating countries. ========================= pol. ethiopia sept. 1, 2004 ====================== --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? New and Improved Yahoo! Mail - 100MB free storage! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.sn.apc.org/pipermail/pol.ethiopia/attachments/20040901/4b7965bc/attachment.htm From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri Sep 10 14:44:20 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:37 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040910124420.8153.qmail@web53304.mail.yahoo.com> September 10, 2004 AU Extraordinary Summit opens in Ouagadougou ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The 3rd Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union opened yesterday in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. the summit, being attended by several leaders of African countries, including Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, aimed at finding "remedies" for unemployment and underemployment as well as discuss ways of reducing poverty in Africa. Addressing the summit Nigerian President Olesagun Obasanjo, who is also AU current Chairperson, said African countries should give priories to job creation and investment, among others. Obasanjo said it is only possible to reduce poverty in the continent when African countries are able to create job opportunities to their citizens. He said African countries are also need to endorse and implement a plan of action aimed at reducing unemployment and poverty which has been designed in the last two years. In his remark to the summit, President Blaise Compaore of Burkina Faso said millions of Africans need to get access to jobs. Compaore also said good governance, peace and stability as well as social security have to be ensured in order to be able to reduce poverty and create more jobs in the continent. He also called upon member countries of the African Union to adopt the plan of action, which he said, would enable to create more jobs and ensure food security as well as carry out other economic significant activities. Speaking on his part Chairperson of the Commission of Africa Union Alpha Oumar Knoare said conflicts and lack of good governance have hampered Africa to create job opportunities and reduce poverty. He said unless the United Nations-designed Millennium Development Goals are effectively implemented, Africa couldn't be able to reduce poverty. Addressing the Summit Director General of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Juan Somavia said the Special attention given by African countries to the expansion of job opportunities and reduce poverty shows their commitment to bring about change and sustainable development in the region. He also expressed ILO's strong commitment to efforts being made to expand jobs and minimize poverty. The Director General said the enhancement of the private sector of economy should also be considered into account. The goal of the summit is to discuss ways to create eight million jobs annually over the next decade, so as to accommodate the expanding labour force within the continent, which is expected to top 360 million by 2015. Embassies, consulate offices urged to promote Ethiopian trade ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The embassies and consulate offices established in various parts of the world should serve as a centre for the promotion of Ethiopian trade, minister of foreign affairs said yesterday. Speaking at the ongoing annual meeting of the Ethiopian diplomats, Seyoum Mesfin said each embassy office should conduct an in-depth marketing study in a bid to increase the volume of export trade. He said it should be the responsibility of the embassies to prepare documents that could be used as a guideline for Ethiopian products, the capacity and offence of exporters. The minister said the diplomats representing the country should be committed to introduce the Ethiopian exportable products to the international markets. The embassies and consulate offices should be engaged in conducting continuos marketing researches aimed at promoting local products to the global market. He said establishing confidence between the supplier and the buyer could enable to penetrate to the markets and assess the opportunities for the local products. The Ethiopians in the Diaspora could greatly contribute to the initiative and provide valuable information bout potential buyers, as the marketing study couldn't be conducted by the embassies alone. Network to be established to prevent fistula in Ethiopia ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - Ministry of Health, Ethiopian Roads Authority and other non-governmental health and transport organizations agreed Wednesday to establish a nationwide network to jointly prevent the occurrence of fistula in Ethiopia. After a day-long discussion on the availability of transport for pregnant women so that they can reach health care centres in time to get treatment, the participants concluded that there should be constant link between road building programmes and health institutions. They therefore agreed to support each other in a way that can create easily accessible transport system to avoid delay, which usually leads to the occurrence of fistula. Accordingly, World Bank will fund three million USD to create link that would alleviate the problem in the Amhara and SNNP states. World Bank's Transport Sector consultant, Dr. Wendy M. Walker, to WIC studies show that the biggest impediment for access to health car is lack of transport, both in terms of roads and services. The Bank's Public Health specialist, Dr. John Stephen Osika, said the project will also include capacity building programmes for health care workers at health posts so that they can identify the high risk pregnancies early enough and refer them to higher health institutions. Dr. Osika also said Amhara and Southern Nation, Nationalities and Peoples states are selected for the first phase because of the high occurrence of fistula and availability of hospitals in Bahir Dar and Yirgalem. Ethiopian Roads Authority Representative Ato Tadele Debela said his office would participate in the project by constructing feeder roads that can help people reach health facilities on time when the need arises. September 10, 2004 EPRDF determined to hold upcoming elections in free, democratic manner: Official ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Members of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) are expected to compete in the upcoming elections in a free and democratic manner, Minister of Information said. In an interview with Abyotawi Democracy, organ of the EPRDF, Bereket Simon said whatever may be the outcome of the election, the members and supporters f the Front should uphold the democratic principles of elections. Bereket who is also executive member of EPRDF said any violation of election, regularities wouldn't be tolerated, adding that those who breached established rules would be brought to the law of courts. He said members of the Front should consider the issue and take precautionary measures prior to making decisions. The minister said there are members and organizations of the Front which are registering encouraging results in the rural and urban areas where they are active. He said members of the Front should be elected by wining the hearts and the minds of their constituencies. The minister said EPRDF wouldn’t attempt to undermine established rules for the mere reason to be elected, adding that it is believed that all members of the Front would understand the position of the ruling party that end. The task waiting ahead is the establishment of good governance and expediting development endeavours alongside conducting the national election a free and fair manner, the minister said. He said the previously held elections were conducted in a democratic manner where all contestant political parties were given equal opportunities, adding that the neutral Electoral Board organized and led those elections. the minister said there is an opportuntity that the upcoming electiosn would be held in a better way than the previous ones. EPRDF has out in place sound macro-economic policies believed to be instrumental in addressing the basic needs of the society. The harnessing of rivers and the harvesting of rain waters has shown encouraging results in changing the lives of the rural people, he said. The government has been engaged in the supply of agricultural inputs and expansion of extension packages in a bid to bring about sustainable economic development, according to Bereket. he said following the measure taken, it was possible to resettle about 10,000 family heads infertile areas. The Coalition of EPRDF is expected to hold their annual conference, which would share experiences form the achievements of the past. Addis to host African Commission meet ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The African commission comprising 17 commissioners including Prime Minister Meles Zenawi would hold its second meeting in October 2004 in Addis Ababa, the Ministry of Information said. The ministry told ENA on Wednesday that British Prime Minister Tony Blair launched the Commission for Africa in 2004 with the conviction that the world will not be secured unless the multifaceted social and economic problems that faced the impoverished continent are effectively solved. "Africa is the only continent to have grown poorer in the past 25 years, 44 million children do not go to school, millions as, you know, die through famine, or disease, or conflict, and Africa risks being left even further behind," Prime Minister Blair said in February this year when launching the Commission in London. The Commission, which Tony Blair will chair, will bring together leaders from the developed world and Africa. Of the 17 commissioners, nine will be from Africa. The Africans include President Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania, Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, K.Y, Amoako of the Economic Commission for Africa and Anna Tibaijuka, a UN Under Secretary and Executive Director of UN Habitat. The Commission, whose 1st meet was held in London in May, will meet in Ethiopia in October before a final report is published in April. Blair said that he would use Britain's presidency of two organizations next year to focus attention on the continent. In 2005, Britain will be in charge of both the European Union and the G8 - the club of the world's richest countries. The idea for an Africa Commission came from former pop star, and long time campaigner against African poverty, Bob Geldof. The Ethiopian Government and the people would do everything in their power to successfully host the meeting as the previous international and continental organization conferences held here in the past, the ministry said. Eritrea closes UNMEE's crucial supply route ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) expressed disappointment Tuesday after the Eritrean Government reimposed restrictions of movement along a crucial supply rout for its peacekeepers, IRIN reported. UNMEE said it had received a letter from the Eritrean authorities saying they could no longer use the Asmara-Keren-Barentu road. Deputy spokesman George Somerwill said the road had been closed for unknown reasons, considerably hampering the work of the peacekeepers. "I would not necessarily call it unfair. I would just say that it simply is a situation which makes our work considerably harder." Somerwill said Tuesday. The closure means key supplies to peacekeeping troops in Western Eritrea would take an extra 10 to 12 hours to deliver. UNMEE might need to resort to using helicopters, the spokesman told IRIN. UNMEE arrived in Ethiopia and Eritrea in 2000 to help monitor a 25-kilometer buffer zone that separates the two countries. "We are here to keep the peace, basically," Somerwill added. "We are here for the two governments so I think if our lives are made harder, then our work is made more difficult. In the end, it is the two peoples who are going to suffer; the people of Ethiopia and the people of Eritrea." The restriction on using the supply road - which was imposed in March - had been lifted last month after high-level interventions and calls from the UN Security Council. UNMEE insisted despite the closure that its relationship with the Eritrean authorities would not be harmed. "UNMEE will continue to maintain as positive a relationship as it can with both parties as well have done in the past, but it is nevertheless disappointing that this has happened," the spokesman said. Later this month, the 15-strong UN Security Council is expected to meet in New York to discuss the renewal of UNMEE's six-month mandate. Recently, Ethiopia has given its approval for a direct flight between the two countries to enable UNMEE's smooth operations. ITSO conference to be held here ADDIS ABABA (ENA)- Ethiopia will host the annual regional conference of the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO), the Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation (ETC) has announced. The ITSO Conference is scheduled to be held here in Addis Ababa, the AU Headquarters, on 13 and 15 September, manager of communications main section with ETC Abdurahim Ahmed told ENA yesterday. More than 120 technology experts drawn from numerous African countries are expected to attend the conference. The agenda include an assessment of the level of development in Africa of the satellite communications technology as well as the sharing of experiences of the countries like Ethiopia that have been making remarkable advances in the field. Ethiopia was favored to host the conference owing to the big-scale capacity building measures the government has been taking to enhance and intensify the information communication technology. Ethiopia will be sharing its experiences gained in the field, particularly in its school-net programme that well streamlines education with the attainment of speedy national development, Abdurahim said. Currently, Ethiopia has been implementing, through the Board Bank V-sat Project, the school-net programme that has made, to date, more than 450 schools across the nation beneficiaries of IT services, he indicated. The Woreda-Net Broad Band V-sat Project is also nearing completion to enable IT networks access to more than 600 woreda administrations, he said. Ethiopia leads Africa in its satellite coverage, with its satellite link with more than 20 countries via 172 lines, receiving services from satellite receivers placed in geo-stationary orbits above the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Meanwhile, the Graduate School of Telecommunications and Information Technology at the Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding with the Telkon Centre of Excellence at Rhodes University, and IT Group Business Connexions paving the way for technology to boost distance education and agricultural research in Ethiopia. The partners signed the agreements at the 8th annual Southern African Networks and Applications Conference (SATNAC) at Stellenbosch, ETC said. Reuben September, Telkon's Chief Technical Officer, said: "Telkom is delighted at being able to assist NEPAD to achieve one of its objectives to expand the ICT blue-print in Africa as a catalyst for job creation and economic development." September said the Ethiopian Government had engaged in an intensive project aimed at creating a national ICT system and infrastructure that will support the flow of information to all levels of the country's economic and social structures. Primary consideration ahs been given to the provision of education, health and distance education, government data networks and Internet services. At the signing ceremony, both Dr. Nega from Ethiopia and Gerald Maina of Namibia said they were delighted with the initiative as it will bring the education institutions closer together and promote mutual cooperation. ==================== pol.ethiopia Sept.10,2004 =============== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Address AutoComplete - You start. We finish. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue Sep 14 15:37:10 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:37 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Itmes Message-ID: <20040914133710.13938.qmail@web53304.mail.yahoo.com> September 14, 2004 Diplomats, business community members meet ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - A meeting held here yesterday between members of the business community and diplomats recognized the need for the latter to play the role of market promotion for Ethiopian exports and of relevant information supply. Participants of the meeting noted also that Ethiopian diplomats and investors should work in a coordinated manner in popularizing Ethiopia's export items. The business community members have called for the availability of updated information on international market prices, which is in the nature of fluctuation. According to President of the Ethiopian Manufacturing Industries Association, Teshome Kebede, diplomats can play vital roles in identifying technology sources and facilitating ways for their transfer as Ethiopia is in the stage of technological transfer. Deputy Chief of Mission with the Ethiopian Embassy in the U.S., Dr. Brook Hailu said on the occasion that coordination was lacking in finding expanded markets for Ethiopia's export items, and called for enhanced efforts towards stronger coordination. Dr. Brook expressed his embassy's commitments to discharge its duty, whose principal mission is economic diplomacy as has been expressed in the Civil Service Reform Programme. The Ethiopian investors on their part called on the embassy to find markets in the U.S. for the export items, which include, among others coffee and oil seeds. Irish parliamentary officials to pay visit here ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Irish Parliament would visit Ethiopia from September 13-19 and 23-24, 2004. The aim of the visit is to familiarize the Joint Committee with how the substantial development cooperation support which Ireland provides to Ethiopia is used, the political and economic structures in the country and issues such as good governance and relations with neighbouring countries, according to a press release the Embassy of Ireland sent to ENA yesterday. During their visit, the delegation would meet and hold discussions with high government officials, including Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, Minister of Finance and Economic Development Sufian Ahmed, representatives of opposition political parties, civil society and NGOs, among others, it said. Chairman Dr. Michael Woods, and Vice-Chairman Pat Carey, would be accompanied by Dermot O'Mahony, policy advisor to the committee, the release said. Ethiopia is one of the 6th partner countries for the Irish Government's bilateral cooperation programme in Africa. The others are Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Lesotho and Zambia, while a smaller programme is also supported in South Africa. Ireland's Development Cooperation support to Ethiopia in 2003 was 24 million euro while it is expected to be 27.5 million euro in 2004, the release said. It said the fund is provided at federal and state levels to the health and education sector development programmes, for state level budget support in the Tigray State food security, HIV/AIDS interventions, the Civil Service Reform Programme, Good Governance and Democratization and the Government's Rural Travel and Transport Programme. 2 more political parties certified ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The National Electoral Board has issued certificates of recognition for two political parties. The board told ENA that the certified political parties are the Afar Revolutionary Democratic Front (ARDF) and the Ethiopians' Democratic League (EDL). The board said ARDF was certified as a state political party while EDL as a national political party while EDL as a national political party. The number of certified political parties in Ethiopia to date has reached 68, it indicated. =========================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.14,2004 =================================== _______________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Declare Yourself - Register online to vote today! http://vote.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Sep 15 15:18:50 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:37 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040915131850.89890.qmail@web53305.mail.yahoo.com> September 15, 2004 Ireland keen to increase dev't assistance Meles holds talks with German delegation ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Irish Government desires to increase the amount of development assistance it is providing to Ethiopia, Chairman of the Joint Committee of Foreign Affairs of the Irish Parliament said. While conferring with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi here yesterday, the Chairman, Dr. Michael Woods said the increase in Irish's development assistance is made due to the further enhancement of the bilateral cooperation between the two countries. He also said the Irish Government would work with its counter-parts in the development of education and health services in Ethiopia. The visit of the Irish delegation to Ethiopia is aimed at evaluating the implementation of the various projects being carried out here in order to increase its development assistance to the country, Dr. Woods said. "Ireland is the seventh largest contributor on worldwide bases per head of population to the UN funds. We are pressing actually to go higher on that with 0.41 per cent of our Gross National Product per head of population," Dr. Woods said. Meles told Dr. Woods on his part that the bilateral cooperation between the two countries has reached at excellent stage. Prime Minister Meles briefed the Irish delegation headed by Dr. Woods on the upcoming national election to be held in Ethiopia, the peace efforts in the Sudan and Somalia. He said various activities are being carried out to make the forthcoming national election free and democratic. Meles also mentioned that Ethiopia has sent peacekeeping forces to Burundi and Liberia because of its high commitment to ensure peace and stability in the African continent. The Irish delegation arrived here Monday on a nine-day working visit. While here, the delegation is expected to hold talks with senior government officials, members of parliament and representatives of the civil societies. The Irish delegation also said it would persuade Irish entrepreneurs to invest in Ethiopia. Chairman Michael Woods said the delegation would do its level best to encourage Irish investors to invest in tourism and other sectors of investment. He made the statement while holding talks here yesterday with State Minister for Finance and Economic Development DR. Mulu Ketsela. Dr. Woods told the state minister that in addition to the development assistance Ireland is providing, it will persuade Irish entrepreneurs to investment in Ethiopia. He expressed his country's readiness to work together with Ethiopia in the human resources development in the education sector. The Irish Government also desires to increase the amount of development assistance it is providing Ethiopia. The Irish annual development assistance, which was 1.65 million euros in 1994, has reached this year to 27.5 million euros. Dr. Mulu said on her part that Ethiopia has created a fertile ground for investment especially in the areas of tourism, industry and floriculture development. She also mentioned the budgetary constraints the country faces and called on the Irish Government that its aid should focus in this area. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and the Parliamentary State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of Germany, Walter Kolbow held talks yesterday on bilateral issues including on issues of defence relations between the two countries. Meles and Kolbow's talks centered on ways of further strengthening the bilateral cooperation and defence relations in the years ahead. The Prime Minister and Kolbow had agreed to further enhance the bilateral cooperation existing between the two countries through technical and training support, according to a spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They also exchanged views on the Ethio-Eritrea's prevailing situations and the reserve to be established in East Africa. Meles expressed Ethiopia's strong commitment to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute peace-fully. Kolbow came to Ethiopia to evaluate the Ethio-German bilateral cooperation in the defence sector, according to the spokesperson. He is also expected to hold talks with the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union and other senior authorities of the AU. AU to convene continental conference on landmines ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Africa Union (AU) will convene, at its headquarters in Addis Ababa, the second continental conference of African experts on landmines from 15-17 September 2004. The conference, which aims to celebrate a common African position, based on the relevant decision of the OAU/AU will bring together experts from the AU will bring together experts from the AU member states dealing with various aspects of the landmine issues, along with observer states and organizations. According to an AU press release sent to ENA yesterday, the conference follows the 5th ordinary session of the Executive Council of the AU, held in Addis Ababa last June. The report of the experts meeting will be considered by an AU ministerial meeting to be held on the margins of the UN General Assembly session on 24 September 2004. TPLF to hold 6th organizational conference Makalle (ENA) - The 6th organizational conference of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) is to convene in Makalle today. Organizational head with the Front Gobezay Wolde-Aregay told ENA yesterday that the conference which will be in session for two days is expected to discuss about measures taken to speed up development, establish durable peace and democratic institution in the state. Over 1000 participants are expected to attend the conference, he said. Diplomats urged to back nation building process ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Diplomats representing the country in various parts of the world should be in the forefront of the struggle to gain support for Ethiopia's development endeavours from the international community, Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin said yesterday. Speaking at the conclusion of the annual meeting of Ethiopian diplomats, Seyoum said the diplomats should strive to change the image of the country that has been wrongly perceived. He said the diplomats have been entrusted with the heavy responsibility to enable the Ethiopian in the Diaspora to contribute their share to development and growth endeavours back at home. The minister said the diplomats should present the efforts exerted to bring about sustainable development and establish democratic institutions to the countries they are assigned. He said the incumbent government has taken constructive measures believed to be instrumental in addressing the socio-economic problems of the nation. The diplomats should portray their country, as a place where there is a political will to change the grim reality. Presently, Ethiopia has been engaged in the reduction of the wide spread poverty for that the contribution of the diplomats is imperative, Seyoum said. ===================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.15,2004 ============================ _______________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Declare Yourself - Register online to vote today! http://vote.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu Sep 16 15:31:32 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:37 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040916133132.84307.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> September 16, 2004 Ethiopia Strategy Support Programme launched by Getachew Dibaba ADDIS ABABA - Ethiopia Strategy Support Programme (ESSP) an initiative to improve and strengthen the country's rural development strategy to better meet the chronic poverty and food security challenges, was launched here yesterday. The ESSP is designed to improve the data and knowledge available to Ethiopian policymakers on a broad range of food security issues, to address specific gaps in knowledge in this arena, and to thereby strengthen the country's capacity for applied research and policy analysis that directly impacts rural development. Stating the high priority, the Ethiopian Government places on its rural development and food security strategies, Dr. Neway Gebre-Ab, Director of the Ethiopian Development Research Institute (EDRI) and Chief Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister, pointed out the need to resolve many complex issues to ensure their implementation and success in the programme inception workshop at the Addis Ababa Hilton. He also stressed the need to strengthen the country's capacity to tackle the challenges facing small holder farmers and rural communities by collaborating with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) which closely worked with the EDRI and other institutions in the establishment of ESSP. In his opening remarks, State Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Belay Ejigu also called for a genuine partnership to reverse the incidence of poverty by making agriculture a profitable business. "This requires beyond generic talks. There must be active participation and collaboration on specific programme, such as the ESSP," he said. Dr. Eleni Zaude Gabre-Medhin, ESSP Programme Leader and IFPRI Senior Research Fellow, on her part underscored the need to focus on small holder agriculture, environmental effects, market development, understanding the country's role in the global economy and a myriad of other issues. "The ESSP will address a number of related challenges, including the need to mobilize and integrate smallholder farmers into the global agricultural system in a way that benefits them and their communities," Dr. Eleni noted. A Rural Economy Knowledge Support System (REKSS), actionable applied research and policy analysis capacity strengthening are three pillars of the programme, according to the programme leader. REKSS aims at integrating knowledge and conduct analyses on the rural economy as well as to track the impact of rural investments and activities while actionable applied research is meant to improve or fill knowledge gaps in rural development. The three-year initial programme has an annual budget of one million USD to be secured from various international organizations. Over 100 researcher, donor representatives, policymakers and representatives from state bureaux of agriculture and economic planning were in attendance at the day-long workshop that aimed at identifying important knowledge gaps related to Ethiopia's rural development strategy and mobilizing key partners and stakeholders, among others. Nationals organize demonstrations demanding Axum Obelisk return ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopians have organized demonstrations outside the Italian embassies in London and Washington, DC demanding the return of the Axum Obelisk, a 24-metre high ancient monolith or carved rock, BBC reported Tuesday. The Obelisk, a sign of civilization in Ethiopia thousands of years ago, was on display on a traffic island in Rome. The Obelisk which was removed in 1936 during the Italian occupation of Ethiopia was dismantled last year but the Italian authorities have not set a return date citing logistical problems. "Well, you see we have been waiting for too long. It should have been returned in accordance with the peace talks in 1947. It should have been returned in accordance with the bilateral agreement between Italy and Ethiopia signed in 1997," BBC quoted Prof. Richard Pankrust as saying on the occasion. "And it is now almost a year since it was dismantled and nothing has been happened. We need an actual date after all we have been waiting over 50 years," he said. UNMEE to stay along Ethiopia-Eritrea border ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution extending the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) until March 15,2005, the Ministry of Information said. The Council also approved adjustments to the operation as recommended last week by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in a report. Those modifications include the replacement of the Slovak military demining contingent with a modest commercial capacity, as well as a timetable for reducing the number of troops operating in the buffer zone. While taking note of some positive developments between the two countries, which signed a cessation of hostilities agreement in June 2000, the Council stressed again the responsibility of both sides for the implementation of the Algiers Agreement and the decision of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission. It also called on both parties "to show political leadership to achieve a full normalization of their relationship, including through the adoption of further confidence building measures." Boeing, Ethiopian vow to further strengthen business partnership by Biniyam Wubishet ADDIS ABABA - Director, International Sales Commercial Airplanes with Boeing, Ihssane Mounir said that Ethiopian Airlines is one of the four biggest business partners in Africa and the most successful airlines in the world as it confirms the company's increased commitment to strengthen the forty years old partnership. Speaking at a press conference held here at Sheraton Addis yesterday, Ihssane said that Ethiopian is one of the very few 'self-sufficient, dependable sustainably profitable, staffed with strong management prudent and intelligently choice taker, strong brand in the transport and finance world air line in the continent. He also indicated that the Ethiopian Government's non-interference in. The airline industry is one of its uniqueness contributory to its success. He said that the 9/11 terrorist attack decreased dramatically the total airplane Boeing delivered and revenue of several airlines severely, except the EAL. "Ethiopian is one of handful airlines in the world that survive 9/11. Even the most giant airlines were the victims of that attack. But it didn't happen to EAL," he added. According to him, in this era when the air transport is still growing, Boeing wants to keep its relation stronger with Ethiopian than ever. "We feel very honoured that our name is attached to a world class airline such as EAL. Really, the honour is honest. We hope we are going to continue to earn that honour and our airplane will keep coming to Ethiopia," he said. He also indicated that the African airlines demanded 570 airplanes in its fleet to give better and competitive service. Ethiopian CEO, Girma Wake on his part said on the occasion that the airline in still determined to work together with Boeing not because they have worked for a long time but it is still producing the kinds of airplanes that the national carrier needs. "The airlines will continue to look forward to give better service to its clients and Boeing would continue to give the lion's share," Ato Girma added. "We are friends. But it is not friendship that sells." he said. According to him, the efficiency of the airplanes and the timely technical assistance offered by Boeing cemented the two business partners so far and hoped would continue in the future. We want to offer best services that could make us competitive with other airlines and as usual we expect Boeing to meet those demands to keep going together. 'We have never been dissatisfied with Boeing,' he added. Deputy Speaker meets Irish delegation ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives said the parliament was playing the role of further strengthening the democratization process underway in Ethiopia. Dr. Petros Olango made the remarks here yesterday during talks with the Irish delegation. Dr. Petros said a wide-range of activities were being carried out currently by the House in the area of capacity building as well as in strengthening the Human Rights Commission and the Ombudsman. Ethiopia has been steadily enhancing its participation through the Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on issues concerning the sub-region, Dr. Petros said. Ethiopia has been showing solidarity with African countries by sending peacekeeping contingents where necessary, he said. Dr. Petros commended the support the Irish Government has been making for the multifarious development endeavours in Ethiopia. He told the Irish delegation that opposition parties would further be encouraged to participate in the upcoming national elections. He said various activities were being carried out also to empower women, and this was reflected in the recent decision by the EPRDF to raise the number of women contestants in the upcoming elections. Chairman of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Irish Parliament, Dr. Michael Woods on his part indicated the need for the House to further enhance its roles in efforts to creating transparency and accountability. Dr. Woods said the House has a great role to play in ensuring transparency and accountability, like its Irish counterpart does. He commended the House for the activities in launching in the area of capacity building and indicated the need to enhance the participation of civil society. He said the Irish Government regards highly its relations with Ethiopia. He said the economic and other cooperation between Ethiopia and Ireland would further be strengthened. ==================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.16,2004 ============================= _______________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Declare Yourself - Register online to vote today! http://vote.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Sep 20 15:10:20 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:37 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040920131020.40956.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> September 18, 2004 President underscores key role of CSOs in enhancing good governance, democratization by Getahun Amogne ADDIS ABABA - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis said Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) should play a crucial role in the efforts to realize good governance, democratization and development through enhanced public awareness and mobilization initiatives. Opening a day-long symposium on 'Civil Society and Governance' here yesterday, President Girma said the government has been putting in place policy and legal frameworks that would enable CSOs to operate freely and contribute their share to the ongoing nation-building process. "Civil Society Organizations need to be aware of their roles and that of the government to work together towards societal transformation in the political, social and economic spheres," the President told the Public Policy Forum of the Inter-Africa Group. The number of local and international associations in Ethiopia has increased steadily over the past ten years, he said, adding that it has now reached 2,060 from that of 70 in 1986 E.C. The President also hailed the initiative taken by CSOs to institute a self-regulatory code of conduct, which, he said, would go a long way in ensuring accountability and transparency in their operations. Earlier, Acting Executive Director of Inter Africa Group, Meaza Ashenafi, said the purpose of the public policy dialogue was to promote understanding on the respective roles of the government and civil society and to forge an appropriate partnership between the two. Inter-Africa Group would, as part of its Public Policy Forum Project, organize similar forums in Addis Ababa and state towns on issues related to media, youth, human rights, women, economy, HIV/AIDS as well as election forums, she said. Meaza also said that Inter-Africa Group would convene a dialogue forum among the ruling and opposition parties by the end of next week, which would be televised, live. In a paper he presented under the theme: Policy and Legal Environment for Civil Society Participation, Minister of Justice Harka Haroye said his ministry has now begun registration and renewal of licenses of CSOs within hours abolishing cumbersome bureaucratic procedures thereby saving the time and costs of service seekers. The draft NGO legislation has been extensively discussed by stakeholders, he said, and added that the law would be instrumental in ensuring transparency and accountability. The draft legislation is expected to be presented to the Council of Ministers by next week. Discussion papers on civil society and governance issues were presented to the symposium attended by members of CSOs, representatives of governmental institutions and the media. Efficient foreign relations service said valuable to ensure rapid, sustainable dev't (Ministry of Information, Friday, September 17,2004) The national effort to ensure rapid and sustainable economic development as well as the establishment of a democratic system requires special focus and intensive activities in key areas of various sectors. It has been said time and again that the main national goal is directed against poverty and backwardness. This needs the identification of priorities, which must be coordinated, cost-effectively, and result-oriented. In this aspect, there are promising activities so far. The annual meeting of the Ethiopian diplomats and employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which had been in session, for about two weeks, and which wound up this week, was relevant to the issue under consideration. High Officials of the various federal ministries including H.E. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, made presentations and held discussions with the diplomats and other officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the major activities and focal areas of our external relations, which are intended to enhance the national effort underway to bring about rapid and sustainable development. Extensive discussions were conducted on the problems and on possible solutions to promote trade and attract foreign investment to the country. It is important to recall that the main objective of the country's task in external relations is to support the on-going activities to overcome poverty and backwardness, as clearly stated in the Foreign Affairs and Security Policy document. Seeking international markets for Ethiopian products and attracting foreign investment are taken as the major activities of all Ethiopian foreign missions. Creating a conductive environment to persuade the Ethiopian Diaspora and foreign citizens of Ethiopian origin to participate in various sectors of development, is the other challenge that deserves attention in our foreign relations service. Moreover, soliciting development aid, grants, and loans as well as lobbying to secure debt cancellation are among the major tasks of the foreign relations sector. These were indeed the fundamental areas of activity highlighted at the annual meeting of the Ethiopian delegates and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is essential to note that the effective activity of the external relations sector has a major positive impact on enhancing the efforts underway to extricate the country from poverty and backwardness. It must be borne in mind that we are in the new millennium where fast exchange of information plays a major role in the process of creating fortune. Under the conditions where production of commodities is nothing without the promotion work on quality, demand and quantity of the products play a major role and is believed to be a serious challenge ahead for our embassies and consulate offices. In the global situation where there is a stiff competition to attract foreign investment, that the task of attracting such investments to out country demands relentless foreign relations efforts, is indeed unquestionable. Likewise, implementing effective mechanisms to secure economic aid, grants, loans and credit cancellation also require exerting extensive efforts and the adoptions of expeditious mechanisms. In line with this, the annual session organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) for its internal and external staff, offers a major advantage and benefit to the country. It is believed that the diplomats have acquired due awareness from the session and identified key areas of major activities in the New Year. In addition to that a favourable environment has already been created in which the federal executive offices coordinate the implementation of their practical activities with our embassies abroad. The participants of the annual session of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have expressed their commitment to exert relentless efforts to implement the priority task set at the end of the session. Finally, this coordinated and interdependent effort between the internal and external relations sectors will make a major contribution to the realization of the national vision to overcome poverty and backwardness in the shortest possible time. General situation in Mission area militarily stable: UNMEE ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The general situation in the Mission area remains military stable, the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) said Thursday. There have been no significant changes in troop locations or dispositions reported during the past week, according to UNMEE. UNMEE conducted 577 ground and twelve air reconnaissance patrols throughout the Area of Responsibility (AOR). In all sectors, UNMEE peace-keepers continued to provide medical assistance to local civilians, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), along with supplies of bulk water to civilian communities in the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ) and the Adjacent Areas, it said. Personnel of the British Peace Support Training Team are currently visiting the Mission area for the specific purpose of conducting a Training Needs Analysis and validating the Kenya Army Engineer Squadron deployed on humanitarian demining operations, it indicated. It is to be recalled that on 14 September 2004, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1560, which extended UNMEE's mandate for another six months to 15 March 2005. September 19, 2004 Five int'l press institutions invited to attend discussion on draft press law ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ministry of Information has invited five international press institutions for discussions on the draft press law of the country. The discussion on the Ethiopian draft press law is scheduled for 28 Sept. 2004, Information and Public Relations Department Head with the ministry, Zemedkun Tekle told ENA yesterday. Zemedkun said the invited press institutions include; Article 19, International Press Institute, Internationals Media Support, International Federation of Journalists, and Media Foundation for West Africa. The Article 19 and the International Press Institute have so far confirmed acceptance of the invitation, he said, the remaining institutions are also expected to join the discussion. He said important ideas to be forwarded during the discussion would be incorporated in the draft press law. According to the head, the Ministry of Information has undertaken a series of discussion forums on the draft press law with stakeholders in a bid to formulate valuable press law instrumental for the strengthening of development and democracy in the country. Ethiopia's coffee export doubles ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopia supplied increased amount of coffee to the international market last year due to improved flavor and quality. Currently, over 30 countries import Ethiopian coffee, Coffee and Teal Quality Control Centre with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said. The centre also announced plan to export over 161,000 tonnes of coffee during the current budget year. The amount of coffee exported over the past five years doubled due to improvement in the quality and distinct flavour, centre head, Abraham Begashaw told ENA Friday. Some 144,000 tonnes of coffee was exported during the past Ethiopian budget year, he said. Accordingly, the country secured 200 million dollars in revenue, the head said. The coffee exported last Ethiopian year exceeded from the previous year by 20,000 tonnes, he said. He said the centre undertakes close inspection on export coffee with a view to maintaining the quality. Presently, over 30 countries including Germany, Japan and England import Ethiopian coffee, according to Abraham. Due attention attached to the agriculture sector development highly contributes to the income the country obtains from the sector, he said. Abraham said three quality control centres would be set up in selected coffee growing areas in Oromia, Gambella and the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples' states this year. ======================================== Pol.ethiopia SEpt.20,2004 ============================= _______________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Declare Yourself - Register online to vote today! http://vote.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue Sep 21 14:51:52 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:37 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040921125152.56439.qmail@web53306.mail.yahoo.com> September 21, 2004 Meles says CDC's support to health sector substantial Ethiopia said focus country to benefit from US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been contributing a significant share in public health services sector. While conferring with CDC Director Dr. Julie Gerberding here yesterday, Prime Minister Meles said Ethiopia gives special place to the support being given by the centre to health services sector in the country. Meles expressed his country's desire to further strengthen the existing cooperation between Ethiopia and the centre. He said the support being extended by CDC would have a significant contribution for the enhancement of the country's health services development programme. Meles told the director that Ethiopia has been utilizing appropriately the fund it received from President Bush's Initiative and Global Fund for HIV/AIDS intervention activities, according to a senior government official. Gerberiding told journalists after the talks that the discussion between Meles and her centered on HIV/AIDS. She said the objectives of her visit to Ethiopia are to attend the 4th Global Tuberculosis (TB) HIV Working Group Meeting and the activities being carried out in the country by CDC. Meanwhile, Gerberding said U.S President Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief has allotted 43 million US dollars to Ethiopia in 2004 in support of national efforts geared toward containing HIV/AIDS. At a press conference held here yesterday, Gerberding said the US Government is committed to assisting Ethiopia toward improving health services in the country. Dr. Gerberding said Ethiopia is one of the 15 focus countries world wide to benefit from the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. She said the US Government would continue assisting Ethiopia in expanding the access to HIV testing and counseling services. Expanding access to HIV testing and counseling is thus a key priority, the director said. "I will be signing a (VCT) project agreement worth 186,000 US dollars at the Empress Zewditu Memorial Hospital and another five-year cooperative agreement worth over 2.5 million US dollars to assist blood services in the country," she said. The director said she would be donating laboratory equipment and supplies worth 685,000 US dollars to Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI). Prime Minister appoints four senior gov't officials ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi gave appointments to four senior government officials including Mulugeta AlemSeged, the Office of the Prime Minister said. The office told ENA late yesterday that, Mulugeta Alem-Seged has been appointed as advisor of the National Security Affairs Minister as of 14 September 2004 in accordance with the newly reorganized structure of the Office of the Office of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister also appointed Birhanu Adelo as head of the Office of the Prime Minister and Minister of Cabinet Affairs as of 14 September 2004. Meles assigned Beyene GebreMeskel as Director General of the Privatization and Government Owned Development Enterprises Supervisory Authority as of 10 September 2004. Meles also appointed Dr. Tshehaynesh Mesele Director of the Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute as of 21 September 2004, the office said. Japanese parliamentarians to visit Ethiopia ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Embassy of Japan to Ethiopia says a delegation led by Dr. Shozaburo JIMI, from the Japan-African Union Parliamentary Friendship Association who is member of the Japanese Diet, will be visiting Ethiopia from 20-21 September, 2004. The embassy stated in a press release it sent to ENA yesterday that the purpose of the parliamentarians' visit is to meet Ethiopian dignitaries to strengthen the relationship between Ethiopia and Japan. The Japanese parliamentarians will hold talks with President Girma Wolde-Giorgis, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and State Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Tekeda Alemu and other senior government officials, it said. Meanwhile, the three members delegation visit two projects supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) today the press release said. The release said the projects are namely the Project for Capacity Building of Alemgena Training and Testing Centre (ATTC), and Groundwater Development and Water Supply Training Project (GWD and WSP). It said the ATTC Project was launched in April 2002 while the GWD and WSP started in 1998 to last up to 2003. JICA is planning to hand over equipment worth of 2.3 million birr to ATTC, according to the release. Kenenisa, Isinbayeva named athletes of the year ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopian runner Kenenisa Bekele and Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva were named Sunday as the International Association of Athletics Federations' male and female athletes of the year, Reuters reported from Monaco. Kenenisa 22, won the world cross country long and short course titles for the third consecutive time this year. He set a world indoor 5,000 record and also broke his compatriot Haile Gebre-Selassie's world outdoor 5,000 and 10,000 marks before going on to win the Olympic 10,000 metres title in Athens followed by a silver medal behind Morocco's Hicham El Guerrouj in the 5,000. Isinbayeva, also 22, won the Olympic title and set eight world records, three of them indoors, Reuters said. El Guerrouj was given a special award for the male performance of the year with his Olympic 1,500 and 5,000 double. Britain's Kelly Holmes, who won the 800 and 1,500 double in Athens, won the women's performance of the year award. Kenenisa and Isinbayeva succeeded last year's winners Hicham El-Guerrouj of Morocco and South Africa's Hestrie Cloete. =================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.21,2004 ===================== __________________________________ 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 Sep 23 15:33:50 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:37 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040923133350.36168.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> September 22, 2004 President, Premier confer with Ethio-Japan Parliamentary League President ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis has indicated the need for Ethiopia and Japan to further strengthen their all round cooperation. Girma made the remark here yesterday during talks with the President of the Ethio-Japan Parliamentary League Dr. Jimi Saburo. According to the President, the sound cooperation between Ethiopia and Japan should further be bolstered in the areas of trade and investment. After holding talks with the President, Dr. Saburo said the talks focused on ways of further enhancing the all round cooperation between the two countries. He said the Ethio-Japan cooperation has steadily been growing. Dr. Saburo has pressed his government increase the development assistance for Ethiopia and make financial support for the Abay Bridge project, an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Meanwhile, Dr. Jimi Shozaburo pledged that he will exert efforts to bring about enhanced support of the Japanese Government to the food security and sustainable development endeavours in Ethiopia. After talks with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi later here yesterday, Dr. Shozaburo told journalists that the government of Japan desires to support Ethiopia's food security programme. He said the Government of Japan will enhance its support to the multi-sector development endeavours in Ethiopia under the cooperation pact between the two countries. The G8 countries to which Japan is a member have endorsed a plan of action that would enable to draw support in the implementation of food security programmes in Ethiopia and other countries, he said. Dr. Shozaburo on the occasion commended Prime Minister Meles for his participation at the TICAD III Summit in Tokyo in September last year. Prime Minister Meles said the cooperation between Ethiopia and Japan has been taken to a new height. The cooperation between the two countries should further be strengthened, the official who attended the meeting quoted Meles as saying. Japan is among the countries who are supporting Ethiopia's development endeavours, he said. He expressed gratitude to the Japanese Government for the significant support it has been providing to Ethiopia. Meles and Dr. Shozaburo deliberated on the multifarious Ethio-Japan cooperation and the Abbay Bridge Project whose design work has already got underway, the official said. They exchanged views also on other bilateral and international issues. Dr. Saburo had paid visit to Ethiopia two years ago. The Japanese delegation led by him is now on a three-day visit to the country. CDC offers financial assistance for blood bank establishment ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ministry of Health and U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) yesterday signed a five million US dollar agreement enabling the former establish eight blood blanks and strengthen existing ones in a period of five years. About 2.5 million US dollars will be released next October. Health Minister Dr. Kebede Tadesse said at the signing ceremony that the financial support has a paramount importance in reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases. CDC Director Dr. Julie Gerberding expressed her Centre's readiness to extend support to strengthening and expansion of the health service sector in Ethiopia. She stressed the need that Ethiopia should combat the spread of HIV/AIDS by ensuring the safety of blood supply. Dr. Kebede, and Dr. Gerberding signed the agreement. Deputy Speaker says Ethiopia active in political, economic activities in Africa Japan donates equipment to ATTC ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives says Ethiopia has been involved in the political and economic activities in Africa in addition to a full-swing national food security and poverty reduction endeavours. Dr. Pertos Olango made the remark here yesterday during talks with a delegation led by President of the Ethio-Japan Parliamentary League Dr. Jimi Shozaburo. He told the delegation that Ethiopia has launched the implementation of capacity building streamlined in all sectors, particularly at the grass roots level, with a view to reducing poverty. According to Dr. Petros a wideranging food security activities are being implemented as part of efforts to come out self-sufficient in food in the shortest time possible. The initiative shown to date by G8 countries to support the food security endeavours in Ethiopia explains the success the government is achieving in this front, the Deputy Speaker said. He said the support expressed by delegates of the Japanese Government participating in the G8 Summit for enhanced cooperation for Ethiopia's food security endeavours reaffirms that Japan is among the forerunner development partners of the Ethiopian peoples. Ethiopia will remain committed to the development ideals of the Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and other development initiatives in Africa as well as to the endeavours to ward off conflicts and bring about economic development. He appeared for the enhanced support of Japan in this front. He commended the multilateral and trilateral financial and project support being extended by the Japanese Government to Ethiopia. Dr. Shozaburo on the occasion said Ethiopia and Japan have maintained their long-standing relations, and called for enhanced endeavours in Ethiopia in the activities geared towards food security and poverty alleviation. He said the endeavours of the Ethiopian Parliament to enhance the democratization are commendable. Meanwhile, the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) yesterday handed over various equipment worth 1.9 million birr to the Alemgena Training and Testing Centre of the Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA). Dr. Jimi Shozaburo, Chairman of the Ethio-Japan Parliamentary Friendship League handed over the donation to ERA General Manager Zayid Wolde-Gebriel. Dr Shozaburo, who is also member of the Japanese Parliament and Vice-President of the priority areas of development cooperation to Ethiopia focuses on assisting in the road sector development as roads infrastructure is vital for development. Zayid on his part said the Japanese Government has been making similar donations in line with the cooperation agreement with ERA. The Japanese Government has significantly contributed to the road sector in Ethiopia, he said. The Addis Ababa - Goha Tsion Road project was implemented with the support secured from JICA. ATTC Head Haily Chekun on his part said the donation coming from the Japanese Government plays significant role in the centre's capacity building. ATTC has so far trained more than 15,000 professionals in various fields of the sector. ATTC was established in 1956. Meles holds talks with newly appointed UNDP Resident Representative, WHO official UNDP Representative assumes office ADDIS ABABA (ENA/EH) - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will enhance its development cooperation in the areas which Ethiopia has prioritized, the newly appointed UNDP representative to Ethiopia said. Modibo Toure after conferring with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi here yesterday told journalists that UNDP will continue with its support to Ethiopia focusing on sustainable development and poverty reduction. UNDP has been assisting in the realization of the development policies and strategies of the Ethiopian Government, Toure said. Toure expressed commitment to further the amicable relations between Ethiopia and the UNDP in particular and the UN in general. He said the discussions with the Prime Minister enable him to clearly understand the activities being carried out to translate into practice the development policies and strategies. UNDP has earmarked 121 million US dollars for development intervention in Ethiopia in the year 2005, Toure said. In addition, the programme will exert efforts to solicit additional funds for use in implementation of development projects in Ethiopia, he said. Prime Minister Meles also told Toure about the activities underway to attract foreign direct investment into Ethiopia. He told Toure that a number of entrepreneurs from various countries have invested particularly in the floriculture and horticulture development. Newly appointed United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative and United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ethiopia, Mr. Modibo Toure officially submitted his credentials to the Ethiopian Government last Friday, September 17,2004. UNDP Office press release faxed to the Herald yesterday said that Mr. Toure joined the UN specialized agency in September 1990 assuming increasingly higher-level responsibilities in various assignments both at the Headquarters and in the field. Mr. Toure just completed a three year assignment in Cahd (2001-2004) as UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative and recently as Humanitarian Coordinator, the release said. According to the release, prior to joining the UN, Mr. Toure worked in the private sector in the US as well as in the civil service in Mali. Holder of MBA degree as well as a degree in Economics, Mr. Toure is married and a father of three children. In another development, Assistant Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) said it will continue supporting Ethiopia's health services delivery. WHO assistant director Dr. Jack Chow after talks with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi here yesterday told journalists that his organization has been assisting in the health delivery programmes in Ethiopia. Dr. Chow said WHO has been working closely with the Ethiopian Government in the implementation of policies and strategies in the sector. He pledged enhanced support to the health sector development, particularly to HIV, TB and malaria prevention and treatment. WHO will exert efforts to make medicines available at lower prices as part of its intervention in the prevention of diseases, he said. WHO will support health extension services programmes in Ethiopia, he said. Prime Minister Meles told Dr. Chow that the health services extension programme is believed to register positive results. The support of WHO and other partners is significant for the successful implementation of the country's health programme, an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who attended the meeting quoted Meles as saying. Prime Minister Meles commended WHO and the International Fund for their assistance in the activities launched in Ethiopia to prevent HIV, TB and Malaria. September 23, 2004 ANDM vows to conduct elections in democratic manner BAHIRDAR (ENA) - The Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM) declared its resolve yesterday to conduct the upcoming national and state elections in a democratic manner. The participants of the ANDM organizational conference said, candidates to be fielded would contest in a free and transparent manner against opposition parties which are active in the state, according to spokesperson of the Movement. They said that the peaceful competitions would enable the electorates to cast their vote for their own choice. ANDM would play a leading role in facilitating ways and fielding candidates who could win the hearts and minds of the electorates. The conference participants asserted that election observers invited by the Federal Government would be given every opportunity to help them accomplish their responsibilities in a neutral and independent way. ANDM would raise women participation both at the state council and the Federal Parliament to 30 per cent it was learnt. The organizational conference of ANDM that was in session for three days rounded up yesterday by adopting a resolution. Electoral Board says preparation of materials required for referendum completed ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The preparation of all the necessary materials needed for the referendum that will determine the fate of 461 kebeles bordering Oromia and Somali states has been finalized, the National Electoral Board said. Board Deputy Head Tesfaye Mengesha told ENA yesterday that the preparation of registration cards, ballots, ballot boxes, among others, was completed. He said the dispatching of relevant documents and materials to the stated areas would begin on 2 October 2004. Tesfaye said the Board has allocated 3.4 million birr for the implementation of the referendum from its own budget. The Board has called upon the two states to discharge the responsibilities entrusted to them for the success of the referendum. Both states have territorial claims on the stated number of kebeles, whose fate are to be determined through referendum. AEUP suspends membership from opposition unity ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The All Ethiopian Unity Party (AEUP) says it has suspended its membership from the opposition unity. The party said the move of the opposition unity lacks transparency, accountability and it is inconsistent with its fundamental principles. The Ethiopian Democratic Forces Unity (EDFU) has been engaged in a destructive move that could strengthen the position and prolong the power of the ruling party, according to a statement AEUP sent to ENA yesterday. EDFU was established on the platform to bring together the opposition parties and spearhead their struggle in a peaceful way and form a coalition government by winning the national elections, it said. AEUP, however, said the EDFU declared that it would form a transitional government provided that it won the elections which the party described as a flagrant violation of the agreements made. Although removing the ruling party was a common agenda of members of the opposition unity, it should be made clear that most of the parties have differences from their detailed objectives to organizational structures. Some are organized along ethnic lines and others are national political parties, it said. The differences among the opposition parties are irreconcilable and couldn't enable to develop a common political platform, it said. The opposition unity has ignored all the requests forwarded by AEUP to correct the documents distributed in violation of the agreements reached at the congress. Some of the documents distributed were primarily designed to serve the interests of some individuals and were against the spirit of the founding congress. The opposition unity has been engaged in a destructive propaganda instead of entertaining the requests in a free and democratic manner. AEUP said it participation in the opposition unity was meaningless other than giving way to time consuming fruitless discussions. ==================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.23,2004 ========================= _______________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Declare Yourself - Register online to vote today! http://vote.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri Sep 24 14:50:06 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:37 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040924125006.30618.qmail@web53310.mail.yahoo.com> September 24, 2004 Deputy Speaker calls for strong commitment, vision to protect torture victims by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives Dr. Petros Olango underscored the need for strong commitment and vision in protecting, healing and supporting victims of torture. Opening a two-day sub-Saharan Africa regional workshop on "Net-working Among Rehabilitation Centres Working Against Torture" at the Imperial Hotel yesterday, Dr. Petros said that making torture victims productive and active participants in the development endeavour of their respective countries could only be possible when survivors are cured from the psychosocial effect of the trauma. "Today, Africa is looking forward for the unification. African parliaments have crucial role to play in the unification. As to Ethiopia, we will play our duties and responsibilities in the Pan African Parliaments to create a conflict-free Africa," the Deputy Speaker reaffirmed. According to Dr. Petros, Ethiopia has committed itself to protecting this group of society and respecting the democratic rights of all its citizens through the Human Right Commission and the Office of the Ombudsman created under the Parliament. AU Social Affairs Commissioner Adv. Gawanas Bience Philomina on her part indicated that the Commission's commitment to continue its advocacy for the elimination of torture and the resolution of all conflicts through dialogue rather than arms and weapons. After indicating that torture is a gross violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in particular reference to Africa, also of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, the Commissioner emphasized on the need to oppose torture and armed conflicts in all its forms and machinations so as to make them a thing of history on this continent. Chairman of the Board of the Rehabilitation Centre for Victims of Torture in Ethiopia, Dr. Abraham Asnake, also indicated that the country is on the right track of building democracy and establishing democratic institution. "All law enforcement agencies are given training on the constitution of the country and human right. All prison officials are required to understand the basic human right and are not expected to use torture as a means of investigation. The Ministry of Justice supervises the prisons and investigates if complaints are lodged," he said. Various papers are expected to be presented at the workshop sponsored by the International Rehabilitation Council for Victims of Torture (IRCT). EU urges Ethiopia, Eritrea to abide by Algiers Peace Accord ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The European Union urged Ethiopia and Eritrea Wednesday to implement the Algiers Peace Agreement and bread the deadlock over the demarcation process of their borders, Reuters reported. The EU reiterated its unreserved support to the peace process between Ethiopia and Eritrea saying the two parties needs peace and stability to be able to concentrate on the serious problems they are facing. Keeping the peace mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea is necessary to ensure stability in the region, the EU said hailing the UN resolution, which recently extended the UNMEE mandate for six months. NEB makes 2005 national elections timetable public ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The National Electoral Board (NEB) has made official the timetable for the 2005 national elections. According to the timetable, the date of voting for the House of Peoples Representative and state councils has been slated for 15 May 2005. NEB told ENA yesterday that the Board during its regular meeting on September 14,2004, endorsed the timetable for the federal and state governments' elections. Accordingly, the days between October 30, 2004 and January 6, 2005 will be the period within which candidates solicit endorsement signatures at their respective constituencies on the forms to be made available at woreda education offices at their respective woredas of residence. Candidates will then begin to canvass officially beginning February 19, according to the timetable that also slated the period between January 9 and February 7 as the time of votes' registration. February 3 and 4 are the dates for special registration of voters. On June 8, NEB shall endorse and announce national voting outcomes, the Board said. HIV/AIDS battle Business community to focus on workplace programmes by Biniyam Wubishet ADDIS ABABA - Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce (AACC) Vice-President said yesterday that the business community would focus on workplace intervention programmes in the fight against HIV/AIDS that has increasing negative impact on the country's business activities. Opening the 4th Business and HIV/AIDS National Conference Eyesus-Work Zafu said that workplace business and HIV/AIDS programmes are the best strategy and top priority to speed up the response of Ethiopian business to the pandemic. According to him, the business community's response came in 2001 following the decision passed during the 24th General Assembly of AACC to mainstream business sand HIV issues saying HIV/AIDS is a business and development challenge. "Since then, different activities have been undertaken in areas of awareness creation, training and orphan support initiatives through the business and HIV/AIDS Secretariat," he added. Addis Ababa City Administration Health Bureau Head, Dr. Eyob Kamil said on the occasion that the government still believes that the business community has a dual responsibility both in reducing poverty and protecting its family from HIV/AIDS, the community being the main development partner. Dr. Eyob also indicated that though the provision of care and support to HIV orphans and elders is the responsibility of the society, it strongly demands the active involvement of businesspersons. He also assured the business community that the City Government would work hand in hand in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Business and HIV/AIDS Secretariat Tamirat Admassu said while presenting 'Components of Workplace Programmes' that the objective is to ensure a non-discriminatory working atmosphere regardless of HIV status, keep confidentiality of workers, as well as the provision of care and support. He also said that the major programme components are education and care as well as support. According to him, lack of commitment both from employers and employees, funds and expertise (especially in small and medium sized enterprise) are the challenges for implementing workplace programme. The AACC on the occasion donated 20,000 birr to the Abebech Gobena and Hana Orphanages. The two-day national conference is expected to discuss different aspects of workplace intervention. ============================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.24,2004 ====================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Read only the mail you want - Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Sep 29 11:16:13 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:37 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040929091613.37711.qmail@web53310.mail.yahoo.com> September 25, 2004 Nation obtains over 600 mln. USD for HSDP ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Over 600 million US dollars has been secured from donors and financial institutions both in loans and grants for the Health Sector Development Programme that would be undertaken for the next five years in Ethiopia, minister of health said. Minister of Health Dr. Kebede Tadesse made the remark at the conclusion of the 6th annual Review Meeting (ARM) of the Health Sector Development Programme (HSDP) that was held here. He said 400 million US dollars of the stated sum would be used for the eradication of tuberculosis and the balance could be used to contain the spread of HIV/AIDS, malaria eradication and to support other diseases related programmes, he said. According to Dr. Kebede the grant was obtained from the global fund, Bush initiative and USAID and the loan was from the World Bank. Progress and achievements have been made in 16 health service extension programmes, in the training and graduation of 2800 health extension workers by January 2005 and in the completion of studies on the accelerated expansion of primary health care coverage, among others, he said. Representative of USAID to Ethiopia Susan Anthony said on her part that if the ongoing implementation of the health extension programme in the country continues in the same pace, it will be possible to expand basic health services very rapidly. She said the support from partners should be strengthened in order to realize the programme successfully. The review meeting has examined the implementation status of 1995 E.C and 1996 E.C sector plans, the progress in the implementation of the Health Extension Package Programme, the federal and state experiences in the preparation of Strategic Planning and Management, among others. Representatives of higher learning and health institutions, NGOs, and donors working with the government, among others were in attendance at the five-day review meeting. Africa lobbies for UN Security Council seats ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - African nations stepped up their campaign Thursday for greater representation on the UN Security Council, with Senegal calling for two permanent seats, AFP reported. Reform of the 15-nation Security Council has the firm support of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, who set up a high-level panel that is to make proposals for change in December, AFP said. "The world, now more than ever, needs a strong United Nations with reinforced legitimacy," Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade is quoted as saying in a speech to the UN General Assembly. African nations want the continent to be given "at least two permanent seats and two additional nonpermanent seats," Wade said. On Tuesday, Brazil, Germany, India and Japan launched a united bid for permanent UN Security Council seats, arguing that expanded membership was crucial to addressing new global threats. The four nations also voiced support for the addition of an African permanent seat and the expansion of the non-permanent membership, AFP said. The Council has had the same five permanent members with veto power since the United Nations was established in the wake of World War II: Britain, China, France, the United States and Russia, as successor to the Soviet Union. Ten other nations are elected as non-permanent Olusegun Obasanjo echoed the need for those regions of the world that are unrepresented at the heart of the United Nation's top decision-making body to be given a voice. "Africa, whose issues occupy a substantial part of the Security Council's time, ought to be accorded priority consideration for permanent membership," Obasanjo is quoted as saying. Obasanjo said expansion of Council membership was crucial to making the United Nations "more representative, effective and acceptable." Petty trade booming along Ethio-Sudan common borders GONDAR (ENA) - The amicable bilateral cooperation that existed between the governments of Ethiopia and the Sudan has encouraged border trade along the two countries, the north-west customs coordinating office said. Office head Haile-Gebriel Worku told ENA Thursday that the traders in Metema town, chilga Woreda of the North Gondar Zone in the Amhara State have been engaged in border trade with a registered working capital of about 2,000 birr. He said the traders have been selling various products on both sides of the borders for the last six months. Traders from Geleabt (Sudan) were also selling various goods at the Metema markets, he said. Some 300 Metema town residents have received licences to engage in trade along the common borders of the two countries, according to the office head. The Ethiopian traders are expected to supply agricultural and dairy products to markets in Sudanese towns while the Sudanese would bring agricultural and industrial products to the Ethiopian towns established along the borders, according to agreements reached between the two governments. The border trades have a great contribution in promoting the people -to-people relations along with their economic advantages, he said. September 26, 2004 House Speaker to leave for Geneva ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian delegation led by Speaker of the House of the Federation Dr. Mulatu Teshome is to leave for Switzerland today to attend the 11th Assembly of the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU). The House of the Federation told ENA that the five member delegation would take part in the assembly due to be held in Geneva from September 28- October 1, 2004. Parliamentary Speakers from various countries, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and scholars of the Geneva University are expected to attend the assembly. ECA to host governance meet here ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - About one thousand delegates from allover Africa including presidents, activists, businesspeople, journalists and academics will gather in Addis Ababa from 11-15 October to participate in vigorous debate on strengthening governance in Africa. The UN's Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) would host the 4th African Development Forum (ADFIV) under the theme of Governance for a Progressing Africa. Improved governance was chosen as this year's theme in recognition of the essential role it can play in transforming Africa's economies, according to an ECA press release issued Friday. It is one of the pillars of the New Partnership for Africas Development (NEPAD), it said. The African Development Forum is an ECA initiative intended to advance an African-driven development agenda. It aims to initiate dialogue, build consensus and mobilize partnerships around African stakeholders. City Police Commission marks Rank Transfer Day 121 members promoted by Yemane Terefe ADDIS ABABA - The Addis Ababa City Government Police Commission yesterday marked Rank Transfer Day with the promotion of 121 members for excelling in their performance in accordance with Federal Police Commission Proclamation No. 313/1995 Article "7" No. "11". City Police Commissioner Befkadu Tolera said on the occasion that the rank transfer was aimed at boosting the morale of the police members to serve the public honestly and maintain law and order thereby ensuring peace and security in the metropolis. He also said that the main task of the police is to prevent or otherwise investigate crime and bring alleged criminals to justice. According to the Commissioner, 14, 35,56,12 and 4 were promoted to the tanks of Commanders, Deputy Commanders, Chief Inspectors, Inspectors and Deputy Inspectors respectively. Mayor of the City Government and Guest Honour Arkebe Equbay on his part said that the City Police Commission is entrusted with the task of maintaining peace and stability of the metropolis and safeguarding the constitution. To serve the public, the police institution should be equipped with better professional capacity, embued with democratic culture and honesty," he added. The Mayor also called upon city residents to work closely with the police to maintain peace and stability thereby become beneficiaries of the development activities well underway in the metropolis. Federal Police Commissioner Workineh Gebeyehu also noted that police plays a key role in the national poverty reduction effort and bring about sustainable development. He added promotion would no more be given in counting years of service but by performing notable activities. ECA to host governance meet here ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - About one thousand delegates from allover Africa including presidents, activists, businesspeople, journalists and academics will gather in Addis Ababa from 11-15 October to participate in vigorous debate on strengthening governance in Africa. The UN's Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) would host the 4th African Development Forum (ADFIV) under the theme of Governance for a Progressing Africa. Improved governance was chose as this year's theme in recognition of the essential role it can play in transforming Africa's economies, according to an ECA press release issued Friday. It is one of the pillars of the New Partnership for Africas Development (NEPAD), it said. The African Development Forum is an ECA initiative intended to advance an African-driven development agenda. It aims to initiate dialogue, build consensus and mobilize partnerships around African stakeholders. Ethiopian cargo plane begins carrying flowers to Europe ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Airlines launched a once weekly cargo flight to export flowers to the European markets as part of the initiatives taken to encourage foreign trade. Minister of State for Trade and Industry Fantaye Biftu said Friday that the cooperation of the Ethiopian Airlines to carry the products to the foreign markets would give impetus to the development of the sector in the country. He said the Ethiopian Government would continue providing support to the flori-culture development. The Ethiopian Airlines would launch a twice-weekly flight to meet the demands of the customers beginning in October. Chairperson of the Ethiopian Floriculturalists Association Tsegaye Abebe said over 14.4 million euros was expected to be obtained from the sale of flowers this year. He said the income from the sector during the 2004 was 4.8 million euros, adding that the flowers industry has created 3,700 jobs to compatriots. Netherlands Ambassador to Ethiopia Rob Vermass said many entrepreneurs in his country have shown interest to take part in the flower industry, as the investment atmosphere in Ethiopia is conducive. So far 15 companies have been engaged in the agricultural sector and others are preparing to come to Ethiopia soon, he said. Two higher learning officials resign ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The resignation of Dr. Gemechu Megerssa and DR. Mintesinot Behailu has been accepted as per their request, Ministry of Information said. The Ministry told ENA Friday that Dr. Gemechu was appointed as Director of the Agency for Higher Learning Accreditation and Quality Monitoring and Dr. Mintesinot was also assigned as Director for the Strategic Centre of Higher Learning. The resignation of the two officials has been accepted as of 25 September 2004, the ministry said. ===================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.29,2004 =========================== _______________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Declare Yourself - Register online to vote today! http://vote.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Sep 29 14:58:07 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:37 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040929125807.12438.qmail@web53310.mail.yahoo.com> September 28, 2004 Premier reaffirms commitment to African PeaceKeeping effort Liberia, Burundi contingents receive awards, certificates by Haile-Gebriel Endeshaw ADDIS ABABA - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi reaffirmed that the Ethiopian people and government were ready to intensify involvement in peacekeeping mission in Africa. Handing out medal awards and certificates to the units of the Defence Forces deployed to Burundi and Liberia, Meles, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the National Armed Forces said that their iron discipline has won the admiration of the peoples of the two countries. "Due to this, the country is being asked to involve in such similar peacekeeping missions. In view of the firm support of the Ethiopian people and government to African peace, I would like to assure our readiness to involve in the peace-keeping mission in an intensified manner," the Premier said. Lt. General Samora Yenus, Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian Armed Forces said earlier that the Ethiopian peacekeeping contingents in Burundi and Liberia have discharged their responsibility with a unique heroic feat. Samora further said that the Ethiopian Defence Forces would continue to relentlessly work for a peaceful and prosperous world. According to a press release obtained from the Ministry of Defence, Wegagan Battalion, that was deployed to Burundi in August 2003 and served in the peace mission for 11 months apart from accomplishing its mission, the Battalion integrated itself with the local people helping them mitigate their social problems. The 852-member unit returned home early last month handing over the mission to the newly dispatched Ethiopian battalion. The other Ethiopian peace-keeping contingent, the 87th Brigade, which served for eight months in Liberia under the auspices of the UN, returned home this month with a success story behind it. The Brigade greatly contributed to pacifying war-torn Liberia by establishing disarming centres and actually disarming those in possession of illegal arms. Moreover, it discharged its responsibilities of stabilizing the vast region and looking after the security of workers of international charity organizations, officials of the UN peacekeeping force and that of military observers. Political parties debate civil society, good governance issues by Getahun Amogne ADDIS ABABA - Three political parties, including the ruling Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), debated about their positions regarding Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and good governance last Sunday. Two opposition parties, the All Ethiopian Unity Party (AEUP) ad Unity of Ethiopian Democratic Party (UEDP) as well as EPRDF presented their views on the role of CSOs in good governance and development efforts at a Public Policy Forum of the Inter-Africa Group broadcast live on state radio and television. Information Minister Bereket Simon, who represented EPRDF along with Justice Minister Harka Haroye said that good governance and development could be guaranteed through the direct and massive participation of the public. "EPRDF believes that the general public mobilized on its free will contributes significantly to ensuring good governance rather that those members of the civil society whose projects are expensive and are very much influenced by their donors,") Bereket said. Bereket also said that over the last 13 years, EPRDF has been putting in place various legal and institutional frameworks aimed at creating an enabling environment for the public to release their energies in building effective government administrations that promote the rule of law and development. Officials of AEUP on their part argued that the EPRDF-led government has been suspicious of CSOs as it lacks accountability and transparency in its systems. They also accused the ruling party of interfering in the internal affairs of CSOs in breach of constitutional provisions. UEDP on its part criticized the government for drafting an NGO legislation, which, it said, is totally disabling for the operation of CSOs. UEDP also held EPRDF accountable for illegally changing the leaderships of the Ethiopian Teachers' Association (ETA) and the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists' Association (EFJA). EPRDF officials responded that the supervision and control of CSOs in the new legislation was meant to make sure that the resources solicited in the name of poor Ethiopians are used for the intended purpose. The supervision, which, they said, is a common practice in many countries, would be carried out in accordance with established regulations. ETA and EFJA were engaged in political agitation leaving aside their establishment objectives, Bereket said, adding that the change of leadership in these associations was initiated by the members themselves who were dissatisfied by their activities. The political parties also responded to questions posed by members of the civil society and journalists. "EPRDF is ready to accept any feasible ideas that are of public interest," Bereket responded to a question about forging partnership. "However, despite the inflated perceptions they have for themselves, we believe that NGOs have limitations in executing mass-based development projects." With regard to enhancing women's participation, EPRDF said the problems of women could only be solved by addressing socio-economic problems in rural localities by actively involving them in the process rather than conference advocacy by urban elites. Commenting on questions related to the draft press law, Bereket said extensive deliberations with stakeholders were held and important ideas included in the draft. Further discussions with international press agencies would also be held soon to refine the law before it is passed to parliament, he added. Asked about their alternatives to enhance women's participation, UEDP officials said they were striving to have more women member in their party. They said women's participation in the decision-making process could not be maximized unless the existing electoral law is changed. AEUP accused the EPRDF-led government of imposing its revolutionary democracy principles upon CSOs under the guise if Civil Society Capacity Building Programme. Responding to questions about the rampant mismanagement of resources in CSOs, both oppositions said this should be controlled through a self-regulatory mechanism of the organizations and by their funding agencies. Bereket rejected to allegation of imposing revolutionary democracy outlook on CSOs as unfounded. He added that the capacity building programme was meant to create an enabling environment for CSOs in their development and democratization endeavours. He further stated that NGOs are not considered as strong development partners since 60-80 per cent of their total budget is spent in overhead costs. The huge amount of money they require for a single project also makes their contribution in significant in poor countries like Ethiopia, he added. Bereket also said that following the renewal process, EPRDF has been taking various constructive measures to fight corruption and realize transparency and accountability. He cited the policy deliberation forums conducted its a cross-section of the society including the AAU staff and the business community as encouraging moves in the right direction. He also expressed his party's support for such policy dialogue forums, which, he said, were instrumental in making upcoming elections free and fair. Three other opposition parties failed to appear for the debate though they were invited, the organizers said. Inter-Africa Group plans to convene similar forums on various national issues until May. September 29, 2004 Ethiopia has no different agenda other than reducing poverty, ensuring food security: Seyoum ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopia has no a different agenda other than establishing durable peace and stability, which is the prime factor for expediting economic development, Foreign Minister Seyoum said. Addressing the ongoing 59th General Assembly of the United Nations yesterday in New York, USA, Seyoum said Ethiopia has been committed to seek a peaceful solution to the Ethio-Eritrea border conflict. He said the common enemy of the peoples of Ethiopia and Eritrea is only poverty, adding that there is no reason that the peoples of the two countries should develop a feeling of enmity. Seeking a solution to the border conflict by means of force has no ground according to the provisions stipulated in the Algiers Peace Accord, he said adding that the two countries should avoid military confrontations and ensure durable and lasting peace in the region. He said searching a peaceful solution to the conflict is the duty of the two countries, adding that UN Security Council has passed various decisions urging the parties to work for peace. The minister said reducing the level of corruption and ensuring food security is the major priority of Ethiopia. A country like Ethiopia, which is home to many nationalities shouldn't have a different agenda other than building a democratic system. He said Ethiopia has been contributing to the prevalence of peace and stability in Africa in its capacity as a member of the AU's Peace and Security Council. He said the Ethiopian peacekeeping forces have been deployed in Burundi and Liberia to support the peace efforts in the sisterly African countries. Government appoints two State Ministers ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The government has appointed Melaku Fenta and Dr. Tewodros Adhanom as State Ministers of Federal Affairs and Health respectively. Melaku was appointed to the post effective September 25,2004, the Ministry of Information told ENA yesterday. Melaku was serving as head of the Civil Services Reform Programme Office with the Ministry. Dr. Tewodros was also appointed State Minister of Health effective September 15. He was serving as health bureau head of the Tigray State Government. Gov't desires to establish responsible, vibrant media ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - It was the interest of the Ethiopian Government to pave the way for the growth of an independent, critical and balanced, vibrant and credible media in the country, Minister of Information Bereket Simon said. At a discussion forum organized with representatives of the international press institutions about the draft press law, Bereket said the incumbent government has taken various constructive measures aimed at establishing a press that could be instrumental in promoting peace and understanding and democratic institutions. He said the draft press law was initiated based on the freedom of press as enshrined in the supreme law of the land. The minister said following a series of discussions held with the pertinent bodies amendments have been made. Despite the measures taken on part of the government to establish a free press that is responsible, accountable and a competitive, some international media institutions have chosen to relay on deliberately distorted and politically motivated misrepresentation of facts. The ideas generated from the various forums have been included in the draft press law, he said. He said the draft press law would be sent to the Council of Ministers with the amended features adding that it would be referred to the House of Peoples' Representatives for an extensive discussion prior to its approach. ===================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.29,2004 ========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From officeofthespeaker at yahoo.com Wed Sep 1 15:50:05 2004 From: officeofthespeaker at yahoo.com (Amsalework Belay) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:40 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040901135005.37488.qmail@web60001.mail.yahoo.com> Alage ATVET Collage graduates 3,560 dev't agents Meles urges graduates to face with determining painstaking fight against poverty, backwardness by Getahun Amogne ALAGE - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has called upon graduates of Agricultural Technique and Vocational Education Training (ATVET) colleges throughout the country to tighten up their belts for the tenacious struggle against poverty and backwardness deep-seated in rural Ethiopia. Meles said the graduates should prepare themselves to take up the daunting task of transforming the age-old subsistence agriculture by introducing modern and adaptable technologies and thereby improving the livelihood to the rural population. The Premier made the remarks on Sunday at the commencement of 3,560 development agents of the Alage ATVET college who completed a three-year practical and theoretical training in the fields of plant science, animal science, natural resources conservation and animals health. "There cannot be nay more noble mission than this. There cannot be a more level playing field than this to demonstrate commitment to a sacred cause," Meles told the first batch graduates who were exhilarated by his presence. "You should be proud to be deployed as pioneers in this highly regarded mission." The Prime Minister also said that it would not be an easy task to lead an intensified fight against poverty and backwardness in rural Ethiopia, where basic infrastructure and Social service facilities have still remained luxuries. "You are on the other hand, joining a tireless farming and pastoral society respectful of its development partners and keen to learn the path-way out of poverty and backwardness. You are also going to places with abundant resources that could yield high product with little efforts," he said. The Premier expressed his conviction that through aggressive intervention change is achievable in the near future. Meles also pledged the unreserved support of this government to the graduates in their exacting tasks ahead. Sate Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Belay Ejigu, on his part noted that the government has launched agriclutural technique and vocational training in 25 colleges across the country since 1994 E.C. with a view to mainly realizing commercial farming through the introduction of modern technologies. Currently, there are 38,000 trainees in the colleges including the 9,4000 development agents to be graduated this Ethiopian year, he said, adding that they would be assigned to the 15,000 farmers' training centres being established across the country. Head of the Alage ATVET College, Yishak Beredo, said that the graduates have received a 70 per cent practical and 30 per cent theoretical training, which, he said, has helped them acquire detailed skills in their fields. The trainees were also deployed for n eight-month apprenticeship in their respective areas in a bid to familiarize them with the opportunities and challenges they would face in their careers, he said. Some of the graduates approached by the Herald have expressed their readiness to face the challenges they would encounter and bring about tangible results in the agriculture sector. They also affirmed their determination to use the skills they have acquired for opening up new chapter in this country by breaking Ethiopia's reputation as living on hand outs and improving the standards of living of the farming and pastoral communities. Prime Minister Meles handed out diplomas to the graduates and awarded medals to those with outstanding performances. Trainees of the remaining colleges would graduate until early September, according to information obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Senior government officials including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Addisu Leggesse attended the ceremony. Triumphant athletes accorded heroe's welcome by a Staff Reporter ADDIS ABABA - The Victorious Ethiopian athletes were accorded a heroe's welcome yesterday upon their arrival from Athens where the 28th Olympiad was held. As the national flag carrier landed, a very wild whistling and scream of praise filled the air. Families of the athletes were on the brink to take their heroes and heroines into an embrace while government officials on hand to welcome the squad were beaming with sincere delight. Dr. Mulatu Teshome, Speaker of the House of the Federation, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture ambassador Teshome Toga, Addis Ababa City Mayor Arkebe Equbay, State Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Bisrat Gashaw Tena garlanded the athletes with flower and headgear embroidered with the tricolor of the national flag. Chanting fans carrying placards in praise of the athletes' stretch all the side walks to the Addis Ababa Stadium where a grand reception was organized. When the athletes entered the stadium and go around the track greeting the fans sitting in every corner of the stadium, the latter acknowledged with a standing ovation and extreme shouts of delight. The fans went on calling the names of their heroes and heroines and singing victory songs, which interrupted welcoming speeches of officials. The all-time great athletics legend Haile Gebre-Selassie said in his speech that all the success was made possible with the support of the people. Known for her bubbling smile, Derartu Tulu echoed the same message and expressed the squad's indebtedness to the Ethiopian people for their unreserved support until the end of the Olympiad. The welcoming ceremony was transmitted live on radio and ETV. Ethiopia won two gold, three silver and two bronze medals at the 28th games sitting on 28th position among the 202 participating countries. ========================= pol. ethiopia sept. 1, 2004 ====================== --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? New and Improved Yahoo! Mail - 100MB free storage! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.sn.apc.org/pipermail/pol.ethiopia/attachments/20040901/4b7965bc/attachment-0001.htm From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri Sep 10 14:44:20 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:40 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040910124420.8153.qmail@web53304.mail.yahoo.com> September 10, 2004 AU Extraordinary Summit opens in Ouagadougou ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The 3rd Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union opened yesterday in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. the summit, being attended by several leaders of African countries, including Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, aimed at finding "remedies" for unemployment and underemployment as well as discuss ways of reducing poverty in Africa. Addressing the summit Nigerian President Olesagun Obasanjo, who is also AU current Chairperson, said African countries should give priories to job creation and investment, among others. Obasanjo said it is only possible to reduce poverty in the continent when African countries are able to create job opportunities to their citizens. He said African countries are also need to endorse and implement a plan of action aimed at reducing unemployment and poverty which has been designed in the last two years. In his remark to the summit, President Blaise Compaore of Burkina Faso said millions of Africans need to get access to jobs. Compaore also said good governance, peace and stability as well as social security have to be ensured in order to be able to reduce poverty and create more jobs in the continent. He also called upon member countries of the African Union to adopt the plan of action, which he said, would enable to create more jobs and ensure food security as well as carry out other economic significant activities. Speaking on his part Chairperson of the Commission of Africa Union Alpha Oumar Knoare said conflicts and lack of good governance have hampered Africa to create job opportunities and reduce poverty. He said unless the United Nations-designed Millennium Development Goals are effectively implemented, Africa couldn't be able to reduce poverty. Addressing the Summit Director General of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Juan Somavia said the Special attention given by African countries to the expansion of job opportunities and reduce poverty shows their commitment to bring about change and sustainable development in the region. He also expressed ILO's strong commitment to efforts being made to expand jobs and minimize poverty. The Director General said the enhancement of the private sector of economy should also be considered into account. The goal of the summit is to discuss ways to create eight million jobs annually over the next decade, so as to accommodate the expanding labour force within the continent, which is expected to top 360 million by 2015. Embassies, consulate offices urged to promote Ethiopian trade ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The embassies and consulate offices established in various parts of the world should serve as a centre for the promotion of Ethiopian trade, minister of foreign affairs said yesterday. Speaking at the ongoing annual meeting of the Ethiopian diplomats, Seyoum Mesfin said each embassy office should conduct an in-depth marketing study in a bid to increase the volume of export trade. He said it should be the responsibility of the embassies to prepare documents that could be used as a guideline for Ethiopian products, the capacity and offence of exporters. The minister said the diplomats representing the country should be committed to introduce the Ethiopian exportable products to the international markets. The embassies and consulate offices should be engaged in conducting continuos marketing researches aimed at promoting local products to the global market. He said establishing confidence between the supplier and the buyer could enable to penetrate to the markets and assess the opportunities for the local products. The Ethiopians in the Diaspora could greatly contribute to the initiative and provide valuable information bout potential buyers, as the marketing study couldn't be conducted by the embassies alone. Network to be established to prevent fistula in Ethiopia ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - Ministry of Health, Ethiopian Roads Authority and other non-governmental health and transport organizations agreed Wednesday to establish a nationwide network to jointly prevent the occurrence of fistula in Ethiopia. After a day-long discussion on the availability of transport for pregnant women so that they can reach health care centres in time to get treatment, the participants concluded that there should be constant link between road building programmes and health institutions. They therefore agreed to support each other in a way that can create easily accessible transport system to avoid delay, which usually leads to the occurrence of fistula. Accordingly, World Bank will fund three million USD to create link that would alleviate the problem in the Amhara and SNNP states. World Bank's Transport Sector consultant, Dr. Wendy M. Walker, to WIC studies show that the biggest impediment for access to health car is lack of transport, both in terms of roads and services. The Bank's Public Health specialist, Dr. John Stephen Osika, said the project will also include capacity building programmes for health care workers at health posts so that they can identify the high risk pregnancies early enough and refer them to higher health institutions. Dr. Osika also said Amhara and Southern Nation, Nationalities and Peoples states are selected for the first phase because of the high occurrence of fistula and availability of hospitals in Bahir Dar and Yirgalem. Ethiopian Roads Authority Representative Ato Tadele Debela said his office would participate in the project by constructing feeder roads that can help people reach health facilities on time when the need arises. September 10, 2004 EPRDF determined to hold upcoming elections in free, democratic manner: Official ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Members of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) are expected to compete in the upcoming elections in a free and democratic manner, Minister of Information said. In an interview with Abyotawi Democracy, organ of the EPRDF, Bereket Simon said whatever may be the outcome of the election, the members and supporters f the Front should uphold the democratic principles of elections. Bereket who is also executive member of EPRDF said any violation of election, regularities wouldn't be tolerated, adding that those who breached established rules would be brought to the law of courts. He said members of the Front should consider the issue and take precautionary measures prior to making decisions. The minister said there are members and organizations of the Front which are registering encouraging results in the rural and urban areas where they are active. He said members of the Front should be elected by wining the hearts and the minds of their constituencies. The minister said EPRDF wouldn’t attempt to undermine established rules for the mere reason to be elected, adding that it is believed that all members of the Front would understand the position of the ruling party that end. The task waiting ahead is the establishment of good governance and expediting development endeavours alongside conducting the national election a free and fair manner, the minister said. He said the previously held elections were conducted in a democratic manner where all contestant political parties were given equal opportunities, adding that the neutral Electoral Board organized and led those elections. the minister said there is an opportuntity that the upcoming electiosn would be held in a better way than the previous ones. EPRDF has out in place sound macro-economic policies believed to be instrumental in addressing the basic needs of the society. The harnessing of rivers and the harvesting of rain waters has shown encouraging results in changing the lives of the rural people, he said. The government has been engaged in the supply of agricultural inputs and expansion of extension packages in a bid to bring about sustainable economic development, according to Bereket. he said following the measure taken, it was possible to resettle about 10,000 family heads infertile areas. The Coalition of EPRDF is expected to hold their annual conference, which would share experiences form the achievements of the past. Addis to host African Commission meet ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The African commission comprising 17 commissioners including Prime Minister Meles Zenawi would hold its second meeting in October 2004 in Addis Ababa, the Ministry of Information said. The ministry told ENA on Wednesday that British Prime Minister Tony Blair launched the Commission for Africa in 2004 with the conviction that the world will not be secured unless the multifaceted social and economic problems that faced the impoverished continent are effectively solved. "Africa is the only continent to have grown poorer in the past 25 years, 44 million children do not go to school, millions as, you know, die through famine, or disease, or conflict, and Africa risks being left even further behind," Prime Minister Blair said in February this year when launching the Commission in London. The Commission, which Tony Blair will chair, will bring together leaders from the developed world and Africa. Of the 17 commissioners, nine will be from Africa. The Africans include President Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania, Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, K.Y, Amoako of the Economic Commission for Africa and Anna Tibaijuka, a UN Under Secretary and Executive Director of UN Habitat. The Commission, whose 1st meet was held in London in May, will meet in Ethiopia in October before a final report is published in April. Blair said that he would use Britain's presidency of two organizations next year to focus attention on the continent. In 2005, Britain will be in charge of both the European Union and the G8 - the club of the world's richest countries. The idea for an Africa Commission came from former pop star, and long time campaigner against African poverty, Bob Geldof. The Ethiopian Government and the people would do everything in their power to successfully host the meeting as the previous international and continental organization conferences held here in the past, the ministry said. Eritrea closes UNMEE's crucial supply route ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) expressed disappointment Tuesday after the Eritrean Government reimposed restrictions of movement along a crucial supply rout for its peacekeepers, IRIN reported. UNMEE said it had received a letter from the Eritrean authorities saying they could no longer use the Asmara-Keren-Barentu road. Deputy spokesman George Somerwill said the road had been closed for unknown reasons, considerably hampering the work of the peacekeepers. "I would not necessarily call it unfair. I would just say that it simply is a situation which makes our work considerably harder." Somerwill said Tuesday. The closure means key supplies to peacekeeping troops in Western Eritrea would take an extra 10 to 12 hours to deliver. UNMEE might need to resort to using helicopters, the spokesman told IRIN. UNMEE arrived in Ethiopia and Eritrea in 2000 to help monitor a 25-kilometer buffer zone that separates the two countries. "We are here to keep the peace, basically," Somerwill added. "We are here for the two governments so I think if our lives are made harder, then our work is made more difficult. In the end, it is the two peoples who are going to suffer; the people of Ethiopia and the people of Eritrea." The restriction on using the supply road - which was imposed in March - had been lifted last month after high-level interventions and calls from the UN Security Council. UNMEE insisted despite the closure that its relationship with the Eritrean authorities would not be harmed. "UNMEE will continue to maintain as positive a relationship as it can with both parties as well have done in the past, but it is nevertheless disappointing that this has happened," the spokesman said. Later this month, the 15-strong UN Security Council is expected to meet in New York to discuss the renewal of UNMEE's six-month mandate. Recently, Ethiopia has given its approval for a direct flight between the two countries to enable UNMEE's smooth operations. ITSO conference to be held here ADDIS ABABA (ENA)- Ethiopia will host the annual regional conference of the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO), the Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation (ETC) has announced. The ITSO Conference is scheduled to be held here in Addis Ababa, the AU Headquarters, on 13 and 15 September, manager of communications main section with ETC Abdurahim Ahmed told ENA yesterday. More than 120 technology experts drawn from numerous African countries are expected to attend the conference. The agenda include an assessment of the level of development in Africa of the satellite communications technology as well as the sharing of experiences of the countries like Ethiopia that have been making remarkable advances in the field. Ethiopia was favored to host the conference owing to the big-scale capacity building measures the government has been taking to enhance and intensify the information communication technology. Ethiopia will be sharing its experiences gained in the field, particularly in its school-net programme that well streamlines education with the attainment of speedy national development, Abdurahim said. Currently, Ethiopia has been implementing, through the Board Bank V-sat Project, the school-net programme that has made, to date, more than 450 schools across the nation beneficiaries of IT services, he indicated. The Woreda-Net Broad Band V-sat Project is also nearing completion to enable IT networks access to more than 600 woreda administrations, he said. Ethiopia leads Africa in its satellite coverage, with its satellite link with more than 20 countries via 172 lines, receiving services from satellite receivers placed in geo-stationary orbits above the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Meanwhile, the Graduate School of Telecommunications and Information Technology at the Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding with the Telkon Centre of Excellence at Rhodes University, and IT Group Business Connexions paving the way for technology to boost distance education and agricultural research in Ethiopia. The partners signed the agreements at the 8th annual Southern African Networks and Applications Conference (SATNAC) at Stellenbosch, ETC said. Reuben September, Telkon's Chief Technical Officer, said: "Telkom is delighted at being able to assist NEPAD to achieve one of its objectives to expand the ICT blue-print in Africa as a catalyst for job creation and economic development." September said the Ethiopian Government had engaged in an intensive project aimed at creating a national ICT system and infrastructure that will support the flow of information to all levels of the country's economic and social structures. Primary consideration ahs been given to the provision of education, health and distance education, government data networks and Internet services. At the signing ceremony, both Dr. Nega from Ethiopia and Gerald Maina of Namibia said they were delighted with the initiative as it will bring the education institutions closer together and promote mutual cooperation. ==================== pol.ethiopia Sept.10,2004 =============== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Address AutoComplete - You start. We finish. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue Sep 14 15:37:10 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:40 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Itmes Message-ID: <20040914133710.13938.qmail@web53304.mail.yahoo.com> September 14, 2004 Diplomats, business community members meet ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - A meeting held here yesterday between members of the business community and diplomats recognized the need for the latter to play the role of market promotion for Ethiopian exports and of relevant information supply. Participants of the meeting noted also that Ethiopian diplomats and investors should work in a coordinated manner in popularizing Ethiopia's export items. The business community members have called for the availability of updated information on international market prices, which is in the nature of fluctuation. According to President of the Ethiopian Manufacturing Industries Association, Teshome Kebede, diplomats can play vital roles in identifying technology sources and facilitating ways for their transfer as Ethiopia is in the stage of technological transfer. Deputy Chief of Mission with the Ethiopian Embassy in the U.S., Dr. Brook Hailu said on the occasion that coordination was lacking in finding expanded markets for Ethiopia's export items, and called for enhanced efforts towards stronger coordination. Dr. Brook expressed his embassy's commitments to discharge its duty, whose principal mission is economic diplomacy as has been expressed in the Civil Service Reform Programme. The Ethiopian investors on their part called on the embassy to find markets in the U.S. for the export items, which include, among others coffee and oil seeds. Irish parliamentary officials to pay visit here ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Irish Parliament would visit Ethiopia from September 13-19 and 23-24, 2004. The aim of the visit is to familiarize the Joint Committee with how the substantial development cooperation support which Ireland provides to Ethiopia is used, the political and economic structures in the country and issues such as good governance and relations with neighbouring countries, according to a press release the Embassy of Ireland sent to ENA yesterday. During their visit, the delegation would meet and hold discussions with high government officials, including Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, Minister of Finance and Economic Development Sufian Ahmed, representatives of opposition political parties, civil society and NGOs, among others, it said. Chairman Dr. Michael Woods, and Vice-Chairman Pat Carey, would be accompanied by Dermot O'Mahony, policy advisor to the committee, the release said. Ethiopia is one of the 6th partner countries for the Irish Government's bilateral cooperation programme in Africa. The others are Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Lesotho and Zambia, while a smaller programme is also supported in South Africa. Ireland's Development Cooperation support to Ethiopia in 2003 was 24 million euro while it is expected to be 27.5 million euro in 2004, the release said. It said the fund is provided at federal and state levels to the health and education sector development programmes, for state level budget support in the Tigray State food security, HIV/AIDS interventions, the Civil Service Reform Programme, Good Governance and Democratization and the Government's Rural Travel and Transport Programme. 2 more political parties certified ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The National Electoral Board has issued certificates of recognition for two political parties. The board told ENA that the certified political parties are the Afar Revolutionary Democratic Front (ARDF) and the Ethiopians' Democratic League (EDL). The board said ARDF was certified as a state political party while EDL as a national political party while EDL as a national political party. The number of certified political parties in Ethiopia to date has reached 68, it indicated. =========================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.14,2004 =================================== _______________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Declare Yourself - Register online to vote today! http://vote.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Sep 15 15:18:50 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:40 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040915131850.89890.qmail@web53305.mail.yahoo.com> September 15, 2004 Ireland keen to increase dev't assistance Meles holds talks with German delegation ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Irish Government desires to increase the amount of development assistance it is providing to Ethiopia, Chairman of the Joint Committee of Foreign Affairs of the Irish Parliament said. While conferring with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi here yesterday, the Chairman, Dr. Michael Woods said the increase in Irish's development assistance is made due to the further enhancement of the bilateral cooperation between the two countries. He also said the Irish Government would work with its counter-parts in the development of education and health services in Ethiopia. The visit of the Irish delegation to Ethiopia is aimed at evaluating the implementation of the various projects being carried out here in order to increase its development assistance to the country, Dr. Woods said. "Ireland is the seventh largest contributor on worldwide bases per head of population to the UN funds. We are pressing actually to go higher on that with 0.41 per cent of our Gross National Product per head of population," Dr. Woods said. Meles told Dr. Woods on his part that the bilateral cooperation between the two countries has reached at excellent stage. Prime Minister Meles briefed the Irish delegation headed by Dr. Woods on the upcoming national election to be held in Ethiopia, the peace efforts in the Sudan and Somalia. He said various activities are being carried out to make the forthcoming national election free and democratic. Meles also mentioned that Ethiopia has sent peacekeeping forces to Burundi and Liberia because of its high commitment to ensure peace and stability in the African continent. The Irish delegation arrived here Monday on a nine-day working visit. While here, the delegation is expected to hold talks with senior government officials, members of parliament and representatives of the civil societies. The Irish delegation also said it would persuade Irish entrepreneurs to invest in Ethiopia. Chairman Michael Woods said the delegation would do its level best to encourage Irish investors to invest in tourism and other sectors of investment. He made the statement while holding talks here yesterday with State Minister for Finance and Economic Development DR. Mulu Ketsela. Dr. Woods told the state minister that in addition to the development assistance Ireland is providing, it will persuade Irish entrepreneurs to investment in Ethiopia. He expressed his country's readiness to work together with Ethiopia in the human resources development in the education sector. The Irish Government also desires to increase the amount of development assistance it is providing Ethiopia. The Irish annual development assistance, which was 1.65 million euros in 1994, has reached this year to 27.5 million euros. Dr. Mulu said on her part that Ethiopia has created a fertile ground for investment especially in the areas of tourism, industry and floriculture development. She also mentioned the budgetary constraints the country faces and called on the Irish Government that its aid should focus in this area. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and the Parliamentary State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of Germany, Walter Kolbow held talks yesterday on bilateral issues including on issues of defence relations between the two countries. Meles and Kolbow's talks centered on ways of further strengthening the bilateral cooperation and defence relations in the years ahead. The Prime Minister and Kolbow had agreed to further enhance the bilateral cooperation existing between the two countries through technical and training support, according to a spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They also exchanged views on the Ethio-Eritrea's prevailing situations and the reserve to be established in East Africa. Meles expressed Ethiopia's strong commitment to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute peace-fully. Kolbow came to Ethiopia to evaluate the Ethio-German bilateral cooperation in the defence sector, according to the spokesperson. He is also expected to hold talks with the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union and other senior authorities of the AU. AU to convene continental conference on landmines ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Africa Union (AU) will convene, at its headquarters in Addis Ababa, the second continental conference of African experts on landmines from 15-17 September 2004. The conference, which aims to celebrate a common African position, based on the relevant decision of the OAU/AU will bring together experts from the AU will bring together experts from the AU member states dealing with various aspects of the landmine issues, along with observer states and organizations. According to an AU press release sent to ENA yesterday, the conference follows the 5th ordinary session of the Executive Council of the AU, held in Addis Ababa last June. The report of the experts meeting will be considered by an AU ministerial meeting to be held on the margins of the UN General Assembly session on 24 September 2004. TPLF to hold 6th organizational conference Makalle (ENA) - The 6th organizational conference of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) is to convene in Makalle today. Organizational head with the Front Gobezay Wolde-Aregay told ENA yesterday that the conference which will be in session for two days is expected to discuss about measures taken to speed up development, establish durable peace and democratic institution in the state. Over 1000 participants are expected to attend the conference, he said. Diplomats urged to back nation building process ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Diplomats representing the country in various parts of the world should be in the forefront of the struggle to gain support for Ethiopia's development endeavours from the international community, Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin said yesterday. Speaking at the conclusion of the annual meeting of Ethiopian diplomats, Seyoum said the diplomats should strive to change the image of the country that has been wrongly perceived. He said the diplomats have been entrusted with the heavy responsibility to enable the Ethiopian in the Diaspora to contribute their share to development and growth endeavours back at home. The minister said the diplomats should present the efforts exerted to bring about sustainable development and establish democratic institutions to the countries they are assigned. He said the incumbent government has taken constructive measures believed to be instrumental in addressing the socio-economic problems of the nation. The diplomats should portray their country, as a place where there is a political will to change the grim reality. Presently, Ethiopia has been engaged in the reduction of the wide spread poverty for that the contribution of the diplomats is imperative, Seyoum said. ===================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.15,2004 ============================ _______________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Declare Yourself - Register online to vote today! http://vote.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu Sep 16 15:31:32 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:40 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040916133132.84307.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> September 16, 2004 Ethiopia Strategy Support Programme launched by Getachew Dibaba ADDIS ABABA - Ethiopia Strategy Support Programme (ESSP) an initiative to improve and strengthen the country's rural development strategy to better meet the chronic poverty and food security challenges, was launched here yesterday. The ESSP is designed to improve the data and knowledge available to Ethiopian policymakers on a broad range of food security issues, to address specific gaps in knowledge in this arena, and to thereby strengthen the country's capacity for applied research and policy analysis that directly impacts rural development. Stating the high priority, the Ethiopian Government places on its rural development and food security strategies, Dr. Neway Gebre-Ab, Director of the Ethiopian Development Research Institute (EDRI) and Chief Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister, pointed out the need to resolve many complex issues to ensure their implementation and success in the programme inception workshop at the Addis Ababa Hilton. He also stressed the need to strengthen the country's capacity to tackle the challenges facing small holder farmers and rural communities by collaborating with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) which closely worked with the EDRI and other institutions in the establishment of ESSP. In his opening remarks, State Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Belay Ejigu also called for a genuine partnership to reverse the incidence of poverty by making agriculture a profitable business. "This requires beyond generic talks. There must be active participation and collaboration on specific programme, such as the ESSP," he said. Dr. Eleni Zaude Gabre-Medhin, ESSP Programme Leader and IFPRI Senior Research Fellow, on her part underscored the need to focus on small holder agriculture, environmental effects, market development, understanding the country's role in the global economy and a myriad of other issues. "The ESSP will address a number of related challenges, including the need to mobilize and integrate smallholder farmers into the global agricultural system in a way that benefits them and their communities," Dr. Eleni noted. A Rural Economy Knowledge Support System (REKSS), actionable applied research and policy analysis capacity strengthening are three pillars of the programme, according to the programme leader. REKSS aims at integrating knowledge and conduct analyses on the rural economy as well as to track the impact of rural investments and activities while actionable applied research is meant to improve or fill knowledge gaps in rural development. The three-year initial programme has an annual budget of one million USD to be secured from various international organizations. Over 100 researcher, donor representatives, policymakers and representatives from state bureaux of agriculture and economic planning were in attendance at the day-long workshop that aimed at identifying important knowledge gaps related to Ethiopia's rural development strategy and mobilizing key partners and stakeholders, among others. Nationals organize demonstrations demanding Axum Obelisk return ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopians have organized demonstrations outside the Italian embassies in London and Washington, DC demanding the return of the Axum Obelisk, a 24-metre high ancient monolith or carved rock, BBC reported Tuesday. The Obelisk, a sign of civilization in Ethiopia thousands of years ago, was on display on a traffic island in Rome. The Obelisk which was removed in 1936 during the Italian occupation of Ethiopia was dismantled last year but the Italian authorities have not set a return date citing logistical problems. "Well, you see we have been waiting for too long. It should have been returned in accordance with the peace talks in 1947. It should have been returned in accordance with the bilateral agreement between Italy and Ethiopia signed in 1997," BBC quoted Prof. Richard Pankrust as saying on the occasion. "And it is now almost a year since it was dismantled and nothing has been happened. We need an actual date after all we have been waiting over 50 years," he said. UNMEE to stay along Ethiopia-Eritrea border ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution extending the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) until March 15,2005, the Ministry of Information said. The Council also approved adjustments to the operation as recommended last week by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in a report. Those modifications include the replacement of the Slovak military demining contingent with a modest commercial capacity, as well as a timetable for reducing the number of troops operating in the buffer zone. While taking note of some positive developments between the two countries, which signed a cessation of hostilities agreement in June 2000, the Council stressed again the responsibility of both sides for the implementation of the Algiers Agreement and the decision of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission. It also called on both parties "to show political leadership to achieve a full normalization of their relationship, including through the adoption of further confidence building measures." Boeing, Ethiopian vow to further strengthen business partnership by Biniyam Wubishet ADDIS ABABA - Director, International Sales Commercial Airplanes with Boeing, Ihssane Mounir said that Ethiopian Airlines is one of the four biggest business partners in Africa and the most successful airlines in the world as it confirms the company's increased commitment to strengthen the forty years old partnership. Speaking at a press conference held here at Sheraton Addis yesterday, Ihssane said that Ethiopian is one of the very few 'self-sufficient, dependable sustainably profitable, staffed with strong management prudent and intelligently choice taker, strong brand in the transport and finance world air line in the continent. He also indicated that the Ethiopian Government's non-interference in. The airline industry is one of its uniqueness contributory to its success. He said that the 9/11 terrorist attack decreased dramatically the total airplane Boeing delivered and revenue of several airlines severely, except the EAL. "Ethiopian is one of handful airlines in the world that survive 9/11. Even the most giant airlines were the victims of that attack. But it didn't happen to EAL," he added. According to him, in this era when the air transport is still growing, Boeing wants to keep its relation stronger with Ethiopian than ever. "We feel very honoured that our name is attached to a world class airline such as EAL. Really, the honour is honest. We hope we are going to continue to earn that honour and our airplane will keep coming to Ethiopia," he said. He also indicated that the African airlines demanded 570 airplanes in its fleet to give better and competitive service. Ethiopian CEO, Girma Wake on his part said on the occasion that the airline in still determined to work together with Boeing not because they have worked for a long time but it is still producing the kinds of airplanes that the national carrier needs. "The airlines will continue to look forward to give better service to its clients and Boeing would continue to give the lion's share," Ato Girma added. "We are friends. But it is not friendship that sells." he said. According to him, the efficiency of the airplanes and the timely technical assistance offered by Boeing cemented the two business partners so far and hoped would continue in the future. We want to offer best services that could make us competitive with other airlines and as usual we expect Boeing to meet those demands to keep going together. 'We have never been dissatisfied with Boeing,' he added. Deputy Speaker meets Irish delegation ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives said the parliament was playing the role of further strengthening the democratization process underway in Ethiopia. Dr. Petros Olango made the remarks here yesterday during talks with the Irish delegation. Dr. Petros said a wide-range of activities were being carried out currently by the House in the area of capacity building as well as in strengthening the Human Rights Commission and the Ombudsman. Ethiopia has been steadily enhancing its participation through the Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on issues concerning the sub-region, Dr. Petros said. Ethiopia has been showing solidarity with African countries by sending peacekeeping contingents where necessary, he said. Dr. Petros commended the support the Irish Government has been making for the multifarious development endeavours in Ethiopia. He told the Irish delegation that opposition parties would further be encouraged to participate in the upcoming national elections. He said various activities were being carried out also to empower women, and this was reflected in the recent decision by the EPRDF to raise the number of women contestants in the upcoming elections. Chairman of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Irish Parliament, Dr. Michael Woods on his part indicated the need for the House to further enhance its roles in efforts to creating transparency and accountability. Dr. Woods said the House has a great role to play in ensuring transparency and accountability, like its Irish counterpart does. He commended the House for the activities in launching in the area of capacity building and indicated the need to enhance the participation of civil society. He said the Irish Government regards highly its relations with Ethiopia. He said the economic and other cooperation between Ethiopia and Ireland would further be strengthened. ==================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.16,2004 ============================= _______________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Declare Yourself - Register online to vote today! http://vote.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Sep 20 15:10:20 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:41 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040920131020.40956.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> September 18, 2004 President underscores key role of CSOs in enhancing good governance, democratization by Getahun Amogne ADDIS ABABA - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis said Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) should play a crucial role in the efforts to realize good governance, democratization and development through enhanced public awareness and mobilization initiatives. Opening a day-long symposium on 'Civil Society and Governance' here yesterday, President Girma said the government has been putting in place policy and legal frameworks that would enable CSOs to operate freely and contribute their share to the ongoing nation-building process. "Civil Society Organizations need to be aware of their roles and that of the government to work together towards societal transformation in the political, social and economic spheres," the President told the Public Policy Forum of the Inter-Africa Group. The number of local and international associations in Ethiopia has increased steadily over the past ten years, he said, adding that it has now reached 2,060 from that of 70 in 1986 E.C. The President also hailed the initiative taken by CSOs to institute a self-regulatory code of conduct, which, he said, would go a long way in ensuring accountability and transparency in their operations. Earlier, Acting Executive Director of Inter Africa Group, Meaza Ashenafi, said the purpose of the public policy dialogue was to promote understanding on the respective roles of the government and civil society and to forge an appropriate partnership between the two. Inter-Africa Group would, as part of its Public Policy Forum Project, organize similar forums in Addis Ababa and state towns on issues related to media, youth, human rights, women, economy, HIV/AIDS as well as election forums, she said. Meaza also said that Inter-Africa Group would convene a dialogue forum among the ruling and opposition parties by the end of next week, which would be televised, live. In a paper he presented under the theme: Policy and Legal Environment for Civil Society Participation, Minister of Justice Harka Haroye said his ministry has now begun registration and renewal of licenses of CSOs within hours abolishing cumbersome bureaucratic procedures thereby saving the time and costs of service seekers. The draft NGO legislation has been extensively discussed by stakeholders, he said, and added that the law would be instrumental in ensuring transparency and accountability. The draft legislation is expected to be presented to the Council of Ministers by next week. Discussion papers on civil society and governance issues were presented to the symposium attended by members of CSOs, representatives of governmental institutions and the media. Efficient foreign relations service said valuable to ensure rapid, sustainable dev't (Ministry of Information, Friday, September 17,2004) The national effort to ensure rapid and sustainable economic development as well as the establishment of a democratic system requires special focus and intensive activities in key areas of various sectors. It has been said time and again that the main national goal is directed against poverty and backwardness. This needs the identification of priorities, which must be coordinated, cost-effectively, and result-oriented. In this aspect, there are promising activities so far. The annual meeting of the Ethiopian diplomats and employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which had been in session, for about two weeks, and which wound up this week, was relevant to the issue under consideration. High Officials of the various federal ministries including H.E. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, made presentations and held discussions with the diplomats and other officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the major activities and focal areas of our external relations, which are intended to enhance the national effort underway to bring about rapid and sustainable development. Extensive discussions were conducted on the problems and on possible solutions to promote trade and attract foreign investment to the country. It is important to recall that the main objective of the country's task in external relations is to support the on-going activities to overcome poverty and backwardness, as clearly stated in the Foreign Affairs and Security Policy document. Seeking international markets for Ethiopian products and attracting foreign investment are taken as the major activities of all Ethiopian foreign missions. Creating a conductive environment to persuade the Ethiopian Diaspora and foreign citizens of Ethiopian origin to participate in various sectors of development, is the other challenge that deserves attention in our foreign relations service. Moreover, soliciting development aid, grants, and loans as well as lobbying to secure debt cancellation are among the major tasks of the foreign relations sector. These were indeed the fundamental areas of activity highlighted at the annual meeting of the Ethiopian delegates and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is essential to note that the effective activity of the external relations sector has a major positive impact on enhancing the efforts underway to extricate the country from poverty and backwardness. It must be borne in mind that we are in the new millennium where fast exchange of information plays a major role in the process of creating fortune. Under the conditions where production of commodities is nothing without the promotion work on quality, demand and quantity of the products play a major role and is believed to be a serious challenge ahead for our embassies and consulate offices. In the global situation where there is a stiff competition to attract foreign investment, that the task of attracting such investments to out country demands relentless foreign relations efforts, is indeed unquestionable. Likewise, implementing effective mechanisms to secure economic aid, grants, loans and credit cancellation also require exerting extensive efforts and the adoptions of expeditious mechanisms. In line with this, the annual session organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) for its internal and external staff, offers a major advantage and benefit to the country. It is believed that the diplomats have acquired due awareness from the session and identified key areas of major activities in the New Year. In addition to that a favourable environment has already been created in which the federal executive offices coordinate the implementation of their practical activities with our embassies abroad. The participants of the annual session of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have expressed their commitment to exert relentless efforts to implement the priority task set at the end of the session. Finally, this coordinated and interdependent effort between the internal and external relations sectors will make a major contribution to the realization of the national vision to overcome poverty and backwardness in the shortest possible time. General situation in Mission area militarily stable: UNMEE ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The general situation in the Mission area remains military stable, the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) said Thursday. There have been no significant changes in troop locations or dispositions reported during the past week, according to UNMEE. UNMEE conducted 577 ground and twelve air reconnaissance patrols throughout the Area of Responsibility (AOR). In all sectors, UNMEE peace-keepers continued to provide medical assistance to local civilians, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), along with supplies of bulk water to civilian communities in the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ) and the Adjacent Areas, it said. Personnel of the British Peace Support Training Team are currently visiting the Mission area for the specific purpose of conducting a Training Needs Analysis and validating the Kenya Army Engineer Squadron deployed on humanitarian demining operations, it indicated. It is to be recalled that on 14 September 2004, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1560, which extended UNMEE's mandate for another six months to 15 March 2005. September 19, 2004 Five int'l press institutions invited to attend discussion on draft press law ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ministry of Information has invited five international press institutions for discussions on the draft press law of the country. The discussion on the Ethiopian draft press law is scheduled for 28 Sept. 2004, Information and Public Relations Department Head with the ministry, Zemedkun Tekle told ENA yesterday. Zemedkun said the invited press institutions include; Article 19, International Press Institute, Internationals Media Support, International Federation of Journalists, and Media Foundation for West Africa. The Article 19 and the International Press Institute have so far confirmed acceptance of the invitation, he said, the remaining institutions are also expected to join the discussion. He said important ideas to be forwarded during the discussion would be incorporated in the draft press law. According to the head, the Ministry of Information has undertaken a series of discussion forums on the draft press law with stakeholders in a bid to formulate valuable press law instrumental for the strengthening of development and democracy in the country. Ethiopia's coffee export doubles ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopia supplied increased amount of coffee to the international market last year due to improved flavor and quality. Currently, over 30 countries import Ethiopian coffee, Coffee and Teal Quality Control Centre with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said. The centre also announced plan to export over 161,000 tonnes of coffee during the current budget year. The amount of coffee exported over the past five years doubled due to improvement in the quality and distinct flavour, centre head, Abraham Begashaw told ENA Friday. Some 144,000 tonnes of coffee was exported during the past Ethiopian budget year, he said. Accordingly, the country secured 200 million dollars in revenue, the head said. The coffee exported last Ethiopian year exceeded from the previous year by 20,000 tonnes, he said. He said the centre undertakes close inspection on export coffee with a view to maintaining the quality. Presently, over 30 countries including Germany, Japan and England import Ethiopian coffee, according to Abraham. Due attention attached to the agriculture sector development highly contributes to the income the country obtains from the sector, he said. Abraham said three quality control centres would be set up in selected coffee growing areas in Oromia, Gambella and the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples' states this year. ======================================== Pol.ethiopia SEpt.20,2004 ============================= _______________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Declare Yourself - Register online to vote today! http://vote.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue Sep 21 14:51:52 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:41 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040921125152.56439.qmail@web53306.mail.yahoo.com> September 21, 2004 Meles says CDC's support to health sector substantial Ethiopia said focus country to benefit from US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been contributing a significant share in public health services sector. While conferring with CDC Director Dr. Julie Gerberding here yesterday, Prime Minister Meles said Ethiopia gives special place to the support being given by the centre to health services sector in the country. Meles expressed his country's desire to further strengthen the existing cooperation between Ethiopia and the centre. He said the support being extended by CDC would have a significant contribution for the enhancement of the country's health services development programme. Meles told the director that Ethiopia has been utilizing appropriately the fund it received from President Bush's Initiative and Global Fund for HIV/AIDS intervention activities, according to a senior government official. Gerberiding told journalists after the talks that the discussion between Meles and her centered on HIV/AIDS. She said the objectives of her visit to Ethiopia are to attend the 4th Global Tuberculosis (TB) HIV Working Group Meeting and the activities being carried out in the country by CDC. Meanwhile, Gerberding said U.S President Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief has allotted 43 million US dollars to Ethiopia in 2004 in support of national efforts geared toward containing HIV/AIDS. At a press conference held here yesterday, Gerberding said the US Government is committed to assisting Ethiopia toward improving health services in the country. Dr. Gerberding said Ethiopia is one of the 15 focus countries world wide to benefit from the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. She said the US Government would continue assisting Ethiopia in expanding the access to HIV testing and counseling services. Expanding access to HIV testing and counseling is thus a key priority, the director said. "I will be signing a (VCT) project agreement worth 186,000 US dollars at the Empress Zewditu Memorial Hospital and another five-year cooperative agreement worth over 2.5 million US dollars to assist blood services in the country," she said. The director said she would be donating laboratory equipment and supplies worth 685,000 US dollars to Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI). Prime Minister appoints four senior gov't officials ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi gave appointments to four senior government officials including Mulugeta AlemSeged, the Office of the Prime Minister said. The office told ENA late yesterday that, Mulugeta Alem-Seged has been appointed as advisor of the National Security Affairs Minister as of 14 September 2004 in accordance with the newly reorganized structure of the Office of the Office of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister also appointed Birhanu Adelo as head of the Office of the Prime Minister and Minister of Cabinet Affairs as of 14 September 2004. Meles assigned Beyene GebreMeskel as Director General of the Privatization and Government Owned Development Enterprises Supervisory Authority as of 10 September 2004. Meles also appointed Dr. Tshehaynesh Mesele Director of the Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute as of 21 September 2004, the office said. Japanese parliamentarians to visit Ethiopia ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Embassy of Japan to Ethiopia says a delegation led by Dr. Shozaburo JIMI, from the Japan-African Union Parliamentary Friendship Association who is member of the Japanese Diet, will be visiting Ethiopia from 20-21 September, 2004. The embassy stated in a press release it sent to ENA yesterday that the purpose of the parliamentarians' visit is to meet Ethiopian dignitaries to strengthen the relationship between Ethiopia and Japan. The Japanese parliamentarians will hold talks with President Girma Wolde-Giorgis, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and State Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Tekeda Alemu and other senior government officials, it said. Meanwhile, the three members delegation visit two projects supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) today the press release said. The release said the projects are namely the Project for Capacity Building of Alemgena Training and Testing Centre (ATTC), and Groundwater Development and Water Supply Training Project (GWD and WSP). It said the ATTC Project was launched in April 2002 while the GWD and WSP started in 1998 to last up to 2003. JICA is planning to hand over equipment worth of 2.3 million birr to ATTC, according to the release. Kenenisa, Isinbayeva named athletes of the year ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopian runner Kenenisa Bekele and Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva were named Sunday as the International Association of Athletics Federations' male and female athletes of the year, Reuters reported from Monaco. Kenenisa 22, won the world cross country long and short course titles for the third consecutive time this year. He set a world indoor 5,000 record and also broke his compatriot Haile Gebre-Selassie's world outdoor 5,000 and 10,000 marks before going on to win the Olympic 10,000 metres title in Athens followed by a silver medal behind Morocco's Hicham El Guerrouj in the 5,000. Isinbayeva, also 22, won the Olympic title and set eight world records, three of them indoors, Reuters said. El Guerrouj was given a special award for the male performance of the year with his Olympic 1,500 and 5,000 double. Britain's Kelly Holmes, who won the 800 and 1,500 double in Athens, won the women's performance of the year award. Kenenisa and Isinbayeva succeeded last year's winners Hicham El-Guerrouj of Morocco and South Africa's Hestrie Cloete. =================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.21,2004 ===================== __________________________________ 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 Sep 23 15:33:50 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:41 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040923133350.36168.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> September 22, 2004 President, Premier confer with Ethio-Japan Parliamentary League President ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis has indicated the need for Ethiopia and Japan to further strengthen their all round cooperation. Girma made the remark here yesterday during talks with the President of the Ethio-Japan Parliamentary League Dr. Jimi Saburo. According to the President, the sound cooperation between Ethiopia and Japan should further be bolstered in the areas of trade and investment. After holding talks with the President, Dr. Saburo said the talks focused on ways of further enhancing the all round cooperation between the two countries. He said the Ethio-Japan cooperation has steadily been growing. Dr. Saburo has pressed his government increase the development assistance for Ethiopia and make financial support for the Abay Bridge project, an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Meanwhile, Dr. Jimi Shozaburo pledged that he will exert efforts to bring about enhanced support of the Japanese Government to the food security and sustainable development endeavours in Ethiopia. After talks with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi later here yesterday, Dr. Shozaburo told journalists that the government of Japan desires to support Ethiopia's food security programme. He said the Government of Japan will enhance its support to the multi-sector development endeavours in Ethiopia under the cooperation pact between the two countries. The G8 countries to which Japan is a member have endorsed a plan of action that would enable to draw support in the implementation of food security programmes in Ethiopia and other countries, he said. Dr. Shozaburo on the occasion commended Prime Minister Meles for his participation at the TICAD III Summit in Tokyo in September last year. Prime Minister Meles said the cooperation between Ethiopia and Japan has been taken to a new height. The cooperation between the two countries should further be strengthened, the official who attended the meeting quoted Meles as saying. Japan is among the countries who are supporting Ethiopia's development endeavours, he said. He expressed gratitude to the Japanese Government for the significant support it has been providing to Ethiopia. Meles and Dr. Shozaburo deliberated on the multifarious Ethio-Japan cooperation and the Abbay Bridge Project whose design work has already got underway, the official said. They exchanged views also on other bilateral and international issues. Dr. Saburo had paid visit to Ethiopia two years ago. The Japanese delegation led by him is now on a three-day visit to the country. CDC offers financial assistance for blood bank establishment ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ministry of Health and U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) yesterday signed a five million US dollar agreement enabling the former establish eight blood blanks and strengthen existing ones in a period of five years. About 2.5 million US dollars will be released next October. Health Minister Dr. Kebede Tadesse said at the signing ceremony that the financial support has a paramount importance in reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases. CDC Director Dr. Julie Gerberding expressed her Centre's readiness to extend support to strengthening and expansion of the health service sector in Ethiopia. She stressed the need that Ethiopia should combat the spread of HIV/AIDS by ensuring the safety of blood supply. Dr. Kebede, and Dr. Gerberding signed the agreement. Deputy Speaker says Ethiopia active in political, economic activities in Africa Japan donates equipment to ATTC ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives says Ethiopia has been involved in the political and economic activities in Africa in addition to a full-swing national food security and poverty reduction endeavours. Dr. Pertos Olango made the remark here yesterday during talks with a delegation led by President of the Ethio-Japan Parliamentary League Dr. Jimi Shozaburo. He told the delegation that Ethiopia has launched the implementation of capacity building streamlined in all sectors, particularly at the grass roots level, with a view to reducing poverty. According to Dr. Petros a wideranging food security activities are being implemented as part of efforts to come out self-sufficient in food in the shortest time possible. The initiative shown to date by G8 countries to support the food security endeavours in Ethiopia explains the success the government is achieving in this front, the Deputy Speaker said. He said the support expressed by delegates of the Japanese Government participating in the G8 Summit for enhanced cooperation for Ethiopia's food security endeavours reaffirms that Japan is among the forerunner development partners of the Ethiopian peoples. Ethiopia will remain committed to the development ideals of the Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and other development initiatives in Africa as well as to the endeavours to ward off conflicts and bring about economic development. He appeared for the enhanced support of Japan in this front. He commended the multilateral and trilateral financial and project support being extended by the Japanese Government to Ethiopia. Dr. Shozaburo on the occasion said Ethiopia and Japan have maintained their long-standing relations, and called for enhanced endeavours in Ethiopia in the activities geared towards food security and poverty alleviation. He said the endeavours of the Ethiopian Parliament to enhance the democratization are commendable. Meanwhile, the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) yesterday handed over various equipment worth 1.9 million birr to the Alemgena Training and Testing Centre of the Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA). Dr. Jimi Shozaburo, Chairman of the Ethio-Japan Parliamentary Friendship League handed over the donation to ERA General Manager Zayid Wolde-Gebriel. Dr Shozaburo, who is also member of the Japanese Parliament and Vice-President of the priority areas of development cooperation to Ethiopia focuses on assisting in the road sector development as roads infrastructure is vital for development. Zayid on his part said the Japanese Government has been making similar donations in line with the cooperation agreement with ERA. The Japanese Government has significantly contributed to the road sector in Ethiopia, he said. The Addis Ababa - Goha Tsion Road project was implemented with the support secured from JICA. ATTC Head Haily Chekun on his part said the donation coming from the Japanese Government plays significant role in the centre's capacity building. ATTC has so far trained more than 15,000 professionals in various fields of the sector. ATTC was established in 1956. Meles holds talks with newly appointed UNDP Resident Representative, WHO official UNDP Representative assumes office ADDIS ABABA (ENA/EH) - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will enhance its development cooperation in the areas which Ethiopia has prioritized, the newly appointed UNDP representative to Ethiopia said. Modibo Toure after conferring with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi here yesterday told journalists that UNDP will continue with its support to Ethiopia focusing on sustainable development and poverty reduction. UNDP has been assisting in the realization of the development policies and strategies of the Ethiopian Government, Toure said. Toure expressed commitment to further the amicable relations between Ethiopia and the UNDP in particular and the UN in general. He said the discussions with the Prime Minister enable him to clearly understand the activities being carried out to translate into practice the development policies and strategies. UNDP has earmarked 121 million US dollars for development intervention in Ethiopia in the year 2005, Toure said. In addition, the programme will exert efforts to solicit additional funds for use in implementation of development projects in Ethiopia, he said. Prime Minister Meles also told Toure about the activities underway to attract foreign direct investment into Ethiopia. He told Toure that a number of entrepreneurs from various countries have invested particularly in the floriculture and horticulture development. Newly appointed United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative and United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ethiopia, Mr. Modibo Toure officially submitted his credentials to the Ethiopian Government last Friday, September 17,2004. UNDP Office press release faxed to the Herald yesterday said that Mr. Toure joined the UN specialized agency in September 1990 assuming increasingly higher-level responsibilities in various assignments both at the Headquarters and in the field. Mr. Toure just completed a three year assignment in Cahd (2001-2004) as UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative and recently as Humanitarian Coordinator, the release said. According to the release, prior to joining the UN, Mr. Toure worked in the private sector in the US as well as in the civil service in Mali. Holder of MBA degree as well as a degree in Economics, Mr. Toure is married and a father of three children. In another development, Assistant Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) said it will continue supporting Ethiopia's health services delivery. WHO assistant director Dr. Jack Chow after talks with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi here yesterday told journalists that his organization has been assisting in the health delivery programmes in Ethiopia. Dr. Chow said WHO has been working closely with the Ethiopian Government in the implementation of policies and strategies in the sector. He pledged enhanced support to the health sector development, particularly to HIV, TB and malaria prevention and treatment. WHO will exert efforts to make medicines available at lower prices as part of its intervention in the prevention of diseases, he said. WHO will support health extension services programmes in Ethiopia, he said. Prime Minister Meles told Dr. Chow that the health services extension programme is believed to register positive results. The support of WHO and other partners is significant for the successful implementation of the country's health programme, an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who attended the meeting quoted Meles as saying. Prime Minister Meles commended WHO and the International Fund for their assistance in the activities launched in Ethiopia to prevent HIV, TB and Malaria. September 23, 2004 ANDM vows to conduct elections in democratic manner BAHIRDAR (ENA) - The Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM) declared its resolve yesterday to conduct the upcoming national and state elections in a democratic manner. The participants of the ANDM organizational conference said, candidates to be fielded would contest in a free and transparent manner against opposition parties which are active in the state, according to spokesperson of the Movement. They said that the peaceful competitions would enable the electorates to cast their vote for their own choice. ANDM would play a leading role in facilitating ways and fielding candidates who could win the hearts and minds of the electorates. The conference participants asserted that election observers invited by the Federal Government would be given every opportunity to help them accomplish their responsibilities in a neutral and independent way. ANDM would raise women participation both at the state council and the Federal Parliament to 30 per cent it was learnt. The organizational conference of ANDM that was in session for three days rounded up yesterday by adopting a resolution. Electoral Board says preparation of materials required for referendum completed ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The preparation of all the necessary materials needed for the referendum that will determine the fate of 461 kebeles bordering Oromia and Somali states has been finalized, the National Electoral Board said. Board Deputy Head Tesfaye Mengesha told ENA yesterday that the preparation of registration cards, ballots, ballot boxes, among others, was completed. He said the dispatching of relevant documents and materials to the stated areas would begin on 2 October 2004. Tesfaye said the Board has allocated 3.4 million birr for the implementation of the referendum from its own budget. The Board has called upon the two states to discharge the responsibilities entrusted to them for the success of the referendum. Both states have territorial claims on the stated number of kebeles, whose fate are to be determined through referendum. AEUP suspends membership from opposition unity ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The All Ethiopian Unity Party (AEUP) says it has suspended its membership from the opposition unity. The party said the move of the opposition unity lacks transparency, accountability and it is inconsistent with its fundamental principles. The Ethiopian Democratic Forces Unity (EDFU) has been engaged in a destructive move that could strengthen the position and prolong the power of the ruling party, according to a statement AEUP sent to ENA yesterday. EDFU was established on the platform to bring together the opposition parties and spearhead their struggle in a peaceful way and form a coalition government by winning the national elections, it said. AEUP, however, said the EDFU declared that it would form a transitional government provided that it won the elections which the party described as a flagrant violation of the agreements made. Although removing the ruling party was a common agenda of members of the opposition unity, it should be made clear that most of the parties have differences from their detailed objectives to organizational structures. Some are organized along ethnic lines and others are national political parties, it said. The differences among the opposition parties are irreconcilable and couldn't enable to develop a common political platform, it said. The opposition unity has ignored all the requests forwarded by AEUP to correct the documents distributed in violation of the agreements reached at the congress. Some of the documents distributed were primarily designed to serve the interests of some individuals and were against the spirit of the founding congress. The opposition unity has been engaged in a destructive propaganda instead of entertaining the requests in a free and democratic manner. AEUP said it participation in the opposition unity was meaningless other than giving way to time consuming fruitless discussions. ==================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.23,2004 ========================= _______________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Declare Yourself - Register online to vote today! http://vote.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri Sep 24 14:50:06 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:41 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040924125006.30618.qmail@web53310.mail.yahoo.com> September 24, 2004 Deputy Speaker calls for strong commitment, vision to protect torture victims by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives Dr. Petros Olango underscored the need for strong commitment and vision in protecting, healing and supporting victims of torture. Opening a two-day sub-Saharan Africa regional workshop on "Net-working Among Rehabilitation Centres Working Against Torture" at the Imperial Hotel yesterday, Dr. Petros said that making torture victims productive and active participants in the development endeavour of their respective countries could only be possible when survivors are cured from the psychosocial effect of the trauma. "Today, Africa is looking forward for the unification. African parliaments have crucial role to play in the unification. As to Ethiopia, we will play our duties and responsibilities in the Pan African Parliaments to create a conflict-free Africa," the Deputy Speaker reaffirmed. According to Dr. Petros, Ethiopia has committed itself to protecting this group of society and respecting the democratic rights of all its citizens through the Human Right Commission and the Office of the Ombudsman created under the Parliament. AU Social Affairs Commissioner Adv. Gawanas Bience Philomina on her part indicated that the Commission's commitment to continue its advocacy for the elimination of torture and the resolution of all conflicts through dialogue rather than arms and weapons. After indicating that torture is a gross violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in particular reference to Africa, also of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, the Commissioner emphasized on the need to oppose torture and armed conflicts in all its forms and machinations so as to make them a thing of history on this continent. Chairman of the Board of the Rehabilitation Centre for Victims of Torture in Ethiopia, Dr. Abraham Asnake, also indicated that the country is on the right track of building democracy and establishing democratic institution. "All law enforcement agencies are given training on the constitution of the country and human right. All prison officials are required to understand the basic human right and are not expected to use torture as a means of investigation. The Ministry of Justice supervises the prisons and investigates if complaints are lodged," he said. Various papers are expected to be presented at the workshop sponsored by the International Rehabilitation Council for Victims of Torture (IRCT). EU urges Ethiopia, Eritrea to abide by Algiers Peace Accord ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The European Union urged Ethiopia and Eritrea Wednesday to implement the Algiers Peace Agreement and bread the deadlock over the demarcation process of their borders, Reuters reported. The EU reiterated its unreserved support to the peace process between Ethiopia and Eritrea saying the two parties needs peace and stability to be able to concentrate on the serious problems they are facing. Keeping the peace mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea is necessary to ensure stability in the region, the EU said hailing the UN resolution, which recently extended the UNMEE mandate for six months. NEB makes 2005 national elections timetable public ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The National Electoral Board (NEB) has made official the timetable for the 2005 national elections. According to the timetable, the date of voting for the House of Peoples Representative and state councils has been slated for 15 May 2005. NEB told ENA yesterday that the Board during its regular meeting on September 14,2004, endorsed the timetable for the federal and state governments' elections. Accordingly, the days between October 30, 2004 and January 6, 2005 will be the period within which candidates solicit endorsement signatures at their respective constituencies on the forms to be made available at woreda education offices at their respective woredas of residence. Candidates will then begin to canvass officially beginning February 19, according to the timetable that also slated the period between January 9 and February 7 as the time of votes' registration. February 3 and 4 are the dates for special registration of voters. On June 8, NEB shall endorse and announce national voting outcomes, the Board said. HIV/AIDS battle Business community to focus on workplace programmes by Biniyam Wubishet ADDIS ABABA - Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce (AACC) Vice-President said yesterday that the business community would focus on workplace intervention programmes in the fight against HIV/AIDS that has increasing negative impact on the country's business activities. Opening the 4th Business and HIV/AIDS National Conference Eyesus-Work Zafu said that workplace business and HIV/AIDS programmes are the best strategy and top priority to speed up the response of Ethiopian business to the pandemic. According to him, the business community's response came in 2001 following the decision passed during the 24th General Assembly of AACC to mainstream business sand HIV issues saying HIV/AIDS is a business and development challenge. "Since then, different activities have been undertaken in areas of awareness creation, training and orphan support initiatives through the business and HIV/AIDS Secretariat," he added. Addis Ababa City Administration Health Bureau Head, Dr. Eyob Kamil said on the occasion that the government still believes that the business community has a dual responsibility both in reducing poverty and protecting its family from HIV/AIDS, the community being the main development partner. Dr. Eyob also indicated that though the provision of care and support to HIV orphans and elders is the responsibility of the society, it strongly demands the active involvement of businesspersons. He also assured the business community that the City Government would work hand in hand in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Business and HIV/AIDS Secretariat Tamirat Admassu said while presenting 'Components of Workplace Programmes' that the objective is to ensure a non-discriminatory working atmosphere regardless of HIV status, keep confidentiality of workers, as well as the provision of care and support. He also said that the major programme components are education and care as well as support. According to him, lack of commitment both from employers and employees, funds and expertise (especially in small and medium sized enterprise) are the challenges for implementing workplace programme. The AACC on the occasion donated 20,000 birr to the Abebech Gobena and Hana Orphanages. The two-day national conference is expected to discuss different aspects of workplace intervention. ============================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.24,2004 ====================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Read only the mail you want - Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Sep 29 11:16:13 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:41 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040929091613.37711.qmail@web53310.mail.yahoo.com> September 25, 2004 Nation obtains over 600 mln. USD for HSDP ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Over 600 million US dollars has been secured from donors and financial institutions both in loans and grants for the Health Sector Development Programme that would be undertaken for the next five years in Ethiopia, minister of health said. Minister of Health Dr. Kebede Tadesse made the remark at the conclusion of the 6th annual Review Meeting (ARM) of the Health Sector Development Programme (HSDP) that was held here. He said 400 million US dollars of the stated sum would be used for the eradication of tuberculosis and the balance could be used to contain the spread of HIV/AIDS, malaria eradication and to support other diseases related programmes, he said. According to Dr. Kebede the grant was obtained from the global fund, Bush initiative and USAID and the loan was from the World Bank. Progress and achievements have been made in 16 health service extension programmes, in the training and graduation of 2800 health extension workers by January 2005 and in the completion of studies on the accelerated expansion of primary health care coverage, among others, he said. Representative of USAID to Ethiopia Susan Anthony said on her part that if the ongoing implementation of the health extension programme in the country continues in the same pace, it will be possible to expand basic health services very rapidly. She said the support from partners should be strengthened in order to realize the programme successfully. The review meeting has examined the implementation status of 1995 E.C and 1996 E.C sector plans, the progress in the implementation of the Health Extension Package Programme, the federal and state experiences in the preparation of Strategic Planning and Management, among others. Representatives of higher learning and health institutions, NGOs, and donors working with the government, among others were in attendance at the five-day review meeting. Africa lobbies for UN Security Council seats ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - African nations stepped up their campaign Thursday for greater representation on the UN Security Council, with Senegal calling for two permanent seats, AFP reported. Reform of the 15-nation Security Council has the firm support of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, who set up a high-level panel that is to make proposals for change in December, AFP said. "The world, now more than ever, needs a strong United Nations with reinforced legitimacy," Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade is quoted as saying in a speech to the UN General Assembly. African nations want the continent to be given "at least two permanent seats and two additional nonpermanent seats," Wade said. On Tuesday, Brazil, Germany, India and Japan launched a united bid for permanent UN Security Council seats, arguing that expanded membership was crucial to addressing new global threats. The four nations also voiced support for the addition of an African permanent seat and the expansion of the non-permanent membership, AFP said. The Council has had the same five permanent members with veto power since the United Nations was established in the wake of World War II: Britain, China, France, the United States and Russia, as successor to the Soviet Union. Ten other nations are elected as non-permanent Olusegun Obasanjo echoed the need for those regions of the world that are unrepresented at the heart of the United Nation's top decision-making body to be given a voice. "Africa, whose issues occupy a substantial part of the Security Council's time, ought to be accorded priority consideration for permanent membership," Obasanjo is quoted as saying. Obasanjo said expansion of Council membership was crucial to making the United Nations "more representative, effective and acceptable." Petty trade booming along Ethio-Sudan common borders GONDAR (ENA) - The amicable bilateral cooperation that existed between the governments of Ethiopia and the Sudan has encouraged border trade along the two countries, the north-west customs coordinating office said. Office head Haile-Gebriel Worku told ENA Thursday that the traders in Metema town, chilga Woreda of the North Gondar Zone in the Amhara State have been engaged in border trade with a registered working capital of about 2,000 birr. He said the traders have been selling various products on both sides of the borders for the last six months. Traders from Geleabt (Sudan) were also selling various goods at the Metema markets, he said. Some 300 Metema town residents have received licences to engage in trade along the common borders of the two countries, according to the office head. The Ethiopian traders are expected to supply agricultural and dairy products to markets in Sudanese towns while the Sudanese would bring agricultural and industrial products to the Ethiopian towns established along the borders, according to agreements reached between the two governments. The border trades have a great contribution in promoting the people -to-people relations along with their economic advantages, he said. September 26, 2004 House Speaker to leave for Geneva ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian delegation led by Speaker of the House of the Federation Dr. Mulatu Teshome is to leave for Switzerland today to attend the 11th Assembly of the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU). The House of the Federation told ENA that the five member delegation would take part in the assembly due to be held in Geneva from September 28- October 1, 2004. Parliamentary Speakers from various countries, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and scholars of the Geneva University are expected to attend the assembly. ECA to host governance meet here ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - About one thousand delegates from allover Africa including presidents, activists, businesspeople, journalists and academics will gather in Addis Ababa from 11-15 October to participate in vigorous debate on strengthening governance in Africa. The UN's Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) would host the 4th African Development Forum (ADFIV) under the theme of Governance for a Progressing Africa. Improved governance was chosen as this year's theme in recognition of the essential role it can play in transforming Africa's economies, according to an ECA press release issued Friday. It is one of the pillars of the New Partnership for Africas Development (NEPAD), it said. The African Development Forum is an ECA initiative intended to advance an African-driven development agenda. It aims to initiate dialogue, build consensus and mobilize partnerships around African stakeholders. City Police Commission marks Rank Transfer Day 121 members promoted by Yemane Terefe ADDIS ABABA - The Addis Ababa City Government Police Commission yesterday marked Rank Transfer Day with the promotion of 121 members for excelling in their performance in accordance with Federal Police Commission Proclamation No. 313/1995 Article "7" No. "11". City Police Commissioner Befkadu Tolera said on the occasion that the rank transfer was aimed at boosting the morale of the police members to serve the public honestly and maintain law and order thereby ensuring peace and security in the metropolis. He also said that the main task of the police is to prevent or otherwise investigate crime and bring alleged criminals to justice. According to the Commissioner, 14, 35,56,12 and 4 were promoted to the tanks of Commanders, Deputy Commanders, Chief Inspectors, Inspectors and Deputy Inspectors respectively. Mayor of the City Government and Guest Honour Arkebe Equbay on his part said that the City Police Commission is entrusted with the task of maintaining peace and stability of the metropolis and safeguarding the constitution. To serve the public, the police institution should be equipped with better professional capacity, embued with democratic culture and honesty," he added. The Mayor also called upon city residents to work closely with the police to maintain peace and stability thereby become beneficiaries of the development activities well underway in the metropolis. Federal Police Commissioner Workineh Gebeyehu also noted that police plays a key role in the national poverty reduction effort and bring about sustainable development. He added promotion would no more be given in counting years of service but by performing notable activities. ECA to host governance meet here ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - About one thousand delegates from allover Africa including presidents, activists, businesspeople, journalists and academics will gather in Addis Ababa from 11-15 October to participate in vigorous debate on strengthening governance in Africa. The UN's Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) would host the 4th African Development Forum (ADFIV) under the theme of Governance for a Progressing Africa. Improved governance was chose as this year's theme in recognition of the essential role it can play in transforming Africa's economies, according to an ECA press release issued Friday. It is one of the pillars of the New Partnership for Africas Development (NEPAD), it said. The African Development Forum is an ECA initiative intended to advance an African-driven development agenda. It aims to initiate dialogue, build consensus and mobilize partnerships around African stakeholders. Ethiopian cargo plane begins carrying flowers to Europe ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Airlines launched a once weekly cargo flight to export flowers to the European markets as part of the initiatives taken to encourage foreign trade. Minister of State for Trade and Industry Fantaye Biftu said Friday that the cooperation of the Ethiopian Airlines to carry the products to the foreign markets would give impetus to the development of the sector in the country. He said the Ethiopian Government would continue providing support to the flori-culture development. The Ethiopian Airlines would launch a twice-weekly flight to meet the demands of the customers beginning in October. Chairperson of the Ethiopian Floriculturalists Association Tsegaye Abebe said over 14.4 million euros was expected to be obtained from the sale of flowers this year. He said the income from the sector during the 2004 was 4.8 million euros, adding that the flowers industry has created 3,700 jobs to compatriots. Netherlands Ambassador to Ethiopia Rob Vermass said many entrepreneurs in his country have shown interest to take part in the flower industry, as the investment atmosphere in Ethiopia is conducive. So far 15 companies have been engaged in the agricultural sector and others are preparing to come to Ethiopia soon, he said. Two higher learning officials resign ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The resignation of Dr. Gemechu Megerssa and DR. Mintesinot Behailu has been accepted as per their request, Ministry of Information said. The Ministry told ENA Friday that Dr. Gemechu was appointed as Director of the Agency for Higher Learning Accreditation and Quality Monitoring and Dr. Mintesinot was also assigned as Director for the Strategic Centre of Higher Learning. The resignation of the two officials has been accepted as of 25 September 2004, the ministry said. ===================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.29,2004 =========================== _______________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Declare Yourself - Register online to vote today! http://vote.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Sep 29 14:58:07 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:41 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040929125807.12438.qmail@web53310.mail.yahoo.com> September 28, 2004 Premier reaffirms commitment to African PeaceKeeping effort Liberia, Burundi contingents receive awards, certificates by Haile-Gebriel Endeshaw ADDIS ABABA - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi reaffirmed that the Ethiopian people and government were ready to intensify involvement in peacekeeping mission in Africa. Handing out medal awards and certificates to the units of the Defence Forces deployed to Burundi and Liberia, Meles, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the National Armed Forces said that their iron discipline has won the admiration of the peoples of the two countries. "Due to this, the country is being asked to involve in such similar peacekeeping missions. In view of the firm support of the Ethiopian people and government to African peace, I would like to assure our readiness to involve in the peace-keeping mission in an intensified manner," the Premier said. Lt. General Samora Yenus, Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian Armed Forces said earlier that the Ethiopian peacekeeping contingents in Burundi and Liberia have discharged their responsibility with a unique heroic feat. Samora further said that the Ethiopian Defence Forces would continue to relentlessly work for a peaceful and prosperous world. According to a press release obtained from the Ministry of Defence, Wegagan Battalion, that was deployed to Burundi in August 2003 and served in the peace mission for 11 months apart from accomplishing its mission, the Battalion integrated itself with the local people helping them mitigate their social problems. The 852-member unit returned home early last month handing over the mission to the newly dispatched Ethiopian battalion. The other Ethiopian peace-keeping contingent, the 87th Brigade, which served for eight months in Liberia under the auspices of the UN, returned home this month with a success story behind it. The Brigade greatly contributed to pacifying war-torn Liberia by establishing disarming centres and actually disarming those in possession of illegal arms. Moreover, it discharged its responsibilities of stabilizing the vast region and looking after the security of workers of international charity organizations, officials of the UN peacekeeping force and that of military observers. Political parties debate civil society, good governance issues by Getahun Amogne ADDIS ABABA - Three political parties, including the ruling Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), debated about their positions regarding Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and good governance last Sunday. Two opposition parties, the All Ethiopian Unity Party (AEUP) ad Unity of Ethiopian Democratic Party (UEDP) as well as EPRDF presented their views on the role of CSOs in good governance and development efforts at a Public Policy Forum of the Inter-Africa Group broadcast live on state radio and television. Information Minister Bereket Simon, who represented EPRDF along with Justice Minister Harka Haroye said that good governance and development could be guaranteed through the direct and massive participation of the public. "EPRDF believes that the general public mobilized on its free will contributes significantly to ensuring good governance rather that those members of the civil society whose projects are expensive and are very much influenced by their donors,") Bereket said. Bereket also said that over the last 13 years, EPRDF has been putting in place various legal and institutional frameworks aimed at creating an enabling environment for the public to release their energies in building effective government administrations that promote the rule of law and development. Officials of AEUP on their part argued that the EPRDF-led government has been suspicious of CSOs as it lacks accountability and transparency in its systems. They also accused the ruling party of interfering in the internal affairs of CSOs in breach of constitutional provisions. UEDP on its part criticized the government for drafting an NGO legislation, which, it said, is totally disabling for the operation of CSOs. UEDP also held EPRDF accountable for illegally changing the leaderships of the Ethiopian Teachers' Association (ETA) and the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists' Association (EFJA). EPRDF officials responded that the supervision and control of CSOs in the new legislation was meant to make sure that the resources solicited in the name of poor Ethiopians are used for the intended purpose. The supervision, which, they said, is a common practice in many countries, would be carried out in accordance with established regulations. ETA and EFJA were engaged in political agitation leaving aside their establishment objectives, Bereket said, adding that the change of leadership in these associations was initiated by the members themselves who were dissatisfied by their activities. The political parties also responded to questions posed by members of the civil society and journalists. "EPRDF is ready to accept any feasible ideas that are of public interest," Bereket responded to a question about forging partnership. "However, despite the inflated perceptions they have for themselves, we believe that NGOs have limitations in executing mass-based development projects." With regard to enhancing women's participation, EPRDF said the problems of women could only be solved by addressing socio-economic problems in rural localities by actively involving them in the process rather than conference advocacy by urban elites. Commenting on questions related to the draft press law, Bereket said extensive deliberations with stakeholders were held and important ideas included in the draft. Further discussions with international press agencies would also be held soon to refine the law before it is passed to parliament, he added. Asked about their alternatives to enhance women's participation, UEDP officials said they were striving to have more women member in their party. They said women's participation in the decision-making process could not be maximized unless the existing electoral law is changed. AEUP accused the EPRDF-led government of imposing its revolutionary democracy principles upon CSOs under the guise if Civil Society Capacity Building Programme. Responding to questions about the rampant mismanagement of resources in CSOs, both oppositions said this should be controlled through a self-regulatory mechanism of the organizations and by their funding agencies. Bereket rejected to allegation of imposing revolutionary democracy outlook on CSOs as unfounded. He added that the capacity building programme was meant to create an enabling environment for CSOs in their development and democratization endeavours. He further stated that NGOs are not considered as strong development partners since 60-80 per cent of their total budget is spent in overhead costs. The huge amount of money they require for a single project also makes their contribution in significant in poor countries like Ethiopia, he added. Bereket also said that following the renewal process, EPRDF has been taking various constructive measures to fight corruption and realize transparency and accountability. He cited the policy deliberation forums conducted its a cross-section of the society including the AAU staff and the business community as encouraging moves in the right direction. He also expressed his party's support for such policy dialogue forums, which, he said, were instrumental in making upcoming elections free and fair. Three other opposition parties failed to appear for the debate though they were invited, the organizers said. Inter-Africa Group plans to convene similar forums on various national issues until May. September 29, 2004 Ethiopia has no different agenda other than reducing poverty, ensuring food security: Seyoum ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopia has no a different agenda other than establishing durable peace and stability, which is the prime factor for expediting economic development, Foreign Minister Seyoum said. Addressing the ongoing 59th General Assembly of the United Nations yesterday in New York, USA, Seyoum said Ethiopia has been committed to seek a peaceful solution to the Ethio-Eritrea border conflict. He said the common enemy of the peoples of Ethiopia and Eritrea is only poverty, adding that there is no reason that the peoples of the two countries should develop a feeling of enmity. Seeking a solution to the border conflict by means of force has no ground according to the provisions stipulated in the Algiers Peace Accord, he said adding that the two countries should avoid military confrontations and ensure durable and lasting peace in the region. He said searching a peaceful solution to the conflict is the duty of the two countries, adding that UN Security Council has passed various decisions urging the parties to work for peace. The minister said reducing the level of corruption and ensuring food security is the major priority of Ethiopia. A country like Ethiopia, which is home to many nationalities shouldn't have a different agenda other than building a democratic system. He said Ethiopia has been contributing to the prevalence of peace and stability in Africa in its capacity as a member of the AU's Peace and Security Council. He said the Ethiopian peacekeeping forces have been deployed in Burundi and Liberia to support the peace efforts in the sisterly African countries. Government appoints two State Ministers ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The government has appointed Melaku Fenta and Dr. Tewodros Adhanom as State Ministers of Federal Affairs and Health respectively. Melaku was appointed to the post effective September 25,2004, the Ministry of Information told ENA yesterday. Melaku was serving as head of the Civil Services Reform Programme Office with the Ministry. Dr. Tewodros was also appointed State Minister of Health effective September 15. He was serving as health bureau head of the Tigray State Government. Gov't desires to establish responsible, vibrant media ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - It was the interest of the Ethiopian Government to pave the way for the growth of an independent, critical and balanced, vibrant and credible media in the country, Minister of Information Bereket Simon said. At a discussion forum organized with representatives of the international press institutions about the draft press law, Bereket said the incumbent government has taken various constructive measures aimed at establishing a press that could be instrumental in promoting peace and understanding and democratic institutions. He said the draft press law was initiated based on the freedom of press as enshrined in the supreme law of the land. The minister said following a series of discussions held with the pertinent bodies amendments have been made. Despite the measures taken on part of the government to establish a free press that is responsible, accountable and a competitive, some international media institutions have chosen to relay on deliberately distorted and politically motivated misrepresentation of facts. The ideas generated from the various forums have been included in the draft press law, he said. He said the draft press law would be sent to the Council of Ministers with the amended features adding that it would be referred to the House of Peoples' Representatives for an extensive discussion prior to its approach. ===================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.29,2004 ========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From officeofthespeaker at yahoo.com Wed Sep 1 15:50:05 2004 From: officeofthespeaker at yahoo.com (Amsalework Belay) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:14 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040901135005.37488.qmail@web60001.mail.yahoo.com> Alage ATVET Collage graduates 3,560 dev't agents Meles urges graduates to face with determining painstaking fight against poverty, backwardness by Getahun Amogne ALAGE - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has called upon graduates of Agricultural Technique and Vocational Education Training (ATVET) colleges throughout the country to tighten up their belts for the tenacious struggle against poverty and backwardness deep-seated in rural Ethiopia. Meles said the graduates should prepare themselves to take up the daunting task of transforming the age-old subsistence agriculture by introducing modern and adaptable technologies and thereby improving the livelihood to the rural population. The Premier made the remarks on Sunday at the commencement of 3,560 development agents of the Alage ATVET college who completed a three-year practical and theoretical training in the fields of plant science, animal science, natural resources conservation and animals health. "There cannot be nay more noble mission than this. There cannot be a more level playing field than this to demonstrate commitment to a sacred cause," Meles told the first batch graduates who were exhilarated by his presence. "You should be proud to be deployed as pioneers in this highly regarded mission." The Prime Minister also said that it would not be an easy task to lead an intensified fight against poverty and backwardness in rural Ethiopia, where basic infrastructure and Social service facilities have still remained luxuries. "You are on the other hand, joining a tireless farming and pastoral society respectful of its development partners and keen to learn the path-way out of poverty and backwardness. You are also going to places with abundant resources that could yield high product with little efforts," he said. The Premier expressed his conviction that through aggressive intervention change is achievable in the near future. Meles also pledged the unreserved support of this government to the graduates in their exacting tasks ahead. Sate Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Belay Ejigu, on his part noted that the government has launched agriclutural technique and vocational training in 25 colleges across the country since 1994 E.C. with a view to mainly realizing commercial farming through the introduction of modern technologies. Currently, there are 38,000 trainees in the colleges including the 9,4000 development agents to be graduated this Ethiopian year, he said, adding that they would be assigned to the 15,000 farmers' training centres being established across the country. Head of the Alage ATVET College, Yishak Beredo, said that the graduates have received a 70 per cent practical and 30 per cent theoretical training, which, he said, has helped them acquire detailed skills in their fields. The trainees were also deployed for n eight-month apprenticeship in their respective areas in a bid to familiarize them with the opportunities and challenges they would face in their careers, he said. Some of the graduates approached by the Herald have expressed their readiness to face the challenges they would encounter and bring about tangible results in the agriculture sector. They also affirmed their determination to use the skills they have acquired for opening up new chapter in this country by breaking Ethiopia's reputation as living on hand outs and improving the standards of living of the farming and pastoral communities. Prime Minister Meles handed out diplomas to the graduates and awarded medals to those with outstanding performances. Trainees of the remaining colleges would graduate until early September, according to information obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Senior government officials including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Addisu Leggesse attended the ceremony. Triumphant athletes accorded heroe's welcome by a Staff Reporter ADDIS ABABA - The Victorious Ethiopian athletes were accorded a heroe's welcome yesterday upon their arrival from Athens where the 28th Olympiad was held. As the national flag carrier landed, a very wild whistling and scream of praise filled the air. Families of the athletes were on the brink to take their heroes and heroines into an embrace while government officials on hand to welcome the squad were beaming with sincere delight. Dr. Mulatu Teshome, Speaker of the House of the Federation, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture ambassador Teshome Toga, Addis Ababa City Mayor Arkebe Equbay, State Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Bisrat Gashaw Tena garlanded the athletes with flower and headgear embroidered with the tricolor of the national flag. Chanting fans carrying placards in praise of the athletes' stretch all the side walks to the Addis Ababa Stadium where a grand reception was organized. When the athletes entered the stadium and go around the track greeting the fans sitting in every corner of the stadium, the latter acknowledged with a standing ovation and extreme shouts of delight. The fans went on calling the names of their heroes and heroines and singing victory songs, which interrupted welcoming speeches of officials. The all-time great athletics legend Haile Gebre-Selassie said in his speech that all the success was made possible with the support of the people. Known for her bubbling smile, Derartu Tulu echoed the same message and expressed the squad's indebtedness to the Ethiopian people for their unreserved support until the end of the Olympiad. The welcoming ceremony was transmitted live on radio and ETV. Ethiopia won two gold, three silver and two bronze medals at the 28th games sitting on 28th position among the 202 participating countries. ========================= pol. ethiopia sept. 1, 2004 ====================== --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? New and Improved Yahoo! Mail - 100MB free storage! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.sn.apc.org/pipermail/pol.ethiopia/attachments/20040901/4b7965bc/attachment-0002.htm From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri Sep 10 14:44:20 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:14 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040910124420.8153.qmail@web53304.mail.yahoo.com> September 10, 2004 AU Extraordinary Summit opens in Ouagadougou ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The 3rd Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union opened yesterday in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. the summit, being attended by several leaders of African countries, including Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, aimed at finding "remedies" for unemployment and underemployment as well as discuss ways of reducing poverty in Africa. Addressing the summit Nigerian President Olesagun Obasanjo, who is also AU current Chairperson, said African countries should give priories to job creation and investment, among others. Obasanjo said it is only possible to reduce poverty in the continent when African countries are able to create job opportunities to their citizens. He said African countries are also need to endorse and implement a plan of action aimed at reducing unemployment and poverty which has been designed in the last two years. In his remark to the summit, President Blaise Compaore of Burkina Faso said millions of Africans need to get access to jobs. Compaore also said good governance, peace and stability as well as social security have to be ensured in order to be able to reduce poverty and create more jobs in the continent. He also called upon member countries of the African Union to adopt the plan of action, which he said, would enable to create more jobs and ensure food security as well as carry out other economic significant activities. Speaking on his part Chairperson of the Commission of Africa Union Alpha Oumar Knoare said conflicts and lack of good governance have hampered Africa to create job opportunities and reduce poverty. He said unless the United Nations-designed Millennium Development Goals are effectively implemented, Africa couldn't be able to reduce poverty. Addressing the Summit Director General of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Juan Somavia said the Special attention given by African countries to the expansion of job opportunities and reduce poverty shows their commitment to bring about change and sustainable development in the region. He also expressed ILO's strong commitment to efforts being made to expand jobs and minimize poverty. The Director General said the enhancement of the private sector of economy should also be considered into account. The goal of the summit is to discuss ways to create eight million jobs annually over the next decade, so as to accommodate the expanding labour force within the continent, which is expected to top 360 million by 2015. Embassies, consulate offices urged to promote Ethiopian trade ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The embassies and consulate offices established in various parts of the world should serve as a centre for the promotion of Ethiopian trade, minister of foreign affairs said yesterday. Speaking at the ongoing annual meeting of the Ethiopian diplomats, Seyoum Mesfin said each embassy office should conduct an in-depth marketing study in a bid to increase the volume of export trade. He said it should be the responsibility of the embassies to prepare documents that could be used as a guideline for Ethiopian products, the capacity and offence of exporters. The minister said the diplomats representing the country should be committed to introduce the Ethiopian exportable products to the international markets. The embassies and consulate offices should be engaged in conducting continuos marketing researches aimed at promoting local products to the global market. He said establishing confidence between the supplier and the buyer could enable to penetrate to the markets and assess the opportunities for the local products. The Ethiopians in the Diaspora could greatly contribute to the initiative and provide valuable information bout potential buyers, as the marketing study couldn't be conducted by the embassies alone. Network to be established to prevent fistula in Ethiopia ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - Ministry of Health, Ethiopian Roads Authority and other non-governmental health and transport organizations agreed Wednesday to establish a nationwide network to jointly prevent the occurrence of fistula in Ethiopia. After a day-long discussion on the availability of transport for pregnant women so that they can reach health care centres in time to get treatment, the participants concluded that there should be constant link between road building programmes and health institutions. They therefore agreed to support each other in a way that can create easily accessible transport system to avoid delay, which usually leads to the occurrence of fistula. Accordingly, World Bank will fund three million USD to create link that would alleviate the problem in the Amhara and SNNP states. World Bank's Transport Sector consultant, Dr. Wendy M. Walker, to WIC studies show that the biggest impediment for access to health car is lack of transport, both in terms of roads and services. The Bank's Public Health specialist, Dr. John Stephen Osika, said the project will also include capacity building programmes for health care workers at health posts so that they can identify the high risk pregnancies early enough and refer them to higher health institutions. Dr. Osika also said Amhara and Southern Nation, Nationalities and Peoples states are selected for the first phase because of the high occurrence of fistula and availability of hospitals in Bahir Dar and Yirgalem. Ethiopian Roads Authority Representative Ato Tadele Debela said his office would participate in the project by constructing feeder roads that can help people reach health facilities on time when the need arises. September 10, 2004 EPRDF determined to hold upcoming elections in free, democratic manner: Official ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Members of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) are expected to compete in the upcoming elections in a free and democratic manner, Minister of Information said. In an interview with Abyotawi Democracy, organ of the EPRDF, Bereket Simon said whatever may be the outcome of the election, the members and supporters f the Front should uphold the democratic principles of elections. Bereket who is also executive member of EPRDF said any violation of election, regularities wouldn't be tolerated, adding that those who breached established rules would be brought to the law of courts. He said members of the Front should consider the issue and take precautionary measures prior to making decisions. The minister said there are members and organizations of the Front which are registering encouraging results in the rural and urban areas where they are active. He said members of the Front should be elected by wining the hearts and the minds of their constituencies. The minister said EPRDF wouldn’t attempt to undermine established rules for the mere reason to be elected, adding that it is believed that all members of the Front would understand the position of the ruling party that end. The task waiting ahead is the establishment of good governance and expediting development endeavours alongside conducting the national election a free and fair manner, the minister said. He said the previously held elections were conducted in a democratic manner where all contestant political parties were given equal opportunities, adding that the neutral Electoral Board organized and led those elections. the minister said there is an opportuntity that the upcoming electiosn would be held in a better way than the previous ones. EPRDF has out in place sound macro-economic policies believed to be instrumental in addressing the basic needs of the society. The harnessing of rivers and the harvesting of rain waters has shown encouraging results in changing the lives of the rural people, he said. The government has been engaged in the supply of agricultural inputs and expansion of extension packages in a bid to bring about sustainable economic development, according to Bereket. he said following the measure taken, it was possible to resettle about 10,000 family heads infertile areas. The Coalition of EPRDF is expected to hold their annual conference, which would share experiences form the achievements of the past. Addis to host African Commission meet ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The African commission comprising 17 commissioners including Prime Minister Meles Zenawi would hold its second meeting in October 2004 in Addis Ababa, the Ministry of Information said. The ministry told ENA on Wednesday that British Prime Minister Tony Blair launched the Commission for Africa in 2004 with the conviction that the world will not be secured unless the multifaceted social and economic problems that faced the impoverished continent are effectively solved. "Africa is the only continent to have grown poorer in the past 25 years, 44 million children do not go to school, millions as, you know, die through famine, or disease, or conflict, and Africa risks being left even further behind," Prime Minister Blair said in February this year when launching the Commission in London. The Commission, which Tony Blair will chair, will bring together leaders from the developed world and Africa. Of the 17 commissioners, nine will be from Africa. The Africans include President Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania, Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, K.Y, Amoako of the Economic Commission for Africa and Anna Tibaijuka, a UN Under Secretary and Executive Director of UN Habitat. The Commission, whose 1st meet was held in London in May, will meet in Ethiopia in October before a final report is published in April. Blair said that he would use Britain's presidency of two organizations next year to focus attention on the continent. In 2005, Britain will be in charge of both the European Union and the G8 - the club of the world's richest countries. The idea for an Africa Commission came from former pop star, and long time campaigner against African poverty, Bob Geldof. The Ethiopian Government and the people would do everything in their power to successfully host the meeting as the previous international and continental organization conferences held here in the past, the ministry said. Eritrea closes UNMEE's crucial supply route ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) expressed disappointment Tuesday after the Eritrean Government reimposed restrictions of movement along a crucial supply rout for its peacekeepers, IRIN reported. UNMEE said it had received a letter from the Eritrean authorities saying they could no longer use the Asmara-Keren-Barentu road. Deputy spokesman George Somerwill said the road had been closed for unknown reasons, considerably hampering the work of the peacekeepers. "I would not necessarily call it unfair. I would just say that it simply is a situation which makes our work considerably harder." Somerwill said Tuesday. The closure means key supplies to peacekeeping troops in Western Eritrea would take an extra 10 to 12 hours to deliver. UNMEE might need to resort to using helicopters, the spokesman told IRIN. UNMEE arrived in Ethiopia and Eritrea in 2000 to help monitor a 25-kilometer buffer zone that separates the two countries. "We are here to keep the peace, basically," Somerwill added. "We are here for the two governments so I think if our lives are made harder, then our work is made more difficult. In the end, it is the two peoples who are going to suffer; the people of Ethiopia and the people of Eritrea." The restriction on using the supply road - which was imposed in March - had been lifted last month after high-level interventions and calls from the UN Security Council. UNMEE insisted despite the closure that its relationship with the Eritrean authorities would not be harmed. "UNMEE will continue to maintain as positive a relationship as it can with both parties as well have done in the past, but it is nevertheless disappointing that this has happened," the spokesman said. Later this month, the 15-strong UN Security Council is expected to meet in New York to discuss the renewal of UNMEE's six-month mandate. Recently, Ethiopia has given its approval for a direct flight between the two countries to enable UNMEE's smooth operations. ITSO conference to be held here ADDIS ABABA (ENA)- Ethiopia will host the annual regional conference of the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO), the Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation (ETC) has announced. The ITSO Conference is scheduled to be held here in Addis Ababa, the AU Headquarters, on 13 and 15 September, manager of communications main section with ETC Abdurahim Ahmed told ENA yesterday. More than 120 technology experts drawn from numerous African countries are expected to attend the conference. The agenda include an assessment of the level of development in Africa of the satellite communications technology as well as the sharing of experiences of the countries like Ethiopia that have been making remarkable advances in the field. Ethiopia was favored to host the conference owing to the big-scale capacity building measures the government has been taking to enhance and intensify the information communication technology. Ethiopia will be sharing its experiences gained in the field, particularly in its school-net programme that well streamlines education with the attainment of speedy national development, Abdurahim said. Currently, Ethiopia has been implementing, through the Board Bank V-sat Project, the school-net programme that has made, to date, more than 450 schools across the nation beneficiaries of IT services, he indicated. The Woreda-Net Broad Band V-sat Project is also nearing completion to enable IT networks access to more than 600 woreda administrations, he said. Ethiopia leads Africa in its satellite coverage, with its satellite link with more than 20 countries via 172 lines, receiving services from satellite receivers placed in geo-stationary orbits above the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Meanwhile, the Graduate School of Telecommunications and Information Technology at the Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding with the Telkon Centre of Excellence at Rhodes University, and IT Group Business Connexions paving the way for technology to boost distance education and agricultural research in Ethiopia. The partners signed the agreements at the 8th annual Southern African Networks and Applications Conference (SATNAC) at Stellenbosch, ETC said. Reuben September, Telkon's Chief Technical Officer, said: "Telkom is delighted at being able to assist NEPAD to achieve one of its objectives to expand the ICT blue-print in Africa as a catalyst for job creation and economic development." September said the Ethiopian Government had engaged in an intensive project aimed at creating a national ICT system and infrastructure that will support the flow of information to all levels of the country's economic and social structures. Primary consideration ahs been given to the provision of education, health and distance education, government data networks and Internet services. At the signing ceremony, both Dr. Nega from Ethiopia and Gerald Maina of Namibia said they were delighted with the initiative as it will bring the education institutions closer together and promote mutual cooperation. ==================== pol.ethiopia Sept.10,2004 =============== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Address AutoComplete - You start. We finish. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue Sep 14 15:37:10 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:14 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Itmes Message-ID: <20040914133710.13938.qmail@web53304.mail.yahoo.com> September 14, 2004 Diplomats, business community members meet ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - A meeting held here yesterday between members of the business community and diplomats recognized the need for the latter to play the role of market promotion for Ethiopian exports and of relevant information supply. Participants of the meeting noted also that Ethiopian diplomats and investors should work in a coordinated manner in popularizing Ethiopia's export items. The business community members have called for the availability of updated information on international market prices, which is in the nature of fluctuation. According to President of the Ethiopian Manufacturing Industries Association, Teshome Kebede, diplomats can play vital roles in identifying technology sources and facilitating ways for their transfer as Ethiopia is in the stage of technological transfer. Deputy Chief of Mission with the Ethiopian Embassy in the U.S., Dr. Brook Hailu said on the occasion that coordination was lacking in finding expanded markets for Ethiopia's export items, and called for enhanced efforts towards stronger coordination. Dr. Brook expressed his embassy's commitments to discharge its duty, whose principal mission is economic diplomacy as has been expressed in the Civil Service Reform Programme. The Ethiopian investors on their part called on the embassy to find markets in the U.S. for the export items, which include, among others coffee and oil seeds. Irish parliamentary officials to pay visit here ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Irish Parliament would visit Ethiopia from September 13-19 and 23-24, 2004. The aim of the visit is to familiarize the Joint Committee with how the substantial development cooperation support which Ireland provides to Ethiopia is used, the political and economic structures in the country and issues such as good governance and relations with neighbouring countries, according to a press release the Embassy of Ireland sent to ENA yesterday. During their visit, the delegation would meet and hold discussions with high government officials, including Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, Minister of Finance and Economic Development Sufian Ahmed, representatives of opposition political parties, civil society and NGOs, among others, it said. Chairman Dr. Michael Woods, and Vice-Chairman Pat Carey, would be accompanied by Dermot O'Mahony, policy advisor to the committee, the release said. Ethiopia is one of the 6th partner countries for the Irish Government's bilateral cooperation programme in Africa. The others are Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Lesotho and Zambia, while a smaller programme is also supported in South Africa. Ireland's Development Cooperation support to Ethiopia in 2003 was 24 million euro while it is expected to be 27.5 million euro in 2004, the release said. It said the fund is provided at federal and state levels to the health and education sector development programmes, for state level budget support in the Tigray State food security, HIV/AIDS interventions, the Civil Service Reform Programme, Good Governance and Democratization and the Government's Rural Travel and Transport Programme. 2 more political parties certified ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The National Electoral Board has issued certificates of recognition for two political parties. The board told ENA that the certified political parties are the Afar Revolutionary Democratic Front (ARDF) and the Ethiopians' Democratic League (EDL). The board said ARDF was certified as a state political party while EDL as a national political party while EDL as a national political party. The number of certified political parties in Ethiopia to date has reached 68, it indicated. =========================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.14,2004 =================================== _______________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Declare Yourself - Register online to vote today! http://vote.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Sep 15 15:18:50 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:14 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040915131850.89890.qmail@web53305.mail.yahoo.com> September 15, 2004 Ireland keen to increase dev't assistance Meles holds talks with German delegation ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Irish Government desires to increase the amount of development assistance it is providing to Ethiopia, Chairman of the Joint Committee of Foreign Affairs of the Irish Parliament said. While conferring with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi here yesterday, the Chairman, Dr. Michael Woods said the increase in Irish's development assistance is made due to the further enhancement of the bilateral cooperation between the two countries. He also said the Irish Government would work with its counter-parts in the development of education and health services in Ethiopia. The visit of the Irish delegation to Ethiopia is aimed at evaluating the implementation of the various projects being carried out here in order to increase its development assistance to the country, Dr. Woods said. "Ireland is the seventh largest contributor on worldwide bases per head of population to the UN funds. We are pressing actually to go higher on that with 0.41 per cent of our Gross National Product per head of population," Dr. Woods said. Meles told Dr. Woods on his part that the bilateral cooperation between the two countries has reached at excellent stage. Prime Minister Meles briefed the Irish delegation headed by Dr. Woods on the upcoming national election to be held in Ethiopia, the peace efforts in the Sudan and Somalia. He said various activities are being carried out to make the forthcoming national election free and democratic. Meles also mentioned that Ethiopia has sent peacekeeping forces to Burundi and Liberia because of its high commitment to ensure peace and stability in the African continent. The Irish delegation arrived here Monday on a nine-day working visit. While here, the delegation is expected to hold talks with senior government officials, members of parliament and representatives of the civil societies. The Irish delegation also said it would persuade Irish entrepreneurs to invest in Ethiopia. Chairman Michael Woods said the delegation would do its level best to encourage Irish investors to invest in tourism and other sectors of investment. He made the statement while holding talks here yesterday with State Minister for Finance and Economic Development DR. Mulu Ketsela. Dr. Woods told the state minister that in addition to the development assistance Ireland is providing, it will persuade Irish entrepreneurs to investment in Ethiopia. He expressed his country's readiness to work together with Ethiopia in the human resources development in the education sector. The Irish Government also desires to increase the amount of development assistance it is providing Ethiopia. The Irish annual development assistance, which was 1.65 million euros in 1994, has reached this year to 27.5 million euros. Dr. Mulu said on her part that Ethiopia has created a fertile ground for investment especially in the areas of tourism, industry and floriculture development. She also mentioned the budgetary constraints the country faces and called on the Irish Government that its aid should focus in this area. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and the Parliamentary State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of Germany, Walter Kolbow held talks yesterday on bilateral issues including on issues of defence relations between the two countries. Meles and Kolbow's talks centered on ways of further strengthening the bilateral cooperation and defence relations in the years ahead. The Prime Minister and Kolbow had agreed to further enhance the bilateral cooperation existing between the two countries through technical and training support, according to a spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They also exchanged views on the Ethio-Eritrea's prevailing situations and the reserve to be established in East Africa. Meles expressed Ethiopia's strong commitment to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute peace-fully. Kolbow came to Ethiopia to evaluate the Ethio-German bilateral cooperation in the defence sector, according to the spokesperson. He is also expected to hold talks with the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union and other senior authorities of the AU. AU to convene continental conference on landmines ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Africa Union (AU) will convene, at its headquarters in Addis Ababa, the second continental conference of African experts on landmines from 15-17 September 2004. The conference, which aims to celebrate a common African position, based on the relevant decision of the OAU/AU will bring together experts from the AU will bring together experts from the AU member states dealing with various aspects of the landmine issues, along with observer states and organizations. According to an AU press release sent to ENA yesterday, the conference follows the 5th ordinary session of the Executive Council of the AU, held in Addis Ababa last June. The report of the experts meeting will be considered by an AU ministerial meeting to be held on the margins of the UN General Assembly session on 24 September 2004. TPLF to hold 6th organizational conference Makalle (ENA) - The 6th organizational conference of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) is to convene in Makalle today. Organizational head with the Front Gobezay Wolde-Aregay told ENA yesterday that the conference which will be in session for two days is expected to discuss about measures taken to speed up development, establish durable peace and democratic institution in the state. Over 1000 participants are expected to attend the conference, he said. Diplomats urged to back nation building process ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Diplomats representing the country in various parts of the world should be in the forefront of the struggle to gain support for Ethiopia's development endeavours from the international community, Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin said yesterday. Speaking at the conclusion of the annual meeting of Ethiopian diplomats, Seyoum said the diplomats should strive to change the image of the country that has been wrongly perceived. He said the diplomats have been entrusted with the heavy responsibility to enable the Ethiopian in the Diaspora to contribute their share to development and growth endeavours back at home. The minister said the diplomats should present the efforts exerted to bring about sustainable development and establish democratic institutions to the countries they are assigned. He said the incumbent government has taken constructive measures believed to be instrumental in addressing the socio-economic problems of the nation. The diplomats should portray their country, as a place where there is a political will to change the grim reality. Presently, Ethiopia has been engaged in the reduction of the wide spread poverty for that the contribution of the diplomats is imperative, Seyoum said. ===================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.15,2004 ============================ _______________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Declare Yourself - Register online to vote today! http://vote.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu Sep 16 15:31:32 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:14 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040916133132.84307.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> September 16, 2004 Ethiopia Strategy Support Programme launched by Getachew Dibaba ADDIS ABABA - Ethiopia Strategy Support Programme (ESSP) an initiative to improve and strengthen the country's rural development strategy to better meet the chronic poverty and food security challenges, was launched here yesterday. The ESSP is designed to improve the data and knowledge available to Ethiopian policymakers on a broad range of food security issues, to address specific gaps in knowledge in this arena, and to thereby strengthen the country's capacity for applied research and policy analysis that directly impacts rural development. Stating the high priority, the Ethiopian Government places on its rural development and food security strategies, Dr. Neway Gebre-Ab, Director of the Ethiopian Development Research Institute (EDRI) and Chief Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister, pointed out the need to resolve many complex issues to ensure their implementation and success in the programme inception workshop at the Addis Ababa Hilton. He also stressed the need to strengthen the country's capacity to tackle the challenges facing small holder farmers and rural communities by collaborating with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) which closely worked with the EDRI and other institutions in the establishment of ESSP. In his opening remarks, State Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Belay Ejigu also called for a genuine partnership to reverse the incidence of poverty by making agriculture a profitable business. "This requires beyond generic talks. There must be active participation and collaboration on specific programme, such as the ESSP," he said. Dr. Eleni Zaude Gabre-Medhin, ESSP Programme Leader and IFPRI Senior Research Fellow, on her part underscored the need to focus on small holder agriculture, environmental effects, market development, understanding the country's role in the global economy and a myriad of other issues. "The ESSP will address a number of related challenges, including the need to mobilize and integrate smallholder farmers into the global agricultural system in a way that benefits them and their communities," Dr. Eleni noted. A Rural Economy Knowledge Support System (REKSS), actionable applied research and policy analysis capacity strengthening are three pillars of the programme, according to the programme leader. REKSS aims at integrating knowledge and conduct analyses on the rural economy as well as to track the impact of rural investments and activities while actionable applied research is meant to improve or fill knowledge gaps in rural development. The three-year initial programme has an annual budget of one million USD to be secured from various international organizations. Over 100 researcher, donor representatives, policymakers and representatives from state bureaux of agriculture and economic planning were in attendance at the day-long workshop that aimed at identifying important knowledge gaps related to Ethiopia's rural development strategy and mobilizing key partners and stakeholders, among others. Nationals organize demonstrations demanding Axum Obelisk return ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopians have organized demonstrations outside the Italian embassies in London and Washington, DC demanding the return of the Axum Obelisk, a 24-metre high ancient monolith or carved rock, BBC reported Tuesday. The Obelisk, a sign of civilization in Ethiopia thousands of years ago, was on display on a traffic island in Rome. The Obelisk which was removed in 1936 during the Italian occupation of Ethiopia was dismantled last year but the Italian authorities have not set a return date citing logistical problems. "Well, you see we have been waiting for too long. It should have been returned in accordance with the peace talks in 1947. It should have been returned in accordance with the bilateral agreement between Italy and Ethiopia signed in 1997," BBC quoted Prof. Richard Pankrust as saying on the occasion. "And it is now almost a year since it was dismantled and nothing has been happened. We need an actual date after all we have been waiting over 50 years," he said. UNMEE to stay along Ethiopia-Eritrea border ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution extending the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) until March 15,2005, the Ministry of Information said. The Council also approved adjustments to the operation as recommended last week by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in a report. Those modifications include the replacement of the Slovak military demining contingent with a modest commercial capacity, as well as a timetable for reducing the number of troops operating in the buffer zone. While taking note of some positive developments between the two countries, which signed a cessation of hostilities agreement in June 2000, the Council stressed again the responsibility of both sides for the implementation of the Algiers Agreement and the decision of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission. It also called on both parties "to show political leadership to achieve a full normalization of their relationship, including through the adoption of further confidence building measures." Boeing, Ethiopian vow to further strengthen business partnership by Biniyam Wubishet ADDIS ABABA - Director, International Sales Commercial Airplanes with Boeing, Ihssane Mounir said that Ethiopian Airlines is one of the four biggest business partners in Africa and the most successful airlines in the world as it confirms the company's increased commitment to strengthen the forty years old partnership. Speaking at a press conference held here at Sheraton Addis yesterday, Ihssane said that Ethiopian is one of the very few 'self-sufficient, dependable sustainably profitable, staffed with strong management prudent and intelligently choice taker, strong brand in the transport and finance world air line in the continent. He also indicated that the Ethiopian Government's non-interference in. The airline industry is one of its uniqueness contributory to its success. He said that the 9/11 terrorist attack decreased dramatically the total airplane Boeing delivered and revenue of several airlines severely, except the EAL. "Ethiopian is one of handful airlines in the world that survive 9/11. Even the most giant airlines were the victims of that attack. But it didn't happen to EAL," he added. According to him, in this era when the air transport is still growing, Boeing wants to keep its relation stronger with Ethiopian than ever. "We feel very honoured that our name is attached to a world class airline such as EAL. Really, the honour is honest. We hope we are going to continue to earn that honour and our airplane will keep coming to Ethiopia," he said. He also indicated that the African airlines demanded 570 airplanes in its fleet to give better and competitive service. Ethiopian CEO, Girma Wake on his part said on the occasion that the airline in still determined to work together with Boeing not because they have worked for a long time but it is still producing the kinds of airplanes that the national carrier needs. "The airlines will continue to look forward to give better service to its clients and Boeing would continue to give the lion's share," Ato Girma added. "We are friends. But it is not friendship that sells." he said. According to him, the efficiency of the airplanes and the timely technical assistance offered by Boeing cemented the two business partners so far and hoped would continue in the future. We want to offer best services that could make us competitive with other airlines and as usual we expect Boeing to meet those demands to keep going together. 'We have never been dissatisfied with Boeing,' he added. Deputy Speaker meets Irish delegation ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives said the parliament was playing the role of further strengthening the democratization process underway in Ethiopia. Dr. Petros Olango made the remarks here yesterday during talks with the Irish delegation. Dr. Petros said a wide-range of activities were being carried out currently by the House in the area of capacity building as well as in strengthening the Human Rights Commission and the Ombudsman. Ethiopia has been steadily enhancing its participation through the Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on issues concerning the sub-region, Dr. Petros said. Ethiopia has been showing solidarity with African countries by sending peacekeeping contingents where necessary, he said. Dr. Petros commended the support the Irish Government has been making for the multifarious development endeavours in Ethiopia. He told the Irish delegation that opposition parties would further be encouraged to participate in the upcoming national elections. He said various activities were being carried out also to empower women, and this was reflected in the recent decision by the EPRDF to raise the number of women contestants in the upcoming elections. Chairman of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Irish Parliament, Dr. Michael Woods on his part indicated the need for the House to further enhance its roles in efforts to creating transparency and accountability. Dr. Woods said the House has a great role to play in ensuring transparency and accountability, like its Irish counterpart does. He commended the House for the activities in launching in the area of capacity building and indicated the need to enhance the participation of civil society. He said the Irish Government regards highly its relations with Ethiopia. He said the economic and other cooperation between Ethiopia and Ireland would further be strengthened. ==================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.16,2004 ============================= _______________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Declare Yourself - Register online to vote today! http://vote.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Sep 20 15:10:20 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:14 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040920131020.40956.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> September 18, 2004 President underscores key role of CSOs in enhancing good governance, democratization by Getahun Amogne ADDIS ABABA - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis said Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) should play a crucial role in the efforts to realize good governance, democratization and development through enhanced public awareness and mobilization initiatives. Opening a day-long symposium on 'Civil Society and Governance' here yesterday, President Girma said the government has been putting in place policy and legal frameworks that would enable CSOs to operate freely and contribute their share to the ongoing nation-building process. "Civil Society Organizations need to be aware of their roles and that of the government to work together towards societal transformation in the political, social and economic spheres," the President told the Public Policy Forum of the Inter-Africa Group. The number of local and international associations in Ethiopia has increased steadily over the past ten years, he said, adding that it has now reached 2,060 from that of 70 in 1986 E.C. The President also hailed the initiative taken by CSOs to institute a self-regulatory code of conduct, which, he said, would go a long way in ensuring accountability and transparency in their operations. Earlier, Acting Executive Director of Inter Africa Group, Meaza Ashenafi, said the purpose of the public policy dialogue was to promote understanding on the respective roles of the government and civil society and to forge an appropriate partnership between the two. Inter-Africa Group would, as part of its Public Policy Forum Project, organize similar forums in Addis Ababa and state towns on issues related to media, youth, human rights, women, economy, HIV/AIDS as well as election forums, she said. Meaza also said that Inter-Africa Group would convene a dialogue forum among the ruling and opposition parties by the end of next week, which would be televised, live. In a paper he presented under the theme: Policy and Legal Environment for Civil Society Participation, Minister of Justice Harka Haroye said his ministry has now begun registration and renewal of licenses of CSOs within hours abolishing cumbersome bureaucratic procedures thereby saving the time and costs of service seekers. The draft NGO legislation has been extensively discussed by stakeholders, he said, and added that the law would be instrumental in ensuring transparency and accountability. The draft legislation is expected to be presented to the Council of Ministers by next week. Discussion papers on civil society and governance issues were presented to the symposium attended by members of CSOs, representatives of governmental institutions and the media. Efficient foreign relations service said valuable to ensure rapid, sustainable dev't (Ministry of Information, Friday, September 17,2004) The national effort to ensure rapid and sustainable economic development as well as the establishment of a democratic system requires special focus and intensive activities in key areas of various sectors. It has been said time and again that the main national goal is directed against poverty and backwardness. This needs the identification of priorities, which must be coordinated, cost-effectively, and result-oriented. In this aspect, there are promising activities so far. The annual meeting of the Ethiopian diplomats and employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which had been in session, for about two weeks, and which wound up this week, was relevant to the issue under consideration. High Officials of the various federal ministries including H.E. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, made presentations and held discussions with the diplomats and other officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the major activities and focal areas of our external relations, which are intended to enhance the national effort underway to bring about rapid and sustainable development. Extensive discussions were conducted on the problems and on possible solutions to promote trade and attract foreign investment to the country. It is important to recall that the main objective of the country's task in external relations is to support the on-going activities to overcome poverty and backwardness, as clearly stated in the Foreign Affairs and Security Policy document. Seeking international markets for Ethiopian products and attracting foreign investment are taken as the major activities of all Ethiopian foreign missions. Creating a conductive environment to persuade the Ethiopian Diaspora and foreign citizens of Ethiopian origin to participate in various sectors of development, is the other challenge that deserves attention in our foreign relations service. Moreover, soliciting development aid, grants, and loans as well as lobbying to secure debt cancellation are among the major tasks of the foreign relations sector. These were indeed the fundamental areas of activity highlighted at the annual meeting of the Ethiopian delegates and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is essential to note that the effective activity of the external relations sector has a major positive impact on enhancing the efforts underway to extricate the country from poverty and backwardness. It must be borne in mind that we are in the new millennium where fast exchange of information plays a major role in the process of creating fortune. Under the conditions where production of commodities is nothing without the promotion work on quality, demand and quantity of the products play a major role and is believed to be a serious challenge ahead for our embassies and consulate offices. In the global situation where there is a stiff competition to attract foreign investment, that the task of attracting such investments to out country demands relentless foreign relations efforts, is indeed unquestionable. Likewise, implementing effective mechanisms to secure economic aid, grants, loans and credit cancellation also require exerting extensive efforts and the adoptions of expeditious mechanisms. In line with this, the annual session organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) for its internal and external staff, offers a major advantage and benefit to the country. It is believed that the diplomats have acquired due awareness from the session and identified key areas of major activities in the New Year. In addition to that a favourable environment has already been created in which the federal executive offices coordinate the implementation of their practical activities with our embassies abroad. The participants of the annual session of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have expressed their commitment to exert relentless efforts to implement the priority task set at the end of the session. Finally, this coordinated and interdependent effort between the internal and external relations sectors will make a major contribution to the realization of the national vision to overcome poverty and backwardness in the shortest possible time. General situation in Mission area militarily stable: UNMEE ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The general situation in the Mission area remains military stable, the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) said Thursday. There have been no significant changes in troop locations or dispositions reported during the past week, according to UNMEE. UNMEE conducted 577 ground and twelve air reconnaissance patrols throughout the Area of Responsibility (AOR). In all sectors, UNMEE peace-keepers continued to provide medical assistance to local civilians, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), along with supplies of bulk water to civilian communities in the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ) and the Adjacent Areas, it said. Personnel of the British Peace Support Training Team are currently visiting the Mission area for the specific purpose of conducting a Training Needs Analysis and validating the Kenya Army Engineer Squadron deployed on humanitarian demining operations, it indicated. It is to be recalled that on 14 September 2004, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1560, which extended UNMEE's mandate for another six months to 15 March 2005. September 19, 2004 Five int'l press institutions invited to attend discussion on draft press law ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ministry of Information has invited five international press institutions for discussions on the draft press law of the country. The discussion on the Ethiopian draft press law is scheduled for 28 Sept. 2004, Information and Public Relations Department Head with the ministry, Zemedkun Tekle told ENA yesterday. Zemedkun said the invited press institutions include; Article 19, International Press Institute, Internationals Media Support, International Federation of Journalists, and Media Foundation for West Africa. The Article 19 and the International Press Institute have so far confirmed acceptance of the invitation, he said, the remaining institutions are also expected to join the discussion. He said important ideas to be forwarded during the discussion would be incorporated in the draft press law. According to the head, the Ministry of Information has undertaken a series of discussion forums on the draft press law with stakeholders in a bid to formulate valuable press law instrumental for the strengthening of development and democracy in the country. Ethiopia's coffee export doubles ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopia supplied increased amount of coffee to the international market last year due to improved flavor and quality. Currently, over 30 countries import Ethiopian coffee, Coffee and Teal Quality Control Centre with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said. The centre also announced plan to export over 161,000 tonnes of coffee during the current budget year. The amount of coffee exported over the past five years doubled due to improvement in the quality and distinct flavour, centre head, Abraham Begashaw told ENA Friday. Some 144,000 tonnes of coffee was exported during the past Ethiopian budget year, he said. Accordingly, the country secured 200 million dollars in revenue, the head said. The coffee exported last Ethiopian year exceeded from the previous year by 20,000 tonnes, he said. He said the centre undertakes close inspection on export coffee with a view to maintaining the quality. Presently, over 30 countries including Germany, Japan and England import Ethiopian coffee, according to Abraham. Due attention attached to the agriculture sector development highly contributes to the income the country obtains from the sector, he said. Abraham said three quality control centres would be set up in selected coffee growing areas in Oromia, Gambella and the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples' states this year. ======================================== Pol.ethiopia SEpt.20,2004 ============================= _______________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Declare Yourself - Register online to vote today! http://vote.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue Sep 21 14:51:52 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:14 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040921125152.56439.qmail@web53306.mail.yahoo.com> September 21, 2004 Meles says CDC's support to health sector substantial Ethiopia said focus country to benefit from US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been contributing a significant share in public health services sector. While conferring with CDC Director Dr. Julie Gerberding here yesterday, Prime Minister Meles said Ethiopia gives special place to the support being given by the centre to health services sector in the country. Meles expressed his country's desire to further strengthen the existing cooperation between Ethiopia and the centre. He said the support being extended by CDC would have a significant contribution for the enhancement of the country's health services development programme. Meles told the director that Ethiopia has been utilizing appropriately the fund it received from President Bush's Initiative and Global Fund for HIV/AIDS intervention activities, according to a senior government official. Gerberiding told journalists after the talks that the discussion between Meles and her centered on HIV/AIDS. She said the objectives of her visit to Ethiopia are to attend the 4th Global Tuberculosis (TB) HIV Working Group Meeting and the activities being carried out in the country by CDC. Meanwhile, Gerberding said U.S President Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief has allotted 43 million US dollars to Ethiopia in 2004 in support of national efforts geared toward containing HIV/AIDS. At a press conference held here yesterday, Gerberding said the US Government is committed to assisting Ethiopia toward improving health services in the country. Dr. Gerberding said Ethiopia is one of the 15 focus countries world wide to benefit from the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. She said the US Government would continue assisting Ethiopia in expanding the access to HIV testing and counseling services. Expanding access to HIV testing and counseling is thus a key priority, the director said. "I will be signing a (VCT) project agreement worth 186,000 US dollars at the Empress Zewditu Memorial Hospital and another five-year cooperative agreement worth over 2.5 million US dollars to assist blood services in the country," she said. The director said she would be donating laboratory equipment and supplies worth 685,000 US dollars to Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI). Prime Minister appoints four senior gov't officials ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi gave appointments to four senior government officials including Mulugeta AlemSeged, the Office of the Prime Minister said. The office told ENA late yesterday that, Mulugeta Alem-Seged has been appointed as advisor of the National Security Affairs Minister as of 14 September 2004 in accordance with the newly reorganized structure of the Office of the Office of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister also appointed Birhanu Adelo as head of the Office of the Prime Minister and Minister of Cabinet Affairs as of 14 September 2004. Meles assigned Beyene GebreMeskel as Director General of the Privatization and Government Owned Development Enterprises Supervisory Authority as of 10 September 2004. Meles also appointed Dr. Tshehaynesh Mesele Director of the Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute as of 21 September 2004, the office said. Japanese parliamentarians to visit Ethiopia ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Embassy of Japan to Ethiopia says a delegation led by Dr. Shozaburo JIMI, from the Japan-African Union Parliamentary Friendship Association who is member of the Japanese Diet, will be visiting Ethiopia from 20-21 September, 2004. The embassy stated in a press release it sent to ENA yesterday that the purpose of the parliamentarians' visit is to meet Ethiopian dignitaries to strengthen the relationship between Ethiopia and Japan. The Japanese parliamentarians will hold talks with President Girma Wolde-Giorgis, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and State Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Tekeda Alemu and other senior government officials, it said. Meanwhile, the three members delegation visit two projects supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) today the press release said. The release said the projects are namely the Project for Capacity Building of Alemgena Training and Testing Centre (ATTC), and Groundwater Development and Water Supply Training Project (GWD and WSP). It said the ATTC Project was launched in April 2002 while the GWD and WSP started in 1998 to last up to 2003. JICA is planning to hand over equipment worth of 2.3 million birr to ATTC, according to the release. Kenenisa, Isinbayeva named athletes of the year ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopian runner Kenenisa Bekele and Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva were named Sunday as the International Association of Athletics Federations' male and female athletes of the year, Reuters reported from Monaco. Kenenisa 22, won the world cross country long and short course titles for the third consecutive time this year. He set a world indoor 5,000 record and also broke his compatriot Haile Gebre-Selassie's world outdoor 5,000 and 10,000 marks before going on to win the Olympic 10,000 metres title in Athens followed by a silver medal behind Morocco's Hicham El Guerrouj in the 5,000. Isinbayeva, also 22, won the Olympic title and set eight world records, three of them indoors, Reuters said. El Guerrouj was given a special award for the male performance of the year with his Olympic 1,500 and 5,000 double. Britain's Kelly Holmes, who won the 800 and 1,500 double in Athens, won the women's performance of the year award. Kenenisa and Isinbayeva succeeded last year's winners Hicham El-Guerrouj of Morocco and South Africa's Hestrie Cloete. =================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.21,2004 ===================== __________________________________ 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 Sep 23 15:33:50 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:14 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040923133350.36168.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> September 22, 2004 President, Premier confer with Ethio-Japan Parliamentary League President ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis has indicated the need for Ethiopia and Japan to further strengthen their all round cooperation. Girma made the remark here yesterday during talks with the President of the Ethio-Japan Parliamentary League Dr. Jimi Saburo. According to the President, the sound cooperation between Ethiopia and Japan should further be bolstered in the areas of trade and investment. After holding talks with the President, Dr. Saburo said the talks focused on ways of further enhancing the all round cooperation between the two countries. He said the Ethio-Japan cooperation has steadily been growing. Dr. Saburo has pressed his government increase the development assistance for Ethiopia and make financial support for the Abay Bridge project, an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Meanwhile, Dr. Jimi Shozaburo pledged that he will exert efforts to bring about enhanced support of the Japanese Government to the food security and sustainable development endeavours in Ethiopia. After talks with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi later here yesterday, Dr. Shozaburo told journalists that the government of Japan desires to support Ethiopia's food security programme. He said the Government of Japan will enhance its support to the multi-sector development endeavours in Ethiopia under the cooperation pact between the two countries. The G8 countries to which Japan is a member have endorsed a plan of action that would enable to draw support in the implementation of food security programmes in Ethiopia and other countries, he said. Dr. Shozaburo on the occasion commended Prime Minister Meles for his participation at the TICAD III Summit in Tokyo in September last year. Prime Minister Meles said the cooperation between Ethiopia and Japan has been taken to a new height. The cooperation between the two countries should further be strengthened, the official who attended the meeting quoted Meles as saying. Japan is among the countries who are supporting Ethiopia's development endeavours, he said. He expressed gratitude to the Japanese Government for the significant support it has been providing to Ethiopia. Meles and Dr. Shozaburo deliberated on the multifarious Ethio-Japan cooperation and the Abbay Bridge Project whose design work has already got underway, the official said. They exchanged views also on other bilateral and international issues. Dr. Saburo had paid visit to Ethiopia two years ago. The Japanese delegation led by him is now on a three-day visit to the country. CDC offers financial assistance for blood bank establishment ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ministry of Health and U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) yesterday signed a five million US dollar agreement enabling the former establish eight blood blanks and strengthen existing ones in a period of five years. About 2.5 million US dollars will be released next October. Health Minister Dr. Kebede Tadesse said at the signing ceremony that the financial support has a paramount importance in reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases. CDC Director Dr. Julie Gerberding expressed her Centre's readiness to extend support to strengthening and expansion of the health service sector in Ethiopia. She stressed the need that Ethiopia should combat the spread of HIV/AIDS by ensuring the safety of blood supply. Dr. Kebede, and Dr. Gerberding signed the agreement. Deputy Speaker says Ethiopia active in political, economic activities in Africa Japan donates equipment to ATTC ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives says Ethiopia has been involved in the political and economic activities in Africa in addition to a full-swing national food security and poverty reduction endeavours. Dr. Pertos Olango made the remark here yesterday during talks with a delegation led by President of the Ethio-Japan Parliamentary League Dr. Jimi Shozaburo. He told the delegation that Ethiopia has launched the implementation of capacity building streamlined in all sectors, particularly at the grass roots level, with a view to reducing poverty. According to Dr. Petros a wideranging food security activities are being implemented as part of efforts to come out self-sufficient in food in the shortest time possible. The initiative shown to date by G8 countries to support the food security endeavours in Ethiopia explains the success the government is achieving in this front, the Deputy Speaker said. He said the support expressed by delegates of the Japanese Government participating in the G8 Summit for enhanced cooperation for Ethiopia's food security endeavours reaffirms that Japan is among the forerunner development partners of the Ethiopian peoples. Ethiopia will remain committed to the development ideals of the Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and other development initiatives in Africa as well as to the endeavours to ward off conflicts and bring about economic development. He appeared for the enhanced support of Japan in this front. He commended the multilateral and trilateral financial and project support being extended by the Japanese Government to Ethiopia. Dr. Shozaburo on the occasion said Ethiopia and Japan have maintained their long-standing relations, and called for enhanced endeavours in Ethiopia in the activities geared towards food security and poverty alleviation. He said the endeavours of the Ethiopian Parliament to enhance the democratization are commendable. Meanwhile, the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) yesterday handed over various equipment worth 1.9 million birr to the Alemgena Training and Testing Centre of the Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA). Dr. Jimi Shozaburo, Chairman of the Ethio-Japan Parliamentary Friendship League handed over the donation to ERA General Manager Zayid Wolde-Gebriel. Dr Shozaburo, who is also member of the Japanese Parliament and Vice-President of the priority areas of development cooperation to Ethiopia focuses on assisting in the road sector development as roads infrastructure is vital for development. Zayid on his part said the Japanese Government has been making similar donations in line with the cooperation agreement with ERA. The Japanese Government has significantly contributed to the road sector in Ethiopia, he said. The Addis Ababa - Goha Tsion Road project was implemented with the support secured from JICA. ATTC Head Haily Chekun on his part said the donation coming from the Japanese Government plays significant role in the centre's capacity building. ATTC has so far trained more than 15,000 professionals in various fields of the sector. ATTC was established in 1956. Meles holds talks with newly appointed UNDP Resident Representative, WHO official UNDP Representative assumes office ADDIS ABABA (ENA/EH) - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will enhance its development cooperation in the areas which Ethiopia has prioritized, the newly appointed UNDP representative to Ethiopia said. Modibo Toure after conferring with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi here yesterday told journalists that UNDP will continue with its support to Ethiopia focusing on sustainable development and poverty reduction. UNDP has been assisting in the realization of the development policies and strategies of the Ethiopian Government, Toure said. Toure expressed commitment to further the amicable relations between Ethiopia and the UNDP in particular and the UN in general. He said the discussions with the Prime Minister enable him to clearly understand the activities being carried out to translate into practice the development policies and strategies. UNDP has earmarked 121 million US dollars for development intervention in Ethiopia in the year 2005, Toure said. In addition, the programme will exert efforts to solicit additional funds for use in implementation of development projects in Ethiopia, he said. Prime Minister Meles also told Toure about the activities underway to attract foreign direct investment into Ethiopia. He told Toure that a number of entrepreneurs from various countries have invested particularly in the floriculture and horticulture development. Newly appointed United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative and United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ethiopia, Mr. Modibo Toure officially submitted his credentials to the Ethiopian Government last Friday, September 17,2004. UNDP Office press release faxed to the Herald yesterday said that Mr. Toure joined the UN specialized agency in September 1990 assuming increasingly higher-level responsibilities in various assignments both at the Headquarters and in the field. Mr. Toure just completed a three year assignment in Cahd (2001-2004) as UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative and recently as Humanitarian Coordinator, the release said. According to the release, prior to joining the UN, Mr. Toure worked in the private sector in the US as well as in the civil service in Mali. Holder of MBA degree as well as a degree in Economics, Mr. Toure is married and a father of three children. In another development, Assistant Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) said it will continue supporting Ethiopia's health services delivery. WHO assistant director Dr. Jack Chow after talks with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi here yesterday told journalists that his organization has been assisting in the health delivery programmes in Ethiopia. Dr. Chow said WHO has been working closely with the Ethiopian Government in the implementation of policies and strategies in the sector. He pledged enhanced support to the health sector development, particularly to HIV, TB and malaria prevention and treatment. WHO will exert efforts to make medicines available at lower prices as part of its intervention in the prevention of diseases, he said. WHO will support health extension services programmes in Ethiopia, he said. Prime Minister Meles told Dr. Chow that the health services extension programme is believed to register positive results. The support of WHO and other partners is significant for the successful implementation of the country's health programme, an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who attended the meeting quoted Meles as saying. Prime Minister Meles commended WHO and the International Fund for their assistance in the activities launched in Ethiopia to prevent HIV, TB and Malaria. September 23, 2004 ANDM vows to conduct elections in democratic manner BAHIRDAR (ENA) - The Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM) declared its resolve yesterday to conduct the upcoming national and state elections in a democratic manner. The participants of the ANDM organizational conference said, candidates to be fielded would contest in a free and transparent manner against opposition parties which are active in the state, according to spokesperson of the Movement. They said that the peaceful competitions would enable the electorates to cast their vote for their own choice. ANDM would play a leading role in facilitating ways and fielding candidates who could win the hearts and minds of the electorates. The conference participants asserted that election observers invited by the Federal Government would be given every opportunity to help them accomplish their responsibilities in a neutral and independent way. ANDM would raise women participation both at the state council and the Federal Parliament to 30 per cent it was learnt. The organizational conference of ANDM that was in session for three days rounded up yesterday by adopting a resolution. Electoral Board says preparation of materials required for referendum completed ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The preparation of all the necessary materials needed for the referendum that will determine the fate of 461 kebeles bordering Oromia and Somali states has been finalized, the National Electoral Board said. Board Deputy Head Tesfaye Mengesha told ENA yesterday that the preparation of registration cards, ballots, ballot boxes, among others, was completed. He said the dispatching of relevant documents and materials to the stated areas would begin on 2 October 2004. Tesfaye said the Board has allocated 3.4 million birr for the implementation of the referendum from its own budget. The Board has called upon the two states to discharge the responsibilities entrusted to them for the success of the referendum. Both states have territorial claims on the stated number of kebeles, whose fate are to be determined through referendum. AEUP suspends membership from opposition unity ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The All Ethiopian Unity Party (AEUP) says it has suspended its membership from the opposition unity. The party said the move of the opposition unity lacks transparency, accountability and it is inconsistent with its fundamental principles. The Ethiopian Democratic Forces Unity (EDFU) has been engaged in a destructive move that could strengthen the position and prolong the power of the ruling party, according to a statement AEUP sent to ENA yesterday. EDFU was established on the platform to bring together the opposition parties and spearhead their struggle in a peaceful way and form a coalition government by winning the national elections, it said. AEUP, however, said the EDFU declared that it would form a transitional government provided that it won the elections which the party described as a flagrant violation of the agreements made. Although removing the ruling party was a common agenda of members of the opposition unity, it should be made clear that most of the parties have differences from their detailed objectives to organizational structures. Some are organized along ethnic lines and others are national political parties, it said. The differences among the opposition parties are irreconcilable and couldn't enable to develop a common political platform, it said. The opposition unity has ignored all the requests forwarded by AEUP to correct the documents distributed in violation of the agreements reached at the congress. Some of the documents distributed were primarily designed to serve the interests of some individuals and were against the spirit of the founding congress. The opposition unity has been engaged in a destructive propaganda instead of entertaining the requests in a free and democratic manner. AEUP said it participation in the opposition unity was meaningless other than giving way to time consuming fruitless discussions. ==================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.23,2004 ========================= _______________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Declare Yourself - Register online to vote today! http://vote.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri Sep 24 14:50:06 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:14 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040924125006.30618.qmail@web53310.mail.yahoo.com> September 24, 2004 Deputy Speaker calls for strong commitment, vision to protect torture victims by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives Dr. Petros Olango underscored the need for strong commitment and vision in protecting, healing and supporting victims of torture. Opening a two-day sub-Saharan Africa regional workshop on "Net-working Among Rehabilitation Centres Working Against Torture" at the Imperial Hotel yesterday, Dr. Petros said that making torture victims productive and active participants in the development endeavour of their respective countries could only be possible when survivors are cured from the psychosocial effect of the trauma. "Today, Africa is looking forward for the unification. African parliaments have crucial role to play in the unification. As to Ethiopia, we will play our duties and responsibilities in the Pan African Parliaments to create a conflict-free Africa," the Deputy Speaker reaffirmed. According to Dr. Petros, Ethiopia has committed itself to protecting this group of society and respecting the democratic rights of all its citizens through the Human Right Commission and the Office of the Ombudsman created under the Parliament. AU Social Affairs Commissioner Adv. Gawanas Bience Philomina on her part indicated that the Commission's commitment to continue its advocacy for the elimination of torture and the resolution of all conflicts through dialogue rather than arms and weapons. After indicating that torture is a gross violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in particular reference to Africa, also of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, the Commissioner emphasized on the need to oppose torture and armed conflicts in all its forms and machinations so as to make them a thing of history on this continent. Chairman of the Board of the Rehabilitation Centre for Victims of Torture in Ethiopia, Dr. Abraham Asnake, also indicated that the country is on the right track of building democracy and establishing democratic institution. "All law enforcement agencies are given training on the constitution of the country and human right. All prison officials are required to understand the basic human right and are not expected to use torture as a means of investigation. The Ministry of Justice supervises the prisons and investigates if complaints are lodged," he said. Various papers are expected to be presented at the workshop sponsored by the International Rehabilitation Council for Victims of Torture (IRCT). EU urges Ethiopia, Eritrea to abide by Algiers Peace Accord ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The European Union urged Ethiopia and Eritrea Wednesday to implement the Algiers Peace Agreement and bread the deadlock over the demarcation process of their borders, Reuters reported. The EU reiterated its unreserved support to the peace process between Ethiopia and Eritrea saying the two parties needs peace and stability to be able to concentrate on the serious problems they are facing. Keeping the peace mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea is necessary to ensure stability in the region, the EU said hailing the UN resolution, which recently extended the UNMEE mandate for six months. NEB makes 2005 national elections timetable public ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The National Electoral Board (NEB) has made official the timetable for the 2005 national elections. According to the timetable, the date of voting for the House of Peoples Representative and state councils has been slated for 15 May 2005. NEB told ENA yesterday that the Board during its regular meeting on September 14,2004, endorsed the timetable for the federal and state governments' elections. Accordingly, the days between October 30, 2004 and January 6, 2005 will be the period within which candidates solicit endorsement signatures at their respective constituencies on the forms to be made available at woreda education offices at their respective woredas of residence. Candidates will then begin to canvass officially beginning February 19, according to the timetable that also slated the period between January 9 and February 7 as the time of votes' registration. February 3 and 4 are the dates for special registration of voters. On June 8, NEB shall endorse and announce national voting outcomes, the Board said. HIV/AIDS battle Business community to focus on workplace programmes by Biniyam Wubishet ADDIS ABABA - Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce (AACC) Vice-President said yesterday that the business community would focus on workplace intervention programmes in the fight against HIV/AIDS that has increasing negative impact on the country's business activities. Opening the 4th Business and HIV/AIDS National Conference Eyesus-Work Zafu said that workplace business and HIV/AIDS programmes are the best strategy and top priority to speed up the response of Ethiopian business to the pandemic. According to him, the business community's response came in 2001 following the decision passed during the 24th General Assembly of AACC to mainstream business sand HIV issues saying HIV/AIDS is a business and development challenge. "Since then, different activities have been undertaken in areas of awareness creation, training and orphan support initiatives through the business and HIV/AIDS Secretariat," he added. Addis Ababa City Administration Health Bureau Head, Dr. Eyob Kamil said on the occasion that the government still believes that the business community has a dual responsibility both in reducing poverty and protecting its family from HIV/AIDS, the community being the main development partner. Dr. Eyob also indicated that though the provision of care and support to HIV orphans and elders is the responsibility of the society, it strongly demands the active involvement of businesspersons. He also assured the business community that the City Government would work hand in hand in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Business and HIV/AIDS Secretariat Tamirat Admassu said while presenting 'Components of Workplace Programmes' that the objective is to ensure a non-discriminatory working atmosphere regardless of HIV status, keep confidentiality of workers, as well as the provision of care and support. He also said that the major programme components are education and care as well as support. According to him, lack of commitment both from employers and employees, funds and expertise (especially in small and medium sized enterprise) are the challenges for implementing workplace programme. The AACC on the occasion donated 20,000 birr to the Abebech Gobena and Hana Orphanages. The two-day national conference is expected to discuss different aspects of workplace intervention. ============================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.24,2004 ====================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Read only the mail you want - Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Sep 29 11:16:13 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:14 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040929091613.37711.qmail@web53310.mail.yahoo.com> September 25, 2004 Nation obtains over 600 mln. USD for HSDP ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Over 600 million US dollars has been secured from donors and financial institutions both in loans and grants for the Health Sector Development Programme that would be undertaken for the next five years in Ethiopia, minister of health said. Minister of Health Dr. Kebede Tadesse made the remark at the conclusion of the 6th annual Review Meeting (ARM) of the Health Sector Development Programme (HSDP) that was held here. He said 400 million US dollars of the stated sum would be used for the eradication of tuberculosis and the balance could be used to contain the spread of HIV/AIDS, malaria eradication and to support other diseases related programmes, he said. According to Dr. Kebede the grant was obtained from the global fund, Bush initiative and USAID and the loan was from the World Bank. Progress and achievements have been made in 16 health service extension programmes, in the training and graduation of 2800 health extension workers by January 2005 and in the completion of studies on the accelerated expansion of primary health care coverage, among others, he said. Representative of USAID to Ethiopia Susan Anthony said on her part that if the ongoing implementation of the health extension programme in the country continues in the same pace, it will be possible to expand basic health services very rapidly. She said the support from partners should be strengthened in order to realize the programme successfully. The review meeting has examined the implementation status of 1995 E.C and 1996 E.C sector plans, the progress in the implementation of the Health Extension Package Programme, the federal and state experiences in the preparation of Strategic Planning and Management, among others. Representatives of higher learning and health institutions, NGOs, and donors working with the government, among others were in attendance at the five-day review meeting. Africa lobbies for UN Security Council seats ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - African nations stepped up their campaign Thursday for greater representation on the UN Security Council, with Senegal calling for two permanent seats, AFP reported. Reform of the 15-nation Security Council has the firm support of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, who set up a high-level panel that is to make proposals for change in December, AFP said. "The world, now more than ever, needs a strong United Nations with reinforced legitimacy," Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade is quoted as saying in a speech to the UN General Assembly. African nations want the continent to be given "at least two permanent seats and two additional nonpermanent seats," Wade said. On Tuesday, Brazil, Germany, India and Japan launched a united bid for permanent UN Security Council seats, arguing that expanded membership was crucial to addressing new global threats. The four nations also voiced support for the addition of an African permanent seat and the expansion of the non-permanent membership, AFP said. The Council has had the same five permanent members with veto power since the United Nations was established in the wake of World War II: Britain, China, France, the United States and Russia, as successor to the Soviet Union. Ten other nations are elected as non-permanent Olusegun Obasanjo echoed the need for those regions of the world that are unrepresented at the heart of the United Nation's top decision-making body to be given a voice. "Africa, whose issues occupy a substantial part of the Security Council's time, ought to be accorded priority consideration for permanent membership," Obasanjo is quoted as saying. Obasanjo said expansion of Council membership was crucial to making the United Nations "more representative, effective and acceptable." Petty trade booming along Ethio-Sudan common borders GONDAR (ENA) - The amicable bilateral cooperation that existed between the governments of Ethiopia and the Sudan has encouraged border trade along the two countries, the north-west customs coordinating office said. Office head Haile-Gebriel Worku told ENA Thursday that the traders in Metema town, chilga Woreda of the North Gondar Zone in the Amhara State have been engaged in border trade with a registered working capital of about 2,000 birr. He said the traders have been selling various products on both sides of the borders for the last six months. Traders from Geleabt (Sudan) were also selling various goods at the Metema markets, he said. Some 300 Metema town residents have received licences to engage in trade along the common borders of the two countries, according to the office head. The Ethiopian traders are expected to supply agricultural and dairy products to markets in Sudanese towns while the Sudanese would bring agricultural and industrial products to the Ethiopian towns established along the borders, according to agreements reached between the two governments. The border trades have a great contribution in promoting the people -to-people relations along with their economic advantages, he said. September 26, 2004 House Speaker to leave for Geneva ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian delegation led by Speaker of the House of the Federation Dr. Mulatu Teshome is to leave for Switzerland today to attend the 11th Assembly of the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU). The House of the Federation told ENA that the five member delegation would take part in the assembly due to be held in Geneva from September 28- October 1, 2004. Parliamentary Speakers from various countries, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and scholars of the Geneva University are expected to attend the assembly. ECA to host governance meet here ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - About one thousand delegates from allover Africa including presidents, activists, businesspeople, journalists and academics will gather in Addis Ababa from 11-15 October to participate in vigorous debate on strengthening governance in Africa. The UN's Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) would host the 4th African Development Forum (ADFIV) under the theme of Governance for a Progressing Africa. Improved governance was chosen as this year's theme in recognition of the essential role it can play in transforming Africa's economies, according to an ECA press release issued Friday. It is one of the pillars of the New Partnership for Africas Development (NEPAD), it said. The African Development Forum is an ECA initiative intended to advance an African-driven development agenda. It aims to initiate dialogue, build consensus and mobilize partnerships around African stakeholders. City Police Commission marks Rank Transfer Day 121 members promoted by Yemane Terefe ADDIS ABABA - The Addis Ababa City Government Police Commission yesterday marked Rank Transfer Day with the promotion of 121 members for excelling in their performance in accordance with Federal Police Commission Proclamation No. 313/1995 Article "7" No. "11". City Police Commissioner Befkadu Tolera said on the occasion that the rank transfer was aimed at boosting the morale of the police members to serve the public honestly and maintain law and order thereby ensuring peace and security in the metropolis. He also said that the main task of the police is to prevent or otherwise investigate crime and bring alleged criminals to justice. According to the Commissioner, 14, 35,56,12 and 4 were promoted to the tanks of Commanders, Deputy Commanders, Chief Inspectors, Inspectors and Deputy Inspectors respectively. Mayor of the City Government and Guest Honour Arkebe Equbay on his part said that the City Police Commission is entrusted with the task of maintaining peace and stability of the metropolis and safeguarding the constitution. To serve the public, the police institution should be equipped with better professional capacity, embued with democratic culture and honesty," he added. The Mayor also called upon city residents to work closely with the police to maintain peace and stability thereby become beneficiaries of the development activities well underway in the metropolis. Federal Police Commissioner Workineh Gebeyehu also noted that police plays a key role in the national poverty reduction effort and bring about sustainable development. He added promotion would no more be given in counting years of service but by performing notable activities. ECA to host governance meet here ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - About one thousand delegates from allover Africa including presidents, activists, businesspeople, journalists and academics will gather in Addis Ababa from 11-15 October to participate in vigorous debate on strengthening governance in Africa. The UN's Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) would host the 4th African Development Forum (ADFIV) under the theme of Governance for a Progressing Africa. Improved governance was chose as this year's theme in recognition of the essential role it can play in transforming Africa's economies, according to an ECA press release issued Friday. It is one of the pillars of the New Partnership for Africas Development (NEPAD), it said. The African Development Forum is an ECA initiative intended to advance an African-driven development agenda. It aims to initiate dialogue, build consensus and mobilize partnerships around African stakeholders. Ethiopian cargo plane begins carrying flowers to Europe ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Airlines launched a once weekly cargo flight to export flowers to the European markets as part of the initiatives taken to encourage foreign trade. Minister of State for Trade and Industry Fantaye Biftu said Friday that the cooperation of the Ethiopian Airlines to carry the products to the foreign markets would give impetus to the development of the sector in the country. He said the Ethiopian Government would continue providing support to the flori-culture development. The Ethiopian Airlines would launch a twice-weekly flight to meet the demands of the customers beginning in October. Chairperson of the Ethiopian Floriculturalists Association Tsegaye Abebe said over 14.4 million euros was expected to be obtained from the sale of flowers this year. He said the income from the sector during the 2004 was 4.8 million euros, adding that the flowers industry has created 3,700 jobs to compatriots. Netherlands Ambassador to Ethiopia Rob Vermass said many entrepreneurs in his country have shown interest to take part in the flower industry, as the investment atmosphere in Ethiopia is conducive. So far 15 companies have been engaged in the agricultural sector and others are preparing to come to Ethiopia soon, he said. Two higher learning officials resign ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The resignation of Dr. Gemechu Megerssa and DR. Mintesinot Behailu has been accepted as per their request, Ministry of Information said. The Ministry told ENA Friday that Dr. Gemechu was appointed as Director of the Agency for Higher Learning Accreditation and Quality Monitoring and Dr. Mintesinot was also assigned as Director for the Strategic Centre of Higher Learning. The resignation of the two officials has been accepted as of 25 September 2004, the ministry said. ===================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.29,2004 =========================== _______________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Declare Yourself - Register online to vote today! http://vote.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Sep 29 14:58:07 2004 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:14 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20040929125807.12438.qmail@web53310.mail.yahoo.com> September 28, 2004 Premier reaffirms commitment to African PeaceKeeping effort Liberia, Burundi contingents receive awards, certificates by Haile-Gebriel Endeshaw ADDIS ABABA - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi reaffirmed that the Ethiopian people and government were ready to intensify involvement in peacekeeping mission in Africa. Handing out medal awards and certificates to the units of the Defence Forces deployed to Burundi and Liberia, Meles, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the National Armed Forces said that their iron discipline has won the admiration of the peoples of the two countries. "Due to this, the country is being asked to involve in such similar peacekeeping missions. In view of the firm support of the Ethiopian people and government to African peace, I would like to assure our readiness to involve in the peace-keeping mission in an intensified manner," the Premier said. Lt. General Samora Yenus, Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian Armed Forces said earlier that the Ethiopian peacekeeping contingents in Burundi and Liberia have discharged their responsibility with a unique heroic feat. Samora further said that the Ethiopian Defence Forces would continue to relentlessly work for a peaceful and prosperous world. According to a press release obtained from the Ministry of Defence, Wegagan Battalion, that was deployed to Burundi in August 2003 and served in the peace mission for 11 months apart from accomplishing its mission, the Battalion integrated itself with the local people helping them mitigate their social problems. The 852-member unit returned home early last month handing over the mission to the newly dispatched Ethiopian battalion. The other Ethiopian peace-keeping contingent, the 87th Brigade, which served for eight months in Liberia under the auspices of the UN, returned home this month with a success story behind it. The Brigade greatly contributed to pacifying war-torn Liberia by establishing disarming centres and actually disarming those in possession of illegal arms. Moreover, it discharged its responsibilities of stabilizing the vast region and looking after the security of workers of international charity organizations, officials of the UN peacekeeping force and that of military observers. Political parties debate civil society, good governance issues by Getahun Amogne ADDIS ABABA - Three political parties, including the ruling Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), debated about their positions regarding Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and good governance last Sunday. Two opposition parties, the All Ethiopian Unity Party (AEUP) ad Unity of Ethiopian Democratic Party (UEDP) as well as EPRDF presented their views on the role of CSOs in good governance and development efforts at a Public Policy Forum of the Inter-Africa Group broadcast live on state radio and television. Information Minister Bereket Simon, who represented EPRDF along with Justice Minister Harka Haroye said that good governance and development could be guaranteed through the direct and massive participation of the public. "EPRDF believes that the general public mobilized on its free will contributes significantly to ensuring good governance rather that those members of the civil society whose projects are expensive and are very much influenced by their donors,") Bereket said. Bereket also said that over the last 13 years, EPRDF has been putting in place various legal and institutional frameworks aimed at creating an enabling environment for the public to release their energies in building effective government administrations that promote the rule of law and development. Officials of AEUP on their part argued that the EPRDF-led government has been suspicious of CSOs as it lacks accountability and transparency in its systems. They also accused the ruling party of interfering in the internal affairs of CSOs in breach of constitutional provisions. UEDP on its part criticized the government for drafting an NGO legislation, which, it said, is totally disabling for the operation of CSOs. UEDP also held EPRDF accountable for illegally changing the leaderships of the Ethiopian Teachers' Association (ETA) and the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists' Association (EFJA). EPRDF officials responded that the supervision and control of CSOs in the new legislation was meant to make sure that the resources solicited in the name of poor Ethiopians are used for the intended purpose. The supervision, which, they said, is a common practice in many countries, would be carried out in accordance with established regulations. ETA and EFJA were engaged in political agitation leaving aside their establishment objectives, Bereket said, adding that the change of leadership in these associations was initiated by the members themselves who were dissatisfied by their activities. The political parties also responded to questions posed by members of the civil society and journalists. "EPRDF is ready to accept any feasible ideas that are of public interest," Bereket responded to a question about forging partnership. "However, despite the inflated perceptions they have for themselves, we believe that NGOs have limitations in executing mass-based development projects." With regard to enhancing women's participation, EPRDF said the problems of women could only be solved by addressing socio-economic problems in rural localities by actively involving them in the process rather than conference advocacy by urban elites. Commenting on questions related to the draft press law, Bereket said extensive deliberations with stakeholders were held and important ideas included in the draft. Further discussions with international press agencies would also be held soon to refine the law before it is passed to parliament, he added. Asked about their alternatives to enhance women's participation, UEDP officials said they were striving to have more women member in their party. They said women's participation in the decision-making process could not be maximized unless the existing electoral law is changed. AEUP accused the EPRDF-led government of imposing its revolutionary democracy principles upon CSOs under the guise if Civil Society Capacity Building Programme. Responding to questions about the rampant mismanagement of resources in CSOs, both oppositions said this should be controlled through a self-regulatory mechanism of the organizations and by their funding agencies. Bereket rejected to allegation of imposing revolutionary democracy outlook on CSOs as unfounded. He added that the capacity building programme was meant to create an enabling environment for CSOs in their development and democratization endeavours. He further stated that NGOs are not considered as strong development partners since 60-80 per cent of their total budget is spent in overhead costs. The huge amount of money they require for a single project also makes their contribution in significant in poor countries like Ethiopia, he added. Bereket also said that following the renewal process, EPRDF has been taking various constructive measures to fight corruption and realize transparency and accountability. He cited the policy deliberation forums conducted its a cross-section of the society including the AAU staff and the business community as encouraging moves in the right direction. He also expressed his party's support for such policy dialogue forums, which, he said, were instrumental in making upcoming elections free and fair. Three other opposition parties failed to appear for the debate though they were invited, the organizers said. Inter-Africa Group plans to convene similar forums on various national issues until May. September 29, 2004 Ethiopia has no different agenda other than reducing poverty, ensuring food security: Seyoum ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopia has no a different agenda other than establishing durable peace and stability, which is the prime factor for expediting economic development, Foreign Minister Seyoum said. Addressing the ongoing 59th General Assembly of the United Nations yesterday in New York, USA, Seyoum said Ethiopia has been committed to seek a peaceful solution to the Ethio-Eritrea border conflict. He said the common enemy of the peoples of Ethiopia and Eritrea is only poverty, adding that there is no reason that the peoples of the two countries should develop a feeling of enmity. Seeking a solution to the border conflict by means of force has no ground according to the provisions stipulated in the Algiers Peace Accord, he said adding that the two countries should avoid military confrontations and ensure durable and lasting peace in the region. He said searching a peaceful solution to the conflict is the duty of the two countries, adding that UN Security Council has passed various decisions urging the parties to work for peace. The minister said reducing the level of corruption and ensuring food security is the major priority of Ethiopia. A country like Ethiopia, which is home to many nationalities shouldn't have a different agenda other than building a democratic system. He said Ethiopia has been contributing to the prevalence of peace and stability in Africa in its capacity as a member of the AU's Peace and Security Council. He said the Ethiopian peacekeeping forces have been deployed in Burundi and Liberia to support the peace efforts in the sisterly African countries. Government appoints two State Ministers ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The government has appointed Melaku Fenta and Dr. Tewodros Adhanom as State Ministers of Federal Affairs and Health respectively. Melaku was appointed to the post effective September 25,2004, the Ministry of Information told ENA yesterday. Melaku was serving as head of the Civil Services Reform Programme Office with the Ministry. Dr. Tewodros was also appointed State Minister of Health effective September 15. He was serving as health bureau head of the Tigray State Government. Gov't desires to establish responsible, vibrant media ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - It was the interest of the Ethiopian Government to pave the way for the growth of an independent, critical and balanced, vibrant and credible media in the country, Minister of Information Bereket Simon said. At a discussion forum organized with representatives of the international press institutions about the draft press law, Bereket said the incumbent government has taken various constructive measures aimed at establishing a press that could be instrumental in promoting peace and understanding and democratic institutions. He said the draft press law was initiated based on the freedom of press as enshrined in the supreme law of the land. The minister said following a series of discussions held with the pertinent bodies amendments have been made. Despite the measures taken on part of the government to establish a free press that is responsible, accountable and a competitive, some international media institutions have chosen to relay on deliberately distorted and politically motivated misrepresentation of facts. The ideas generated from the various forums have been included in the draft press law, he said. He said the draft press law would be sent to the Council of Ministers with the amended features adding that it would be referred to the House of Peoples' Representatives for an extensive discussion prior to its approach. ===================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.29,2004 ========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com