From polethiopia@yahoo.com Mon Jan 3 08:49:46 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2005 00:49:46 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050103084946.54001.qmail@web53310.mail.yahoo.com> January 1, 2005 Six political parties agree to continue debate ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Six political parties have agreed to continue the political parties have agreed to continue the political debate to be organized by Inter-Africa Group after two weeks, the group said. Political Parties Debate Forum Coordinator Nebiyu Samuel told ENA yesterday that the parties have agreed that the debate should focus on Industrial Development Policy. The political parties reached the agreement following a discussion they held here yesterday at Sheraton Addis. The agreement was reached among the ruling party, the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front, the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, the United Ethiopian Democratic Forces, All Ethiopian Democratic Party, the Oromo Federal Democratic Movement and Pan-Africanist Ethiopian Party. The parties have also reached agreement to hold a debate on urban development policy after three weeks and a debate on service sector after one month. Council of Ministers endorses bill ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Council of Minister approved here yesterday a bill for ratification of a loan and aid agreement enabling to implement Productive Safety Project designed based on the Ethiopian Water Resources Management Regulation, the Office of the Prime Minister said. In a press statement it sent to ENA yesterday, the office said the Council in its 123rd session said it was necessary to issue a regulation that would enable to utilize effectively the country's water resources under the appropriate administration. The Council approved after deliberating extensively on the bill for the ratification of the Productive Safety Project. The Council said the project to be implemented with the loan and aid would support the food security programme being implemented in food deficit areas of the country while enabling dozens of people to participate in various development activities through food-for-work programme. It also said the project would have a significant importance in bringing about sustainable development through the launching of various developments activities in drought prone areas, the statement said. The Council accepted and referred the draft proclamation to the House of Peoples' Representatives for approval, it said. The Ethiopian Water Resources Management Regulation was endorsed in 1992 E.C. AU expresses solidarity with victims of natural calamities ADDIS ABABA - The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission was deeply shocked by the natural calamities that recently devastated south-east Asia, as well as part of the Indian Ocean coast of Africa, which resulted in immense losses of life and considerable material damage, AU press release indicated. The press release sent to the Herald by AU yesterday said in this tragic situation, Konare expresses, on behalf of the Commission of the African Union, and on his own behalf, Africa's solidarity and sympathy to the affected populations and governments, as well as deep felt condolences to the bereaved families. As a gesture of solidarity towards the affected populations, the African Union decided to make a symbolic contribution of US $100,000. The Chairperson commends the efforts already deployed by some states, including African states, to alleviate the suffering of the affected populations and he wishes to call on the entire international community and the member states of the African Union in particular, to join the efforts and to provide the necessary assistance to the affected countries, the release added. "Peace proposal lacking public participation won't bring lasting solution": Opposition ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Opposition parties said a peace proposal that failed to consider the participation of the public would not bring a lasting solution to Ethio-Eritrea border dispute. Pointing out that few government leaders were deciding on the fate of the people and sovereignty of the nation, the opposition parties said the five-point new peace proposal could not bring lasting solution to the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute. The opposition parties, United Ethiopian Democratic Forces and the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, made the statement during a press statement they gave here last Thursday at Semen Hotel in connection with public gathering called by the parties opposing the proposal put forward by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and approved by the country's parliament. Pointing out that the parties strongly oppose the new peace proposal, they called upon the public to express their interest regarding the proposal by taking part in the gathering. The parties stressed the need that the peoples of the two countries should struggle against the dictatorial position and attitudes if there is a desire to bring about sustainable peace and enhance brotherhood between the peoples of the two countries through discussion. The parties said the gathering which is intended to be held tomorrow would enable the people to struggle for their rights and decide on the fate of their country. January 2, 2005 President lauds Addis greening, beautifying efforts ADDIS ABABA (ENA/WIC) - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis has lauded efforts launched by Clean and Green Addis Ababa Initiative to make the metropolis clean and suitable for living. Opening the Initiative's General Assembly yesterday, President Girma said that the Initiative is expected to register encouraging results by cleaning the city in the years ahead. He also said governmental and non-governmental organizations, the business community, educational institutes and the metropolitans should continue with their efforts towards creating the clean Addis Ababa. The President recommended the establishment of a joint forum for the implementation of integrated activities on environmental development and natural resources conservation. He said the efforts launched to clean the city should continue in sustainable manner for making the city environmental friendly would take longer years. President Girma also called upon members of the Initiative to further intensify their integrated activities of planting trees, cleaning rivers from pollution and soil conservation. The President assured the Initiative that the government would do everything possible to help realize its goal of making Addis Ababa, Capital of Africa, clean and beautiful. Speaking on his part Addis Ababa City Mayor Arkebe Equbay stressed the need that priority should be given to clear the city from environmental pollution, which affects the health of thousands of city residents. He said the younger generation has the greater responsibility of greening and beautifying the city. Speaking on his part Initiative President Dr. Fisseha Eshetu said that the main objective of the launching of the Initiative is to raise the awareness of the public about the importance of keeping the city clean. The Initiative has managed to collect and dump 14,273 cubic metres of garbage from the ten sub-cities and planted 22,000 tree seedlings of various species in cooperation with the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Authority and other organizations over the last one year, he said. Dr. Fisseha further said that the Initiative plans to construct 50 public toilets in ten selected kebeles. Prizes and certificates were awarded to individuals and organizations who made outstanding contributions in greening and beautifying the city. An exhibition depicting activities undertaken to beautify and green the city was also visited by participants of the assembly. Currently, the Initiative has 392 members. Zonal TPLF, ANDM offices field candidates ADDIS ABABA (WIC/ENA) - The Central Tigray Zone Administration said that the Tigray Peoples' Liberation Front (TPLF) has fielded 70 candidates for the upcoming national and state elections. Zonal Deputy Administrator and Public Mobilization Head Kiros Gebre-Silassie told WIC that 14 candidates vie for seats in the House of Peoples' Representatives, and the rest for State Council in 14 constituencies of the Zone. According to the Deputy Administor, 28 and five of the candidates vying for seats in the state Council and in the House of Peoples' Representatives are women respectively. Similarly, the North Wollo Zone branch Amhara Nation Democratic Movement (ANDM) said that it has fielded 32 candidates for the elections. Office Head Nigus Demilew said nine candidates will vie for in the state council and 23 in the House of Peoples Representatives. The candidates have already begun collecting candidature endorsement signatures in their respective constituencies, he said. According to Nigus, 30-40 per cent of the candidates constitute women. Eritrean people, army urged to pressurize gov't to accept proposal ADDIS ABABA (ENA/WIC) - Some members of the army at the Badme Front have called on Eritrean people and the army to pressurize government to accept the peace proposal forwarded the Ethiopian government to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea boarder dispute. They told ENA recently that they fully support the proposal, for war hampers development activities further aggravating the problem of poverty. The army members said the Eritrean people and army are expected to pressurize the Eritrean government to accept the proposal so that the dispute could be resolved through peaceful means. If the government of Eritrean accepts the new peace initiative preferring peace to war, it would be of a great significance for both countries in enhancing their development endeavors, they said. Similarly, workers and the management of the Bole Printing Enterprise have expressed support for the initiative. At a discussion forum held Friday, the workers said that peace plan has a lot to contribute for the effective materialization of ensuring good governance and multifaceted development works in the country. They noted that the various wars waged in the past have inflicted property damage and human loss leaving the country and its peoples in extreme poverty. Inculcating the culture of mutual coexistence and ensuring stability would, therefore, playa key role in freeing the country from the shackles of poverty, they said. The inhabitants of Negele town, Oromia, State, also said that the initiative would enable to achieve the desired development goals. In a meeting they held Friday, the inhabitants expressed their support for the peace initiative and for the effective implementation of poverty alleviation endeavour. At a discussion held recently, over 400 investors in Shashemene and its environs also said that the development strategies could only be realized when peace prevails and in this regard the peace proposal would create favourable environment for development endeavours. They also indicated that reforms introduced by the government to encourage the private sector have enabled them to contribute their share to the development efforts of the country. They finally urged the international community to put pressure on the Eritrean government to accept the proposal. 134 mln. birr earned from hides, skin export ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopia has earned 134 million birr in foreign Exchange from the export of hides and skin over the last three months, the Ethiopian Customs Authority said. Authority Public and International Relations Service said yesterday that the sum was secured from the export of 4.11 quintals of hides and skin between September and November. The products were exported to the United States, United Kingdom, China, Italy, Malaysia, Thailand, Spain and Turkey, it said. The products were exported to the United States, United Kingdom, China, Italy, India, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Malaysia, Thailand, Spain and Turkey, it said. The hides and skin exported to Italy and the United Kingdom constitute 35 and 17 per cent respectively, it added. In a similar development, 279 million birr was earned in foreign currency from various products exported via Nazareth over the last five months. Operation Main Section Head with the Nazareth Custom Office Lemma Mulatu told ENA yesterday that the sum was secured from the export of 41 various products. The sum secured between July 1, 1996 November 30,1997 E.C. exceeded that of last year same period by 105 million birr, he said. Lemma attributed the increase in the amount of export revenue to the rise in the types of products being exported abroad, among others. The exported items include hides and skin, soya bean, cacao, sugar and live animals, among others, he said. ================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan. 3,2005 ============================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Tue Jan 4 12:17:27 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue, 4 Jan 2005 04:17:27 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050104121727.30163.qmail@web53305.mail.yahoo.com> January 4, 2005 Italy cancels 3.1 bln. birr debt for Ethiopia by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The governments of Ethiopia and Italy yesterday signed an agreement of 3.1 billion birr debt cancellation that the former owes to the latter. The Ethiopian government would use the cancelled debt to finance its poverty reduction programme. The Italian government has written off 100 per cent of Ethiopia's debt which is more by 10 per cent than the 90 per cent agreement Ethiopia signed with Paris Club Creditors upon reaching the Completion Point and as per the Enhanced Heavily In debted Poor Countries (HIPC) in April 2004. Speaking at the signing ceremony of the agreement held on the premises of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MoFED), State Minister Dr. Mulu Ketsela said that the debt cancellation will highly assist Ethiopia's multi sectoral development endeavours. According to the State Minister, the money would be utilized for the highest priority areas in the country and it would also be highly significant in meeting the MDGs. Ambassador Guido La Tella Italian ambassador to Ethiopia on his part said that his country cancelled the debt to assist Ethiopia in achieving sustainable development. The debt cancellation, which is one of the highest in the history of the bilateral relation of the two nations and the Paris Club members, leads to the more intensified chapter of their relation, Ambassador Guido said. He also said the visit of PM Meles Zenawi to Italy and the economic and cultural agreements signed as well as the agreement to return the Axum Obelisk are indications of this fact. The agreement was signed by Dr. Mulu and Ambassador Guido representing their respective governments. Meanwhile, embassy press release said that the agreement will pave the way to the enhancement of economic relations between Italy and Ethiopia. It will also facilitate a change of attitude of SACE (the Italian Export Credit Agency) towards Ethiopia, and encourage Italian entrepreneurs to increase their business (both through trade and new investments). An important economic mission is expected to visit Ethiopia next month, on the occasion of the Addis Ababa International Fair According to the release, the mission will include all major Italian institutions involved in international economic relations, including SACE, ICE (the Italian Institute for Foreign Trade) and SIMEST (the Institute for the Internationalisation of Italian Companies). EDUP-Medhin to field candidates in all constituencies ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Democratic Unity Party Medhin, (EDUP-Medhin) one of the opposition parties formed following the merger of two hitherto separate legal entities, announced Saturday that it would field candidates in all constituencies throughout the country. However, the party urged the government to react to the five questions posed by opposition political parties with a view to making the upcoming elections free and fair. Party Secretary General, Lidetu Ayalew told ENA that though there are some questions to be addressed, his party has been preparing to field candidates across nation. Lidetu said that his party has been engaged in selecting its candidates who are to compete in the election throughout the country, except in some border constituencies. He further indicated that the National Electoral Board should be established again and manned with independent individuals or those drawn from all political parties with a view to making the election democratic, free, and fair. He said though the electoral law states that the government has to provide financial assistance to contesting opposition parties, his party has not been provided with getting any support so far. Suspension of the financial assistance to opposition parties is a deliberate act made by the incumbent government to suppress the capacity of the contesting political parties, he added. The Secretary General also urged the government to allow the establishment of private Radio and Television Stations immediately since they contribute a lot towards making the elections free and fair. Government media should be duty bound to serve all political parties equally, he said, adding the government has been taking encouraging measures creating access for political parties to the state. "Live coverage of recent debates between opposition political parties and the ruling EPRDF is a cast in point," he added. Though the government positively responded to the presence of foreign observers during the upcoming election, nothing is known as to how and when they will enter the country, he said. Lidetu also called on the public to actively participate in the election either as a candidate, voter, or an observer. Oppositions denounce the New Peace Proposal ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Members and supporters of the Coalition of Ethiopian Democratic Forces (CEDF) and Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), last Sunday gathered here in Addis Ababa at the Meskel Square to denounce the peace proposal that the Ethiopian government has put forward recently to resolve the border dispute with Eritrea. In a peaceful gathering summoned jointly by CEDF and CUD, the members and supports of the two parties rejected the peace proposal, which they said violates Ethiopia's legal rights. The rally called for another proposal that would allow Ethiopia an outlet to the Red Sea. CEDF Head Dr. Merara Gudina said the ruling EPRDF has been deceiving the Ethiopian people concerning the Ethio-Eritrea issue. He said EPRDF made a mistake in signing the Algiers Peace Accord after Ethiopia had won the war. He further added that the people of Ethiopia have not been consulted on the terms contained in the recent peace proposal. Dr. Beyene Petros CEDF Deputy Head on his part said his party has right from the outset opposed to the Algiers Peace Accord that provides for demarcation of the border according to colonial agreement. CUD Executive Chekol Getahun also on his part said the peace proposal would not enable to bring about sustainable peace. Former Chief of the Tigray State as a guest speaker on the occasion said it was a historic mistake that Ethiopia signed the Algiers Agreement after it defeated Sha'ibia in the battle-field. Gebru, who was member of the ruling party when the agreement was signed, said the members of the former TPLF/EPRDF who have abandoned their membership request the pardon of the Ethiopian people for the mistake they made voting in favour of the Algiers Agreement. Former President Negaso Gidada on the occasion said he, as a citizen, opposes to the peace proposal. Numerous people who attended in the peaceful gathering aired slogans such as "peace will not come about by giving our land", Sha'ibia should not prosper at the expense of Ethiopia", and "the government should have consulted with the people on the terms of the peace proposal". Eritrean nationals stress pressurizing gov't to accept peace proposal ADDIS ABABA (ENA/WIC) - Eritreans who recently entered Ethiopia said that Eritreans should put pressure on their government to accept the peace proposal put forward by Ethiopia, saying it is the only option to end the border dispute between the two countries peacefully. The Eritreans, who said they attended to the proposal with great concern before coming to Ethiopia, said they believe the proposal will bring about good neighborliness between the peoples of the two countries. The government of Eritrea needs to accept the proposal for war results in devastation, Birhane Kahsay, a health professional and Tsigereda Messele as well as her four children said. They called upon the Eritrean government to accept the peace proposal and to make exertions to extricate its people from abject poverty, rather that preparing the youth for yet another round of war rounding them up from their schools and work places. A young woman Rahel Semere and a soldier Hayelom Asema said that accpetance by the government in Asmara of the peace proposal and its successive implementation will normalize relations between the two countries. Some six students from Asmara University and more that ten other Eritreans, who wanted to remain anonymous, said that they are certain that Eritreans applaud the new peace initiative. The government of Eritrea has no alternative other than accepting the peace initiative, which, they said, is in the interest of its people. Meanwhile, the inhabitants of the Zalanbessa Igela Front in the Tigray State have expressed their commitment for the effective implementation of the initiative, WIC reported. They further indicated that the peace plan would lay the cornerstone for the prevalence of lasting and durable peace between the two neighbouring and brotherly peoples through the resolution of the Ethio-Eritrea dispute in a peaceful manner. The inhabitants of Ahferom and Mereblehe woredas in the Front also stated that Ethiopia was forced to reverse the aggression of the Eritrean government as the opportunity for peace was blocked by the later. They expressed their desire to peacefully and mutually live with the Eritrean people, which, they said, should exert utmost efforts in the practical implementation of the peace proposal with a view to materializing the development endeavour in the country. Mereblehe Woreda Culture and Information Head Shiferaw Fisiha said on his part that the inhabitants of the woreda are the very inhabitants of the woreda are the very beneficiaries of the prevalence of lasing peace as they are immediate neighbors to Eritrea. The residents on the occasion called upon the people of Eritrea to put maximum pressure on their government. Over 15,000 people in the woredas have voiced support for the peace proposal following intensive discussion. Similarly, the inhabitants of Sheka Zone in Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples State expressed support to the proposal. In separate meetings they held recently, the over 5,000 inhabitants of 22 kebeles in Yeki Woreda and Tepi town said the proposal would help improve the relations between the two countries. They said the initiative would also enable to resolve the boarder dispute between the two countries. They also said the new peace proposal would promote the peaceful co-existence between the two countries. The forwarding of the proposal shows how the government of Ethiopia is committed to peace, they said. The inhabitants expressed commitment to extend support for the realization of the proposal. ================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan. 4,2005 ======================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Easier than ever with enhanced search. Learn more. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 From polethiopia@yahoo.com Tue Jan 11 08:46:55 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 00:46:55 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050111084655.83987.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> January 6, 2005 Commission to start regular duty this month by Yemane Terefe ADDIS ABABA - The Trade Practice Commission a newly set government institution has announced that it will officially start its regular duty as of this month to properly serve the business community in hearing and investigating complaints. Briefing local journalists yesterday at a press conference held at the office of the Commission, Chairperson of the Commission and Minister of Justice Harqa Haroye said, although the proclamation has been in place since April 9,1995 E.C, the Commission did not start its regular duty due to the delay in determining the number of members and arranging candidates for appointment by the Prime Minister. According to Harqa, members of the Commission have already started preparing ground works for the full function of the Commission right after their appointment. Accordingly they have arranged office facilities, and held discussions on the proclamation to raise the awareness of their members. Ato Harqa also told the conference that the trade proclamation of 1995 promotes free market in the country by prohibiting activities that hinder fair competition among the business community. According to Harqa, the proclamation mainly paves ways on how to regulate supply and demand, and discourage rent-collecting activities that hamper the business sector without adding value. It also discourages unnecessary trade competition and market monopoly, which simply targets weakening small business community and eventually chasing them out of the market. Accountability of the Commission is to the Ministry of Trade and Industry and it accepts complaints only when presented to the Commission, its was learnt. Supreme Court upholds Kinfe's killer death sentence ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Federal Supreme Court yesterday upheld the death sentence the Federal High Court passed on Major Tsehaye Wolde-Selassie found guilty of killing Security, Immigration and Refugee Affairs Former General Manager Kinfe Gebre-Medhin. The Supreme Court upheld the sentence after examining the appeal lodged by the convict. The act of killing of any individual entrusted to government duty of such a level high liable to heavier punishment, the court said. The convict killed the late Kinfe in cold blood. EIIPD President emphasizes developed nations' backing in fighting terrorism by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - {resident of the Ethiopian International Institute for Peace and Development (EIIPD) Prof. Kinfe Abraham said developed nations should back economic endeavours of developing countries in order to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Speaking at the opening of a seminar on "Challenges of Terrorism in the Horn of Africa" at Sheraton Addis yesterday, Prof. Kinfe said that the root causes of terrorism are poverty and backwardness and unless these issues are addressed properly, the fight against terrorism would become more challenging. The failure to address poverty reduction in a comprehensive manner considering all its manifestations such as diseases, malnutrition, illiteracy, and backwardness would inevitably lead to what is called "Structural or silent terrorism", Kinfe said. The president also emphasized the need for solving the inter and intraconflicts that can arise around the globe through a peaceful means for it enhances vulnerability to terrorism. According to Kinfe, the origin of terrorism goes back to the eleventh century when the Muslim world suffered a series of major defeats in the hands of crusaders. The end of the Cold War, the decolonization process, statelessness and the failure to discriminate freedom fighters from terrorists by the international community have all contributed a lot to the prevalence of the evil act, he added. The professor also urged countries in the Horn in particular and others in general to assist the coalition of the counter terrorism efforts more seriously. Director of Centre for Counter Terrorism Studies, a China-based institute, Li wei on his part said that the devolution of Al-Quida centres around the world after September 11, 2001 as well as the very fast changing nature of mechanisms of terrorism and the networking system the terrorist developed has made the counter terrorism effort very tough. According to the director, the shift of the attack of terrorists to the soft targets like hotels, tourist resorts and schools among others have also made the preventive task very hard inspite of the remarkable achievements registered so far. The seminar aims to update the concerned participants on the extent and depth of the threat which terrorism poses to the Horn of Africa in particular and African continent as a whole. Participants from the Security, Immigration and Refugee Affairs Authority, the Federal Police, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, House of Peoples' Representatives as well as EIIPD attended the half-day seminar. January 9, 2005 EPRDF, opposition parties debate on Nat'l Youth Policy, HIV/AIDS by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) says that over the last decade the issues of the youth, health in general and HIV/AIDS in particular have been addressed properly registering remarkable achievements while opposition parties argued to the contrary. At a debate organized by African Initiatives for a Democratic World Order (AIDWO) on the National Youth Policy and HIV/AIDS at the Convention Centre yesterday, EPRDF representatives Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Ambassador Teshome Toga and State Minister of Health Dr. Tewodros Adhanum said that the Front has registered promising results through its sound policies and strategies mobilizing the community for their implementation. According to Ambassador Teshome, EPRDF believes that the youth are not only the country's hope for future but also the prime forces for peace development and democracy. The government has made a relentless effort to make this group active actor in the all-round development activities respecting their human and democratic rights. Ambassador Teshome also indicated that his Ministry has worked and invested a lot in mobilizing and empowering the youth with the provision of education and training at all levels and creating an enabling environment. In addition, a policy has already been formulated following heated debate by over 51,000 youth representatives from all over the country. Their issue has been mainstreamed in other policies and strategies as well, Ambassador Teshome said. He also indicated the need for coordinated efforts in the implementation of the policy and called on governmental and NGOs as well as pertinent bodies to coordinate efforts to achieve the desired objective. Dr. Tewodros Adhanum also cited the fruitful results so far achieved in the health sector in general and HIV/AIDS in particular. He said that the policy has given due consideration to preventive mechanisms; with the participation of the entire community in general and the youth and women in particular. Community-based prevention activities are being carried out focusing on the implementation of health extension package with primary attention to HIV/AIDS services, he added. The health delivery plan envisages to provide at least a health post at each and every locality with the assignment of two extension workers producing 24,000 professionals. Antiretroviral drugs would be provided to 12,000 PLWHA for free as of January 24, 2005. The number of beneficiaries would increase to 30,000 people, the State Minister indicated. According to Dr. Tewodros, the health coverage in the country has risen to 60 per cent from 30 ten years ago with primary health care to reach 100 per cent soon. He said that by strengthening current efforts meeting the MDGs is undoubted by possible. Representatives of the Coalition of Ethiopian Democratic Forces (CEDU) and the United Ethiopian Democratic Union (UEDU) on their part strongly disagreed with the points raised by the ruling party and presented their own options. CEDU representatives said that the youth do not have the desired access to education and unemployment is rampant among this section of the society. In addition, lack of adequate sports and other recreational centres made this group to be vulnerable to HIV/AIDS, they said. If the party is elected in the upcoming elections, it would strive to formulating a new National Youth Policy with the full participation of all pertinent bodies, the representatives said. They also said that they would use the state media more effectively encouraging the establishment of private media as well to teach the public about preventive mechanisms in the HIV/AIDS battle. UEDU representatives on their part criticized the current youth policy and its implementation mechanisms suggesting its amendment. They said that the policy does not guarantee the migration of farmers to cities, the increasing number of juvenile delinquents and the spread of HIV/AIDS. They said that over 3 million people are living with the virus while 14,000 are infected daily as a result of the government's inappropriate policy. If the party is elected it would formulate a new policy with the participation of all segments of the society in general and the youth in particular, the representatives said. The party would follow up the proper utilization of the fund allocated to battle HIV/AIDS and provide anti retroviral drugs for free, the representatives said. Youth, representatives of HIV/AIDS organizations, disabled persons women's associations and party members attended the half-day debate at the debate. Pertinent questions were raised by representatives from the Addis Ababa University students, youth associations and organizations working on HIV/AIDS to which the parties responded accordingly. January 11, 2005 Ethiopia committed to Sudanese peace deal implementation: Meles ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has pledged his country's readiness to provide all the necessary support towards the implementation of the historic agreement signed between the Sudanese government and the SPLM/A. At the signing of the comprehensive peace deal in Nairobi, Kenya, Sunday, the Prime Minister also called on the international community to extend continued support for the prevalence of peace in the Sudan. The comprehensive agreement ending the war through dialogue ushers in a new dawn in the region, Meles said. According to the Prime Minister, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has played the decisive role to end the 22 years war in the Sudan. IGAD member countries, especially Ethiopia, feel great joy, for they have been the members of the mediators' committee, Meles added. Meles also expressed gratitude to all the parties who contributed to the peace process in the Sudan, especially the U.S. and IGAD partners forum as well as the international community without whose support, he said, the peace process would not have borne fruits. The victory achieved in the efforts to end the civil war in the Sudan would be significant not only for Sudan and the sub-region, but also for the African continent as a whole, the Prime Minister said. Meles told a huge gathering at Nyayo National Stadium that the agreement would enable bayonet turn into plough share and channel all energies knowledge into development. Various foreign dignitaries including Heads of State and Government, Deputy Presidents, US Secretary of State Colin Powel as well as senior officials of international and continental organizations attended the historic event, according to a message the Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi faxed to ENA yesterday. The signing of the agreement that he hoped to be involved in peace talks on Darfur once he joined the planned national unity government. Garang, who is set to become a vice-president, signed the peace deal on behalf of the leader of the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA); the government side was represented by Vice-President Ali Osman Taha. According to the agreement, starting in July, the south will be autonomous for six years and will then vote in a referendum to decide whether to remain part of Sudan, or become independent. Sudan's new oil wealth- currently producing about 320,000 barrels a day is to be split equally between north and south. Apart from an 11-year period from 1972-1983, southern Sudan has been at war continuously since 1956. Peace talks began in 2002. The peace deal signed in Nairobi follows the signing of a permanent cease-fire on New Year's Eve. AU Peace and Security Summit opens in Libreville ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The African Union Peace and Security Summit in which 15 leaders of African countries including Prime Minister Meles Zenawi are attending opened in Libreville, Gabon yesterday. The summit is expected to discuss the problems of the peace and security prevailing in the African continent. Prime Minister Meles left for Gabon after attending the signing of the historic peace agreement between the Sudanese government and the Southern Liberation Movement/Army in Nairobi, Kenya on Sunday. The Darfur crisis and security problems prevailing in Cote d'Voire, and Democratic Republic of Congo are the top most agendas of the summit. The African Union Commission on its part will submit a report regarding the peace and security of the stated countries to the summit. Speaking at the summit, the Chairperson of the African Commission the historic peace agreement between the Sudanese government and the Southern Liberation Movement/Army in Nairobi, Kenya on Sunday. The Darfur crisis and security problems prevailing in Cote d'Voire, and Democratic Republic of Congo are the top most agendas of the summit. The African Union Commission on its part will submit a report regarding the peace and security of the stated countries to the summit. Speaking at the summit, the Chairperson of the African Commission Alpha Oumar Konare said if good governance and democracy are ensured by avoiding conflict and use of force, security problems would not be a threat to the African continent. Addressing the summit on his part African Union Current Chairperson Olusegun Obasanjo said ideas that come from the summit would help ensure the peace and security in Darfur, Sudan, Cote D'voire and Democratic Republic of Congo. The summit is expected to pass resolution on the stated issues. ================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan. 11,2005 ======================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Wed Jan 12 09:11:12 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 01:11:12 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050112091112.90775.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> January 12, 2005 Meles back home after attending Libreville PSC Summit ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi returned home late yesterday after attending the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) Summit held in Libereville, Gabon. Ministers and senior officials welcomed Meles upon arrival at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Leaders of 15 African countries including Prime Minister Meles attended the Summit. The Heads of State and Government concluded their Summit adopting resolution on the troubled Western Region of Darfur as well as the security problems in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cote D'Ivoire. This is the first for the PSC to convene its Summit out of Addis since the founding of the AU, successor of the Organization of African Unity. The PSC concluded its meeting after 12-hour closed-door deliberations. Darfur remained the concern of the AU. Now a comprehensive agreement has been signed between the Government of the Sudan and SPLA. The problem in Cote d'Ivoire gets worse after the warring parties failed to implement agreements they had signed. The Summit thus indicated the need for the process of disarmament to resume, and called on the parties in Cote d'Ivoire to create enabling conditions for the security situations to improve. Concerning the security problem at border areas between DRC and Rwanda, the PSC resolved that the Rwandese rebels be disarmed immediately, and pledged that the AU would give the necessary support to the DRC in disarming the rebels. It has also resolved that the rebels be brought before the international tribunal for involvement in the Rwandan genocide 10 years ago. Conflict prevention possible through ensuring good governance, speeding up dev't: Addisu GAMBELLA (ENA) - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Addisu Legesse said that conflicts in the less developed states could be prevented by speeding up development and ensuing good governance. "This is the only alternative to avoid conflict in these states," Addisu said at the conclusion of a two-day visit here yesterday by a delegation of the Council of Ministers. Thus, he said, leaderships and experts at all level should embark on development activities mobilizing the public at large cementing strong relations among themselves and also promoting transparency and accountability. Addis underscored the importance of enlightening the public not to become victims of anti-peace elements. The federal government in collaboration with the state government is carrying out various activities with a view to promoting good governance and speeding up development, according to the Deputy Prime Minister. The delegation, comprising of ministers and state ministers of education, health, water and federal affairs, heard mid-term performance and reports of experts. The delegation also had discussions with the elderly on bringing about sustainable peace in the state. Speaker attends Kuffour inauguration, meets Ethiopian community ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Speaker of the House of the Federation Dr. Mulatu Teshome has held discourse with Ethiopians residing in Ghana. The Speaker met members of the Ethiopian community in Ghana after attending, on behalf of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, the inauguration of President John Kuffour on January 7,2005. Dr Mulatu briefed members of the Ethiopian community about the positive results being registered in Ethiopia in the socio-economic development sectors, according to a press release the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent to ENA yesterday. Dr. Mulatu told the Ethiopians in Ghana that tangible results have been achieved through the implementation of government policies and strategies. He expressed conviction that Ethiopia would be extricated from poverty situation in a short period if all Ethiopians contribute their share in the ongoing all-round activities. He also gave detailed briefing about the 5-point peace proposal the Ethiopian Government has put forward to resolve the dispute with Eritrea. President Kuffour won a second terms during the December 7,2004 presidential and parliamentary elections. He was sworn in January 7, 2005 in the presence of thousands of people, leaders and senior officials from a number of countries as well as invited guests. Dr. Mulatu also met the Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana Ebenezer Sekyi Hughes with whom he held discussions on issues of common interest; the release quoted the Ethiopian Embassy in Accra as saying. Toure speaks of continued UNDP support to Ethiopia ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The newly appointed UNDP Resident Representative said that the UN specialized agency will continue extending its support to Ethiopia focusing on sustainable development and poverty reduction. The newly appointed UNDP Resident Representative and UN Resident Coordinator in Ethiopia, Modibo Toure, said at a programme organized to introduce him to media people here yesterday that the UN specialized agency has been assisting Ethiopia in the realization of the development policies and strategies. Toure expressed commitment to further strengthen the friendly relations between Ethiopia and the UNDP in particular and the UN in general. It was stated at the programme that 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. He just completed a three-year assignment in Chad (2001-2004) as UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative and recently as Humanitarian Coordinator. Prior to joining the UN, Toure worked in the private sector in the US as well as in the civil service in Mali. Toure officially submitted his credentials to the Ethiopian Government on September 17,2004. ================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan. 12,2004 =========================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Read only the mail you want - Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail From polethiopia@yahoo.com Thu Jan 13 11:36:45 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2005 03:36:45 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050113113645.60576.qmail@web53304.mail.yahoo.com> January 13, 2005 Meles says Ethiopia keen to strengthen cooperation with Turkey ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi expressed Ethiopia's desire to further enhance its cooperation with Turkey in textile industry and construction sectors. While conferring with the Turkish delegation led by Minister of Transport and Cochairman of the Ethio-Turkish Joint Economic Commission Binali Wildirim here yesterday, Meles said Ethiopia was also keen to draw lessons from Turkey's experience in textile industrial development sector. He said his country was also desirous to work in partnership with Turkey in the areas of road and real estate construction sectors, according to a spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was pointed out during the discussion that the two countries are expected to sign agreements on civil aviation that would enable establish strong air links between Addis Ababa and Ankara at the conclusion of the Ethio-Turkish Joint Economic Commission Meeting underway here. The two sides had on the occasion reached consensus to create conducive situation enabling Turkish entrepreneurs to involve in the construction of roads, dams and infrastructures in Ethiopia, according to the spokesperson. Prime Minister Meles also gave briefings to the delegation about the objectives of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). The spokesperson said the talks between Meles and the Turkish delegation was constructive. CETU calls on member to actively participate in elections ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Confederation for Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU) called upon members to get registered within the set timetable. CETU President Amare Alemayehu told ENA yesterday that workers should be registered first to be able to elect those who work to ensure their rights and benefits as well as their democratic rights. Members of unions should discharge their responsibilities of electing trustworthy and honest candidates, he said. Amare also said the workers should elect independent party candidates, who champion the rights of trade unions. National Plantation, Fishery and Agro-Industry Federation President Gebeyehu Adugna said on his part that preparation is well underway to give orientation to workers to enable them participate actively in the elections. International relations sector Head Haile-Silassie said on his part that various programmes have been organized to enable workers to realize the significance and concept of election. State Council supports peace plan MAKALLE (WIC) - The Tigray State Council disclosed that the New Peace Initiative proposed by Ethiopia to resolve its border dispute with Eritrea is instrumental in playing pivotal role in the expedition of development, democracy and good governance in the country. At the 11th regular conference of the State Council launched here Tuesday, participants said that the peace proposal would have significant importance in settling the hostile environment between the two countries in a lasting and durable manner, ensuring brotherly relationships between the peoples and common development and prosperity. They have pledged on the occasion to exert utmost efforts in the implementation of the peace plan, as it would preserve the sovereignty and national interest of the country. The participants of the conference have also urged the peoples of both countries to intensify their joint struggle towards ensuring lasting peace in the Horn, as there is no party that could benefit in waging war. House holds public hearing on amended electoral law ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - A public hearing was held to discuss the amended electoral law at the House of Peoples Representatives. According to Legal and Administrative Affairs Standing Committee with the House, some 19 points are included in the amended electoral law. The existing electoral law obliges individuals who want to get elected to live at least for five years in the same kebele, but the amended electoral law minimized the period to two years. The amended electoral law also allows registered candidates to call meetings and organize demonstrations until the election period is finalized with out getting permission from pertinent administration or municipality by only informing them. The right of the public and various organizations to represent their respective election observers has also been included in the amended law, it was pointed out. The government has the right to invite foreign observers if it deemed necessary were also included in the law, it was learnt. Representatives of opposition parties, the Houses of peoples' Representatives and the Federation and others attended the hearing. Representatives of some of opposition parties said some articles of the existing electoral law which need to be changed as requested by opposition parties have not been amended. =================================== Pol.ethiopia Jan.13,2004 ============================ __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - You care about security. So do we. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail From polethiopia@yahoo.com Fri Jan 14 11:51:02 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2005 03:51:02 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050114115102.87953.qmail@web53309.mail.yahoo.com> January 14, 2005 Axowrthy says peace proposal momentous decision ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - United Nations Secretary General Special Envoy to Ethiopia and Eritrea Lloyd Axworthy said the new proposal put forward by the Ethiopian Government to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute is momentous decision and need to be supported. While conferring with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi here yesterday, Axworthy said that the five-point proposal was an important measure for the resolution of the conflict peace-fully. He said that the new peace initiative has also got acceptance among the international community. Axworthy said that the discussion between Prime Minister Meles and him, which was held for the third time, was part of the efforts launched by the United National to solve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute peacefully. The UN has also planned to hold a series of meetings with the two nations with the objective of resolving the conflict between them, he added. Axworthy expressed his personal commitment to the peaceful resolution of the dispute, according to a spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He said Ethiopia is committed to resolve the dispute peacefully realizing the devastating consequences of war, the spokesperson said. Prime Minister Meles stressed the need on his part that pressurize the party that refuses to peacefully resolve the dispute was absolutely necessary. Deputy Speaker stresses intensifying Nile dev't joint effort ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives says that efforts being harnessed to work jointly with the Nile Basin countries need to be intensified to extricate Ethiopia from poverty and improve the livelihood of its people. Briefing journalists yesterday, on the January 8-9,2005 parliamentary forum of Nile Basin countries in Cairo, Egypt, Dr. Petros Olango said that the forum has discussed issues pertaining to the utilization of the Nile River for development based on the interest of the over 300 million people residing in the Basin. He said representatives of the Ethiopian Parliament participated in the forum with a view to promoting the interest of the Ethiopian people to the development of the River. The session would enable the Basin countries work in close cooperation in the areas of trade, tourism, as well as private sector apart from facilitating conditions to utilize the River, Dr. Petros said. He further said that a Parliamentary Forum comprising four parliamentary leadership from each Nile Basin country has been established. The forum will have an advisor role, he added. Dr. Petros also said that the forum would organize debate that would enable to design a mechanism aimed at exploiting the Nile Basin for the development of all riparian countries. The meeting is held annually. Gov't policy enables to register significant achievements: Officials ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The government has taken important strategic and policy measures that further develop industrial, infrastructure, finance and economic sectors, senior government official said. Professionals engaged in the sectors said on their part that though the measures have enabled to achieve encouraging results, there is still room that calls for improvement. The remarks were made at a policy discussion forum yesterday at the UN Conference Centre on industrial, urban and service delivery policies by ministers and professionals engaged in the sector. The ministers said that the government has been able to register significant achievements in the sectors through its strategic plans and policies. The government will continue to take measures to achieve the desired objective, they added. Industry and Trade State Minister Tadesse Haile pointed out that the government has taken various measures to strengthen the private and industrial sectors of the economy. He said the government has been supporting and providing incentives particularly to private manufacturing industries and to export-oriented business to help boost their undertakings. Tadesse said that changing the trend of monopolizing the industrial sector of the economy, which was used to be promoted by the previous regime, the incumbent government has helped establish 909 local manufacturers so far, which, he said, has enabled the private sector to own 85 per cent of local industries in the country. The share of private industries in the overall production constitutes 40 per cent, he added. Tadesse said the country had also managed to obtain 596 million USD in export revenue last year. Ethiopia has also planned to obtain billions in foreign exchange from the export of 500 million tons of textile products alone in the next five years, he added. The State Minister also announces plan to increase sugar-cane plantation from the 24,000 to 104,000 hectares that will help increase sugar-production six-fold amounting to 1.7 million tons. Infrastructure Minister Dr. Kassu Illala said that over 4,000 tele centres have been established across the country. He said the installation of rural network has already been launched, which, he said, is fundamental to the country's economic development. Dr. Kassu said priority has also been given to help export and manufacturing industries and industrial zones get access to telephone and electric lines. Vice Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia Alem-Seged said on his part that the number of financial institutions, which was limited only to four during the reign of the previous regime, has now reached to 12. He said there are also 23 microfinance institutions with a cumulative capital of 380 million birr and a membership of 800,000. The professionals on their part have identified problems existing in industrial, infrastructure and finance sectors. The discussion was organized by Inter-Africa Group. ================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan.14,2004 ===================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? The all-new My Yahoo! - What will yours do? http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Mon Jan 17 08:48:44 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2005 00:48:44 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050117084844.20836.qmail@web53304.mail.yahoo.com> January 15, 2005 Ethiopians in Diaspora pronounce backing dev't endeavours at home by Dejene Tesemma ADDIS ABABA - Ethiopians living in different parts of the world pronounced backing development endeavours in their home country with a commitment that transcends partisan political rhetoric and complaints o any form. At a conference organized by Forum International for Ethiopians Living in the Diaspora (FIELD) and Lem Ethiopia yesterday here at the Hilton Hotel renowned Ethiopians drawn from Europe, the U.S, and Canada among whom 20 are famous scientists, pledged to assist their country financially and technically as just the Indians, Pakistanis, Egyptians and Sri Lankans are doing in their respective home lands. Opening the one-day conference H.E President Girma Wolde Giorgis called upon Ethiopians living in the Diaspora to help their country by generating viable solutions engaging in capacity building and developing investment and entrepreneurship to alleviate extreme poverty, that challenges their country of origin. Dr. Berha Tesfa Costantinos President of Lem Ethiopia and Chief, FIELD Ethiopian Secretariat in its welcome address indicated that there has not been a platform that could bring Ethiopians in the Diaspora, friends of Ethiopia and local partners together to discuss pressing issues concerning this ancient country. In response to this vacuity Lem Ethiopia, People to People and various collaborating organizations are establishing an international forum for Ethiopians living in the Diaspora, Berha Tesfa said. Distinguished panelists that include Noah Samara, President and Chief Executive Officer of World Space Inc., Dr. Enawgaw Mehari, President People to People Inc, Girma Waque CEO, Ethiopian Airlines, Professor David Shinn former US Ambassador to Ethiopia, Temesgen Hailu President Association for Higher Education and Development in Canada, Azeb Tadesse P2P Programme Director and Deputy Director of African Studies at the University of California, Dr. Tadesse Wuhib, Director Centre for Disease Control (CDC) Ethiopia, Charles Kwenin, Director International Migration Organization (IOM), Ambassador Wubshet Demisse, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and many others spoke on various issues such as brain drainage, HIV/AIDS, knowledge transfer, advocacy, partnership, Diaspora - local linkage and many others. The participants and the panelists pointed out that unity of purpose is very important to nation building and they have also indicated that the Diaspora can play crucial role in improving trade of Ethiopia by introducing Ethiopian goods bringing home knowledge, information and skills, facilitating twinning of national institutions with foreign counter parts and advocating their country's interest world wide. They also called upon the government to create conducive environment for the Diaspora so that they can feel free and safe while engaging in nation building here at home. They further called for direct and forth coming policy that allow the Diaspora who is accustomed to simple and transparent bureaucratic system in the developed world while bringing finance, knowledge and technology back home. Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the occasion pointed out facilities that the government has afforded so far and pledged to look in to some areas in the policies where bottlenecks are felt. The organizers of the forum said they would continue working hard to bring together various individuals with interest and research to participate in nation building. They are planning to create sense of oneness among the Diaspora through varieties of activities such as conferences, festivals, exhibitions, and tournaments and cite visits to historical places, it was learnt. Lavrov pledges Russia's support for peace proposal implementation ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Government of Russia will assist in the efforts to see the peace proposal Ethiopia has recently put forward to resolve the dispute with Eritrea implemented, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said. The Russian Foreign Minister made the pledge during talks in Moscow with his Ethiopian counterpart Seyoum Mesfin to Thursday. The two sides on the occasion dwelt at length on the Ethio-Russian bilateral cooperation and other issues of common interest, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told ENA in a press release yesterday. Lavrov on the occasion said the Ethiopian Government with its latest peace initiative proves itself committed to peace. He said Russia has already expressed support to the peace initiative. The two sides agreed to hold the Ethio-Russian Joint Commission Meeting in mid this year, the release said. During his stay, Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin along with the chairman and members of the foreign relations committee of the Russian Federation provided briefing on issues of development and democratization process in the Horn of Africa, conflict situations in the region as well as on ways of strengthening the relations between Russia and the African Union, the release indicated. Following the talks and briefing, Foreign Minister Seyoum and his Russian counterpart Lavrov gave a joint press statement. After concluding his three-day visit to Russia, Seyoum returned home later on Thursday. Ethiopian Pan Africanist Party officially launched ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Pan Africanist Party said that it would field candidates who hold alternative views in its contest in the upcoming national elections. The party will be represented by over 200 candidates who will be running for seats in the House of Peoples' Representatives of State Councils, Party Chairman Abdul Fetah Huldar said at the party's official launching yesterday. The elections should serve as an opportunity in which new ideas are entertained, alternatives come out, the culture of co-existence and respect to differences prevail democratization nurtured and citizens' political participation grows, he said. The problems the country is in deep-seated and complex for one party or group to solve, he said, adding the winner party is expected to draw forces involving all political sides to work towards salvaging it. Officials, experts underscore need for further strengthening urban dev't endeavours by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The policy measures and reform programmes implemented by the government in the urban development sector have been registering encouraging achievements though much remains to be done to meet the desired goal, Federal Affairs Minister and city government representative said. Experts working in the area on their part suggested that the policy measures have to be carefully designed taking the various research findings as an input to address the problems of the society giving emphasis to follow ups during implementation. At a Policy Forum organized by the Inter-Africa Group at the UN Conference Centre yesterday, Ato Abay Tsehaye indicated that the various activities undertaken in the areas of developing infrastructure, real estate, housing construction, service delivery as well as good governance and democracy were promising. According to the Minister, the government has formulated sound economic policies to meet the basic needs of the society such as infrastructure development, housing construction and providing assistance to citizens engaged in micro and small-scale businesses through the provision of skill training and credit. The policies also acknowledge the rights of cities to administer themselves through decentralizing power upto the grass roots enhancing the society's full participation in development activities. They are also meant to realize transparent and accountable service delivery systems, the Minister said. The Minister also explained that the urban policy has enabled people of different background, belief and culture to live in harmony, making these areas market centres for the farmers. It has also created job opportunities for quite a number of citizens making them centres of excellence to create conducive environment for technology transfer and the provision of information to farmers. "The policy was designed based on the country's agriculture led industrialization development policy." The active participation of the community, governmental and nongovernmental organizations is instrumental in further enhancing their efforts and attaining the desired goal, Ato Abay said. Representing the Addis Ababa City Government, Dr. Abraham Tekeste said that important strategic and policy measures have been taken to speed up development and provide efficient services to the public. According to Dr. Abraham, last year the city government earmarked 46 million birr with the provision of 222,000 square metres of land to those engaged in micro and small-scale industry. And this year, apart from the designation of 58 hectares as an industrial zone, the city government will construct 45,000 houses which are expected to create job opportunity for 20,000 people, he added. The city government also allocates 79 per cent of its budget to capital budget annually out of which 1.5 billion is channeled to housing construction as an indication of its commitment to the development of the city, Dr. Abraham said. Also on the occasion experts in the sector underlined the importance of taking policy measures to realize fair population distribution among urban areas and improvements of service delivery system to effectively benefit the residents. They also suggested the possible inputs controlling population growth, migration of people and creating job opportunity for the society. The policy forum was an extension of Thursday's discussion on industrial, infrastructure, finance and economic sectors. The discussions pave the way for the ruling and opposition parties' debate for the coming three consecutive Sundays' organized by Inter Africa Group. January 16, 2005 President urges Foundation to pursue consulting and sharing experiences with leaders ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis has urged the Global Leadership Foundation to pursue it activities of consulting and sharing leadership experiences with leaders. During talks with Foundation's Chief Executive Officer John Shepherd at the National Palace yesterday, the President expressed his appreciation for the Foundation's objective of solving problems through consultation with leaders of troubled countries. Girma has also expressed his belief that the Foundation would contribute a lot to ensure peace in the Sudan and Palestine by making recommendations for solution. Shepherd on his part said since the Foundation was established very recently, the visit was aimed at introducing the Foundation and its future activities to the Ethiopian President. The CEO briefed Girma on the establishment, future plans and activities of the Foundation in resolving conflicts peacefully and improving the living standards of peoples, the spokesperson added. Members of the Global Leadership Foundation are former leaders, the CEO said, adding they would share their leadership experiences with leaders in office to enable them develop their skill of solving complex problems. ============================== Pol.ethiopia Jan. 17,2004 ===================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? The all-new My Yahoo! - What will yours do? http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Tue Jan 18 09:13:00 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2005 01:13:00 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Itmes Message-ID: <20050118091300.35480.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> January 18, 2005 Meles optimistic Ethiopia will achieve food self-sufficiency by 2007 ADDIS ABABA - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said Ethiopia would hopefully achieve food self-sufficiency by 2007 as over the past two years alone the agricultural growth of the country has been in double digit figures. In a discussion he made with BBC World's Talking Point edition last Sunday, Prime Minister Meles responded to such questions as - What Ethiopia plans to deal with its food crisis? What the impact of the Asian tsunami will be on Africa and the Asian tsunami will be on Africa and the impact of Tony Blair's Africa Commission in eradicating poverty on the continent and many others. The Prime Minister said he doesn't believe that the positive response to the tsunami disaster in Asia necessary means there is less aid for Africa. Ethiopia and Africa need to improve governance as an end in itself, not as a means of coaxing additional assistance from the international community, Meles said. He further added that even though good governance is necessary for speedy economic development because the continent needs rapid change and combating corruption, there should not necessarily exist a connection between aid and good governance and corruption. According to Meles, aid is given as a sort of human solidarity and in recognition of the need to help those in need. If those in need live under governments that are corrupt, that does not mean they don't deserve aid, meles said. A question was also raised whether education should have the top priority in Africa. Responding to this question, Prime Minister Meles said education is clearly an important part of the solution to be self-sufficient. In the case of Ethiopia primary school enrolment was 17 per cent when his government took over. As thousands of new schools are built over the past decade, the rate has now reached 72 per cent, and that is the right direction, he said. "Agriculture-led industrialization policy registering remarkable results": EPRDF "No rapid development through agriculture-led industrialization": Oppositions by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The ruling Ethiopian Peoples' Revolution Democratic Front (EPRDF) said the current agriculture-led industrialization policy is an appropriate tool and is registering remarkable results in fostering development of the country. Opposition parties on the other hand denounced the policy for its failure to bring about speedy development and inability to benefit the majority. On the live televised and broadcast electoral debate organized by the Inter Africa Group at the UN Conference Centre Sunday, four national parties debated on industrial sector policy defending their stands. Representing EPRDF, Minister of Trade and Industry Girma Biru along with Minister of Revenue Getachew Belay said the current policy has benefited quite a number of people, enhanced investment and export revenue, among others. The ministers said the rationale for making the agriculture sector lead the industry comes from the objective reality of our country at present. They justified the point as saying agriculture supports the livelihood of the majority of the Ethiopian population, provides abundant manpower and supplies adequate raw materials for the industrial sector. They further said the country could not afford huge capital at present and as a result of that industry would take the lead gradually. According to the ministers, the policy clearly indicates what the fate of the sector would look like in twenty years ahead in addition to playing a pivotal role in facilitating sustainable development in the country now. So far, 22 per cent of the export revenue is generated from the sector while the investment capital has exceeded 29 billion birr enabling quite a number of citizens get employment opportunity. According to EPRDF representatives, the private sector is the engine of the industrialization policy and the government plays the facilitation role arranging fertile grounds that enable them flourish. With this due respect, various reforms have been undertaken to encourage local and foreign investment they said. They mentioned the efforts made in the provision of land, improvement of infrastructures and other relevant services. The ministers also explained the policy's particular focus on the micro and small-scale industries and the priority areas it has taken into account among which textile, cotton, agro processing as well as construction are the main ones. As concerns identification of industrial zones, the representatives indicated that 1,272 hectares of land has been allotted in 35 towns around the country while preparations are underway to make ready another 1,214 hectares of land with all facilities. To assist the leather industry in particular, a training centre has been established with an outlay of 120 million birr, the ministers said. Moreover, in 1996 E.C. alone 96,000 citizens got job opportunity in the micro business areas they said. Representatives of Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) Engineer Hailu Shawol and Dr. Befekadu Degife on their part criticized the current policy for its failure to create peaceful industrial atmosphere, give conducive environment for investment and for wrongly prioritizing agriculture instead of industry. "With its all backward state at present, the agriculture sector is not productive. Moreover, the pollution pressure and the environmental degradation that the government has given no consideration is worsening productivity of the agricultural sector," says CUD. According to the representatives of CUD, the farmers could sell their products at better price and get wide farming land if the industry leads the economy. If their party gets the chance to power, it would make the rule of law reign, create good governance and stability on order to develop confidence of investors bring about industrial peace. They also said their party would strive to realize fair distribution of industrialization among states. Coalition of Ethiopian Democratic Forces (CEDF) representatives Dr. Beyene Petros together with Mekuria Gebre-Mariam criticized EPRDF for lacking clear industrialization policy other than a strategy. The current document that EPRDF formulated in 1994 E.C. is mere strategy, which we perceive as executing tool without policy they said. They criticized the government again for its reluctance to privatize state owned industries, allowing polluting factories and denying the industrial employees job security. They said their party would improve all the defects they said prevailing now if it comes to power with priority to the industrial sector. The All Ethiopian Democratic Party (AEDP) representatives Zelele Wolde-Silassie and Workineh Liulseged also expressed their party's stand on the industrial sector criticizing EPRDF of the wrong approach it followed in its policy. Contrary to that of EPRDF industrial policy, AEDP said it would follow Market-Industry-Agriculture ordered policy. According to AEDP, it is the availability of market that guides what kind of industry to encourage and what kind of raw materials to produce for the industrial to encourage and what kind of raw materials to produce for the industrial consumption. They said that their party utmost encourages export trade and support the private sector by providing loans without collateral considering project feasibility and minimizing taxes. The party also said it would give emphasis to boosting products of comparative advantages. In addition, it said it would encourage local investors and the use of cheap labour force. Various questions were raised from the media, representatives of associations', experts and other people who attended the debate and the parties responded accordingly. The debate would continue in the coming two consecutive Sunday on other issues like infrastructure, finance and economy as well as urban development. EOC holds prayer service for tsunami victims ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) Sunday held a prayer service for the over 150,000 people killed in Southeast Asia's devastating tsunami two weeks ago. Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, His Holiness Abune Paulos said on the occasion that the prayer service was organized with a view to expressing heartfelt sorrow for victims of tsunami. Abune Paulos said the church is duty bound to remember victims in prayer whenever such unexpected tragedy happens. Indonesian Ambassador, Alwis Azizat Murad said on his part that the prayer indicates the church's commitment to promote solidarity and tolerance among the different social and cultural values of the peoples of the world. Some 105,000 Indonesians were killed by the disaster, the ambassador said. President Girma Wolde Giorgis Addis Ababa Mayor Arkebe Equbay, the faithful and resident diplomats attended the service held at the Bole Holy Savior Church. Similar prayer services were also held in various churches and monasteries across the nation. Network seeks clarification of terms in amended electoral law by a Staff Reporter ADDIS ABABA - Members of Ethiopian Civil Societies for Election Network, a recently established coalition requested for explanation and agreed on the need for clarity of words and phrases embodied in the amended draft electoral law before it is endorsed. At an urgent consultative meeting it called at the Ghion Hotel yesterday, network members expressed their concern regarding phrases substituted in the new draft law mainly the article that explains about the groups of observers unlike the previous one, which stipulates civil societies as observers. According to the members, despite the positive measures taken by the government to include some positive issues pertinent to the election process, the substitution of the phrase "non-governmental organizations or civil society organizations by mass organizations" in Article 23 could be ambiguous and open room for the exclusion of this group. As the Electoral Board divides observers into two: mobile and immobile categorizing them into the mobile group could hamper to have the full picture of the election process, they said. They reached a consensus to get an explanation and a clear definition of the phrase 'mass organizations' and if at all it excluded them seek its improvement before endorsement. The comment would be presented to the House before it is tabled for endorsement soon. ====================================== Pol.ethiopia Jan.18,2004 =========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Fri Jan 21 12:20:30 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2005 04:20:30 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050121122030.14275.qmail@web53302.mail.yahoo.com> January 19, 2005 Millennium Project Report launched ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The UN Millennium Project Report was launched officially here yesterday under a title "Investing in Development: A practical plan to achieve the Millennium Development Goals." The report that is based on the work conducted by more than 250 of the world's leading development practitioners and academics over the past two years, presents a practical plan for achieving the goals. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi expressed full support to the recommendations of the Millennium Project Report towards achieving the MDGs. Ethiopia is implementing various programmes and strategies including poverty reduction strategies, capacity building programmes as well as civil service reforms, he said. Meles also said that Ethiopia has put plan in place to promote private sector, particularly the domestic private sector. Meles said: "We have undertaken a need assessment to identify what we have to do to achieve MDGs". Development assistance to Ethiopia is increasing substantially, according to Meles. Ethiopia is undertaking need assessment for the past seven months in collaboration with UN Country Team and the World Bank, State Minister of Finance and Economic Development Dr. Mulu Ketsela said. Accordingly, she said, Ethiopia is finalizing MDGs need assessment exercise in a bid to achieve MDGs. Support of the international community is critical towards achieving MDGs, Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, Professor Alpha Omar Konare said in his speech read by his representative, Commissioner for Economic Affairs with AU. "The Millennium Project Report provides a blue print a Bradley common view of the challenges, costs, the approach the international community needs to adopt in 2005 to set developing countries in track for the next decade to meet the 2015 deadline, "UN Resident Coordinator in Ethiopia, Modibo Toure said. He said the report calls for a comprehensive reform of the development assistance system in a manner that would ensure greater flexibility and predictability as well as better coherence and alignment with MDG-driven national processes. The main finding and recommendations of the report are very relevant to Ethiopia since many of them such as the need to formulate and implement MDG-driven poverty reduction strategies are on-going, he said. Ministers, ambassadors representative of donor community, faith based organizations and the private sectors as well a s other guests attended the launching of the report. House endorses amended electoral law ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The House of Peoples' Representatives approved a bill amending electoral law and the appointment of Federal High and First Instance Courts. In its regular session held here yesterday, the House endorsed the bill with two objections and seven abstentions. According to House Legal Administration Affairs Standing Committee, a public hearing on the bill was held January 12, 2005 in the presence of executives of the Ministry of Justice and the National Electoral Board. The bill was amended to make it comply with the Federal Constitution, it said. The amended proclamation ensures the rights of voting and getting elected, it was pointed out during the session. The bill was endorsed after making some amendments. The House has also approved the appointment of judges of five Federal High and three First Instance Courts. Political parties to introduce programmes through radio, TV beginning today ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The National Electoral Board announces the issuance of airtime slot in which contesting political parties introduce their programmes. Political Parties Registration Office Acting Registrar Mekonnen Wondimu said yesterday that the ruling party, the Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) and United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) will introduce their respective political programmes thrice in a week through television beginning today. Individual parties and other political parties will also be given adequate airtime to launch their election campaign, Mekonnen said. EPRDF, CUD and EUDF would launch their campaign through radio for five consecutive days in a week in various vernaculars, he added. Mekonnen further indicated that the distribution of airtime for political parties operating at state level will be determined in a draw. Axum Obelisk said symbol of Ethiopian civilization ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - Cross sections of the society underscored the significance of the return of Axum Obelisk as it is the symbol and manifestation of the identity, wisdom and civilization of Ethiopians. At a discussion held yesterday in the ETV studio, the participants said the return of the Obelisk would symbolize the patriotic struggle of our forefathers against invading and colonizing forces. They said it would also enable to smoothly transfer such spirit of patriotism from generation to generation. Preparations are currently well underway by various sub committees with a view to colorful reception to the Obelisk. They said various income soliciting events would also be organized to materialize the colorful reception of the Obelisk. Walta Information Centre General Manager Negash Teklu said on the occasion that the Centre has planned to organize a symposium next month where pertinent research papers are expected to be presented and tabled for discussion. Heads of various governmental organizations, patriots, representatives of women's and youth associations, scholars, prominent personalities and religious heads have attended the panel discussion. The panel was jointly organized by Ethiopian Radio and Television, Walta Information Centre, and National Heritages Return Committee. The Axum Obelisk, having a height of 25 metres and weighing 150 tons, was taken away from its home land by the invading Italian forces and erected in Rome, where it stayed for the last 60 years. January 20, 2005 Project discovers new ancestral hominid fossils in Afar ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - New ancestral hominid fossils dated between 4.51-4.32 million years ago have been discovered at an area locally known as As Duma in Gona Western Margin in the Afar State. Assigned to "Ardipithicus ramidus", the hominid specimens were discovered at the Gona Palaeoanthropological Research Project site, Authority for Research and Conservation of Hertitage (ARCCH) told ENA yesterday. The earliest hominid specimens belonging to this genus were first discovered only 12 years ago in the Middle Awash, a neighbouring study area located about 90 km south of Gona. The Gona team has also discovered numerous new hominid fossils from several key evolutionary periods including hominid fossils that are estimated to be around 5.5 million years, skulls belonging to the earliest representative of genus Homo, which are still under study. Gona preserves a continuous archeological record on the stone tool making and use behaviors of the modern man ancestors, from the earliest dated to 2.6 million years to younger age stone tools estimated to be half-a-million years. Dr. Sileshi Semaw, Direcrtor of Gona Project, who is based at CRAFT Research Centre and Stone Age Institute, Indiana University is quoted as saying, "Gona for a long time was known just for the discovery of the oldest stone tools in the world. Our latest research has shown that it is a unique site with a long sequence preserving a wealth of information both on the biological origin as well as the cultural beginnings and evolution of humankind from the earliest to the more recent." Recently, hominid fossils dated between 5.8-5.2 million years ago were announced from the Middle Awash, which were assigned to a new species named Ardipithecus Kadabba, the Research project said in a back-ground information. "Based on the current evidence from Gona and the Middle Awash, Kadabba is the oldest and ramidus the slightly younger hominid species belonging to the genus Ardipithecus," it said. "Scientists believe that Ardipithecus is the earliest hominid genus after the split from the common ancestor that gave rise to chimpanzees and the human branch of our ancestry." The Gona discovery, the first outside of the Middle Awash, is believed to add knowledge to understanding of the ecological context as well as the skeletal biology of this species, which is currently known only from bits and pieces of fossil remains represented by a few jaws, isolated teeth and fragmentary postcranial bones, it indicated. The multidisciplinary research team began field work in 1999 and discovered the first jaw and finger bone during the first field season. More hominid discoveries are needed from sites such as Gona to fully understand the biological origins of our ancestors, Sileshi said. The research permission for the work in the Afar is granted by ARCHH and the National Museum, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. ======================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan. 21,2005 ============================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Tue Jan 25 13:45:22 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2005 05:45:22 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050125134522.76705.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> January 22, 2005 UEDF vows to change gov't policies ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - The Union of Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) said that it would strive for the development of the country by changing the policies of the ruling party if elected in the upcoming elections. Introducing the programme of UEDF to the residents of Hosana town, Dr. Beyene Petros, First Vice-President of the Union, said although their demand for the amendment of the electoral law has not been adequately met, it would contest in the elections. Dr. Beyene said that the Union plans to change the education policy which it described as generation killer and the land policy that causes displacement as well as the resettlement and water harvesting programmes that have 'proved worthless,' and called upon the people to register as voters realizing the significance of the elections. Meanwhile, the Gambella Peoples' Movement said that it has fielded 85 candidates for the elections. Movement Vice-Chairman Umed Ubong said yesterday that 82 would vie for seats in the State Council and three for House of Peoples' Representatives. The Vice-Chairperson called upon election executives and observers to ensure peace and democracy so that the people would be able to elect the people they trust. ERCS donates 25,000 USD to tsunami-hit African countries by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) yesterday announced that it has donated 25,000 USD to assist people affected by the tsunami recently in two African countries. In a press briefing he gave on the premises of the Society ERCS President Shimelis Adugna said that the money would be distributed to Somalia (15,000 USD) and Seychelles (10,000 USD) through the Red Crescent and Red Cross Societies respectively for emergency needs and rehabilitation. Asked about why the Society focused only on these two countries, he said that they are the most vulnerable and at the same time given less attention by the international community. "The disaster has killed 150 and wounded 54,000 Somalis. In Seychelles, two killed, 21 others wounded and 500 families remain homeless. The undersea earthquake has also affected many people from Kenya, Tanzania, Mauritania, Comoros, the president indicated. In addition, he expressed ERCS's readiness to provide similar assistance anytime and anywhere despite its limited resources. Fertile ground has also been created to solicit assistance from the Ethiopian people, he said. According to the president, though the assistance is insignificant, it shows the deep concern of ERCS to the rest of the world strengthening the solidarity among African countries in particular and other countries in general. The massive undersea earthquake off the coast of Indonesia on December 26, 2004 triggered deadly tidal waves, which smashed into Indian Ocean coastlines, killing more than 220,000 people. ERCS was established in 1935, during the time of the Italian aggression. Now it has 1.8 million members and 700,000 volunteers and is assisting many people through its 11 state, 26 zonal and 42 woreda offices as well as 1,792 kebele committees around the country, the President said. Women's struggle for justice must be consolidated, sustained: Ministry ADDIS ABABA - The Ministry of Information said women's struggle for justice should be consolidated and sustained, as their role in efforts being made to extricate society from poverty and backwardness is decisive. In its weekly statement issued yesterday the ministry said, the contribution of women in the multifarious activities of society is enormously huge. Women work for longer hours and shoulder the burden compared to their male counterparts, it said. As women play a decisive role in discharging household and family duties, their contribution to development and progress of a country should get higher consideration, the statement said. According to the statement, the FDRE Constitution, which is the result of sacrifices of the general public and women in particular, has provisions to promote the equality of women. The country's laws were also revised and amended to ensure the human and democratic rights of women. Taking advantage of these provisions, women are ensuring their rights by raising their participation in the day-to-day activities of the society, it said. "It is important to note that the ruling party has decided to reserve a minimum of 30 per cent of the decision-making at every level for women. Other contending parties have also made similar decisions, which is encouraging,' the statement said. The statement finally called upon women to register in time for the upcoming May elections and prepare themselves to win. January 23, 2005 ONC sees benefits in amended electoral law, calls for voter huge turn out CUD demands candidate presenting timetable extension ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Oromo National Congress (ONC) said the amended electoral law will have a significant contribution towards the activities of the party, though it has fallen short of meeting demands. The congress also called upon the electorate to turn out en masse in the May national elections. The amended electoral law that precludes the previous requirement for opposition candidates to submit 500 endorsement signatures was in the party's interest, ON Executive Committee member Almaz Seifu said yesterday. "The emanates not from anticipating failure that we may not be able to solicit the necessary support, but rather for avoiding the intimidation that supporters would otherwise have faced," said Almaz who is also Head of the Party's Political Affairs. She said the public used to be denied clean water and health services for supporting oppositions, adding the amended law offers security to the people and makes early preparations smooth. ONC, however does believe that the desired solution has been achieved on issues regarding the electoral board and election executives, she said. "ONC hopes that such issues will be settled in future consultations." She further indicated that as all election executives are civil servants, this undoubtedly puts a cloud over the democratic conduct of the election. Meanwhile, Almaz said ONC will field candidates in Addis Ababa and in all zones of Oromia State. ONC will strive to field candidates who are trusted and respected by their constituents, she said. "Any candidate who fails the people's trust will be sacked not only from candidacy, but from party membership as well." She finally called upon the public to get registered at their polling stations to make the election process democratic. Meanwhile, the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) has demanded the extension of timetable to present candidates. The National Electoral Board, however, said that adding more days on the timetable will create work burden. CUD officials told ENA that the party requested for more days to field its candidates to be selected first by member parties separately, and then endorsed in merger joint meeting. CUD believes that candidates should be nominated carefully, Chekol Getahun and Lidetu Ayalew said. As only 12 days are left for the deadline to expire, the government and the Board should give attention to the issue, which they said is critical. Deputy Head of NEBE Tesfaye Mengesha said on his part that earlier the Board had extended its election timetable by a month in response to opposition political parties demand. He said any extension of the timetable now will create work burden. He however pledged to submit the CUD demand before the Board. Meanwhile, Coalition for Unity and Democracy said the peace initiative tabled by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border conflict would not bring a lasting peace. Speaking to a gathering called by the party in Bahir Dar town yesterday. Chairman of the Coalition, Dr. Admassu Gebeyehu said that the peace plan couldn't bring lasting peace as it violates the sovereignty of the country. The Vice-Chairman said a peace proposal which did not involve the people have not discussed by the public wouldn't establish durable peace. As accepting the EBBC's decision in principle requires the implementation of verdict, and EPRDF's peace plan is against the interest of the country, he added. Dr. Admassu, who said that lasting peace cannot be achieved by giving up Badme, Irob and Bure territories and citizens, he instead urged the brotherly peoples of Ethiopia and Eritrea to seek ways of finding lasting solutions through neutral intermediaries. The Vice Chairman called upon the public to come out and get registered in the remaining 15 days and vote for the same parties as the ruling party has brought no change during its 14 years stay in power. According to him, the people should vote for the Coalition as it surpasses the ruling party in many ways. Similarly, peaceful demonstrations were held in Awassa demonstrations were held in Awassa and Bahir Dar towns as summoned by the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) to denounce the five-point peace proposal put forward by Ethiopia to resolve the dispute with Eritrea. CUD representative Dr. Hailu Araya during the demonstration in Awassa said the peace proposal can not bring about sustainable peace. The proposal denies Ethiopia of sea outlet, Dr. Hailu said. He said EPRDF upholds a wrong stand in the Ethio-Eritrea issue. Meanwhile, the Afar National Democratic Party (ANDP) has said it raises women's candidacy in election by 15 per cent. Central Committee member Assa Hussien told ENA that without bridging the gap in gender inequality, sustainable development and good governance cannot be achieved. Of the total number of candidates the party is going to field for the upcoming national elections, Women constitute 15 per cent, he said. He said empowering women and raising their participation at all levels down to the grass roots will be vital to speed up development. The party will support women in the state to have their rights respected. The party is exerting efforts to enable the pastoralist communities to adopt sedentary living along riverbanks where they can divert the waters for farming. The party's candidates have already been campaigning in Zone 2. EPRDF said working towards new chapter of enlightenment ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary and Democratic Front (EPRDF) has said it has been working towards a new chapter of enlightenment in the upcoming national elections. EPRDF Organization Affairs Head Tsegaye Mamo told Friday's issue of the Front organ Abyotawi Democracy, that the Front will revivify the ongoing development and good governance efforts. He said the Front has issued ethical code for its members to adhere in the process of the elections. He also expressed the Front's readiness to set up a joint committee, which will provide a roundtable in the event of any problem in the election process. Tsegaye said the Front will take serious measures on any member of supporter who goes against the democratic conduct of the elections. Nothing that EPRDF is ensuring that its candidates undergo critical public comments. Women constitute more that 30 per cent of the Front's candidature for the upcoming elections' he said, adding they have proved competent. EPRDF believes in the supremacy of the people, he said, adding the Front thus will remedy of any candidate is found lacking in the people's demands. He called upon the public to observe all through the process of the elections. He also called on voters to register in time as per the schedule set by the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia. ============================== Pol.ethiopia Jan.25,2005 ===================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Wed Jan 26 13:19:01 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 05:19:01 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050126131901.66368.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> January 25, 2005 Meles underscores intensifying HIV/AIDS battle ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles said yesterday that unless the battle against HIV/AIDS is further intensified, its threat to the nation will be disastrous. Meles said the gathering that HIV storm threatening our people, will only be lifted when our efforts are outcome oriented and aimed to bring about fundamental changes. Prime Minister Meles made the remark in a keynote address at the launching of National Strategic Plan and Management/Social Mobilization/Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) at the UN Conference Centre in the presence of President Girma Wolde-Giorgis and representatives of governmental and non-governmental organizations. He said the government put on a concerted effort and has continued its endeavour to control the spread of the pandemic with some encouraging results. Even though the struggle against the pandemic is bearing some encouraging results, "we should not forget that we have one million people infected by the virus," Meles said. He said "the SPM being launched today was the outcome of extensive consultations and discussions." The Prime Minister says the new SPM has several departure points such as placing HIV/AIDS prevention at the forefront of the health sector agenda. In order to achieve this agenda, Meles said, a Health Extension Package, which includes HIV/AIDS prevention as one of its activities. In the next three years, this plan will rollout to all rural kebeles and that there will also be a health centre to serve a catchment area of 25,000 people, Meles said. Training of health professionals who will be assigned to rural villages will be completed by 2008, Meles added. According to Meles the strategic plan's new departure is that it recognizes behavioral change as a key in the prevention of HIV. There is no cure for HIV/AIDS, but there are drugs that are effective in prolonging productive life, Meles said adding that integrating counseling, testing and treatment with prevention will undoubtedly make the fight against HIV/AIDS more successful. U.S Ambassador Aurelia Brazeal on her part said that the U.S. is a full partner in making safe, effective drugs available, whether imported or produced locally. Even as we also focus on prevention efforts, lessening discrimination, and providing care and support to orphans and vulnerable populations will be on the agenda, she said. The ambassador said that Ethiopia is at a cross road in her fight against the AIDS pandemic, adding that convergence of interest, knowledge, purpose and finance by the government and all parties is being observed. She also called up on all stakeholders to fight the pandemic on all fronts with the seriousness and scale that the epidemic requires. Ruling party, oppositions debate on service sector by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The ruling Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) defended its infrastructure and monetary policies saying that encouraging achievements have been made towards making them a supportive tool to attain sustainable development. Opposition parties on the other hand argued that activities were insignificant with no result and change. The EPRDF and three opposition parties were debating Sunday at a forum focusing on the service sector and organized by the inter-Africa Group Dr. Arega Yirdaw had been a moderator. Representing EPRDF, Minister of Infrastructure Development Dr. Kassu Illala along with Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia Tekle-Wold Atnafu said that the policies have created an enabling environment in addressing the needs of the general public, assisting the economic activities mainly agriculture and attracting investors. As the policies were designed based on the country's resources, promising results were registered over the last 14 years, they said. The policies also give due consideration to delivering the services fairly among states, the representatives said. According to Dr. Kassu, the number of regular telephone customers has increased from 175,000 to 780,000 and that of electricity to 845,000 from only 400,785, 14 years back. The power generation capacity has also grown to 782 from 318 mega watt with the construction of road whose length stretched to 36,500 from 18,000 kms, the Minister added. The Minister also explained the progress being made in the air transport, mobile telephone service and the application of modern technology to the education and health sectors, among others. "The Bole International Airport terminal could accommodate 1,870 customers at a time while 1.2 million people would get mobile telephone service as of August this year," he said. Speaking of the financial sector, Ato Tekle-Wold said the that the development oriented policy played a significant role in creating stable macro-economic environment. He further indicated that the policy encourages saving and investment and also provision of support to other financial institutions like insurance and leasing companies. Thanks to the policy measures, inflation interest and exchange rates have been stabilized, he added. Representatives of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) Dr. Birhanu Nega and Ato Biruk Kebede on their part criticized the policy for its failure to meet the needs of the business community and the large majority of people living in the countryside. They said the interest rate is hostile for the business community and discourages investment in the country with the vast majority of people getting no financial and other services. According to the representatives, much needs to be done in the telecommunication, power supply and the provision of other infrastructures. They pointed out inefficient manpower, exclusion of both domestic and foreign investors and skilled professionals to engage in the sectors as some of the factors that inhibit their development. If the party is elected, it would work in close cooperation with the private sector designing a policy that encourages saving, promote investment to create job opportunity to citizens they said. Coalition of Ethiopian Democratic Forces (CEDF) representatives Dr. Merara Gudina together with Col. Feleke Tiruneh criticized EPRDF polices saying that no change has been witnessed from where it was a decade ago. According to the representatives, the policies were not designed based on the objective reality in the country and considering expertise advice. Giving less attention to railway transportation is also another defect of the policy, the representatives indicated. If elected, the party would focus on promoting education, health and work actively on improving the transport and finance sectors, they said. Representatives of the Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement (OFDM) also blamed the policies of the incumbent government and recommends for some kinds of changes. Ato Bulcha Demekssa and Dereje Bekele said that vulnerable societies and people like Oromos were neglected by the policy. Commercial banks should not be under government ownership and at the same time it (the government) shouldn't be engaged in the business sector other than playing the facilitation role, they said. At the televised debate various questions pertinent to the sector were raised by professionals, journalists and participants to the political parties, which they responded accordingly. Also Sunday, EPRDF and two opposition parties held a debate in Makalle. EPRDF, All Ethiopian Unity Party (AEUP) and the Ethiopian Peoples' Democratic Party EPDP Medhin introduced their political programmes to the public ENA reported. AEUP representative Berehet and EPDP-Medhin Berhan Embiz said their parties are working jointly to win the elections. They said members of EPRDF were forcing the people to elect members in the previous two elections. They also indicated that some of the proposals the opposition made for the amendment of the electoral law were accepted, which they said, is a welcome development. EPRDF representative Ambassador Tewolde-Gebru said on his part that Front members do not have any intention of imposing its programme on opposition parties other that introducing it to the general public. He said efforts have been launched more than ever before to make the present election free and fair. The debate was organized by Nile College and Makalle University. Japan responds to relief appeal ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The governments of Ethiopia and Japan yesterday signed a grant agreement amounting to 1.956 million US dollars at the conference hall of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MoFED). The agreement was signed by State Minister of MoFED, Dr. Mulu Kestela, and Ambassador Kenjiro Izumi. As stipulated in the agreement, the grant would be used for the purchase and transportation of wheat, which would be distributed to food insecure people through the Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Commission (DPPC). Speaking on the occasion, Dr, Mulu said the government of Japan has been a great supporter of Ethiopia. Ethiopia has embarked on food security programme, she said adding the present grant would be utilized to ensure food security in the country. The aid is a swift response to the appeal made by Ethiopian and UN agencies - FAO, WFP, UNDP and other for emergency humanitarian support to drought affected people and facing food shortage in 2005, Ambassador Kenjiro Izumi said. Japan has expressed willingness to support the efforts to improve food security in Ethiopia by contributing to the New Coalition for Food Security, he said. Japan has so far extended a total of 6.3 million US dollars assistance under this grant, aid scheme since 1985. January 26, 2005 Church urged to intensify HIV/AIDS sensitization efforts ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis has urged the Ethiopian Evangelical Church to redouble its efforts towards raising awareness of the public surrounding HIV/AIDS. The efforts being exerted to provide care and support to people living with the virus and orphans are encouraging, Girma said at the 17th conference the church held here Tuesday. He said the pandemic is affecting the public, particularly the youth. The sensitization activities of the church towards curbing the impact so far is commendable, according to the President. Ethiopia has been engaged in development activities owing to the prevalence of peace and stability in the country, he said, adding the church needs to exert its effort to the realization of the activities. Girma expressed his conviction that the church would do its level best towards enhancing the efforts being exerted by religious leaders to resolve the dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The church is carrying out a wide range of development and social activities across the country by mobilizing 4.2 million people, he said. Girma said the church should work for better results by undertaking activities that are in line with the policies of the government. The church is executing various community-based activities to reduce poverty, Church President, Reverend Itefa Gobena said. He said the faithful are registering and participating in election orientations with a view to casting voter in the upcoming election in May 2005. TPLF candidates face public evaluation ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Some 40 candidates fielded by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) to run in the upcoming national elections in Eastern Zone of the Tigray State have undergone critical comments by their constituents. All the candidates have passed the public scrutiny, zonal public coordination head Merha Gebre-Egziabher said. Some eight of the candidates will be contending for seats in the House of Peoples' Representatives and 32 for the State Council. Represented in the candidature are youths, farmers and scholars, he said. Meanwhile, more that 130,530 voters have registered in the zone to cast votes in the elections, zonal electoral board coordinator said. The figure represents only about half of the number of expected voters, as there has not been an awareness-raising programme to the required scope, he said. Some 250,000 prospective voters are expected at the 343 poling stations in the zone including Zalambessa and Irob, Mekonnen Reda said. Meles holds talks with U.S. Deputy Central Commander ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Deputy Commander of the U.S. Central Command Lance L. Smith said his country is committed to further enhance its cooperation with Ethiopia in the prevention of terrorism as well as in bringing about peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. After holding talks with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi here yesterday Lieutenant General Smith told journalists that there has been a positive sense of partnership between the U.S. and Ethiopia in peace efforts in the Horn of Africa. The U.S. and Ethiopia have been working in partnership in the fight against terrorism as well as to bring about sustainable peace and security in the region, according to the General. Lt. Gen. Smith commended Ethiopia's roles in the fight against terrorism as well as in peace and stability efforts in the Horn of Africa. He said his discussion with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi was constructive. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said the comprehensive agreement signed recently between the Sudanese Government and SPLS as well as the establishment of Transitional Government in Somalia would be vital for the peace security of the region. Meles said Ethiopia has played significant roles in the peace processes in the Sudan and Somalia. Meles reaffirmed his government's commitments to strengthen its cooperation with the U.S. in the fight against international terrorism as well as in peace and security efforts, according to a senior official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who attended the meeting. ==================================== pol.ethiopia Jan.26,2005 ========================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Easier than ever with enhanced search. Learn more. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 From polethiopia@yahoo.com Fri Jan 28 13:37:37 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2005 05:37:37 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050128133737.16262.qmail@web53305.mail.yahoo.com> January 27, 2005 Premier emphasizes individual, collective efforts to address migration challenges by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi emphasized the need for exerting efforts individually and collectively to address the challenges of migration and minimize the negative impact it poses on development. Opening the Global Coalition for Africa (GCA) Policy Forum of Migration and Development in Africa at the UN Conference Centre yesterday, Meles underlined the importance of thinking creatively and collaboratively to counterbalance "the negative views about migrants by the extremely positive contribution migrants can and do to make the economies of their host countries." "Principles and fairness and equity must guide the way international migration is approached and the concerns of African countries must be taken into account. We are living in a world that is more interdependent and interconnected than ever before, and it is incumbent on us all to ensure that we manage migration so that it works to the benefit of all," the Prime Minister said. Meles who is also the Co-Chair-person of the GCA called up on all countries in general and Africa in particular to seriously consider how to better involve the Diaspora in both individual countries and at the continental level, how to build bridges and channels of communication with Diaspora organizations. He also commended efforts of AU and African regional bodies to address migration issues within the continent. According to Meles in a number of partner countries, domestic pressure has made migration one of the most sensitive political issues of the day while public perception of migration often exacerbates its negative consequences minimizing the contribution that migrants can made to development. The rise of international terrorism in recent years has negatively affected the perception of migrants in many countries, the Prime Minister added. Speaking of Africa, Meles said that the continent loses not only skilled and professional expertise that in needs to spur and manage development as a result of migration but also the return of the investment made in education and training. GCA Co-Chairperson Dr. Frene Ginwala on her part told the gathering about the importance of examining the factors that drive migration, particularly of skilled professionals and what African countries need to do to retain their educated and skilled workers. She also advised the forum to think of what partners of Africa can do to help the continent in this regard. The co0chariperson indicated that the challenge facing the whole world is how to manage international migration in a way that it does not advantage some countries at the expense of others and stressed the importance of looking for possible means of managing it fairly and equitably. According to Dr. Frene, 175 million people, or one out of every 35 persons, are now international migrants, and 48 per cent of them are women. She also quoted different sources indicating the number of labour migrants in Africa constitute one fifth of the global total. Sources also estimate by 2025 one in ten Africans will live and work outside their countries of origin, she said. The two-day forum is expected to explore how migration can make a positive contribution to African countries and to the continent as a whole, and how it can expand individual opportunity. It would also consider what sort of international cooperation and collaboration could help to manage migration so that it benefits all. AU High-Level Committee agrees to make stand-by force operational ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The African Union (AU) High0Level Committee on the Non-Aggression Pact and the Common Defence and Security in Africa, agreed Tuesday that the stand-by force for the AU should be operational, Ghana News Agency reported. The decision was taken at a day-long meeting of Foreign Minister of AU member states in Accra to prepare the ground for the AU High-Level Committee of Heads of State and Government on the Non-Aggression Pact and the Common Defence and Security in Africa meeting to be held in Abuja, Nigeria on January 29,the Agency said. Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo announced the decision when he led the Foreign Ministers to brief President John Agyekum Kufuor, Chairman of the Committee on their deliberations at the Castle, OSU. The Foreign Ministers were from Ghana, South Africa, Congo, Ethiopia, Algeria and Mozambique, whose governments are among members of the High-Level Committee. Nana Akufo-Addo said: "We reached consensus on a document that embodies the considerations that we had had and captured fundamental issues". "We are satisfied that it is a good document on a single army as the goal to make the stand-by force operational," he said. Dr. Dlamini Nkosazana Zuma, South African Foreign Minister, said: "We have done our best to accommodate all the different view in the different documents". He said, "With your accumulated experience and commitment, mu colleagues would want to know what the Committee is doing". The January 29 Abuja meeting will be a prelude to a special African Union (AU) Summit the following day to consider a common defence and security policy for the continental body. The Committee of Heads of State and Government was established to examine issues relating to non-aggression, common defence and common security in Africa. Members of the Committee are the Heads of State of Algeria; Republic of Congo; Ethiopia and South Africa. It also has Mozambique, the immediate past Chairman of the Africa Union as Ex-Officer Member. Meles appears as a candidate in Tigray AXUM (ENA) - Five high-level leaderships of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) including Prime Minister Meles Zenawi appeared as candidates in Central Zone of the Tigray State for the seat of the House of Peoples' Representatives in the upcoming national elections, Zonal Culture and Information Office said. Office Head, Kidane-Mariam Gebre-Kristos said last Tuesday that the public unanimously endorsed the candidacy of the TPLF top members when they held a campaign in rural Keble's and towns in 13 woredas of the zone from January 9-21,2005. Kidane-Mariam said 14 candidates including the high-level leaderships would run for seats in the House of Peoples Representatives and 56 candidates for State Council at 476 polling stations set up in 14 constituencies in the zone. January 28, 2005 Ethiopia desirous of strengthening trade, tourism cooperation with UAE: Ministry ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that Ethiopia is taking various measures geared towards strengthening boosting economic ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Dubai in the fields of trade and tourism. The Ministry told ENA yesterday that Ethiopia has already opened consulate office in Dubai a year ago in a bid to strengthening bilateral ties with the UAE, and deliver services to the Ethiopian community there. Ethiopian Consul General Gashaw Debebe Tuesday held talks with Director General of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Khalid A. bin Sulayem focusing on enhancing economic ties with Dubai and the UAD. The Ministry said the two senior officials held the talks at DTCM headquarter in Dubai on issues pertaining to strengthening cooperation in tourism, trade, and ways of enhancing relations. Consul General Gashaw briefed Sulayem on Ethiopia's economic policy and its tourist attraction sites. Director General Sulayem on his part briefed Gashaw on latest infrastructure projects geared toward encouraging travel agencies. Djibouti electricity exportation project in high gear ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo) announced that preparations are being speeded upto effect Djibouti electricity exportation project. EEPCo General Manager Mihret Debebe made the announcement yesterday at the opening of a meeting called to discuss power line transfer draft agreement between pertinent bodies from Ethiopia and Djibouti. The project, launched following the signing of the agreement in 2001, provides for the installation of a 283-kms power line from Dire Dawa to Djibouti. The African Development Bank has already approved a 60 million dollars loan for the implementation of the project, Mihret said. The loan is to be repaid in a long term a minimum interest by the two countries. The project would enable urban and rural border areas in the two countries to get power supply is expected to be finalized until 2002 E.C. Ethiopia will be receiving upto 33 million dollars annually from the export of electricity, Mihiret said. The project could be extended beyond Ethiopia and Djibouti to include countries in the region and even reaching farther to Northern African countries, General Manager of Djibouti Electric Company Jama Ali Guelleh said on the occasion. Such a project will be significant in strengthening ties between nations, he said. Norway pledges support for election successful conduct ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Norway is ready to provide support for the successful conduct of the national elections in Ethiopia scheduled to be held in May this year, Norwegian International Development Minister announced. The Minister Hilde F. Johnson mad the pledge here yesterday during talks with Prime Meles Zenawi. Commending the ongoing election activities, she said it was a positive sign that the electoral law has been amended as part of the activities to conduct the elections successfully. She said the political debates among the contesting political debates among the contesting political parties would give the electorate the opportunity to vote for the party of their choice. Hilde F. Johnson said Norway is implementing a pilot project in Ethiopia on crops of commercial value. Prime Minister Meles and the Norwegian minister discussed the bilateral economic cooperation between Ethiopia and Norway as well as the peace and security situation in the Horn of Africa. ANDM candidates including Addisu under public evaluation Gondar (WIC/ENA) - The Amhara Nation Democratic Movement said that 66 of its candidates including Deputy Prime Minister Addisu Legesse, are being evaluating by the public. Zonal office Head of the Movement, Wasse Bezuneh told WIC yesterday that among the candidates, 14 men and seven women, will contest for seat in the House of Peoples' Representatives, and 26 men and 19 women candidates for seat in the State Council. Besides to the Deputy Prime Minister and Rural and Agricultural Development Minister Addisu Legesse, other high ranking leaders of the Movement will also vie for seat in the House of Peoples' Representatives. According to the Head, candidates of ANDM have been evaluated by the public throughout the 18 woredas of the zone since last week. In a relation development, out of the 1.2 million electorates expected to get registered in the zone, 660,ooo voters have been registered at the 1,095 polling stations. Similarly, the Oromo People's Democratic Organization (OPDO) said that its candidates in Bale Zone are being evaluated by the public. Accordingly, the 40 candidates fielded by OPDO to run in the elections in 18 woredas have received critical comments by the public. Some 19 of the candidates are women. All the candidates have met the demand for public evaluation. Meanwhile, the Adama Teachers Association has called on teachers to get registered for the elections. Association Chairperson Getachew Guta told WIC Wednesday as teachers are acquainted with the principles of democratic elections, they need to play exemplary role by getting registered for the elections. Indicating that teachers have to elect candidates that would ensure their benefits, the chairperson said teachers should also contribute in sensitizing the public to use their rights to left and get elected. Accordingly, he urged the teachers to encourage students above 18 years to participate in electing candidates committed to the development of the country. He further added that the Association has finalized preparations to offer training for members who would observe the elections. Hungarian Company donated medical equipment to MoH ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - The Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday received medical equipment worth over six million birr from the Hungarian ENAVIT Medical Company. State Minister of Health Dr. Tewodros Adhanom said on the occasion that the aid is part of a development cooperation between the two countries. The State Minister said that the company's material and training support would build the capacity to manufacture and use the equipment locally. He said the modern medical equipment donated by the company would be distributed to medical training institutions and referral hospitals. Hungarian Ambassador Janos Budai on his part said that the development cooperation between the two countries would be further strengthened on the basis of the agreement that is to be reached with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. He said the company would further strengthen its relations with the donation of medical equipment and the provision of training that would play crucial role in developing and expanding the health sector of the country. Ministry Medicine Supply and Administration Service Expert Yohannes Mesfin said that the donated 27 types of medical equipment would play important role in providing medical services. He said professionals of training institutions and referral hospitals receiving the appliances would receive training on the utilization of the medical equipment in Hungary. ======================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan.28,2005 ========================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? All your favorites on one personal page – Try My Yahoo! http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Mon Jan 31 12:11:06 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2005 04:11:06 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050131121106.4171.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> January 29, 2005 Africa Unite organizers optimistic Bob Marley's birthday celebration promote image of Ethiopia by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - Rita Marley, wife of Bob Marley, the legendary hero of Reggae music and dance, has said that the Africa Unite event would promote image of Ethiopia and boost the existing Marley family foundations' programmes in Ethiopia and Jamaica and their expansion to other African countries. Speaking at the press briefing organized yesterday at the Sheraton Addis in connection with the event of the official launching of a one month celebration of Africa Unite that marks Bob Marley's 60th birthday Nane Rita said the event would help to raise the profile of the Bob Marley and Rita Marley Foundations and put a global spotlight on the works that the foundations are doing. "We have been celebrating Bob's birthday in different parts of the world since his death 21 years ago. And we selected Ethiopia for the 60th because Bob lover Ethiopia," she said. State Minister of Information Netsanet Asfaw on her part said that the celebration would have positive implication not only for the Ras Teferians in Ethiopia but also for young people who come from all over the world. The event would mark the life of one human being who brought together the youth of the entire planet, together she added. "It is an example of how a person from a humble beginning becomes such a great man who has thought us that no matter how poor and deprived we are, we can be somebody and great. And as Ethiopia is working intensively towards fighting poverty and backwardness, there would be a great lesson for the people and the government of Ethiopia from Bob's life," the State Minister said. Members of the organizing committee on their part said the event is not only the celebration of the 60th birthday of Bob, it is also an event that highlights all the virtues attached to him in terms of human rights, social justice and equality and every one can participate in this wonderful event. They said the event would show positive portrays of Ethiopia to the world in different light eliminating beautiful historic country that has a great legacy, a legacy that are near and dear to Ras Teferians. In addition it is a positive reflection of Ethiopia's commitment to the advancement of Africa and its people, they said. They also added that the event could play a pivotal role in inspiring the youth especially Africans creating a great chance for them to participate in many activities in order to change the image of this continent. Thousands of tourists, dignitaries, academics, activists and international media including the Marley family are expected to arrive in Ethiopia over the coming days. The event would start as of the coming Tuesday (Feb.1, 2005). International celebrities like Danny Glover and Angelique Kidjo will join Africa and Diasporan luminaries in a contribution to the future of the continent. In addition, 12 footballers including George Weah, Claude Makalele (Chelsea) and Lilian Thuram (Juventus) are expected to come to Ethiopia. The historic, global outreach initiative is conceived by the Bob and Rita Marley Foundations and AFRICA UNITE 2005 is sponsored by UNICEF, the World Bank, the African Union, the Addis Ababa City Government, the Ethiopian Ministry of Information, Ethiopian Airlines and Ethiopian Tourism Commission, it was learnt. Italy says Axum Obelisk returns in April ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - The Axum Obelisk would reportedly be returned to its home country by the end of April. According to Reuters, the Italian Foreign Ministry has said the 24-metre obelisk believed to be at least 1,700 years old would be returned by the end of April. Italy promised in 1947 to return the 200-ton granite column, a symbol of the dawn of Ethiopian Civilization, but arguments and logistical problems delayed it until November last year when the two countries finally agreed to fly it home. An Italian Foreign Ministry spokesman was quoted by Reuters as saying that the first flight with the first segment would be made in the first 10 days of March; the other two flights would follow around 20 days apart; and in that way, the column would be returned by the end of April. It said the Russian-made Antonove 124 was chosen to bring the Obelisk home, and Ethiopia has planned to celebrate the Obelisk's return with a national holiday. The column was plundered by Italian fascist invaders in 1937. Ministerial Council refers three bills to parliament ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Council of Minister in its 125th regular session yesterday deliberated on three bills and referred them to the House of Peoples' Representatives with some amendments. The Office of the Prime Minister told ENA that the Council discussed the bill endorsing Hides and Skin Transaction Procedure and one providing for the reestablishment of the Population Census Commission and also other ratifying a loan agreement concluded with the International Development Association (IDA) to be utilized for building the capacity of tertiary education. While discussing the bill endorsing Hides and Skin Transaction Procedure, the Council said that the benefit from the sub-sector has been dwindling for lack of market information, absence of laws supporting the sector and problems emanating from improper handling. Accordingly, the bill would enable to get the proper income by improving the collection, preparation and handling of the products, the office said in a statement sent to ENA yesterday. During its discussion on the bill re-establishing the Pollution Census Commission, the Council noted the significance of conducting population census in strengthening the democratic order and improving the livelihood of the people, the statement said. It has also deliberated on the bill ratifying a loan agreement concluded with the IDA to be utilized for the implementation of a project to build the capacity of tertiary education. January 30, 2005 Meles leaves for Abuja AU Ordinary Session ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - A high level Ethiopian delegation led by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi left here yesterday to attend the 4th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and government of the African Union (AU) in Abuja, Nigeria. Upon departure at Bole International Airport, the delegation was seen off by senior government officials. A review of the food security situation in the continent, the status of implementation of previous decisions and declarations on HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other infectious diseases as well as eradication of poliomyelitis would be on the agenda of the two-day session. The leaders would also appraise the peace and security situation in Africa and the challenges facing the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) policy initiatives. All African heads of states and government are expected to attend the session. Makalle resident challenge CUD's peace initiative stand MAKALLE (WIC) - Residents of Makalle town have rejected the idea propounded by the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) stating that the New Peace Initiative proposed by the Prime Minister stands contrary to peace and sovereignty. Participants of a meeting organized by CUD here yesterday said that they support the peace initiative as it ensures lasting peace between the two countries. The inhabitants and religious leaders said they would not accept what the Coalition propagates because it leads to conflict and war. The participants clearly stated their opposition to the leaders of the CUD, Dr. Haily Araya and Prof. Mesfin Wolde-Mariam, who said the five-point peace initiative proposed by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi stands contrary to national sovereignty and development. The leaders also said the initiative was imposed on the people, which the participants refused to accept. The CUD claimed that the TPLF/EPRDF, beginning from its outset, has been working against Ethiopia's interest, adding that the people should therefore not remain docile while dictators prevail on the lives of the people and the nation. The Coalition argued that lasting peace could be ensured when the right party wins election in a democratic manner by abolishing the EPRDF government. That is why, they said, they are contending for power by fielding candidates almost allover the country. Two individuals among the gathering spoke in favour of the Coalition saying they would take up arms if Badime is given away. One of the CUD leaders, Prof. Mesfin, finally provoked the audience when he said democratic election has never taken place in Tigray State as the votes have been hundred per cent similar to products manufactured by a factory. As a result, a closing speech could not be delivered as the participants were very much upset. Organizations assign roving election observers ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Five local organizations have assigned roving election observers to monitor the process of the next May national elections, the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) said. The Board told ENA yesterday that it has on its part prepared 595 IDs for election observers. The Ethiopian Teachers Association and the Oromia Youth Association have requested for 94 and 142 IDs respectively for their election observers, the Board said. The Organization for Victims of Red Terror has also assigned 30 observers while the Addis Ababa Women Association assigned 273 election observers, the Board said. The Ethiopian Civil Society Coalition on its part assigned 56 observers, according to the Board. NEBE said it would also give the necessary IDs for foreign observers. Party urges supporters to register before deadline by Yemane Terefe ADDIS ABABA - The Keste Damena (Rainbow Ethiopia: Movement for Democracy and Justice) urged all its supporters to register for the upcoming elections before the deadline expires. Speaking at a public gathering it held at the National Lottery Administration yesterday, Dr. Befekadu Degefe, Party Fund-Raising Chairperson, said that registering to vote by itself accounts 10 per cent of the struggle and the remaining 90 per cent is related to the fairness of the election that will take place in May 2005. He stressed that all haves get to register and receives IDs in time and elects the party that would transform the country. Ato Bedru Adem, member of the House of Peoples' Representatives and who recently joined the Party, on his part said that election is a guarantee for life if people deliberately and actively elect whom they want. And he told the gathering to register and also mobilize others to register soon. The party called upon the people to actively participate in the national elections without any fear to exercise their political and democratic rights. Similar public gathering were held in Wolkite and Makalle, it was learnt. ================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan.31,2005 ======================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Jan 3 10:49:46 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:38 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050103084946.54001.qmail@web53310.mail.yahoo.com> January 1, 2005 Six political parties agree to continue debate ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Six political parties have agreed to continue the political parties have agreed to continue the political debate to be organized by Inter-Africa Group after two weeks, the group said. Political Parties Debate Forum Coordinator Nebiyu Samuel told ENA yesterday that the parties have agreed that the debate should focus on Industrial Development Policy. The political parties reached the agreement following a discussion they held here yesterday at Sheraton Addis. The agreement was reached among the ruling party, the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front, the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, the United Ethiopian Democratic Forces, All Ethiopian Democratic Party, the Oromo Federal Democratic Movement and Pan-Africanist Ethiopian Party. The parties have also reached agreement to hold a debate on urban development policy after three weeks and a debate on service sector after one month. Council of Ministers endorses bill ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Council of Minister approved here yesterday a bill for ratification of a loan and aid agreement enabling to implement Productive Safety Project designed based on the Ethiopian Water Resources Management Regulation, the Office of the Prime Minister said. In a press statement it sent to ENA yesterday, the office said the Council in its 123rd session said it was necessary to issue a regulation that would enable to utilize effectively the country's water resources under the appropriate administration. The Council approved after deliberating extensively on the bill for the ratification of the Productive Safety Project. The Council said the project to be implemented with the loan and aid would support the food security programme being implemented in food deficit areas of the country while enabling dozens of people to participate in various development activities through food-for-work programme. It also said the project would have a significant importance in bringing about sustainable development through the launching of various developments activities in drought prone areas, the statement said. The Council accepted and referred the draft proclamation to the House of Peoples' Representatives for approval, it said. The Ethiopian Water Resources Management Regulation was endorsed in 1992 E.C. AU expresses solidarity with victims of natural calamities ADDIS ABABA - The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission was deeply shocked by the natural calamities that recently devastated south-east Asia, as well as part of the Indian Ocean coast of Africa, which resulted in immense losses of life and considerable material damage, AU press release indicated. The press release sent to the Herald by AU yesterday said in this tragic situation, Konare expresses, on behalf of the Commission of the African Union, and on his own behalf, Africa's solidarity and sympathy to the affected populations and governments, as well as deep felt condolences to the bereaved families. As a gesture of solidarity towards the affected populations, the African Union decided to make a symbolic contribution of US $100,000. The Chairperson commends the efforts already deployed by some states, including African states, to alleviate the suffering of the affected populations and he wishes to call on the entire international community and the member states of the African Union in particular, to join the efforts and to provide the necessary assistance to the affected countries, the release added. "Peace proposal lacking public participation won't bring lasting solution": Opposition ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Opposition parties said a peace proposal that failed to consider the participation of the public would not bring a lasting solution to Ethio-Eritrea border dispute. Pointing out that few government leaders were deciding on the fate of the people and sovereignty of the nation, the opposition parties said the five-point new peace proposal could not bring lasting solution to the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute. The opposition parties, United Ethiopian Democratic Forces and the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, made the statement during a press statement they gave here last Thursday at Semen Hotel in connection with public gathering called by the parties opposing the proposal put forward by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and approved by the country's parliament. Pointing out that the parties strongly oppose the new peace proposal, they called upon the public to express their interest regarding the proposal by taking part in the gathering. The parties stressed the need that the peoples of the two countries should struggle against the dictatorial position and attitudes if there is a desire to bring about sustainable peace and enhance brotherhood between the peoples of the two countries through discussion. The parties said the gathering which is intended to be held tomorrow would enable the people to struggle for their rights and decide on the fate of their country. January 2, 2005 President lauds Addis greening, beautifying efforts ADDIS ABABA (ENA/WIC) - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis has lauded efforts launched by Clean and Green Addis Ababa Initiative to make the metropolis clean and suitable for living. Opening the Initiative's General Assembly yesterday, President Girma said that the Initiative is expected to register encouraging results by cleaning the city in the years ahead. He also said governmental and non-governmental organizations, the business community, educational institutes and the metropolitans should continue with their efforts towards creating the clean Addis Ababa. The President recommended the establishment of a joint forum for the implementation of integrated activities on environmental development and natural resources conservation. He said the efforts launched to clean the city should continue in sustainable manner for making the city environmental friendly would take longer years. President Girma also called upon members of the Initiative to further intensify their integrated activities of planting trees, cleaning rivers from pollution and soil conservation. The President assured the Initiative that the government would do everything possible to help realize its goal of making Addis Ababa, Capital of Africa, clean and beautiful. Speaking on his part Addis Ababa City Mayor Arkebe Equbay stressed the need that priority should be given to clear the city from environmental pollution, which affects the health of thousands of city residents. He said the younger generation has the greater responsibility of greening and beautifying the city. Speaking on his part Initiative President Dr. Fisseha Eshetu said that the main objective of the launching of the Initiative is to raise the awareness of the public about the importance of keeping the city clean. The Initiative has managed to collect and dump 14,273 cubic metres of garbage from the ten sub-cities and planted 22,000 tree seedlings of various species in cooperation with the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Authority and other organizations over the last one year, he said. Dr. Fisseha further said that the Initiative plans to construct 50 public toilets in ten selected kebeles. Prizes and certificates were awarded to individuals and organizations who made outstanding contributions in greening and beautifying the city. An exhibition depicting activities undertaken to beautify and green the city was also visited by participants of the assembly. Currently, the Initiative has 392 members. Zonal TPLF, ANDM offices field candidates ADDIS ABABA (WIC/ENA) - The Central Tigray Zone Administration said that the Tigray Peoples' Liberation Front (TPLF) has fielded 70 candidates for the upcoming national and state elections. Zonal Deputy Administrator and Public Mobilization Head Kiros Gebre-Silassie told WIC that 14 candidates vie for seats in the House of Peoples' Representatives, and the rest for State Council in 14 constituencies of the Zone. According to the Deputy Administor, 28 and five of the candidates vying for seats in the state Council and in the House of Peoples' Representatives are women respectively. Similarly, the North Wollo Zone branch Amhara Nation Democratic Movement (ANDM) said that it has fielded 32 candidates for the elections. Office Head Nigus Demilew said nine candidates will vie for in the state council and 23 in the House of Peoples Representatives. The candidates have already begun collecting candidature endorsement signatures in their respective constituencies, he said. According to Nigus, 30-40 per cent of the candidates constitute women. Eritrean people, army urged to pressurize gov't to accept proposal ADDIS ABABA (ENA/WIC) - Some members of the army at the Badme Front have called on Eritrean people and the army to pressurize government to accept the peace proposal forwarded the Ethiopian government to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea boarder dispute. They told ENA recently that they fully support the proposal, for war hampers development activities further aggravating the problem of poverty. The army members said the Eritrean people and army are expected to pressurize the Eritrean government to accept the proposal so that the dispute could be resolved through peaceful means. If the government of Eritrean accepts the new peace initiative preferring peace to war, it would be of a great significance for both countries in enhancing their development endeavors, they said. Similarly, workers and the management of the Bole Printing Enterprise have expressed support for the initiative. At a discussion forum held Friday, the workers said that peace plan has a lot to contribute for the effective materialization of ensuring good governance and multifaceted development works in the country. They noted that the various wars waged in the past have inflicted property damage and human loss leaving the country and its peoples in extreme poverty. Inculcating the culture of mutual coexistence and ensuring stability would, therefore, playa key role in freeing the country from the shackles of poverty, they said. The inhabitants of Negele town, Oromia, State, also said that the initiative would enable to achieve the desired development goals. In a meeting they held Friday, the inhabitants expressed their support for the peace initiative and for the effective implementation of poverty alleviation endeavour. At a discussion held recently, over 400 investors in Shashemene and its environs also said that the development strategies could only be realized when peace prevails and in this regard the peace proposal would create favourable environment for development endeavours. They also indicated that reforms introduced by the government to encourage the private sector have enabled them to contribute their share to the development efforts of the country. They finally urged the international community to put pressure on the Eritrean government to accept the proposal. 134 mln. birr earned from hides, skin export ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopia has earned 134 million birr in foreign Exchange from the export of hides and skin over the last three months, the Ethiopian Customs Authority said. Authority Public and International Relations Service said yesterday that the sum was secured from the export of 4.11 quintals of hides and skin between September and November. The products were exported to the United States, United Kingdom, China, Italy, Malaysia, Thailand, Spain and Turkey, it said. The products were exported to the United States, United Kingdom, China, Italy, India, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Malaysia, Thailand, Spain and Turkey, it said. The hides and skin exported to Italy and the United Kingdom constitute 35 and 17 per cent respectively, it added. In a similar development, 279 million birr was earned in foreign currency from various products exported via Nazareth over the last five months. Operation Main Section Head with the Nazareth Custom Office Lemma Mulatu told ENA yesterday that the sum was secured from the export of 41 various products. The sum secured between July 1, 1996 November 30,1997 E.C. exceeded that of last year same period by 105 million birr, he said. Lemma attributed the increase in the amount of export revenue to the rise in the types of products being exported abroad, among others. The exported items include hides and skin, soya bean, cacao, sugar and live animals, among others, he said. ================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan. 3,2005 ============================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue Jan 4 14:17:27 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:38 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050104121727.30163.qmail@web53305.mail.yahoo.com> January 4, 2005 Italy cancels 3.1 bln. birr debt for Ethiopia by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The governments of Ethiopia and Italy yesterday signed an agreement of 3.1 billion birr debt cancellation that the former owes to the latter. The Ethiopian government would use the cancelled debt to finance its poverty reduction programme. The Italian government has written off 100 per cent of Ethiopia's debt which is more by 10 per cent than the 90 per cent agreement Ethiopia signed with Paris Club Creditors upon reaching the Completion Point and as per the Enhanced Heavily In debted Poor Countries (HIPC) in April 2004. Speaking at the signing ceremony of the agreement held on the premises of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MoFED), State Minister Dr. Mulu Ketsela said that the debt cancellation will highly assist Ethiopia's multi sectoral development endeavours. According to the State Minister, the money would be utilized for the highest priority areas in the country and it would also be highly significant in meeting the MDGs. Ambassador Guido La Tella Italian ambassador to Ethiopia on his part said that his country cancelled the debt to assist Ethiopia in achieving sustainable development. The debt cancellation, which is one of the highest in the history of the bilateral relation of the two nations and the Paris Club members, leads to the more intensified chapter of their relation, Ambassador Guido said. He also said the visit of PM Meles Zenawi to Italy and the economic and cultural agreements signed as well as the agreement to return the Axum Obelisk are indications of this fact. The agreement was signed by Dr. Mulu and Ambassador Guido representing their respective governments. Meanwhile, embassy press release said that the agreement will pave the way to the enhancement of economic relations between Italy and Ethiopia. It will also facilitate a change of attitude of SACE (the Italian Export Credit Agency) towards Ethiopia, and encourage Italian entrepreneurs to increase their business (both through trade and new investments). An important economic mission is expected to visit Ethiopia next month, on the occasion of the Addis Ababa International Fair According to the release, the mission will include all major Italian institutions involved in international economic relations, including SACE, ICE (the Italian Institute for Foreign Trade) and SIMEST (the Institute for the Internationalisation of Italian Companies). EDUP-Medhin to field candidates in all constituencies ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Democratic Unity Party Medhin, (EDUP-Medhin) one of the opposition parties formed following the merger of two hitherto separate legal entities, announced Saturday that it would field candidates in all constituencies throughout the country. However, the party urged the government to react to the five questions posed by opposition political parties with a view to making the upcoming elections free and fair. Party Secretary General, Lidetu Ayalew told ENA that though there are some questions to be addressed, his party has been preparing to field candidates across nation. Lidetu said that his party has been engaged in selecting its candidates who are to compete in the election throughout the country, except in some border constituencies. He further indicated that the National Electoral Board should be established again and manned with independent individuals or those drawn from all political parties with a view to making the election democratic, free, and fair. He said though the electoral law states that the government has to provide financial assistance to contesting opposition parties, his party has not been provided with getting any support so far. Suspension of the financial assistance to opposition parties is a deliberate act made by the incumbent government to suppress the capacity of the contesting political parties, he added. The Secretary General also urged the government to allow the establishment of private Radio and Television Stations immediately since they contribute a lot towards making the elections free and fair. Government media should be duty bound to serve all political parties equally, he said, adding the government has been taking encouraging measures creating access for political parties to the state. "Live coverage of recent debates between opposition political parties and the ruling EPRDF is a cast in point," he added. Though the government positively responded to the presence of foreign observers during the upcoming election, nothing is known as to how and when they will enter the country, he said. Lidetu also called on the public to actively participate in the election either as a candidate, voter, or an observer. Oppositions denounce the New Peace Proposal ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Members and supporters of the Coalition of Ethiopian Democratic Forces (CEDF) and Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), last Sunday gathered here in Addis Ababa at the Meskel Square to denounce the peace proposal that the Ethiopian government has put forward recently to resolve the border dispute with Eritrea. In a peaceful gathering summoned jointly by CEDF and CUD, the members and supports of the two parties rejected the peace proposal, which they said violates Ethiopia's legal rights. The rally called for another proposal that would allow Ethiopia an outlet to the Red Sea. CEDF Head Dr. Merara Gudina said the ruling EPRDF has been deceiving the Ethiopian people concerning the Ethio-Eritrea issue. He said EPRDF made a mistake in signing the Algiers Peace Accord after Ethiopia had won the war. He further added that the people of Ethiopia have not been consulted on the terms contained in the recent peace proposal. Dr. Beyene Petros CEDF Deputy Head on his part said his party has right from the outset opposed to the Algiers Peace Accord that provides for demarcation of the border according to colonial agreement. CUD Executive Chekol Getahun also on his part said the peace proposal would not enable to bring about sustainable peace. Former Chief of the Tigray State as a guest speaker on the occasion said it was a historic mistake that Ethiopia signed the Algiers Agreement after it defeated Sha'ibia in the battle-field. Gebru, who was member of the ruling party when the agreement was signed, said the members of the former TPLF/EPRDF who have abandoned their membership request the pardon of the Ethiopian people for the mistake they made voting in favour of the Algiers Agreement. Former President Negaso Gidada on the occasion said he, as a citizen, opposes to the peace proposal. Numerous people who attended in the peaceful gathering aired slogans such as "peace will not come about by giving our land", Sha'ibia should not prosper at the expense of Ethiopia", and "the government should have consulted with the people on the terms of the peace proposal". Eritrean nationals stress pressurizing gov't to accept peace proposal ADDIS ABABA (ENA/WIC) - Eritreans who recently entered Ethiopia said that Eritreans should put pressure on their government to accept the peace proposal put forward by Ethiopia, saying it is the only option to end the border dispute between the two countries peacefully. The Eritreans, who said they attended to the proposal with great concern before coming to Ethiopia, said they believe the proposal will bring about good neighborliness between the peoples of the two countries. The government of Eritrea needs to accept the proposal for war results in devastation, Birhane Kahsay, a health professional and Tsigereda Messele as well as her four children said. They called upon the Eritrean government to accept the peace proposal and to make exertions to extricate its people from abject poverty, rather that preparing the youth for yet another round of war rounding them up from their schools and work places. A young woman Rahel Semere and a soldier Hayelom Asema said that accpetance by the government in Asmara of the peace proposal and its successive implementation will normalize relations between the two countries. Some six students from Asmara University and more that ten other Eritreans, who wanted to remain anonymous, said that they are certain that Eritreans applaud the new peace initiative. The government of Eritrea has no alternative other than accepting the peace initiative, which, they said, is in the interest of its people. Meanwhile, the inhabitants of the Zalanbessa Igela Front in the Tigray State have expressed their commitment for the effective implementation of the initiative, WIC reported. They further indicated that the peace plan would lay the cornerstone for the prevalence of lasting and durable peace between the two neighbouring and brotherly peoples through the resolution of the Ethio-Eritrea dispute in a peaceful manner. The inhabitants of Ahferom and Mereblehe woredas in the Front also stated that Ethiopia was forced to reverse the aggression of the Eritrean government as the opportunity for peace was blocked by the later. They expressed their desire to peacefully and mutually live with the Eritrean people, which, they said, should exert utmost efforts in the practical implementation of the peace proposal with a view to materializing the development endeavour in the country. Mereblehe Woreda Culture and Information Head Shiferaw Fisiha said on his part that the inhabitants of the woreda are the very inhabitants of the woreda are the very beneficiaries of the prevalence of lasing peace as they are immediate neighbors to Eritrea. The residents on the occasion called upon the people of Eritrea to put maximum pressure on their government. Over 15,000 people in the woredas have voiced support for the peace proposal following intensive discussion. Similarly, the inhabitants of Sheka Zone in Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples State expressed support to the proposal. In separate meetings they held recently, the over 5,000 inhabitants of 22 kebeles in Yeki Woreda and Tepi town said the proposal would help improve the relations between the two countries. They said the initiative would also enable to resolve the boarder dispute between the two countries. They also said the new peace proposal would promote the peaceful co-existence between the two countries. The forwarding of the proposal shows how the government of Ethiopia is committed to peace, they said. The inhabitants expressed commitment to extend support for the realization of the proposal. ================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan. 4,2005 ======================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Easier than ever with enhanced search. Learn more. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue Jan 11 10:46:55 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:38 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050111084655.83987.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> January 6, 2005 Commission to start regular duty this month by Yemane Terefe ADDIS ABABA - The Trade Practice Commission a newly set government institution has announced that it will officially start its regular duty as of this month to properly serve the business community in hearing and investigating complaints. Briefing local journalists yesterday at a press conference held at the office of the Commission, Chairperson of the Commission and Minister of Justice Harqa Haroye said, although the proclamation has been in place since April 9,1995 E.C, the Commission did not start its regular duty due to the delay in determining the number of members and arranging candidates for appointment by the Prime Minister. According to Harqa, members of the Commission have already started preparing ground works for the full function of the Commission right after their appointment. Accordingly they have arranged office facilities, and held discussions on the proclamation to raise the awareness of their members. Ato Harqa also told the conference that the trade proclamation of 1995 promotes free market in the country by prohibiting activities that hinder fair competition among the business community. According to Harqa, the proclamation mainly paves ways on how to regulate supply and demand, and discourage rent-collecting activities that hamper the business sector without adding value. It also discourages unnecessary trade competition and market monopoly, which simply targets weakening small business community and eventually chasing them out of the market. Accountability of the Commission is to the Ministry of Trade and Industry and it accepts complaints only when presented to the Commission, its was learnt. Supreme Court upholds Kinfe's killer death sentence ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Federal Supreme Court yesterday upheld the death sentence the Federal High Court passed on Major Tsehaye Wolde-Selassie found guilty of killing Security, Immigration and Refugee Affairs Former General Manager Kinfe Gebre-Medhin. The Supreme Court upheld the sentence after examining the appeal lodged by the convict. The act of killing of any individual entrusted to government duty of such a level high liable to heavier punishment, the court said. The convict killed the late Kinfe in cold blood. EIIPD President emphasizes developed nations' backing in fighting terrorism by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - {resident of the Ethiopian International Institute for Peace and Development (EIIPD) Prof. Kinfe Abraham said developed nations should back economic endeavours of developing countries in order to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Speaking at the opening of a seminar on "Challenges of Terrorism in the Horn of Africa" at Sheraton Addis yesterday, Prof. Kinfe said that the root causes of terrorism are poverty and backwardness and unless these issues are addressed properly, the fight against terrorism would become more challenging. The failure to address poverty reduction in a comprehensive manner considering all its manifestations such as diseases, malnutrition, illiteracy, and backwardness would inevitably lead to what is called "Structural or silent terrorism", Kinfe said. The president also emphasized the need for solving the inter and intraconflicts that can arise around the globe through a peaceful means for it enhances vulnerability to terrorism. According to Kinfe, the origin of terrorism goes back to the eleventh century when the Muslim world suffered a series of major defeats in the hands of crusaders. The end of the Cold War, the decolonization process, statelessness and the failure to discriminate freedom fighters from terrorists by the international community have all contributed a lot to the prevalence of the evil act, he added. The professor also urged countries in the Horn in particular and others in general to assist the coalition of the counter terrorism efforts more seriously. Director of Centre for Counter Terrorism Studies, a China-based institute, Li wei on his part said that the devolution of Al-Quida centres around the world after September 11, 2001 as well as the very fast changing nature of mechanisms of terrorism and the networking system the terrorist developed has made the counter terrorism effort very tough. According to the director, the shift of the attack of terrorists to the soft targets like hotels, tourist resorts and schools among others have also made the preventive task very hard inspite of the remarkable achievements registered so far. The seminar aims to update the concerned participants on the extent and depth of the threat which terrorism poses to the Horn of Africa in particular and African continent as a whole. Participants from the Security, Immigration and Refugee Affairs Authority, the Federal Police, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, House of Peoples' Representatives as well as EIIPD attended the half-day seminar. January 9, 2005 EPRDF, opposition parties debate on Nat'l Youth Policy, HIV/AIDS by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) says that over the last decade the issues of the youth, health in general and HIV/AIDS in particular have been addressed properly registering remarkable achievements while opposition parties argued to the contrary. At a debate organized by African Initiatives for a Democratic World Order (AIDWO) on the National Youth Policy and HIV/AIDS at the Convention Centre yesterday, EPRDF representatives Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Ambassador Teshome Toga and State Minister of Health Dr. Tewodros Adhanum said that the Front has registered promising results through its sound policies and strategies mobilizing the community for their implementation. According to Ambassador Teshome, EPRDF believes that the youth are not only the country's hope for future but also the prime forces for peace development and democracy. The government has made a relentless effort to make this group active actor in the all-round development activities respecting their human and democratic rights. Ambassador Teshome also indicated that his Ministry has worked and invested a lot in mobilizing and empowering the youth with the provision of education and training at all levels and creating an enabling environment. In addition, a policy has already been formulated following heated debate by over 51,000 youth representatives from all over the country. Their issue has been mainstreamed in other policies and strategies as well, Ambassador Teshome said. He also indicated the need for coordinated efforts in the implementation of the policy and called on governmental and NGOs as well as pertinent bodies to coordinate efforts to achieve the desired objective. Dr. Tewodros Adhanum also cited the fruitful results so far achieved in the health sector in general and HIV/AIDS in particular. He said that the policy has given due consideration to preventive mechanisms; with the participation of the entire community in general and the youth and women in particular. Community-based prevention activities are being carried out focusing on the implementation of health extension package with primary attention to HIV/AIDS services, he added. The health delivery plan envisages to provide at least a health post at each and every locality with the assignment of two extension workers producing 24,000 professionals. Antiretroviral drugs would be provided to 12,000 PLWHA for free as of January 24, 2005. The number of beneficiaries would increase to 30,000 people, the State Minister indicated. According to Dr. Tewodros, the health coverage in the country has risen to 60 per cent from 30 ten years ago with primary health care to reach 100 per cent soon. He said that by strengthening current efforts meeting the MDGs is undoubted by possible. Representatives of the Coalition of Ethiopian Democratic Forces (CEDU) and the United Ethiopian Democratic Union (UEDU) on their part strongly disagreed with the points raised by the ruling party and presented their own options. CEDU representatives said that the youth do not have the desired access to education and unemployment is rampant among this section of the society. In addition, lack of adequate sports and other recreational centres made this group to be vulnerable to HIV/AIDS, they said. If the party is elected in the upcoming elections, it would strive to formulating a new National Youth Policy with the full participation of all pertinent bodies, the representatives said. They also said that they would use the state media more effectively encouraging the establishment of private media as well to teach the public about preventive mechanisms in the HIV/AIDS battle. UEDU representatives on their part criticized the current youth policy and its implementation mechanisms suggesting its amendment. They said that the policy does not guarantee the migration of farmers to cities, the increasing number of juvenile delinquents and the spread of HIV/AIDS. They said that over 3 million people are living with the virus while 14,000 are infected daily as a result of the government's inappropriate policy. If the party is elected it would formulate a new policy with the participation of all segments of the society in general and the youth in particular, the representatives said. The party would follow up the proper utilization of the fund allocated to battle HIV/AIDS and provide anti retroviral drugs for free, the representatives said. Youth, representatives of HIV/AIDS organizations, disabled persons women's associations and party members attended the half-day debate at the debate. Pertinent questions were raised by representatives from the Addis Ababa University students, youth associations and organizations working on HIV/AIDS to which the parties responded accordingly. January 11, 2005 Ethiopia committed to Sudanese peace deal implementation: Meles ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has pledged his country's readiness to provide all the necessary support towards the implementation of the historic agreement signed between the Sudanese government and the SPLM/A. At the signing of the comprehensive peace deal in Nairobi, Kenya, Sunday, the Prime Minister also called on the international community to extend continued support for the prevalence of peace in the Sudan. The comprehensive agreement ending the war through dialogue ushers in a new dawn in the region, Meles said. According to the Prime Minister, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has played the decisive role to end the 22 years war in the Sudan. IGAD member countries, especially Ethiopia, feel great joy, for they have been the members of the mediators' committee, Meles added. Meles also expressed gratitude to all the parties who contributed to the peace process in the Sudan, especially the U.S. and IGAD partners forum as well as the international community without whose support, he said, the peace process would not have borne fruits. The victory achieved in the efforts to end the civil war in the Sudan would be significant not only for Sudan and the sub-region, but also for the African continent as a whole, the Prime Minister said. Meles told a huge gathering at Nyayo National Stadium that the agreement would enable bayonet turn into plough share and channel all energies knowledge into development. Various foreign dignitaries including Heads of State and Government, Deputy Presidents, US Secretary of State Colin Powel as well as senior officials of international and continental organizations attended the historic event, according to a message the Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi faxed to ENA yesterday. The signing of the agreement that he hoped to be involved in peace talks on Darfur once he joined the planned national unity government. Garang, who is set to become a vice-president, signed the peace deal on behalf of the leader of the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA); the government side was represented by Vice-President Ali Osman Taha. According to the agreement, starting in July, the south will be autonomous for six years and will then vote in a referendum to decide whether to remain part of Sudan, or become independent. Sudan's new oil wealth- currently producing about 320,000 barrels a day is to be split equally between north and south. Apart from an 11-year period from 1972-1983, southern Sudan has been at war continuously since 1956. Peace talks began in 2002. The peace deal signed in Nairobi follows the signing of a permanent cease-fire on New Year's Eve. AU Peace and Security Summit opens in Libreville ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The African Union Peace and Security Summit in which 15 leaders of African countries including Prime Minister Meles Zenawi are attending opened in Libreville, Gabon yesterday. The summit is expected to discuss the problems of the peace and security prevailing in the African continent. Prime Minister Meles left for Gabon after attending the signing of the historic peace agreement between the Sudanese government and the Southern Liberation Movement/Army in Nairobi, Kenya on Sunday. The Darfur crisis and security problems prevailing in Cote d'Voire, and Democratic Republic of Congo are the top most agendas of the summit. The African Union Commission on its part will submit a report regarding the peace and security of the stated countries to the summit. Speaking at the summit, the Chairperson of the African Commission the historic peace agreement between the Sudanese government and the Southern Liberation Movement/Army in Nairobi, Kenya on Sunday. The Darfur crisis and security problems prevailing in Cote d'Voire, and Democratic Republic of Congo are the top most agendas of the summit. The African Union Commission on its part will submit a report regarding the peace and security of the stated countries to the summit. Speaking at the summit, the Chairperson of the African Commission Alpha Oumar Konare said if good governance and democracy are ensured by avoiding conflict and use of force, security problems would not be a threat to the African continent. Addressing the summit on his part African Union Current Chairperson Olusegun Obasanjo said ideas that come from the summit would help ensure the peace and security in Darfur, Sudan, Cote D'voire and Democratic Republic of Congo. The summit is expected to pass resolution on the stated issues. ================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan. 11,2005 ======================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Jan 12 11:11:12 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:39 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050112091112.90775.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> January 12, 2005 Meles back home after attending Libreville PSC Summit ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi returned home late yesterday after attending the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) Summit held in Libereville, Gabon. Ministers and senior officials welcomed Meles upon arrival at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Leaders of 15 African countries including Prime Minister Meles attended the Summit. The Heads of State and Government concluded their Summit adopting resolution on the troubled Western Region of Darfur as well as the security problems in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cote D'Ivoire. This is the first for the PSC to convene its Summit out of Addis since the founding of the AU, successor of the Organization of African Unity. The PSC concluded its meeting after 12-hour closed-door deliberations. Darfur remained the concern of the AU. Now a comprehensive agreement has been signed between the Government of the Sudan and SPLA. The problem in Cote d'Ivoire gets worse after the warring parties failed to implement agreements they had signed. The Summit thus indicated the need for the process of disarmament to resume, and called on the parties in Cote d'Ivoire to create enabling conditions for the security situations to improve. Concerning the security problem at border areas between DRC and Rwanda, the PSC resolved that the Rwandese rebels be disarmed immediately, and pledged that the AU would give the necessary support to the DRC in disarming the rebels. It has also resolved that the rebels be brought before the international tribunal for involvement in the Rwandan genocide 10 years ago. Conflict prevention possible through ensuring good governance, speeding up dev't: Addisu GAMBELLA (ENA) - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Addisu Legesse said that conflicts in the less developed states could be prevented by speeding up development and ensuing good governance. "This is the only alternative to avoid conflict in these states," Addisu said at the conclusion of a two-day visit here yesterday by a delegation of the Council of Ministers. Thus, he said, leaderships and experts at all level should embark on development activities mobilizing the public at large cementing strong relations among themselves and also promoting transparency and accountability. Addis underscored the importance of enlightening the public not to become victims of anti-peace elements. The federal government in collaboration with the state government is carrying out various activities with a view to promoting good governance and speeding up development, according to the Deputy Prime Minister. The delegation, comprising of ministers and state ministers of education, health, water and federal affairs, heard mid-term performance and reports of experts. The delegation also had discussions with the elderly on bringing about sustainable peace in the state. Speaker attends Kuffour inauguration, meets Ethiopian community ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Speaker of the House of the Federation Dr. Mulatu Teshome has held discourse with Ethiopians residing in Ghana. The Speaker met members of the Ethiopian community in Ghana after attending, on behalf of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, the inauguration of President John Kuffour on January 7,2005. Dr Mulatu briefed members of the Ethiopian community about the positive results being registered in Ethiopia in the socio-economic development sectors, according to a press release the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent to ENA yesterday. Dr. Mulatu told the Ethiopians in Ghana that tangible results have been achieved through the implementation of government policies and strategies. He expressed conviction that Ethiopia would be extricated from poverty situation in a short period if all Ethiopians contribute their share in the ongoing all-round activities. He also gave detailed briefing about the 5-point peace proposal the Ethiopian Government has put forward to resolve the dispute with Eritrea. President Kuffour won a second terms during the December 7,2004 presidential and parliamentary elections. He was sworn in January 7, 2005 in the presence of thousands of people, leaders and senior officials from a number of countries as well as invited guests. Dr. Mulatu also met the Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana Ebenezer Sekyi Hughes with whom he held discussions on issues of common interest; the release quoted the Ethiopian Embassy in Accra as saying. Toure speaks of continued UNDP support to Ethiopia ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The newly appointed UNDP Resident Representative said that the UN specialized agency will continue extending its support to Ethiopia focusing on sustainable development and poverty reduction. The newly appointed UNDP Resident Representative and UN Resident Coordinator in Ethiopia, Modibo Toure, said at a programme organized to introduce him to media people here yesterday that the UN specialized agency has been assisting Ethiopia in the realization of the development policies and strategies. Toure expressed commitment to further strengthen the friendly relations between Ethiopia and the UNDP in particular and the UN in general. It was stated at the programme that 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. He just completed a three-year assignment in Chad (2001-2004) as UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative and recently as Humanitarian Coordinator. Prior to joining the UN, Toure worked in the private sector in the US as well as in the civil service in Mali. Toure officially submitted his credentials to the Ethiopian Government on September 17,2004. ================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan. 12,2004 =========================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Read only the mail you want - Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu Jan 13 13:36:45 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:39 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050113113645.60576.qmail@web53304.mail.yahoo.com> January 13, 2005 Meles says Ethiopia keen to strengthen cooperation with Turkey ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi expressed Ethiopia's desire to further enhance its cooperation with Turkey in textile industry and construction sectors. While conferring with the Turkish delegation led by Minister of Transport and Cochairman of the Ethio-Turkish Joint Economic Commission Binali Wildirim here yesterday, Meles said Ethiopia was also keen to draw lessons from Turkey's experience in textile industrial development sector. He said his country was also desirous to work in partnership with Turkey in the areas of road and real estate construction sectors, according to a spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was pointed out during the discussion that the two countries are expected to sign agreements on civil aviation that would enable establish strong air links between Addis Ababa and Ankara at the conclusion of the Ethio-Turkish Joint Economic Commission Meeting underway here. The two sides had on the occasion reached consensus to create conducive situation enabling Turkish entrepreneurs to involve in the construction of roads, dams and infrastructures in Ethiopia, according to the spokesperson. Prime Minister Meles also gave briefings to the delegation about the objectives of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). The spokesperson said the talks between Meles and the Turkish delegation was constructive. CETU calls on member to actively participate in elections ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Confederation for Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU) called upon members to get registered within the set timetable. CETU President Amare Alemayehu told ENA yesterday that workers should be registered first to be able to elect those who work to ensure their rights and benefits as well as their democratic rights. Members of unions should discharge their responsibilities of electing trustworthy and honest candidates, he said. Amare also said the workers should elect independent party candidates, who champion the rights of trade unions. National Plantation, Fishery and Agro-Industry Federation President Gebeyehu Adugna said on his part that preparation is well underway to give orientation to workers to enable them participate actively in the elections. International relations sector Head Haile-Silassie said on his part that various programmes have been organized to enable workers to realize the significance and concept of election. State Council supports peace plan MAKALLE (WIC) - The Tigray State Council disclosed that the New Peace Initiative proposed by Ethiopia to resolve its border dispute with Eritrea is instrumental in playing pivotal role in the expedition of development, democracy and good governance in the country. At the 11th regular conference of the State Council launched here Tuesday, participants said that the peace proposal would have significant importance in settling the hostile environment between the two countries in a lasting and durable manner, ensuring brotherly relationships between the peoples and common development and prosperity. They have pledged on the occasion to exert utmost efforts in the implementation of the peace plan, as it would preserve the sovereignty and national interest of the country. The participants of the conference have also urged the peoples of both countries to intensify their joint struggle towards ensuring lasting peace in the Horn, as there is no party that could benefit in waging war. House holds public hearing on amended electoral law ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - A public hearing was held to discuss the amended electoral law at the House of Peoples Representatives. According to Legal and Administrative Affairs Standing Committee with the House, some 19 points are included in the amended electoral law. The existing electoral law obliges individuals who want to get elected to live at least for five years in the same kebele, but the amended electoral law minimized the period to two years. The amended electoral law also allows registered candidates to call meetings and organize demonstrations until the election period is finalized with out getting permission from pertinent administration or municipality by only informing them. The right of the public and various organizations to represent their respective election observers has also been included in the amended law, it was pointed out. The government has the right to invite foreign observers if it deemed necessary were also included in the law, it was learnt. Representatives of opposition parties, the Houses of peoples' Representatives and the Federation and others attended the hearing. Representatives of some of opposition parties said some articles of the existing electoral law which need to be changed as requested by opposition parties have not been amended. =================================== Pol.ethiopia Jan.13,2004 ============================ __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - You care about security. So do we. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri Jan 14 13:51:02 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:39 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050114115102.87953.qmail@web53309.mail.yahoo.com> January 14, 2005 Axowrthy says peace proposal momentous decision ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - United Nations Secretary General Special Envoy to Ethiopia and Eritrea Lloyd Axworthy said the new proposal put forward by the Ethiopian Government to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute is momentous decision and need to be supported. While conferring with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi here yesterday, Axworthy said that the five-point proposal was an important measure for the resolution of the conflict peace-fully. He said that the new peace initiative has also got acceptance among the international community. Axworthy said that the discussion between Prime Minister Meles and him, which was held for the third time, was part of the efforts launched by the United National to solve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute peacefully. The UN has also planned to hold a series of meetings with the two nations with the objective of resolving the conflict between them, he added. Axworthy expressed his personal commitment to the peaceful resolution of the dispute, according to a spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He said Ethiopia is committed to resolve the dispute peacefully realizing the devastating consequences of war, the spokesperson said. Prime Minister Meles stressed the need on his part that pressurize the party that refuses to peacefully resolve the dispute was absolutely necessary. Deputy Speaker stresses intensifying Nile dev't joint effort ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives says that efforts being harnessed to work jointly with the Nile Basin countries need to be intensified to extricate Ethiopia from poverty and improve the livelihood of its people. Briefing journalists yesterday, on the January 8-9,2005 parliamentary forum of Nile Basin countries in Cairo, Egypt, Dr. Petros Olango said that the forum has discussed issues pertaining to the utilization of the Nile River for development based on the interest of the over 300 million people residing in the Basin. He said representatives of the Ethiopian Parliament participated in the forum with a view to promoting the interest of the Ethiopian people to the development of the River. The session would enable the Basin countries work in close cooperation in the areas of trade, tourism, as well as private sector apart from facilitating conditions to utilize the River, Dr. Petros said. He further said that a Parliamentary Forum comprising four parliamentary leadership from each Nile Basin country has been established. The forum will have an advisor role, he added. Dr. Petros also said that the forum would organize debate that would enable to design a mechanism aimed at exploiting the Nile Basin for the development of all riparian countries. The meeting is held annually. Gov't policy enables to register significant achievements: Officials ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The government has taken important strategic and policy measures that further develop industrial, infrastructure, finance and economic sectors, senior government official said. Professionals engaged in the sectors said on their part that though the measures have enabled to achieve encouraging results, there is still room that calls for improvement. The remarks were made at a policy discussion forum yesterday at the UN Conference Centre on industrial, urban and service delivery policies by ministers and professionals engaged in the sector. The ministers said that the government has been able to register significant achievements in the sectors through its strategic plans and policies. The government will continue to take measures to achieve the desired objective, they added. Industry and Trade State Minister Tadesse Haile pointed out that the government has taken various measures to strengthen the private and industrial sectors of the economy. He said the government has been supporting and providing incentives particularly to private manufacturing industries and to export-oriented business to help boost their undertakings. Tadesse said that changing the trend of monopolizing the industrial sector of the economy, which was used to be promoted by the previous regime, the incumbent government has helped establish 909 local manufacturers so far, which, he said, has enabled the private sector to own 85 per cent of local industries in the country. The share of private industries in the overall production constitutes 40 per cent, he added. Tadesse said the country had also managed to obtain 596 million USD in export revenue last year. Ethiopia has also planned to obtain billions in foreign exchange from the export of 500 million tons of textile products alone in the next five years, he added. The State Minister also announces plan to increase sugar-cane plantation from the 24,000 to 104,000 hectares that will help increase sugar-production six-fold amounting to 1.7 million tons. Infrastructure Minister Dr. Kassu Illala said that over 4,000 tele centres have been established across the country. He said the installation of rural network has already been launched, which, he said, is fundamental to the country's economic development. Dr. Kassu said priority has also been given to help export and manufacturing industries and industrial zones get access to telephone and electric lines. Vice Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia Alem-Seged said on his part that the number of financial institutions, which was limited only to four during the reign of the previous regime, has now reached to 12. He said there are also 23 microfinance institutions with a cumulative capital of 380 million birr and a membership of 800,000. The professionals on their part have identified problems existing in industrial, infrastructure and finance sectors. The discussion was organized by Inter-Africa Group. ================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan.14,2004 ===================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? The all-new My Yahoo! - What will yours do? http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Jan 17 10:48:44 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:39 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050117084844.20836.qmail@web53304.mail.yahoo.com> January 15, 2005 Ethiopians in Diaspora pronounce backing dev't endeavours at home by Dejene Tesemma ADDIS ABABA - Ethiopians living in different parts of the world pronounced backing development endeavours in their home country with a commitment that transcends partisan political rhetoric and complaints o any form. At a conference organized by Forum International for Ethiopians Living in the Diaspora (FIELD) and Lem Ethiopia yesterday here at the Hilton Hotel renowned Ethiopians drawn from Europe, the U.S, and Canada among whom 20 are famous scientists, pledged to assist their country financially and technically as just the Indians, Pakistanis, Egyptians and Sri Lankans are doing in their respective home lands. Opening the one-day conference H.E President Girma Wolde Giorgis called upon Ethiopians living in the Diaspora to help their country by generating viable solutions engaging in capacity building and developing investment and entrepreneurship to alleviate extreme poverty, that challenges their country of origin. Dr. Berha Tesfa Costantinos President of Lem Ethiopia and Chief, FIELD Ethiopian Secretariat in its welcome address indicated that there has not been a platform that could bring Ethiopians in the Diaspora, friends of Ethiopia and local partners together to discuss pressing issues concerning this ancient country. In response to this vacuity Lem Ethiopia, People to People and various collaborating organizations are establishing an international forum for Ethiopians living in the Diaspora, Berha Tesfa said. Distinguished panelists that include Noah Samara, President and Chief Executive Officer of World Space Inc., Dr. Enawgaw Mehari, President People to People Inc, Girma Waque CEO, Ethiopian Airlines, Professor David Shinn former US Ambassador to Ethiopia, Temesgen Hailu President Association for Higher Education and Development in Canada, Azeb Tadesse P2P Programme Director and Deputy Director of African Studies at the University of California, Dr. Tadesse Wuhib, Director Centre for Disease Control (CDC) Ethiopia, Charles Kwenin, Director International Migration Organization (IOM), Ambassador Wubshet Demisse, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and many others spoke on various issues such as brain drainage, HIV/AIDS, knowledge transfer, advocacy, partnership, Diaspora - local linkage and many others. The participants and the panelists pointed out that unity of purpose is very important to nation building and they have also indicated that the Diaspora can play crucial role in improving trade of Ethiopia by introducing Ethiopian goods bringing home knowledge, information and skills, facilitating twinning of national institutions with foreign counter parts and advocating their country's interest world wide. They also called upon the government to create conducive environment for the Diaspora so that they can feel free and safe while engaging in nation building here at home. They further called for direct and forth coming policy that allow the Diaspora who is accustomed to simple and transparent bureaucratic system in the developed world while bringing finance, knowledge and technology back home. Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the occasion pointed out facilities that the government has afforded so far and pledged to look in to some areas in the policies where bottlenecks are felt. The organizers of the forum said they would continue working hard to bring together various individuals with interest and research to participate in nation building. They are planning to create sense of oneness among the Diaspora through varieties of activities such as conferences, festivals, exhibitions, and tournaments and cite visits to historical places, it was learnt. Lavrov pledges Russia's support for peace proposal implementation ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Government of Russia will assist in the efforts to see the peace proposal Ethiopia has recently put forward to resolve the dispute with Eritrea implemented, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said. The Russian Foreign Minister made the pledge during talks in Moscow with his Ethiopian counterpart Seyoum Mesfin to Thursday. The two sides on the occasion dwelt at length on the Ethio-Russian bilateral cooperation and other issues of common interest, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told ENA in a press release yesterday. Lavrov on the occasion said the Ethiopian Government with its latest peace initiative proves itself committed to peace. He said Russia has already expressed support to the peace initiative. The two sides agreed to hold the Ethio-Russian Joint Commission Meeting in mid this year, the release said. During his stay, Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin along with the chairman and members of the foreign relations committee of the Russian Federation provided briefing on issues of development and democratization process in the Horn of Africa, conflict situations in the region as well as on ways of strengthening the relations between Russia and the African Union, the release indicated. Following the talks and briefing, Foreign Minister Seyoum and his Russian counterpart Lavrov gave a joint press statement. After concluding his three-day visit to Russia, Seyoum returned home later on Thursday. Ethiopian Pan Africanist Party officially launched ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Pan Africanist Party said that it would field candidates who hold alternative views in its contest in the upcoming national elections. The party will be represented by over 200 candidates who will be running for seats in the House of Peoples' Representatives of State Councils, Party Chairman Abdul Fetah Huldar said at the party's official launching yesterday. The elections should serve as an opportunity in which new ideas are entertained, alternatives come out, the culture of co-existence and respect to differences prevail democratization nurtured and citizens' political participation grows, he said. The problems the country is in deep-seated and complex for one party or group to solve, he said, adding the winner party is expected to draw forces involving all political sides to work towards salvaging it. Officials, experts underscore need for further strengthening urban dev't endeavours by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The policy measures and reform programmes implemented by the government in the urban development sector have been registering encouraging achievements though much remains to be done to meet the desired goal, Federal Affairs Minister and city government representative said. Experts working in the area on their part suggested that the policy measures have to be carefully designed taking the various research findings as an input to address the problems of the society giving emphasis to follow ups during implementation. At a Policy Forum organized by the Inter-Africa Group at the UN Conference Centre yesterday, Ato Abay Tsehaye indicated that the various activities undertaken in the areas of developing infrastructure, real estate, housing construction, service delivery as well as good governance and democracy were promising. According to the Minister, the government has formulated sound economic policies to meet the basic needs of the society such as infrastructure development, housing construction and providing assistance to citizens engaged in micro and small-scale businesses through the provision of skill training and credit. The policies also acknowledge the rights of cities to administer themselves through decentralizing power upto the grass roots enhancing the society's full participation in development activities. They are also meant to realize transparent and accountable service delivery systems, the Minister said. The Minister also explained that the urban policy has enabled people of different background, belief and culture to live in harmony, making these areas market centres for the farmers. It has also created job opportunities for quite a number of citizens making them centres of excellence to create conducive environment for technology transfer and the provision of information to farmers. "The policy was designed based on the country's agriculture led industrialization development policy." The active participation of the community, governmental and nongovernmental organizations is instrumental in further enhancing their efforts and attaining the desired goal, Ato Abay said. Representing the Addis Ababa City Government, Dr. Abraham Tekeste said that important strategic and policy measures have been taken to speed up development and provide efficient services to the public. According to Dr. Abraham, last year the city government earmarked 46 million birr with the provision of 222,000 square metres of land to those engaged in micro and small-scale industry. And this year, apart from the designation of 58 hectares as an industrial zone, the city government will construct 45,000 houses which are expected to create job opportunity for 20,000 people, he added. The city government also allocates 79 per cent of its budget to capital budget annually out of which 1.5 billion is channeled to housing construction as an indication of its commitment to the development of the city, Dr. Abraham said. Also on the occasion experts in the sector underlined the importance of taking policy measures to realize fair population distribution among urban areas and improvements of service delivery system to effectively benefit the residents. They also suggested the possible inputs controlling population growth, migration of people and creating job opportunity for the society. The policy forum was an extension of Thursday's discussion on industrial, infrastructure, finance and economic sectors. The discussions pave the way for the ruling and opposition parties' debate for the coming three consecutive Sundays' organized by Inter Africa Group. January 16, 2005 President urges Foundation to pursue consulting and sharing experiences with leaders ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis has urged the Global Leadership Foundation to pursue it activities of consulting and sharing leadership experiences with leaders. During talks with Foundation's Chief Executive Officer John Shepherd at the National Palace yesterday, the President expressed his appreciation for the Foundation's objective of solving problems through consultation with leaders of troubled countries. Girma has also expressed his belief that the Foundation would contribute a lot to ensure peace in the Sudan and Palestine by making recommendations for solution. Shepherd on his part said since the Foundation was established very recently, the visit was aimed at introducing the Foundation and its future activities to the Ethiopian President. The CEO briefed Girma on the establishment, future plans and activities of the Foundation in resolving conflicts peacefully and improving the living standards of peoples, the spokesperson added. Members of the Global Leadership Foundation are former leaders, the CEO said, adding they would share their leadership experiences with leaders in office to enable them develop their skill of solving complex problems. ============================== Pol.ethiopia Jan. 17,2004 ===================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? The all-new My Yahoo! - What will yours do? http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue Jan 18 11:13:00 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:39 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Itmes Message-ID: <20050118091300.35480.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> January 18, 2005 Meles optimistic Ethiopia will achieve food self-sufficiency by 2007 ADDIS ABABA - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said Ethiopia would hopefully achieve food self-sufficiency by 2007 as over the past two years alone the agricultural growth of the country has been in double digit figures. In a discussion he made with BBC World's Talking Point edition last Sunday, Prime Minister Meles responded to such questions as - What Ethiopia plans to deal with its food crisis? What the impact of the Asian tsunami will be on Africa and the Asian tsunami will be on Africa and the impact of Tony Blair's Africa Commission in eradicating poverty on the continent and many others. The Prime Minister said he doesn't believe that the positive response to the tsunami disaster in Asia necessary means there is less aid for Africa. Ethiopia and Africa need to improve governance as an end in itself, not as a means of coaxing additional assistance from the international community, Meles said. He further added that even though good governance is necessary for speedy economic development because the continent needs rapid change and combating corruption, there should not necessarily exist a connection between aid and good governance and corruption. According to Meles, aid is given as a sort of human solidarity and in recognition of the need to help those in need. If those in need live under governments that are corrupt, that does not mean they don't deserve aid, meles said. A question was also raised whether education should have the top priority in Africa. Responding to this question, Prime Minister Meles said education is clearly an important part of the solution to be self-sufficient. In the case of Ethiopia primary school enrolment was 17 per cent when his government took over. As thousands of new schools are built over the past decade, the rate has now reached 72 per cent, and that is the right direction, he said. "Agriculture-led industrialization policy registering remarkable results": EPRDF "No rapid development through agriculture-led industrialization": Oppositions by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The ruling Ethiopian Peoples' Revolution Democratic Front (EPRDF) said the current agriculture-led industrialization policy is an appropriate tool and is registering remarkable results in fostering development of the country. Opposition parties on the other hand denounced the policy for its failure to bring about speedy development and inability to benefit the majority. On the live televised and broadcast electoral debate organized by the Inter Africa Group at the UN Conference Centre Sunday, four national parties debated on industrial sector policy defending their stands. Representing EPRDF, Minister of Trade and Industry Girma Biru along with Minister of Revenue Getachew Belay said the current policy has benefited quite a number of people, enhanced investment and export revenue, among others. The ministers said the rationale for making the agriculture sector lead the industry comes from the objective reality of our country at present. They justified the point as saying agriculture supports the livelihood of the majority of the Ethiopian population, provides abundant manpower and supplies adequate raw materials for the industrial sector. They further said the country could not afford huge capital at present and as a result of that industry would take the lead gradually. According to the ministers, the policy clearly indicates what the fate of the sector would look like in twenty years ahead in addition to playing a pivotal role in facilitating sustainable development in the country now. So far, 22 per cent of the export revenue is generated from the sector while the investment capital has exceeded 29 billion birr enabling quite a number of citizens get employment opportunity. According to EPRDF representatives, the private sector is the engine of the industrialization policy and the government plays the facilitation role arranging fertile grounds that enable them flourish. With this due respect, various reforms have been undertaken to encourage local and foreign investment they said. They mentioned the efforts made in the provision of land, improvement of infrastructures and other relevant services. The ministers also explained the policy's particular focus on the micro and small-scale industries and the priority areas it has taken into account among which textile, cotton, agro processing as well as construction are the main ones. As concerns identification of industrial zones, the representatives indicated that 1,272 hectares of land has been allotted in 35 towns around the country while preparations are underway to make ready another 1,214 hectares of land with all facilities. To assist the leather industry in particular, a training centre has been established with an outlay of 120 million birr, the ministers said. Moreover, in 1996 E.C. alone 96,000 citizens got job opportunity in the micro business areas they said. Representatives of Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) Engineer Hailu Shawol and Dr. Befekadu Degife on their part criticized the current policy for its failure to create peaceful industrial atmosphere, give conducive environment for investment and for wrongly prioritizing agriculture instead of industry. "With its all backward state at present, the agriculture sector is not productive. Moreover, the pollution pressure and the environmental degradation that the government has given no consideration is worsening productivity of the agricultural sector," says CUD. According to the representatives of CUD, the farmers could sell their products at better price and get wide farming land if the industry leads the economy. If their party gets the chance to power, it would make the rule of law reign, create good governance and stability on order to develop confidence of investors bring about industrial peace. They also said their party would strive to realize fair distribution of industrialization among states. Coalition of Ethiopian Democratic Forces (CEDF) representatives Dr. Beyene Petros together with Mekuria Gebre-Mariam criticized EPRDF for lacking clear industrialization policy other than a strategy. The current document that EPRDF formulated in 1994 E.C. is mere strategy, which we perceive as executing tool without policy they said. They criticized the government again for its reluctance to privatize state owned industries, allowing polluting factories and denying the industrial employees job security. They said their party would improve all the defects they said prevailing now if it comes to power with priority to the industrial sector. The All Ethiopian Democratic Party (AEDP) representatives Zelele Wolde-Silassie and Workineh Liulseged also expressed their party's stand on the industrial sector criticizing EPRDF of the wrong approach it followed in its policy. Contrary to that of EPRDF industrial policy, AEDP said it would follow Market-Industry-Agriculture ordered policy. According to AEDP, it is the availability of market that guides what kind of industry to encourage and what kind of raw materials to produce for the industrial to encourage and what kind of raw materials to produce for the industrial consumption. They said that their party utmost encourages export trade and support the private sector by providing loans without collateral considering project feasibility and minimizing taxes. The party also said it would give emphasis to boosting products of comparative advantages. In addition, it said it would encourage local investors and the use of cheap labour force. Various questions were raised from the media, representatives of associations', experts and other people who attended the debate and the parties responded accordingly. The debate would continue in the coming two consecutive Sunday on other issues like infrastructure, finance and economy as well as urban development. EOC holds prayer service for tsunami victims ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) Sunday held a prayer service for the over 150,000 people killed in Southeast Asia's devastating tsunami two weeks ago. Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, His Holiness Abune Paulos said on the occasion that the prayer service was organized with a view to expressing heartfelt sorrow for victims of tsunami. Abune Paulos said the church is duty bound to remember victims in prayer whenever such unexpected tragedy happens. Indonesian Ambassador, Alwis Azizat Murad said on his part that the prayer indicates the church's commitment to promote solidarity and tolerance among the different social and cultural values of the peoples of the world. Some 105,000 Indonesians were killed by the disaster, the ambassador said. President Girma Wolde Giorgis Addis Ababa Mayor Arkebe Equbay, the faithful and resident diplomats attended the service held at the Bole Holy Savior Church. Similar prayer services were also held in various churches and monasteries across the nation. Network seeks clarification of terms in amended electoral law by a Staff Reporter ADDIS ABABA - Members of Ethiopian Civil Societies for Election Network, a recently established coalition requested for explanation and agreed on the need for clarity of words and phrases embodied in the amended draft electoral law before it is endorsed. At an urgent consultative meeting it called at the Ghion Hotel yesterday, network members expressed their concern regarding phrases substituted in the new draft law mainly the article that explains about the groups of observers unlike the previous one, which stipulates civil societies as observers. According to the members, despite the positive measures taken by the government to include some positive issues pertinent to the election process, the substitution of the phrase "non-governmental organizations or civil society organizations by mass organizations" in Article 23 could be ambiguous and open room for the exclusion of this group. As the Electoral Board divides observers into two: mobile and immobile categorizing them into the mobile group could hamper to have the full picture of the election process, they said. They reached a consensus to get an explanation and a clear definition of the phrase 'mass organizations' and if at all it excluded them seek its improvement before endorsement. The comment would be presented to the House before it is tabled for endorsement soon. ====================================== Pol.ethiopia Jan.18,2004 =========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri Jan 21 14:20:30 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:39 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050121122030.14275.qmail@web53302.mail.yahoo.com> January 19, 2005 Millennium Project Report launched ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The UN Millennium Project Report was launched officially here yesterday under a title "Investing in Development: A practical plan to achieve the Millennium Development Goals." The report that is based on the work conducted by more than 250 of the world's leading development practitioners and academics over the past two years, presents a practical plan for achieving the goals. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi expressed full support to the recommendations of the Millennium Project Report towards achieving the MDGs. Ethiopia is implementing various programmes and strategies including poverty reduction strategies, capacity building programmes as well as civil service reforms, he said. Meles also said that Ethiopia has put plan in place to promote private sector, particularly the domestic private sector. Meles said: "We have undertaken a need assessment to identify what we have to do to achieve MDGs". Development assistance to Ethiopia is increasing substantially, according to Meles. Ethiopia is undertaking need assessment for the past seven months in collaboration with UN Country Team and the World Bank, State Minister of Finance and Economic Development Dr. Mulu Ketsela said. Accordingly, she said, Ethiopia is finalizing MDGs need assessment exercise in a bid to achieve MDGs. Support of the international community is critical towards achieving MDGs, Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, Professor Alpha Omar Konare said in his speech read by his representative, Commissioner for Economic Affairs with AU. "The Millennium Project Report provides a blue print a Bradley common view of the challenges, costs, the approach the international community needs to adopt in 2005 to set developing countries in track for the next decade to meet the 2015 deadline, "UN Resident Coordinator in Ethiopia, Modibo Toure said. He said the report calls for a comprehensive reform of the development assistance system in a manner that would ensure greater flexibility and predictability as well as better coherence and alignment with MDG-driven national processes. The main finding and recommendations of the report are very relevant to Ethiopia since many of them such as the need to formulate and implement MDG-driven poverty reduction strategies are on-going, he said. Ministers, ambassadors representative of donor community, faith based organizations and the private sectors as well a s other guests attended the launching of the report. House endorses amended electoral law ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The House of Peoples' Representatives approved a bill amending electoral law and the appointment of Federal High and First Instance Courts. In its regular session held here yesterday, the House endorsed the bill with two objections and seven abstentions. According to House Legal Administration Affairs Standing Committee, a public hearing on the bill was held January 12, 2005 in the presence of executives of the Ministry of Justice and the National Electoral Board. The bill was amended to make it comply with the Federal Constitution, it said. The amended proclamation ensures the rights of voting and getting elected, it was pointed out during the session. The bill was endorsed after making some amendments. The House has also approved the appointment of judges of five Federal High and three First Instance Courts. Political parties to introduce programmes through radio, TV beginning today ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The National Electoral Board announces the issuance of airtime slot in which contesting political parties introduce their programmes. Political Parties Registration Office Acting Registrar Mekonnen Wondimu said yesterday that the ruling party, the Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) and United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) will introduce their respective political programmes thrice in a week through television beginning today. Individual parties and other political parties will also be given adequate airtime to launch their election campaign, Mekonnen said. EPRDF, CUD and EUDF would launch their campaign through radio for five consecutive days in a week in various vernaculars, he added. Mekonnen further indicated that the distribution of airtime for political parties operating at state level will be determined in a draw. Axum Obelisk said symbol of Ethiopian civilization ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - Cross sections of the society underscored the significance of the return of Axum Obelisk as it is the symbol and manifestation of the identity, wisdom and civilization of Ethiopians. At a discussion held yesterday in the ETV studio, the participants said the return of the Obelisk would symbolize the patriotic struggle of our forefathers against invading and colonizing forces. They said it would also enable to smoothly transfer such spirit of patriotism from generation to generation. Preparations are currently well underway by various sub committees with a view to colorful reception to the Obelisk. They said various income soliciting events would also be organized to materialize the colorful reception of the Obelisk. Walta Information Centre General Manager Negash Teklu said on the occasion that the Centre has planned to organize a symposium next month where pertinent research papers are expected to be presented and tabled for discussion. Heads of various governmental organizations, patriots, representatives of women's and youth associations, scholars, prominent personalities and religious heads have attended the panel discussion. The panel was jointly organized by Ethiopian Radio and Television, Walta Information Centre, and National Heritages Return Committee. The Axum Obelisk, having a height of 25 metres and weighing 150 tons, was taken away from its home land by the invading Italian forces and erected in Rome, where it stayed for the last 60 years. January 20, 2005 Project discovers new ancestral hominid fossils in Afar ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - New ancestral hominid fossils dated between 4.51-4.32 million years ago have been discovered at an area locally known as As Duma in Gona Western Margin in the Afar State. Assigned to "Ardipithicus ramidus", the hominid specimens were discovered at the Gona Palaeoanthropological Research Project site, Authority for Research and Conservation of Hertitage (ARCCH) told ENA yesterday. The earliest hominid specimens belonging to this genus were first discovered only 12 years ago in the Middle Awash, a neighbouring study area located about 90 km south of Gona. The Gona team has also discovered numerous new hominid fossils from several key evolutionary periods including hominid fossils that are estimated to be around 5.5 million years, skulls belonging to the earliest representative of genus Homo, which are still under study. Gona preserves a continuous archeological record on the stone tool making and use behaviors of the modern man ancestors, from the earliest dated to 2.6 million years to younger age stone tools estimated to be half-a-million years. Dr. Sileshi Semaw, Direcrtor of Gona Project, who is based at CRAFT Research Centre and Stone Age Institute, Indiana University is quoted as saying, "Gona for a long time was known just for the discovery of the oldest stone tools in the world. Our latest research has shown that it is a unique site with a long sequence preserving a wealth of information both on the biological origin as well as the cultural beginnings and evolution of humankind from the earliest to the more recent." Recently, hominid fossils dated between 5.8-5.2 million years ago were announced from the Middle Awash, which were assigned to a new species named Ardipithecus Kadabba, the Research project said in a back-ground information. "Based on the current evidence from Gona and the Middle Awash, Kadabba is the oldest and ramidus the slightly younger hominid species belonging to the genus Ardipithecus," it said. "Scientists believe that Ardipithecus is the earliest hominid genus after the split from the common ancestor that gave rise to chimpanzees and the human branch of our ancestry." The Gona discovery, the first outside of the Middle Awash, is believed to add knowledge to understanding of the ecological context as well as the skeletal biology of this species, which is currently known only from bits and pieces of fossil remains represented by a few jaws, isolated teeth and fragmentary postcranial bones, it indicated. The multidisciplinary research team began field work in 1999 and discovered the first jaw and finger bone during the first field season. More hominid discoveries are needed from sites such as Gona to fully understand the biological origins of our ancestors, Sileshi said. The research permission for the work in the Afar is granted by ARCHH and the National Museum, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. ======================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan. 21,2005 ============================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue Jan 25 15:45:22 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:39 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050125134522.76705.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> January 22, 2005 UEDF vows to change gov't policies ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - The Union of Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) said that it would strive for the development of the country by changing the policies of the ruling party if elected in the upcoming elections. Introducing the programme of UEDF to the residents of Hosana town, Dr. Beyene Petros, First Vice-President of the Union, said although their demand for the amendment of the electoral law has not been adequately met, it would contest in the elections. Dr. Beyene said that the Union plans to change the education policy which it described as generation killer and the land policy that causes displacement as well as the resettlement and water harvesting programmes that have 'proved worthless,' and called upon the people to register as voters realizing the significance of the elections. Meanwhile, the Gambella Peoples' Movement said that it has fielded 85 candidates for the elections. Movement Vice-Chairman Umed Ubong said yesterday that 82 would vie for seats in the State Council and three for House of Peoples' Representatives. The Vice-Chairperson called upon election executives and observers to ensure peace and democracy so that the people would be able to elect the people they trust. ERCS donates 25,000 USD to tsunami-hit African countries by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) yesterday announced that it has donated 25,000 USD to assist people affected by the tsunami recently in two African countries. In a press briefing he gave on the premises of the Society ERCS President Shimelis Adugna said that the money would be distributed to Somalia (15,000 USD) and Seychelles (10,000 USD) through the Red Crescent and Red Cross Societies respectively for emergency needs and rehabilitation. Asked about why the Society focused only on these two countries, he said that they are the most vulnerable and at the same time given less attention by the international community. "The disaster has killed 150 and wounded 54,000 Somalis. In Seychelles, two killed, 21 others wounded and 500 families remain homeless. The undersea earthquake has also affected many people from Kenya, Tanzania, Mauritania, Comoros, the president indicated. In addition, he expressed ERCS's readiness to provide similar assistance anytime and anywhere despite its limited resources. Fertile ground has also been created to solicit assistance from the Ethiopian people, he said. According to the president, though the assistance is insignificant, it shows the deep concern of ERCS to the rest of the world strengthening the solidarity among African countries in particular and other countries in general. The massive undersea earthquake off the coast of Indonesia on December 26, 2004 triggered deadly tidal waves, which smashed into Indian Ocean coastlines, killing more than 220,000 people. ERCS was established in 1935, during the time of the Italian aggression. Now it has 1.8 million members and 700,000 volunteers and is assisting many people through its 11 state, 26 zonal and 42 woreda offices as well as 1,792 kebele committees around the country, the President said. Women's struggle for justice must be consolidated, sustained: Ministry ADDIS ABABA - The Ministry of Information said women's struggle for justice should be consolidated and sustained, as their role in efforts being made to extricate society from poverty and backwardness is decisive. In its weekly statement issued yesterday the ministry said, the contribution of women in the multifarious activities of society is enormously huge. Women work for longer hours and shoulder the burden compared to their male counterparts, it said. As women play a decisive role in discharging household and family duties, their contribution to development and progress of a country should get higher consideration, the statement said. According to the statement, the FDRE Constitution, which is the result of sacrifices of the general public and women in particular, has provisions to promote the equality of women. The country's laws were also revised and amended to ensure the human and democratic rights of women. Taking advantage of these provisions, women are ensuring their rights by raising their participation in the day-to-day activities of the society, it said. "It is important to note that the ruling party has decided to reserve a minimum of 30 per cent of the decision-making at every level for women. Other contending parties have also made similar decisions, which is encouraging,' the statement said. The statement finally called upon women to register in time for the upcoming May elections and prepare themselves to win. January 23, 2005 ONC sees benefits in amended electoral law, calls for voter huge turn out CUD demands candidate presenting timetable extension ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Oromo National Congress (ONC) said the amended electoral law will have a significant contribution towards the activities of the party, though it has fallen short of meeting demands. The congress also called upon the electorate to turn out en masse in the May national elections. The amended electoral law that precludes the previous requirement for opposition candidates to submit 500 endorsement signatures was in the party's interest, ON Executive Committee member Almaz Seifu said yesterday. "The emanates not from anticipating failure that we may not be able to solicit the necessary support, but rather for avoiding the intimidation that supporters would otherwise have faced," said Almaz who is also Head of the Party's Political Affairs. She said the public used to be denied clean water and health services for supporting oppositions, adding the amended law offers security to the people and makes early preparations smooth. ONC, however does believe that the desired solution has been achieved on issues regarding the electoral board and election executives, she said. "ONC hopes that such issues will be settled in future consultations." She further indicated that as all election executives are civil servants, this undoubtedly puts a cloud over the democratic conduct of the election. Meanwhile, Almaz said ONC will field candidates in Addis Ababa and in all zones of Oromia State. ONC will strive to field candidates who are trusted and respected by their constituents, she said. "Any candidate who fails the people's trust will be sacked not only from candidacy, but from party membership as well." She finally called upon the public to get registered at their polling stations to make the election process democratic. Meanwhile, the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) has demanded the extension of timetable to present candidates. The National Electoral Board, however, said that adding more days on the timetable will create work burden. CUD officials told ENA that the party requested for more days to field its candidates to be selected first by member parties separately, and then endorsed in merger joint meeting. CUD believes that candidates should be nominated carefully, Chekol Getahun and Lidetu Ayalew said. As only 12 days are left for the deadline to expire, the government and the Board should give attention to the issue, which they said is critical. Deputy Head of NEBE Tesfaye Mengesha said on his part that earlier the Board had extended its election timetable by a month in response to opposition political parties demand. He said any extension of the timetable now will create work burden. He however pledged to submit the CUD demand before the Board. Meanwhile, Coalition for Unity and Democracy said the peace initiative tabled by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border conflict would not bring a lasting peace. Speaking to a gathering called by the party in Bahir Dar town yesterday. Chairman of the Coalition, Dr. Admassu Gebeyehu said that the peace plan couldn't bring lasting peace as it violates the sovereignty of the country. The Vice-Chairman said a peace proposal which did not involve the people have not discussed by the public wouldn't establish durable peace. As accepting the EBBC's decision in principle requires the implementation of verdict, and EPRDF's peace plan is against the interest of the country, he added. Dr. Admassu, who said that lasting peace cannot be achieved by giving up Badme, Irob and Bure territories and citizens, he instead urged the brotherly peoples of Ethiopia and Eritrea to seek ways of finding lasting solutions through neutral intermediaries. The Vice Chairman called upon the public to come out and get registered in the remaining 15 days and vote for the same parties as the ruling party has brought no change during its 14 years stay in power. According to him, the people should vote for the Coalition as it surpasses the ruling party in many ways. Similarly, peaceful demonstrations were held in Awassa demonstrations were held in Awassa and Bahir Dar towns as summoned by the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) to denounce the five-point peace proposal put forward by Ethiopia to resolve the dispute with Eritrea. CUD representative Dr. Hailu Araya during the demonstration in Awassa said the peace proposal can not bring about sustainable peace. The proposal denies Ethiopia of sea outlet, Dr. Hailu said. He said EPRDF upholds a wrong stand in the Ethio-Eritrea issue. Meanwhile, the Afar National Democratic Party (ANDP) has said it raises women's candidacy in election by 15 per cent. Central Committee member Assa Hussien told ENA that without bridging the gap in gender inequality, sustainable development and good governance cannot be achieved. Of the total number of candidates the party is going to field for the upcoming national elections, Women constitute 15 per cent, he said. He said empowering women and raising their participation at all levels down to the grass roots will be vital to speed up development. The party will support women in the state to have their rights respected. The party is exerting efforts to enable the pastoralist communities to adopt sedentary living along riverbanks where they can divert the waters for farming. The party's candidates have already been campaigning in Zone 2. EPRDF said working towards new chapter of enlightenment ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary and Democratic Front (EPRDF) has said it has been working towards a new chapter of enlightenment in the upcoming national elections. EPRDF Organization Affairs Head Tsegaye Mamo told Friday's issue of the Front organ Abyotawi Democracy, that the Front will revivify the ongoing development and good governance efforts. He said the Front has issued ethical code for its members to adhere in the process of the elections. He also expressed the Front's readiness to set up a joint committee, which will provide a roundtable in the event of any problem in the election process. Tsegaye said the Front will take serious measures on any member of supporter who goes against the democratic conduct of the elections. Nothing that EPRDF is ensuring that its candidates undergo critical public comments. Women constitute more that 30 per cent of the Front's candidature for the upcoming elections' he said, adding they have proved competent. EPRDF believes in the supremacy of the people, he said, adding the Front thus will remedy of any candidate is found lacking in the people's demands. He called upon the public to observe all through the process of the elections. He also called on voters to register in time as per the schedule set by the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia. ============================== Pol.ethiopia Jan.25,2005 ===================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Jan 26 15:19:01 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:39 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050126131901.66368.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> January 25, 2005 Meles underscores intensifying HIV/AIDS battle ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles said yesterday that unless the battle against HIV/AIDS is further intensified, its threat to the nation will be disastrous. Meles said the gathering that HIV storm threatening our people, will only be lifted when our efforts are outcome oriented and aimed to bring about fundamental changes. Prime Minister Meles made the remark in a keynote address at the launching of National Strategic Plan and Management/Social Mobilization/Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) at the UN Conference Centre in the presence of President Girma Wolde-Giorgis and representatives of governmental and non-governmental organizations. He said the government put on a concerted effort and has continued its endeavour to control the spread of the pandemic with some encouraging results. Even though the struggle against the pandemic is bearing some encouraging results, "we should not forget that we have one million people infected by the virus," Meles said. He said "the SPM being launched today was the outcome of extensive consultations and discussions." The Prime Minister says the new SPM has several departure points such as placing HIV/AIDS prevention at the forefront of the health sector agenda. In order to achieve this agenda, Meles said, a Health Extension Package, which includes HIV/AIDS prevention as one of its activities. In the next three years, this plan will rollout to all rural kebeles and that there will also be a health centre to serve a catchment area of 25,000 people, Meles said. Training of health professionals who will be assigned to rural villages will be completed by 2008, Meles added. According to Meles the strategic plan's new departure is that it recognizes behavioral change as a key in the prevention of HIV. There is no cure for HIV/AIDS, but there are drugs that are effective in prolonging productive life, Meles said adding that integrating counseling, testing and treatment with prevention will undoubtedly make the fight against HIV/AIDS more successful. U.S Ambassador Aurelia Brazeal on her part said that the U.S. is a full partner in making safe, effective drugs available, whether imported or produced locally. Even as we also focus on prevention efforts, lessening discrimination, and providing care and support to orphans and vulnerable populations will be on the agenda, she said. The ambassador said that Ethiopia is at a cross road in her fight against the AIDS pandemic, adding that convergence of interest, knowledge, purpose and finance by the government and all parties is being observed. She also called up on all stakeholders to fight the pandemic on all fronts with the seriousness and scale that the epidemic requires. Ruling party, oppositions debate on service sector by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The ruling Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) defended its infrastructure and monetary policies saying that encouraging achievements have been made towards making them a supportive tool to attain sustainable development. Opposition parties on the other hand argued that activities were insignificant with no result and change. The EPRDF and three opposition parties were debating Sunday at a forum focusing on the service sector and organized by the inter-Africa Group Dr. Arega Yirdaw had been a moderator. Representing EPRDF, Minister of Infrastructure Development Dr. Kassu Illala along with Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia Tekle-Wold Atnafu said that the policies have created an enabling environment in addressing the needs of the general public, assisting the economic activities mainly agriculture and attracting investors. As the policies were designed based on the country's resources, promising results were registered over the last 14 years, they said. The policies also give due consideration to delivering the services fairly among states, the representatives said. According to Dr. Kassu, the number of regular telephone customers has increased from 175,000 to 780,000 and that of electricity to 845,000 from only 400,785, 14 years back. The power generation capacity has also grown to 782 from 318 mega watt with the construction of road whose length stretched to 36,500 from 18,000 kms, the Minister added. The Minister also explained the progress being made in the air transport, mobile telephone service and the application of modern technology to the education and health sectors, among others. "The Bole International Airport terminal could accommodate 1,870 customers at a time while 1.2 million people would get mobile telephone service as of August this year," he said. Speaking of the financial sector, Ato Tekle-Wold said the that the development oriented policy played a significant role in creating stable macro-economic environment. He further indicated that the policy encourages saving and investment and also provision of support to other financial institutions like insurance and leasing companies. Thanks to the policy measures, inflation interest and exchange rates have been stabilized, he added. Representatives of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) Dr. Birhanu Nega and Ato Biruk Kebede on their part criticized the policy for its failure to meet the needs of the business community and the large majority of people living in the countryside. They said the interest rate is hostile for the business community and discourages investment in the country with the vast majority of people getting no financial and other services. According to the representatives, much needs to be done in the telecommunication, power supply and the provision of other infrastructures. They pointed out inefficient manpower, exclusion of both domestic and foreign investors and skilled professionals to engage in the sectors as some of the factors that inhibit their development. If the party is elected, it would work in close cooperation with the private sector designing a policy that encourages saving, promote investment to create job opportunity to citizens they said. Coalition of Ethiopian Democratic Forces (CEDF) representatives Dr. Merara Gudina together with Col. Feleke Tiruneh criticized EPRDF polices saying that no change has been witnessed from where it was a decade ago. According to the representatives, the policies were not designed based on the objective reality in the country and considering expertise advice. Giving less attention to railway transportation is also another defect of the policy, the representatives indicated. If elected, the party would focus on promoting education, health and work actively on improving the transport and finance sectors, they said. Representatives of the Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement (OFDM) also blamed the policies of the incumbent government and recommends for some kinds of changes. Ato Bulcha Demekssa and Dereje Bekele said that vulnerable societies and people like Oromos were neglected by the policy. Commercial banks should not be under government ownership and at the same time it (the government) shouldn't be engaged in the business sector other than playing the facilitation role, they said. At the televised debate various questions pertinent to the sector were raised by professionals, journalists and participants to the political parties, which they responded accordingly. Also Sunday, EPRDF and two opposition parties held a debate in Makalle. EPRDF, All Ethiopian Unity Party (AEUP) and the Ethiopian Peoples' Democratic Party EPDP Medhin introduced their political programmes to the public ENA reported. AEUP representative Berehet and EPDP-Medhin Berhan Embiz said their parties are working jointly to win the elections. They said members of EPRDF were forcing the people to elect members in the previous two elections. They also indicated that some of the proposals the opposition made for the amendment of the electoral law were accepted, which they said, is a welcome development. EPRDF representative Ambassador Tewolde-Gebru said on his part that Front members do not have any intention of imposing its programme on opposition parties other that introducing it to the general public. He said efforts have been launched more than ever before to make the present election free and fair. The debate was organized by Nile College and Makalle University. Japan responds to relief appeal ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The governments of Ethiopia and Japan yesterday signed a grant agreement amounting to 1.956 million US dollars at the conference hall of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MoFED). The agreement was signed by State Minister of MoFED, Dr. Mulu Kestela, and Ambassador Kenjiro Izumi. As stipulated in the agreement, the grant would be used for the purchase and transportation of wheat, which would be distributed to food insecure people through the Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Commission (DPPC). Speaking on the occasion, Dr, Mulu said the government of Japan has been a great supporter of Ethiopia. Ethiopia has embarked on food security programme, she said adding the present grant would be utilized to ensure food security in the country. The aid is a swift response to the appeal made by Ethiopian and UN agencies - FAO, WFP, UNDP and other for emergency humanitarian support to drought affected people and facing food shortage in 2005, Ambassador Kenjiro Izumi said. Japan has expressed willingness to support the efforts to improve food security in Ethiopia by contributing to the New Coalition for Food Security, he said. Japan has so far extended a total of 6.3 million US dollars assistance under this grant, aid scheme since 1985. January 26, 2005 Church urged to intensify HIV/AIDS sensitization efforts ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis has urged the Ethiopian Evangelical Church to redouble its efforts towards raising awareness of the public surrounding HIV/AIDS. The efforts being exerted to provide care and support to people living with the virus and orphans are encouraging, Girma said at the 17th conference the church held here Tuesday. He said the pandemic is affecting the public, particularly the youth. The sensitization activities of the church towards curbing the impact so far is commendable, according to the President. Ethiopia has been engaged in development activities owing to the prevalence of peace and stability in the country, he said, adding the church needs to exert its effort to the realization of the activities. Girma expressed his conviction that the church would do its level best towards enhancing the efforts being exerted by religious leaders to resolve the dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The church is carrying out a wide range of development and social activities across the country by mobilizing 4.2 million people, he said. Girma said the church should work for better results by undertaking activities that are in line with the policies of the government. The church is executing various community-based activities to reduce poverty, Church President, Reverend Itefa Gobena said. He said the faithful are registering and participating in election orientations with a view to casting voter in the upcoming election in May 2005. TPLF candidates face public evaluation ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Some 40 candidates fielded by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) to run in the upcoming national elections in Eastern Zone of the Tigray State have undergone critical comments by their constituents. All the candidates have passed the public scrutiny, zonal public coordination head Merha Gebre-Egziabher said. Some eight of the candidates will be contending for seats in the House of Peoples' Representatives and 32 for the State Council. Represented in the candidature are youths, farmers and scholars, he said. Meanwhile, more that 130,530 voters have registered in the zone to cast votes in the elections, zonal electoral board coordinator said. The figure represents only about half of the number of expected voters, as there has not been an awareness-raising programme to the required scope, he said. Some 250,000 prospective voters are expected at the 343 poling stations in the zone including Zalambessa and Irob, Mekonnen Reda said. Meles holds talks with U.S. Deputy Central Commander ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Deputy Commander of the U.S. Central Command Lance L. Smith said his country is committed to further enhance its cooperation with Ethiopia in the prevention of terrorism as well as in bringing about peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. After holding talks with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi here yesterday Lieutenant General Smith told journalists that there has been a positive sense of partnership between the U.S. and Ethiopia in peace efforts in the Horn of Africa. The U.S. and Ethiopia have been working in partnership in the fight against terrorism as well as to bring about sustainable peace and security in the region, according to the General. Lt. Gen. Smith commended Ethiopia's roles in the fight against terrorism as well as in peace and stability efforts in the Horn of Africa. He said his discussion with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi was constructive. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said the comprehensive agreement signed recently between the Sudanese Government and SPLS as well as the establishment of Transitional Government in Somalia would be vital for the peace security of the region. Meles said Ethiopia has played significant roles in the peace processes in the Sudan and Somalia. Meles reaffirmed his government's commitments to strengthen its cooperation with the U.S. in the fight against international terrorism as well as in peace and security efforts, according to a senior official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who attended the meeting. ==================================== pol.ethiopia Jan.26,2005 ========================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Easier than ever with enhanced search. Learn more. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri Jan 28 15:37:37 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:39 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050128133737.16262.qmail@web53305.mail.yahoo.com> January 27, 2005 Premier emphasizes individual, collective efforts to address migration challenges by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi emphasized the need for exerting efforts individually and collectively to address the challenges of migration and minimize the negative impact it poses on development. Opening the Global Coalition for Africa (GCA) Policy Forum of Migration and Development in Africa at the UN Conference Centre yesterday, Meles underlined the importance of thinking creatively and collaboratively to counterbalance "the negative views about migrants by the extremely positive contribution migrants can and do to make the economies of their host countries." "Principles and fairness and equity must guide the way international migration is approached and the concerns of African countries must be taken into account. We are living in a world that is more interdependent and interconnected than ever before, and it is incumbent on us all to ensure that we manage migration so that it works to the benefit of all," the Prime Minister said. Meles who is also the Co-Chair-person of the GCA called up on all countries in general and Africa in particular to seriously consider how to better involve the Diaspora in both individual countries and at the continental level, how to build bridges and channels of communication with Diaspora organizations. He also commended efforts of AU and African regional bodies to address migration issues within the continent. According to Meles in a number of partner countries, domestic pressure has made migration one of the most sensitive political issues of the day while public perception of migration often exacerbates its negative consequences minimizing the contribution that migrants can made to development. The rise of international terrorism in recent years has negatively affected the perception of migrants in many countries, the Prime Minister added. Speaking of Africa, Meles said that the continent loses not only skilled and professional expertise that in needs to spur and manage development as a result of migration but also the return of the investment made in education and training. GCA Co-Chairperson Dr. Frene Ginwala on her part told the gathering about the importance of examining the factors that drive migration, particularly of skilled professionals and what African countries need to do to retain their educated and skilled workers. She also advised the forum to think of what partners of Africa can do to help the continent in this regard. The co0chariperson indicated that the challenge facing the whole world is how to manage international migration in a way that it does not advantage some countries at the expense of others and stressed the importance of looking for possible means of managing it fairly and equitably. According to Dr. Frene, 175 million people, or one out of every 35 persons, are now international migrants, and 48 per cent of them are women. She also quoted different sources indicating the number of labour migrants in Africa constitute one fifth of the global total. Sources also estimate by 2025 one in ten Africans will live and work outside their countries of origin, she said. The two-day forum is expected to explore how migration can make a positive contribution to African countries and to the continent as a whole, and how it can expand individual opportunity. It would also consider what sort of international cooperation and collaboration could help to manage migration so that it benefits all. AU High-Level Committee agrees to make stand-by force operational ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The African Union (AU) High0Level Committee on the Non-Aggression Pact and the Common Defence and Security in Africa, agreed Tuesday that the stand-by force for the AU should be operational, Ghana News Agency reported. The decision was taken at a day-long meeting of Foreign Minister of AU member states in Accra to prepare the ground for the AU High-Level Committee of Heads of State and Government on the Non-Aggression Pact and the Common Defence and Security in Africa meeting to be held in Abuja, Nigeria on January 29,the Agency said. Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo announced the decision when he led the Foreign Ministers to brief President John Agyekum Kufuor, Chairman of the Committee on their deliberations at the Castle, OSU. The Foreign Ministers were from Ghana, South Africa, Congo, Ethiopia, Algeria and Mozambique, whose governments are among members of the High-Level Committee. Nana Akufo-Addo said: "We reached consensus on a document that embodies the considerations that we had had and captured fundamental issues". "We are satisfied that it is a good document on a single army as the goal to make the stand-by force operational," he said. Dr. Dlamini Nkosazana Zuma, South African Foreign Minister, said: "We have done our best to accommodate all the different view in the different documents". He said, "With your accumulated experience and commitment, mu colleagues would want to know what the Committee is doing". The January 29 Abuja meeting will be a prelude to a special African Union (AU) Summit the following day to consider a common defence and security policy for the continental body. The Committee of Heads of State and Government was established to examine issues relating to non-aggression, common defence and common security in Africa. Members of the Committee are the Heads of State of Algeria; Republic of Congo; Ethiopia and South Africa. It also has Mozambique, the immediate past Chairman of the Africa Union as Ex-Officer Member. Meles appears as a candidate in Tigray AXUM (ENA) - Five high-level leaderships of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) including Prime Minister Meles Zenawi appeared as candidates in Central Zone of the Tigray State for the seat of the House of Peoples' Representatives in the upcoming national elections, Zonal Culture and Information Office said. Office Head, Kidane-Mariam Gebre-Kristos said last Tuesday that the public unanimously endorsed the candidacy of the TPLF top members when they held a campaign in rural Keble's and towns in 13 woredas of the zone from January 9-21,2005. Kidane-Mariam said 14 candidates including the high-level leaderships would run for seats in the House of Peoples Representatives and 56 candidates for State Council at 476 polling stations set up in 14 constituencies in the zone. January 28, 2005 Ethiopia desirous of strengthening trade, tourism cooperation with UAE: Ministry ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that Ethiopia is taking various measures geared towards strengthening boosting economic ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Dubai in the fields of trade and tourism. The Ministry told ENA yesterday that Ethiopia has already opened consulate office in Dubai a year ago in a bid to strengthening bilateral ties with the UAE, and deliver services to the Ethiopian community there. Ethiopian Consul General Gashaw Debebe Tuesday held talks with Director General of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Khalid A. bin Sulayem focusing on enhancing economic ties with Dubai and the UAD. The Ministry said the two senior officials held the talks at DTCM headquarter in Dubai on issues pertaining to strengthening cooperation in tourism, trade, and ways of enhancing relations. Consul General Gashaw briefed Sulayem on Ethiopia's economic policy and its tourist attraction sites. Director General Sulayem on his part briefed Gashaw on latest infrastructure projects geared toward encouraging travel agencies. Djibouti electricity exportation project in high gear ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo) announced that preparations are being speeded upto effect Djibouti electricity exportation project. EEPCo General Manager Mihret Debebe made the announcement yesterday at the opening of a meeting called to discuss power line transfer draft agreement between pertinent bodies from Ethiopia and Djibouti. The project, launched following the signing of the agreement in 2001, provides for the installation of a 283-kms power line from Dire Dawa to Djibouti. The African Development Bank has already approved a 60 million dollars loan for the implementation of the project, Mihret said. The loan is to be repaid in a long term a minimum interest by the two countries. The project would enable urban and rural border areas in the two countries to get power supply is expected to be finalized until 2002 E.C. Ethiopia will be receiving upto 33 million dollars annually from the export of electricity, Mihiret said. The project could be extended beyond Ethiopia and Djibouti to include countries in the region and even reaching farther to Northern African countries, General Manager of Djibouti Electric Company Jama Ali Guelleh said on the occasion. Such a project will be significant in strengthening ties between nations, he said. Norway pledges support for election successful conduct ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Norway is ready to provide support for the successful conduct of the national elections in Ethiopia scheduled to be held in May this year, Norwegian International Development Minister announced. The Minister Hilde F. Johnson mad the pledge here yesterday during talks with Prime Meles Zenawi. Commending the ongoing election activities, she said it was a positive sign that the electoral law has been amended as part of the activities to conduct the elections successfully. She said the political debates among the contesting political debates among the contesting political parties would give the electorate the opportunity to vote for the party of their choice. Hilde F. Johnson said Norway is implementing a pilot project in Ethiopia on crops of commercial value. Prime Minister Meles and the Norwegian minister discussed the bilateral economic cooperation between Ethiopia and Norway as well as the peace and security situation in the Horn of Africa. ANDM candidates including Addisu under public evaluation Gondar (WIC/ENA) - The Amhara Nation Democratic Movement said that 66 of its candidates including Deputy Prime Minister Addisu Legesse, are being evaluating by the public. Zonal office Head of the Movement, Wasse Bezuneh told WIC yesterday that among the candidates, 14 men and seven women, will contest for seat in the House of Peoples' Representatives, and 26 men and 19 women candidates for seat in the State Council. Besides to the Deputy Prime Minister and Rural and Agricultural Development Minister Addisu Legesse, other high ranking leaders of the Movement will also vie for seat in the House of Peoples' Representatives. According to the Head, candidates of ANDM have been evaluated by the public throughout the 18 woredas of the zone since last week. In a relation development, out of the 1.2 million electorates expected to get registered in the zone, 660,ooo voters have been registered at the 1,095 polling stations. Similarly, the Oromo People's Democratic Organization (OPDO) said that its candidates in Bale Zone are being evaluated by the public. Accordingly, the 40 candidates fielded by OPDO to run in the elections in 18 woredas have received critical comments by the public. Some 19 of the candidates are women. All the candidates have met the demand for public evaluation. Meanwhile, the Adama Teachers Association has called on teachers to get registered for the elections. Association Chairperson Getachew Guta told WIC Wednesday as teachers are acquainted with the principles of democratic elections, they need to play exemplary role by getting registered for the elections. Indicating that teachers have to elect candidates that would ensure their benefits, the chairperson said teachers should also contribute in sensitizing the public to use their rights to left and get elected. Accordingly, he urged the teachers to encourage students above 18 years to participate in electing candidates committed to the development of the country. He further added that the Association has finalized preparations to offer training for members who would observe the elections. Hungarian Company donated medical equipment to MoH ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - The Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday received medical equipment worth over six million birr from the Hungarian ENAVIT Medical Company. State Minister of Health Dr. Tewodros Adhanom said on the occasion that the aid is part of a development cooperation between the two countries. The State Minister said that the company's material and training support would build the capacity to manufacture and use the equipment locally. He said the modern medical equipment donated by the company would be distributed to medical training institutions and referral hospitals. Hungarian Ambassador Janos Budai on his part said that the development cooperation between the two countries would be further strengthened on the basis of the agreement that is to be reached with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. He said the company would further strengthen its relations with the donation of medical equipment and the provision of training that would play crucial role in developing and expanding the health sector of the country. Ministry Medicine Supply and Administration Service Expert Yohannes Mesfin said that the donated 27 types of medical equipment would play important role in providing medical services. He said professionals of training institutions and referral hospitals receiving the appliances would receive training on the utilization of the medical equipment in Hungary. ======================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan.28,2005 ========================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? All your favorites on one personal page – Try My Yahoo! http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Jan 31 14:11:06 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:39 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050131121106.4171.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> January 29, 2005 Africa Unite organizers optimistic Bob Marley's birthday celebration promote image of Ethiopia by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - Rita Marley, wife of Bob Marley, the legendary hero of Reggae music and dance, has said that the Africa Unite event would promote image of Ethiopia and boost the existing Marley family foundations' programmes in Ethiopia and Jamaica and their expansion to other African countries. Speaking at the press briefing organized yesterday at the Sheraton Addis in connection with the event of the official launching of a one month celebration of Africa Unite that marks Bob Marley's 60th birthday Nane Rita said the event would help to raise the profile of the Bob Marley and Rita Marley Foundations and put a global spotlight on the works that the foundations are doing. "We have been celebrating Bob's birthday in different parts of the world since his death 21 years ago. And we selected Ethiopia for the 60th because Bob lover Ethiopia," she said. State Minister of Information Netsanet Asfaw on her part said that the celebration would have positive implication not only for the Ras Teferians in Ethiopia but also for young people who come from all over the world. The event would mark the life of one human being who brought together the youth of the entire planet, together she added. "It is an example of how a person from a humble beginning becomes such a great man who has thought us that no matter how poor and deprived we are, we can be somebody and great. And as Ethiopia is working intensively towards fighting poverty and backwardness, there would be a great lesson for the people and the government of Ethiopia from Bob's life," the State Minister said. Members of the organizing committee on their part said the event is not only the celebration of the 60th birthday of Bob, it is also an event that highlights all the virtues attached to him in terms of human rights, social justice and equality and every one can participate in this wonderful event. They said the event would show positive portrays of Ethiopia to the world in different light eliminating beautiful historic country that has a great legacy, a legacy that are near and dear to Ras Teferians. In addition it is a positive reflection of Ethiopia's commitment to the advancement of Africa and its people, they said. They also added that the event could play a pivotal role in inspiring the youth especially Africans creating a great chance for them to participate in many activities in order to change the image of this continent. Thousands of tourists, dignitaries, academics, activists and international media including the Marley family are expected to arrive in Ethiopia over the coming days. The event would start as of the coming Tuesday (Feb.1, 2005). International celebrities like Danny Glover and Angelique Kidjo will join Africa and Diasporan luminaries in a contribution to the future of the continent. In addition, 12 footballers including George Weah, Claude Makalele (Chelsea) and Lilian Thuram (Juventus) are expected to come to Ethiopia. The historic, global outreach initiative is conceived by the Bob and Rita Marley Foundations and AFRICA UNITE 2005 is sponsored by UNICEF, the World Bank, the African Union, the Addis Ababa City Government, the Ethiopian Ministry of Information, Ethiopian Airlines and Ethiopian Tourism Commission, it was learnt. Italy says Axum Obelisk returns in April ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - The Axum Obelisk would reportedly be returned to its home country by the end of April. According to Reuters, the Italian Foreign Ministry has said the 24-metre obelisk believed to be at least 1,700 years old would be returned by the end of April. Italy promised in 1947 to return the 200-ton granite column, a symbol of the dawn of Ethiopian Civilization, but arguments and logistical problems delayed it until November last year when the two countries finally agreed to fly it home. An Italian Foreign Ministry spokesman was quoted by Reuters as saying that the first flight with the first segment would be made in the first 10 days of March; the other two flights would follow around 20 days apart; and in that way, the column would be returned by the end of April. It said the Russian-made Antonove 124 was chosen to bring the Obelisk home, and Ethiopia has planned to celebrate the Obelisk's return with a national holiday. The column was plundered by Italian fascist invaders in 1937. Ministerial Council refers three bills to parliament ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Council of Minister in its 125th regular session yesterday deliberated on three bills and referred them to the House of Peoples' Representatives with some amendments. The Office of the Prime Minister told ENA that the Council discussed the bill endorsing Hides and Skin Transaction Procedure and one providing for the reestablishment of the Population Census Commission and also other ratifying a loan agreement concluded with the International Development Association (IDA) to be utilized for building the capacity of tertiary education. While discussing the bill endorsing Hides and Skin Transaction Procedure, the Council said that the benefit from the sub-sector has been dwindling for lack of market information, absence of laws supporting the sector and problems emanating from improper handling. Accordingly, the bill would enable to get the proper income by improving the collection, preparation and handling of the products, the office said in a statement sent to ENA yesterday. During its discussion on the bill re-establishing the Pollution Census Commission, the Council noted the significance of conducting population census in strengthening the democratic order and improving the livelihood of the people, the statement said. It has also deliberated on the bill ratifying a loan agreement concluded with the IDA to be utilized for the implementation of a project to build the capacity of tertiary education. January 30, 2005 Meles leaves for Abuja AU Ordinary Session ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - A high level Ethiopian delegation led by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi left here yesterday to attend the 4th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and government of the African Union (AU) in Abuja, Nigeria. Upon departure at Bole International Airport, the delegation was seen off by senior government officials. A review of the food security situation in the continent, the status of implementation of previous decisions and declarations on HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other infectious diseases as well as eradication of poliomyelitis would be on the agenda of the two-day session. The leaders would also appraise the peace and security situation in Africa and the challenges facing the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) policy initiatives. All African heads of states and government are expected to attend the session. Makalle resident challenge CUD's peace initiative stand MAKALLE (WIC) - Residents of Makalle town have rejected the idea propounded by the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) stating that the New Peace Initiative proposed by the Prime Minister stands contrary to peace and sovereignty. Participants of a meeting organized by CUD here yesterday said that they support the peace initiative as it ensures lasting peace between the two countries. The inhabitants and religious leaders said they would not accept what the Coalition propagates because it leads to conflict and war. The participants clearly stated their opposition to the leaders of the CUD, Dr. Haily Araya and Prof. Mesfin Wolde-Mariam, who said the five-point peace initiative proposed by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi stands contrary to national sovereignty and development. The leaders also said the initiative was imposed on the people, which the participants refused to accept. The CUD claimed that the TPLF/EPRDF, beginning from its outset, has been working against Ethiopia's interest, adding that the people should therefore not remain docile while dictators prevail on the lives of the people and the nation. The Coalition argued that lasting peace could be ensured when the right party wins election in a democratic manner by abolishing the EPRDF government. That is why, they said, they are contending for power by fielding candidates almost allover the country. Two individuals among the gathering spoke in favour of the Coalition saying they would take up arms if Badime is given away. One of the CUD leaders, Prof. Mesfin, finally provoked the audience when he said democratic election has never taken place in Tigray State as the votes have been hundred per cent similar to products manufactured by a factory. As a result, a closing speech could not be delivered as the participants were very much upset. Organizations assign roving election observers ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Five local organizations have assigned roving election observers to monitor the process of the next May national elections, the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) said. The Board told ENA yesterday that it has on its part prepared 595 IDs for election observers. The Ethiopian Teachers Association and the Oromia Youth Association have requested for 94 and 142 IDs respectively for their election observers, the Board said. The Organization for Victims of Red Terror has also assigned 30 observers while the Addis Ababa Women Association assigned 273 election observers, the Board said. The Ethiopian Civil Society Coalition on its part assigned 56 observers, according to the Board. NEBE said it would also give the necessary IDs for foreign observers. Party urges supporters to register before deadline by Yemane Terefe ADDIS ABABA - The Keste Damena (Rainbow Ethiopia: Movement for Democracy and Justice) urged all its supporters to register for the upcoming elections before the deadline expires. Speaking at a public gathering it held at the National Lottery Administration yesterday, Dr. Befekadu Degefe, Party Fund-Raising Chairperson, said that registering to vote by itself accounts 10 per cent of the struggle and the remaining 90 per cent is related to the fairness of the election that will take place in May 2005. He stressed that all haves get to register and receives IDs in time and elects the party that would transform the country. Ato Bedru Adem, member of the House of Peoples' Representatives and who recently joined the Party, on his part said that election is a guarantee for life if people deliberately and actively elect whom they want. And he told the gathering to register and also mobilize others to register soon. The party called upon the people to actively participate in the national elections without any fear to exercise their political and democratic rights. Similar public gathering were held in Wolkite and Makalle, it was learnt. ================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan.31,2005 ======================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Jan 3 10:49:46 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:42 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050103084946.54001.qmail@web53310.mail.yahoo.com> January 1, 2005 Six political parties agree to continue debate ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Six political parties have agreed to continue the political parties have agreed to continue the political debate to be organized by Inter-Africa Group after two weeks, the group said. Political Parties Debate Forum Coordinator Nebiyu Samuel told ENA yesterday that the parties have agreed that the debate should focus on Industrial Development Policy. The political parties reached the agreement following a discussion they held here yesterday at Sheraton Addis. The agreement was reached among the ruling party, the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front, the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, the United Ethiopian Democratic Forces, All Ethiopian Democratic Party, the Oromo Federal Democratic Movement and Pan-Africanist Ethiopian Party. The parties have also reached agreement to hold a debate on urban development policy after three weeks and a debate on service sector after one month. Council of Ministers endorses bill ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Council of Minister approved here yesterday a bill for ratification of a loan and aid agreement enabling to implement Productive Safety Project designed based on the Ethiopian Water Resources Management Regulation, the Office of the Prime Minister said. In a press statement it sent to ENA yesterday, the office said the Council in its 123rd session said it was necessary to issue a regulation that would enable to utilize effectively the country's water resources under the appropriate administration. The Council approved after deliberating extensively on the bill for the ratification of the Productive Safety Project. The Council said the project to be implemented with the loan and aid would support the food security programme being implemented in food deficit areas of the country while enabling dozens of people to participate in various development activities through food-for-work programme. It also said the project would have a significant importance in bringing about sustainable development through the launching of various developments activities in drought prone areas, the statement said. The Council accepted and referred the draft proclamation to the House of Peoples' Representatives for approval, it said. The Ethiopian Water Resources Management Regulation was endorsed in 1992 E.C. AU expresses solidarity with victims of natural calamities ADDIS ABABA - The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission was deeply shocked by the natural calamities that recently devastated south-east Asia, as well as part of the Indian Ocean coast of Africa, which resulted in immense losses of life and considerable material damage, AU press release indicated. The press release sent to the Herald by AU yesterday said in this tragic situation, Konare expresses, on behalf of the Commission of the African Union, and on his own behalf, Africa's solidarity and sympathy to the affected populations and governments, as well as deep felt condolences to the bereaved families. As a gesture of solidarity towards the affected populations, the African Union decided to make a symbolic contribution of US $100,000. The Chairperson commends the efforts already deployed by some states, including African states, to alleviate the suffering of the affected populations and he wishes to call on the entire international community and the member states of the African Union in particular, to join the efforts and to provide the necessary assistance to the affected countries, the release added. "Peace proposal lacking public participation won't bring lasting solution": Opposition ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Opposition parties said a peace proposal that failed to consider the participation of the public would not bring a lasting solution to Ethio-Eritrea border dispute. Pointing out that few government leaders were deciding on the fate of the people and sovereignty of the nation, the opposition parties said the five-point new peace proposal could not bring lasting solution to the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute. The opposition parties, United Ethiopian Democratic Forces and the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, made the statement during a press statement they gave here last Thursday at Semen Hotel in connection with public gathering called by the parties opposing the proposal put forward by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and approved by the country's parliament. Pointing out that the parties strongly oppose the new peace proposal, they called upon the public to express their interest regarding the proposal by taking part in the gathering. The parties stressed the need that the peoples of the two countries should struggle against the dictatorial position and attitudes if there is a desire to bring about sustainable peace and enhance brotherhood between the peoples of the two countries through discussion. The parties said the gathering which is intended to be held tomorrow would enable the people to struggle for their rights and decide on the fate of their country. January 2, 2005 President lauds Addis greening, beautifying efforts ADDIS ABABA (ENA/WIC) - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis has lauded efforts launched by Clean and Green Addis Ababa Initiative to make the metropolis clean and suitable for living. Opening the Initiative's General Assembly yesterday, President Girma said that the Initiative is expected to register encouraging results by cleaning the city in the years ahead. He also said governmental and non-governmental organizations, the business community, educational institutes and the metropolitans should continue with their efforts towards creating the clean Addis Ababa. The President recommended the establishment of a joint forum for the implementation of integrated activities on environmental development and natural resources conservation. He said the efforts launched to clean the city should continue in sustainable manner for making the city environmental friendly would take longer years. President Girma also called upon members of the Initiative to further intensify their integrated activities of planting trees, cleaning rivers from pollution and soil conservation. The President assured the Initiative that the government would do everything possible to help realize its goal of making Addis Ababa, Capital of Africa, clean and beautiful. Speaking on his part Addis Ababa City Mayor Arkebe Equbay stressed the need that priority should be given to clear the city from environmental pollution, which affects the health of thousands of city residents. He said the younger generation has the greater responsibility of greening and beautifying the city. Speaking on his part Initiative President Dr. Fisseha Eshetu said that the main objective of the launching of the Initiative is to raise the awareness of the public about the importance of keeping the city clean. The Initiative has managed to collect and dump 14,273 cubic metres of garbage from the ten sub-cities and planted 22,000 tree seedlings of various species in cooperation with the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Authority and other organizations over the last one year, he said. Dr. Fisseha further said that the Initiative plans to construct 50 public toilets in ten selected kebeles. Prizes and certificates were awarded to individuals and organizations who made outstanding contributions in greening and beautifying the city. An exhibition depicting activities undertaken to beautify and green the city was also visited by participants of the assembly. Currently, the Initiative has 392 members. Zonal TPLF, ANDM offices field candidates ADDIS ABABA (WIC/ENA) - The Central Tigray Zone Administration said that the Tigray Peoples' Liberation Front (TPLF) has fielded 70 candidates for the upcoming national and state elections. Zonal Deputy Administrator and Public Mobilization Head Kiros Gebre-Silassie told WIC that 14 candidates vie for seats in the House of Peoples' Representatives, and the rest for State Council in 14 constituencies of the Zone. According to the Deputy Administor, 28 and five of the candidates vying for seats in the state Council and in the House of Peoples' Representatives are women respectively. Similarly, the North Wollo Zone branch Amhara Nation Democratic Movement (ANDM) said that it has fielded 32 candidates for the elections. Office Head Nigus Demilew said nine candidates will vie for in the state council and 23 in the House of Peoples Representatives. The candidates have already begun collecting candidature endorsement signatures in their respective constituencies, he said. According to Nigus, 30-40 per cent of the candidates constitute women. Eritrean people, army urged to pressurize gov't to accept proposal ADDIS ABABA (ENA/WIC) - Some members of the army at the Badme Front have called on Eritrean people and the army to pressurize government to accept the peace proposal forwarded the Ethiopian government to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea boarder dispute. They told ENA recently that they fully support the proposal, for war hampers development activities further aggravating the problem of poverty. The army members said the Eritrean people and army are expected to pressurize the Eritrean government to accept the proposal so that the dispute could be resolved through peaceful means. If the government of Eritrean accepts the new peace initiative preferring peace to war, it would be of a great significance for both countries in enhancing their development endeavors, they said. Similarly, workers and the management of the Bole Printing Enterprise have expressed support for the initiative. At a discussion forum held Friday, the workers said that peace plan has a lot to contribute for the effective materialization of ensuring good governance and multifaceted development works in the country. They noted that the various wars waged in the past have inflicted property damage and human loss leaving the country and its peoples in extreme poverty. Inculcating the culture of mutual coexistence and ensuring stability would, therefore, playa key role in freeing the country from the shackles of poverty, they said. The inhabitants of Negele town, Oromia, State, also said that the initiative would enable to achieve the desired development goals. In a meeting they held Friday, the inhabitants expressed their support for the peace initiative and for the effective implementation of poverty alleviation endeavour. At a discussion held recently, over 400 investors in Shashemene and its environs also said that the development strategies could only be realized when peace prevails and in this regard the peace proposal would create favourable environment for development endeavours. They also indicated that reforms introduced by the government to encourage the private sector have enabled them to contribute their share to the development efforts of the country. They finally urged the international community to put pressure on the Eritrean government to accept the proposal. 134 mln. birr earned from hides, skin export ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopia has earned 134 million birr in foreign Exchange from the export of hides and skin over the last three months, the Ethiopian Customs Authority said. Authority Public and International Relations Service said yesterday that the sum was secured from the export of 4.11 quintals of hides and skin between September and November. The products were exported to the United States, United Kingdom, China, Italy, Malaysia, Thailand, Spain and Turkey, it said. The products were exported to the United States, United Kingdom, China, Italy, India, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Malaysia, Thailand, Spain and Turkey, it said. The hides and skin exported to Italy and the United Kingdom constitute 35 and 17 per cent respectively, it added. In a similar development, 279 million birr was earned in foreign currency from various products exported via Nazareth over the last five months. Operation Main Section Head with the Nazareth Custom Office Lemma Mulatu told ENA yesterday that the sum was secured from the export of 41 various products. The sum secured between July 1, 1996 November 30,1997 E.C. exceeded that of last year same period by 105 million birr, he said. Lemma attributed the increase in the amount of export revenue to the rise in the types of products being exported abroad, among others. The exported items include hides and skin, soya bean, cacao, sugar and live animals, among others, he said. ================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan. 3,2005 ============================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue Jan 4 14:17:27 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:42 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050104121727.30163.qmail@web53305.mail.yahoo.com> January 4, 2005 Italy cancels 3.1 bln. birr debt for Ethiopia by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The governments of Ethiopia and Italy yesterday signed an agreement of 3.1 billion birr debt cancellation that the former owes to the latter. The Ethiopian government would use the cancelled debt to finance its poverty reduction programme. The Italian government has written off 100 per cent of Ethiopia's debt which is more by 10 per cent than the 90 per cent agreement Ethiopia signed with Paris Club Creditors upon reaching the Completion Point and as per the Enhanced Heavily In debted Poor Countries (HIPC) in April 2004. Speaking at the signing ceremony of the agreement held on the premises of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MoFED), State Minister Dr. Mulu Ketsela said that the debt cancellation will highly assist Ethiopia's multi sectoral development endeavours. According to the State Minister, the money would be utilized for the highest priority areas in the country and it would also be highly significant in meeting the MDGs. Ambassador Guido La Tella Italian ambassador to Ethiopia on his part said that his country cancelled the debt to assist Ethiopia in achieving sustainable development. The debt cancellation, which is one of the highest in the history of the bilateral relation of the two nations and the Paris Club members, leads to the more intensified chapter of their relation, Ambassador Guido said. He also said the visit of PM Meles Zenawi to Italy and the economic and cultural agreements signed as well as the agreement to return the Axum Obelisk are indications of this fact. The agreement was signed by Dr. Mulu and Ambassador Guido representing their respective governments. Meanwhile, embassy press release said that the agreement will pave the way to the enhancement of economic relations between Italy and Ethiopia. It will also facilitate a change of attitude of SACE (the Italian Export Credit Agency) towards Ethiopia, and encourage Italian entrepreneurs to increase their business (both through trade and new investments). An important economic mission is expected to visit Ethiopia next month, on the occasion of the Addis Ababa International Fair According to the release, the mission will include all major Italian institutions involved in international economic relations, including SACE, ICE (the Italian Institute for Foreign Trade) and SIMEST (the Institute for the Internationalisation of Italian Companies). EDUP-Medhin to field candidates in all constituencies ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Democratic Unity Party Medhin, (EDUP-Medhin) one of the opposition parties formed following the merger of two hitherto separate legal entities, announced Saturday that it would field candidates in all constituencies throughout the country. However, the party urged the government to react to the five questions posed by opposition political parties with a view to making the upcoming elections free and fair. Party Secretary General, Lidetu Ayalew told ENA that though there are some questions to be addressed, his party has been preparing to field candidates across nation. Lidetu said that his party has been engaged in selecting its candidates who are to compete in the election throughout the country, except in some border constituencies. He further indicated that the National Electoral Board should be established again and manned with independent individuals or those drawn from all political parties with a view to making the election democratic, free, and fair. He said though the electoral law states that the government has to provide financial assistance to contesting opposition parties, his party has not been provided with getting any support so far. Suspension of the financial assistance to opposition parties is a deliberate act made by the incumbent government to suppress the capacity of the contesting political parties, he added. The Secretary General also urged the government to allow the establishment of private Radio and Television Stations immediately since they contribute a lot towards making the elections free and fair. Government media should be duty bound to serve all political parties equally, he said, adding the government has been taking encouraging measures creating access for political parties to the state. "Live coverage of recent debates between opposition political parties and the ruling EPRDF is a cast in point," he added. Though the government positively responded to the presence of foreign observers during the upcoming election, nothing is known as to how and when they will enter the country, he said. Lidetu also called on the public to actively participate in the election either as a candidate, voter, or an observer. Oppositions denounce the New Peace Proposal ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Members and supporters of the Coalition of Ethiopian Democratic Forces (CEDF) and Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), last Sunday gathered here in Addis Ababa at the Meskel Square to denounce the peace proposal that the Ethiopian government has put forward recently to resolve the border dispute with Eritrea. In a peaceful gathering summoned jointly by CEDF and CUD, the members and supports of the two parties rejected the peace proposal, which they said violates Ethiopia's legal rights. The rally called for another proposal that would allow Ethiopia an outlet to the Red Sea. CEDF Head Dr. Merara Gudina said the ruling EPRDF has been deceiving the Ethiopian people concerning the Ethio-Eritrea issue. He said EPRDF made a mistake in signing the Algiers Peace Accord after Ethiopia had won the war. He further added that the people of Ethiopia have not been consulted on the terms contained in the recent peace proposal. Dr. Beyene Petros CEDF Deputy Head on his part said his party has right from the outset opposed to the Algiers Peace Accord that provides for demarcation of the border according to colonial agreement. CUD Executive Chekol Getahun also on his part said the peace proposal would not enable to bring about sustainable peace. Former Chief of the Tigray State as a guest speaker on the occasion said it was a historic mistake that Ethiopia signed the Algiers Agreement after it defeated Sha'ibia in the battle-field. Gebru, who was member of the ruling party when the agreement was signed, said the members of the former TPLF/EPRDF who have abandoned their membership request the pardon of the Ethiopian people for the mistake they made voting in favour of the Algiers Agreement. Former President Negaso Gidada on the occasion said he, as a citizen, opposes to the peace proposal. Numerous people who attended in the peaceful gathering aired slogans such as "peace will not come about by giving our land", Sha'ibia should not prosper at the expense of Ethiopia", and "the government should have consulted with the people on the terms of the peace proposal". Eritrean nationals stress pressurizing gov't to accept peace proposal ADDIS ABABA (ENA/WIC) - Eritreans who recently entered Ethiopia said that Eritreans should put pressure on their government to accept the peace proposal put forward by Ethiopia, saying it is the only option to end the border dispute between the two countries peacefully. The Eritreans, who said they attended to the proposal with great concern before coming to Ethiopia, said they believe the proposal will bring about good neighborliness between the peoples of the two countries. The government of Eritrea needs to accept the proposal for war results in devastation, Birhane Kahsay, a health professional and Tsigereda Messele as well as her four children said. They called upon the Eritrean government to accept the peace proposal and to make exertions to extricate its people from abject poverty, rather that preparing the youth for yet another round of war rounding them up from their schools and work places. A young woman Rahel Semere and a soldier Hayelom Asema said that accpetance by the government in Asmara of the peace proposal and its successive implementation will normalize relations between the two countries. Some six students from Asmara University and more that ten other Eritreans, who wanted to remain anonymous, said that they are certain that Eritreans applaud the new peace initiative. The government of Eritrea has no alternative other than accepting the peace initiative, which, they said, is in the interest of its people. Meanwhile, the inhabitants of the Zalanbessa Igela Front in the Tigray State have expressed their commitment for the effective implementation of the initiative, WIC reported. They further indicated that the peace plan would lay the cornerstone for the prevalence of lasting and durable peace between the two neighbouring and brotherly peoples through the resolution of the Ethio-Eritrea dispute in a peaceful manner. The inhabitants of Ahferom and Mereblehe woredas in the Front also stated that Ethiopia was forced to reverse the aggression of the Eritrean government as the opportunity for peace was blocked by the later. They expressed their desire to peacefully and mutually live with the Eritrean people, which, they said, should exert utmost efforts in the practical implementation of the peace proposal with a view to materializing the development endeavour in the country. Mereblehe Woreda Culture and Information Head Shiferaw Fisiha said on his part that the inhabitants of the woreda are the very inhabitants of the woreda are the very beneficiaries of the prevalence of lasing peace as they are immediate neighbors to Eritrea. The residents on the occasion called upon the people of Eritrea to put maximum pressure on their government. Over 15,000 people in the woredas have voiced support for the peace proposal following intensive discussion. Similarly, the inhabitants of Sheka Zone in Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples State expressed support to the proposal. In separate meetings they held recently, the over 5,000 inhabitants of 22 kebeles in Yeki Woreda and Tepi town said the proposal would help improve the relations between the two countries. They said the initiative would also enable to resolve the boarder dispute between the two countries. They also said the new peace proposal would promote the peaceful co-existence between the two countries. The forwarding of the proposal shows how the government of Ethiopia is committed to peace, they said. The inhabitants expressed commitment to extend support for the realization of the proposal. ================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan. 4,2005 ======================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Easier than ever with enhanced search. Learn more. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue Jan 11 10:46:55 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:42 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050111084655.83987.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> January 6, 2005 Commission to start regular duty this month by Yemane Terefe ADDIS ABABA - The Trade Practice Commission a newly set government institution has announced that it will officially start its regular duty as of this month to properly serve the business community in hearing and investigating complaints. Briefing local journalists yesterday at a press conference held at the office of the Commission, Chairperson of the Commission and Minister of Justice Harqa Haroye said, although the proclamation has been in place since April 9,1995 E.C, the Commission did not start its regular duty due to the delay in determining the number of members and arranging candidates for appointment by the Prime Minister. According to Harqa, members of the Commission have already started preparing ground works for the full function of the Commission right after their appointment. Accordingly they have arranged office facilities, and held discussions on the proclamation to raise the awareness of their members. Ato Harqa also told the conference that the trade proclamation of 1995 promotes free market in the country by prohibiting activities that hinder fair competition among the business community. According to Harqa, the proclamation mainly paves ways on how to regulate supply and demand, and discourage rent-collecting activities that hamper the business sector without adding value. It also discourages unnecessary trade competition and market monopoly, which simply targets weakening small business community and eventually chasing them out of the market. Accountability of the Commission is to the Ministry of Trade and Industry and it accepts complaints only when presented to the Commission, its was learnt. Supreme Court upholds Kinfe's killer death sentence ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Federal Supreme Court yesterday upheld the death sentence the Federal High Court passed on Major Tsehaye Wolde-Selassie found guilty of killing Security, Immigration and Refugee Affairs Former General Manager Kinfe Gebre-Medhin. The Supreme Court upheld the sentence after examining the appeal lodged by the convict. The act of killing of any individual entrusted to government duty of such a level high liable to heavier punishment, the court said. The convict killed the late Kinfe in cold blood. EIIPD President emphasizes developed nations' backing in fighting terrorism by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - {resident of the Ethiopian International Institute for Peace and Development (EIIPD) Prof. Kinfe Abraham said developed nations should back economic endeavours of developing countries in order to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Speaking at the opening of a seminar on "Challenges of Terrorism in the Horn of Africa" at Sheraton Addis yesterday, Prof. Kinfe said that the root causes of terrorism are poverty and backwardness and unless these issues are addressed properly, the fight against terrorism would become more challenging. The failure to address poverty reduction in a comprehensive manner considering all its manifestations such as diseases, malnutrition, illiteracy, and backwardness would inevitably lead to what is called "Structural or silent terrorism", Kinfe said. The president also emphasized the need for solving the inter and intraconflicts that can arise around the globe through a peaceful means for it enhances vulnerability to terrorism. According to Kinfe, the origin of terrorism goes back to the eleventh century when the Muslim world suffered a series of major defeats in the hands of crusaders. The end of the Cold War, the decolonization process, statelessness and the failure to discriminate freedom fighters from terrorists by the international community have all contributed a lot to the prevalence of the evil act, he added. The professor also urged countries in the Horn in particular and others in general to assist the coalition of the counter terrorism efforts more seriously. Director of Centre for Counter Terrorism Studies, a China-based institute, Li wei on his part said that the devolution of Al-Quida centres around the world after September 11, 2001 as well as the very fast changing nature of mechanisms of terrorism and the networking system the terrorist developed has made the counter terrorism effort very tough. According to the director, the shift of the attack of terrorists to the soft targets like hotels, tourist resorts and schools among others have also made the preventive task very hard inspite of the remarkable achievements registered so far. The seminar aims to update the concerned participants on the extent and depth of the threat which terrorism poses to the Horn of Africa in particular and African continent as a whole. Participants from the Security, Immigration and Refugee Affairs Authority, the Federal Police, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, House of Peoples' Representatives as well as EIIPD attended the half-day seminar. January 9, 2005 EPRDF, opposition parties debate on Nat'l Youth Policy, HIV/AIDS by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) says that over the last decade the issues of the youth, health in general and HIV/AIDS in particular have been addressed properly registering remarkable achievements while opposition parties argued to the contrary. At a debate organized by African Initiatives for a Democratic World Order (AIDWO) on the National Youth Policy and HIV/AIDS at the Convention Centre yesterday, EPRDF representatives Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Ambassador Teshome Toga and State Minister of Health Dr. Tewodros Adhanum said that the Front has registered promising results through its sound policies and strategies mobilizing the community for their implementation. According to Ambassador Teshome, EPRDF believes that the youth are not only the country's hope for future but also the prime forces for peace development and democracy. The government has made a relentless effort to make this group active actor in the all-round development activities respecting their human and democratic rights. Ambassador Teshome also indicated that his Ministry has worked and invested a lot in mobilizing and empowering the youth with the provision of education and training at all levels and creating an enabling environment. In addition, a policy has already been formulated following heated debate by over 51,000 youth representatives from all over the country. Their issue has been mainstreamed in other policies and strategies as well, Ambassador Teshome said. He also indicated the need for coordinated efforts in the implementation of the policy and called on governmental and NGOs as well as pertinent bodies to coordinate efforts to achieve the desired objective. Dr. Tewodros Adhanum also cited the fruitful results so far achieved in the health sector in general and HIV/AIDS in particular. He said that the policy has given due consideration to preventive mechanisms; with the participation of the entire community in general and the youth and women in particular. Community-based prevention activities are being carried out focusing on the implementation of health extension package with primary attention to HIV/AIDS services, he added. The health delivery plan envisages to provide at least a health post at each and every locality with the assignment of two extension workers producing 24,000 professionals. Antiretroviral drugs would be provided to 12,000 PLWHA for free as of January 24, 2005. The number of beneficiaries would increase to 30,000 people, the State Minister indicated. According to Dr. Tewodros, the health coverage in the country has risen to 60 per cent from 30 ten years ago with primary health care to reach 100 per cent soon. He said that by strengthening current efforts meeting the MDGs is undoubted by possible. Representatives of the Coalition of Ethiopian Democratic Forces (CEDU) and the United Ethiopian Democratic Union (UEDU) on their part strongly disagreed with the points raised by the ruling party and presented their own options. CEDU representatives said that the youth do not have the desired access to education and unemployment is rampant among this section of the society. In addition, lack of adequate sports and other recreational centres made this group to be vulnerable to HIV/AIDS, they said. If the party is elected in the upcoming elections, it would strive to formulating a new National Youth Policy with the full participation of all pertinent bodies, the representatives said. They also said that they would use the state media more effectively encouraging the establishment of private media as well to teach the public about preventive mechanisms in the HIV/AIDS battle. UEDU representatives on their part criticized the current youth policy and its implementation mechanisms suggesting its amendment. They said that the policy does not guarantee the migration of farmers to cities, the increasing number of juvenile delinquents and the spread of HIV/AIDS. They said that over 3 million people are living with the virus while 14,000 are infected daily as a result of the government's inappropriate policy. If the party is elected it would formulate a new policy with the participation of all segments of the society in general and the youth in particular, the representatives said. The party would follow up the proper utilization of the fund allocated to battle HIV/AIDS and provide anti retroviral drugs for free, the representatives said. Youth, representatives of HIV/AIDS organizations, disabled persons women's associations and party members attended the half-day debate at the debate. Pertinent questions were raised by representatives from the Addis Ababa University students, youth associations and organizations working on HIV/AIDS to which the parties responded accordingly. January 11, 2005 Ethiopia committed to Sudanese peace deal implementation: Meles ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has pledged his country's readiness to provide all the necessary support towards the implementation of the historic agreement signed between the Sudanese government and the SPLM/A. At the signing of the comprehensive peace deal in Nairobi, Kenya, Sunday, the Prime Minister also called on the international community to extend continued support for the prevalence of peace in the Sudan. The comprehensive agreement ending the war through dialogue ushers in a new dawn in the region, Meles said. According to the Prime Minister, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has played the decisive role to end the 22 years war in the Sudan. IGAD member countries, especially Ethiopia, feel great joy, for they have been the members of the mediators' committee, Meles added. Meles also expressed gratitude to all the parties who contributed to the peace process in the Sudan, especially the U.S. and IGAD partners forum as well as the international community without whose support, he said, the peace process would not have borne fruits. The victory achieved in the efforts to end the civil war in the Sudan would be significant not only for Sudan and the sub-region, but also for the African continent as a whole, the Prime Minister said. Meles told a huge gathering at Nyayo National Stadium that the agreement would enable bayonet turn into plough share and channel all energies knowledge into development. Various foreign dignitaries including Heads of State and Government, Deputy Presidents, US Secretary of State Colin Powel as well as senior officials of international and continental organizations attended the historic event, according to a message the Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi faxed to ENA yesterday. The signing of the agreement that he hoped to be involved in peace talks on Darfur once he joined the planned national unity government. Garang, who is set to become a vice-president, signed the peace deal on behalf of the leader of the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA); the government side was represented by Vice-President Ali Osman Taha. According to the agreement, starting in July, the south will be autonomous for six years and will then vote in a referendum to decide whether to remain part of Sudan, or become independent. Sudan's new oil wealth- currently producing about 320,000 barrels a day is to be split equally between north and south. Apart from an 11-year period from 1972-1983, southern Sudan has been at war continuously since 1956. Peace talks began in 2002. The peace deal signed in Nairobi follows the signing of a permanent cease-fire on New Year's Eve. AU Peace and Security Summit opens in Libreville ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The African Union Peace and Security Summit in which 15 leaders of African countries including Prime Minister Meles Zenawi are attending opened in Libreville, Gabon yesterday. The summit is expected to discuss the problems of the peace and security prevailing in the African continent. Prime Minister Meles left for Gabon after attending the signing of the historic peace agreement between the Sudanese government and the Southern Liberation Movement/Army in Nairobi, Kenya on Sunday. The Darfur crisis and security problems prevailing in Cote d'Voire, and Democratic Republic of Congo are the top most agendas of the summit. The African Union Commission on its part will submit a report regarding the peace and security of the stated countries to the summit. Speaking at the summit, the Chairperson of the African Commission the historic peace agreement between the Sudanese government and the Southern Liberation Movement/Army in Nairobi, Kenya on Sunday. The Darfur crisis and security problems prevailing in Cote d'Voire, and Democratic Republic of Congo are the top most agendas of the summit. The African Union Commission on its part will submit a report regarding the peace and security of the stated countries to the summit. Speaking at the summit, the Chairperson of the African Commission Alpha Oumar Konare said if good governance and democracy are ensured by avoiding conflict and use of force, security problems would not be a threat to the African continent. Addressing the summit on his part African Union Current Chairperson Olusegun Obasanjo said ideas that come from the summit would help ensure the peace and security in Darfur, Sudan, Cote D'voire and Democratic Republic of Congo. The summit is expected to pass resolution on the stated issues. ================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan. 11,2005 ======================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Jan 12 11:11:12 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:42 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050112091112.90775.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> January 12, 2005 Meles back home after attending Libreville PSC Summit ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi returned home late yesterday after attending the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) Summit held in Libereville, Gabon. Ministers and senior officials welcomed Meles upon arrival at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Leaders of 15 African countries including Prime Minister Meles attended the Summit. The Heads of State and Government concluded their Summit adopting resolution on the troubled Western Region of Darfur as well as the security problems in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cote D'Ivoire. This is the first for the PSC to convene its Summit out of Addis since the founding of the AU, successor of the Organization of African Unity. The PSC concluded its meeting after 12-hour closed-door deliberations. Darfur remained the concern of the AU. Now a comprehensive agreement has been signed between the Government of the Sudan and SPLA. The problem in Cote d'Ivoire gets worse after the warring parties failed to implement agreements they had signed. The Summit thus indicated the need for the process of disarmament to resume, and called on the parties in Cote d'Ivoire to create enabling conditions for the security situations to improve. Concerning the security problem at border areas between DRC and Rwanda, the PSC resolved that the Rwandese rebels be disarmed immediately, and pledged that the AU would give the necessary support to the DRC in disarming the rebels. It has also resolved that the rebels be brought before the international tribunal for involvement in the Rwandan genocide 10 years ago. Conflict prevention possible through ensuring good governance, speeding up dev't: Addisu GAMBELLA (ENA) - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Addisu Legesse said that conflicts in the less developed states could be prevented by speeding up development and ensuing good governance. "This is the only alternative to avoid conflict in these states," Addisu said at the conclusion of a two-day visit here yesterday by a delegation of the Council of Ministers. Thus, he said, leaderships and experts at all level should embark on development activities mobilizing the public at large cementing strong relations among themselves and also promoting transparency and accountability. Addis underscored the importance of enlightening the public not to become victims of anti-peace elements. The federal government in collaboration with the state government is carrying out various activities with a view to promoting good governance and speeding up development, according to the Deputy Prime Minister. The delegation, comprising of ministers and state ministers of education, health, water and federal affairs, heard mid-term performance and reports of experts. The delegation also had discussions with the elderly on bringing about sustainable peace in the state. Speaker attends Kuffour inauguration, meets Ethiopian community ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Speaker of the House of the Federation Dr. Mulatu Teshome has held discourse with Ethiopians residing in Ghana. The Speaker met members of the Ethiopian community in Ghana after attending, on behalf of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, the inauguration of President John Kuffour on January 7,2005. Dr Mulatu briefed members of the Ethiopian community about the positive results being registered in Ethiopia in the socio-economic development sectors, according to a press release the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent to ENA yesterday. Dr. Mulatu told the Ethiopians in Ghana that tangible results have been achieved through the implementation of government policies and strategies. He expressed conviction that Ethiopia would be extricated from poverty situation in a short period if all Ethiopians contribute their share in the ongoing all-round activities. He also gave detailed briefing about the 5-point peace proposal the Ethiopian Government has put forward to resolve the dispute with Eritrea. President Kuffour won a second terms during the December 7,2004 presidential and parliamentary elections. He was sworn in January 7, 2005 in the presence of thousands of people, leaders and senior officials from a number of countries as well as invited guests. Dr. Mulatu also met the Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana Ebenezer Sekyi Hughes with whom he held discussions on issues of common interest; the release quoted the Ethiopian Embassy in Accra as saying. Toure speaks of continued UNDP support to Ethiopia ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The newly appointed UNDP Resident Representative said that the UN specialized agency will continue extending its support to Ethiopia focusing on sustainable development and poverty reduction. The newly appointed UNDP Resident Representative and UN Resident Coordinator in Ethiopia, Modibo Toure, said at a programme organized to introduce him to media people here yesterday that the UN specialized agency has been assisting Ethiopia in the realization of the development policies and strategies. Toure expressed commitment to further strengthen the friendly relations between Ethiopia and the UNDP in particular and the UN in general. It was stated at the programme that 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. He just completed a three-year assignment in Chad (2001-2004) as UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative and recently as Humanitarian Coordinator. Prior to joining the UN, Toure worked in the private sector in the US as well as in the civil service in Mali. Toure officially submitted his credentials to the Ethiopian Government on September 17,2004. ================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan. 12,2004 =========================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Read only the mail you want - Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu Jan 13 13:36:45 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:42 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050113113645.60576.qmail@web53304.mail.yahoo.com> January 13, 2005 Meles says Ethiopia keen to strengthen cooperation with Turkey ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi expressed Ethiopia's desire to further enhance its cooperation with Turkey in textile industry and construction sectors. While conferring with the Turkish delegation led by Minister of Transport and Cochairman of the Ethio-Turkish Joint Economic Commission Binali Wildirim here yesterday, Meles said Ethiopia was also keen to draw lessons from Turkey's experience in textile industrial development sector. He said his country was also desirous to work in partnership with Turkey in the areas of road and real estate construction sectors, according to a spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was pointed out during the discussion that the two countries are expected to sign agreements on civil aviation that would enable establish strong air links between Addis Ababa and Ankara at the conclusion of the Ethio-Turkish Joint Economic Commission Meeting underway here. The two sides had on the occasion reached consensus to create conducive situation enabling Turkish entrepreneurs to involve in the construction of roads, dams and infrastructures in Ethiopia, according to the spokesperson. Prime Minister Meles also gave briefings to the delegation about the objectives of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). The spokesperson said the talks between Meles and the Turkish delegation was constructive. CETU calls on member to actively participate in elections ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Confederation for Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU) called upon members to get registered within the set timetable. CETU President Amare Alemayehu told ENA yesterday that workers should be registered first to be able to elect those who work to ensure their rights and benefits as well as their democratic rights. Members of unions should discharge their responsibilities of electing trustworthy and honest candidates, he said. Amare also said the workers should elect independent party candidates, who champion the rights of trade unions. National Plantation, Fishery and Agro-Industry Federation President Gebeyehu Adugna said on his part that preparation is well underway to give orientation to workers to enable them participate actively in the elections. International relations sector Head Haile-Silassie said on his part that various programmes have been organized to enable workers to realize the significance and concept of election. State Council supports peace plan MAKALLE (WIC) - The Tigray State Council disclosed that the New Peace Initiative proposed by Ethiopia to resolve its border dispute with Eritrea is instrumental in playing pivotal role in the expedition of development, democracy and good governance in the country. At the 11th regular conference of the State Council launched here Tuesday, participants said that the peace proposal would have significant importance in settling the hostile environment between the two countries in a lasting and durable manner, ensuring brotherly relationships between the peoples and common development and prosperity. They have pledged on the occasion to exert utmost efforts in the implementation of the peace plan, as it would preserve the sovereignty and national interest of the country. The participants of the conference have also urged the peoples of both countries to intensify their joint struggle towards ensuring lasting peace in the Horn, as there is no party that could benefit in waging war. House holds public hearing on amended electoral law ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - A public hearing was held to discuss the amended electoral law at the House of Peoples Representatives. According to Legal and Administrative Affairs Standing Committee with the House, some 19 points are included in the amended electoral law. The existing electoral law obliges individuals who want to get elected to live at least for five years in the same kebele, but the amended electoral law minimized the period to two years. The amended electoral law also allows registered candidates to call meetings and organize demonstrations until the election period is finalized with out getting permission from pertinent administration or municipality by only informing them. The right of the public and various organizations to represent their respective election observers has also been included in the amended law, it was pointed out. The government has the right to invite foreign observers if it deemed necessary were also included in the law, it was learnt. Representatives of opposition parties, the Houses of peoples' Representatives and the Federation and others attended the hearing. Representatives of some of opposition parties said some articles of the existing electoral law which need to be changed as requested by opposition parties have not been amended. =================================== Pol.ethiopia Jan.13,2004 ============================ __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - You care about security. So do we. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri Jan 14 13:51:02 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:42 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050114115102.87953.qmail@web53309.mail.yahoo.com> January 14, 2005 Axowrthy says peace proposal momentous decision ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - United Nations Secretary General Special Envoy to Ethiopia and Eritrea Lloyd Axworthy said the new proposal put forward by the Ethiopian Government to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute is momentous decision and need to be supported. While conferring with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi here yesterday, Axworthy said that the five-point proposal was an important measure for the resolution of the conflict peace-fully. He said that the new peace initiative has also got acceptance among the international community. Axworthy said that the discussion between Prime Minister Meles and him, which was held for the third time, was part of the efforts launched by the United National to solve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute peacefully. The UN has also planned to hold a series of meetings with the two nations with the objective of resolving the conflict between them, he added. Axworthy expressed his personal commitment to the peaceful resolution of the dispute, according to a spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He said Ethiopia is committed to resolve the dispute peacefully realizing the devastating consequences of war, the spokesperson said. Prime Minister Meles stressed the need on his part that pressurize the party that refuses to peacefully resolve the dispute was absolutely necessary. Deputy Speaker stresses intensifying Nile dev't joint effort ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives says that efforts being harnessed to work jointly with the Nile Basin countries need to be intensified to extricate Ethiopia from poverty and improve the livelihood of its people. Briefing journalists yesterday, on the January 8-9,2005 parliamentary forum of Nile Basin countries in Cairo, Egypt, Dr. Petros Olango said that the forum has discussed issues pertaining to the utilization of the Nile River for development based on the interest of the over 300 million people residing in the Basin. He said representatives of the Ethiopian Parliament participated in the forum with a view to promoting the interest of the Ethiopian people to the development of the River. The session would enable the Basin countries work in close cooperation in the areas of trade, tourism, as well as private sector apart from facilitating conditions to utilize the River, Dr. Petros said. He further said that a Parliamentary Forum comprising four parliamentary leadership from each Nile Basin country has been established. The forum will have an advisor role, he added. Dr. Petros also said that the forum would organize debate that would enable to design a mechanism aimed at exploiting the Nile Basin for the development of all riparian countries. The meeting is held annually. Gov't policy enables to register significant achievements: Officials ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The government has taken important strategic and policy measures that further develop industrial, infrastructure, finance and economic sectors, senior government official said. Professionals engaged in the sectors said on their part that though the measures have enabled to achieve encouraging results, there is still room that calls for improvement. The remarks were made at a policy discussion forum yesterday at the UN Conference Centre on industrial, urban and service delivery policies by ministers and professionals engaged in the sector. The ministers said that the government has been able to register significant achievements in the sectors through its strategic plans and policies. The government will continue to take measures to achieve the desired objective, they added. Industry and Trade State Minister Tadesse Haile pointed out that the government has taken various measures to strengthen the private and industrial sectors of the economy. He said the government has been supporting and providing incentives particularly to private manufacturing industries and to export-oriented business to help boost their undertakings. Tadesse said that changing the trend of monopolizing the industrial sector of the economy, which was used to be promoted by the previous regime, the incumbent government has helped establish 909 local manufacturers so far, which, he said, has enabled the private sector to own 85 per cent of local industries in the country. The share of private industries in the overall production constitutes 40 per cent, he added. Tadesse said the country had also managed to obtain 596 million USD in export revenue last year. Ethiopia has also planned to obtain billions in foreign exchange from the export of 500 million tons of textile products alone in the next five years, he added. The State Minister also announces plan to increase sugar-cane plantation from the 24,000 to 104,000 hectares that will help increase sugar-production six-fold amounting to 1.7 million tons. Infrastructure Minister Dr. Kassu Illala said that over 4,000 tele centres have been established across the country. He said the installation of rural network has already been launched, which, he said, is fundamental to the country's economic development. Dr. Kassu said priority has also been given to help export and manufacturing industries and industrial zones get access to telephone and electric lines. Vice Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia Alem-Seged said on his part that the number of financial institutions, which was limited only to four during the reign of the previous regime, has now reached to 12. He said there are also 23 microfinance institutions with a cumulative capital of 380 million birr and a membership of 800,000. The professionals on their part have identified problems existing in industrial, infrastructure and finance sectors. The discussion was organized by Inter-Africa Group. ================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan.14,2004 ===================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? The all-new My Yahoo! - What will yours do? http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Jan 17 10:48:44 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:42 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050117084844.20836.qmail@web53304.mail.yahoo.com> January 15, 2005 Ethiopians in Diaspora pronounce backing dev't endeavours at home by Dejene Tesemma ADDIS ABABA - Ethiopians living in different parts of the world pronounced backing development endeavours in their home country with a commitment that transcends partisan political rhetoric and complaints o any form. At a conference organized by Forum International for Ethiopians Living in the Diaspora (FIELD) and Lem Ethiopia yesterday here at the Hilton Hotel renowned Ethiopians drawn from Europe, the U.S, and Canada among whom 20 are famous scientists, pledged to assist their country financially and technically as just the Indians, Pakistanis, Egyptians and Sri Lankans are doing in their respective home lands. Opening the one-day conference H.E President Girma Wolde Giorgis called upon Ethiopians living in the Diaspora to help their country by generating viable solutions engaging in capacity building and developing investment and entrepreneurship to alleviate extreme poverty, that challenges their country of origin. Dr. Berha Tesfa Costantinos President of Lem Ethiopia and Chief, FIELD Ethiopian Secretariat in its welcome address indicated that there has not been a platform that could bring Ethiopians in the Diaspora, friends of Ethiopia and local partners together to discuss pressing issues concerning this ancient country. In response to this vacuity Lem Ethiopia, People to People and various collaborating organizations are establishing an international forum for Ethiopians living in the Diaspora, Berha Tesfa said. Distinguished panelists that include Noah Samara, President and Chief Executive Officer of World Space Inc., Dr. Enawgaw Mehari, President People to People Inc, Girma Waque CEO, Ethiopian Airlines, Professor David Shinn former US Ambassador to Ethiopia, Temesgen Hailu President Association for Higher Education and Development in Canada, Azeb Tadesse P2P Programme Director and Deputy Director of African Studies at the University of California, Dr. Tadesse Wuhib, Director Centre for Disease Control (CDC) Ethiopia, Charles Kwenin, Director International Migration Organization (IOM), Ambassador Wubshet Demisse, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and many others spoke on various issues such as brain drainage, HIV/AIDS, knowledge transfer, advocacy, partnership, Diaspora - local linkage and many others. The participants and the panelists pointed out that unity of purpose is very important to nation building and they have also indicated that the Diaspora can play crucial role in improving trade of Ethiopia by introducing Ethiopian goods bringing home knowledge, information and skills, facilitating twinning of national institutions with foreign counter parts and advocating their country's interest world wide. They also called upon the government to create conducive environment for the Diaspora so that they can feel free and safe while engaging in nation building here at home. They further called for direct and forth coming policy that allow the Diaspora who is accustomed to simple and transparent bureaucratic system in the developed world while bringing finance, knowledge and technology back home. Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the occasion pointed out facilities that the government has afforded so far and pledged to look in to some areas in the policies where bottlenecks are felt. The organizers of the forum said they would continue working hard to bring together various individuals with interest and research to participate in nation building. They are planning to create sense of oneness among the Diaspora through varieties of activities such as conferences, festivals, exhibitions, and tournaments and cite visits to historical places, it was learnt. Lavrov pledges Russia's support for peace proposal implementation ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Government of Russia will assist in the efforts to see the peace proposal Ethiopia has recently put forward to resolve the dispute with Eritrea implemented, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said. The Russian Foreign Minister made the pledge during talks in Moscow with his Ethiopian counterpart Seyoum Mesfin to Thursday. The two sides on the occasion dwelt at length on the Ethio-Russian bilateral cooperation and other issues of common interest, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told ENA in a press release yesterday. Lavrov on the occasion said the Ethiopian Government with its latest peace initiative proves itself committed to peace. He said Russia has already expressed support to the peace initiative. The two sides agreed to hold the Ethio-Russian Joint Commission Meeting in mid this year, the release said. During his stay, Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin along with the chairman and members of the foreign relations committee of the Russian Federation provided briefing on issues of development and democratization process in the Horn of Africa, conflict situations in the region as well as on ways of strengthening the relations between Russia and the African Union, the release indicated. Following the talks and briefing, Foreign Minister Seyoum and his Russian counterpart Lavrov gave a joint press statement. After concluding his three-day visit to Russia, Seyoum returned home later on Thursday. Ethiopian Pan Africanist Party officially launched ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Pan Africanist Party said that it would field candidates who hold alternative views in its contest in the upcoming national elections. The party will be represented by over 200 candidates who will be running for seats in the House of Peoples' Representatives of State Councils, Party Chairman Abdul Fetah Huldar said at the party's official launching yesterday. The elections should serve as an opportunity in which new ideas are entertained, alternatives come out, the culture of co-existence and respect to differences prevail democratization nurtured and citizens' political participation grows, he said. The problems the country is in deep-seated and complex for one party or group to solve, he said, adding the winner party is expected to draw forces involving all political sides to work towards salvaging it. Officials, experts underscore need for further strengthening urban dev't endeavours by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The policy measures and reform programmes implemented by the government in the urban development sector have been registering encouraging achievements though much remains to be done to meet the desired goal, Federal Affairs Minister and city government representative said. Experts working in the area on their part suggested that the policy measures have to be carefully designed taking the various research findings as an input to address the problems of the society giving emphasis to follow ups during implementation. At a Policy Forum organized by the Inter-Africa Group at the UN Conference Centre yesterday, Ato Abay Tsehaye indicated that the various activities undertaken in the areas of developing infrastructure, real estate, housing construction, service delivery as well as good governance and democracy were promising. According to the Minister, the government has formulated sound economic policies to meet the basic needs of the society such as infrastructure development, housing construction and providing assistance to citizens engaged in micro and small-scale businesses through the provision of skill training and credit. The policies also acknowledge the rights of cities to administer themselves through decentralizing power upto the grass roots enhancing the society's full participation in development activities. They are also meant to realize transparent and accountable service delivery systems, the Minister said. The Minister also explained that the urban policy has enabled people of different background, belief and culture to live in harmony, making these areas market centres for the farmers. It has also created job opportunities for quite a number of citizens making them centres of excellence to create conducive environment for technology transfer and the provision of information to farmers. "The policy was designed based on the country's agriculture led industrialization development policy." The active participation of the community, governmental and nongovernmental organizations is instrumental in further enhancing their efforts and attaining the desired goal, Ato Abay said. Representing the Addis Ababa City Government, Dr. Abraham Tekeste said that important strategic and policy measures have been taken to speed up development and provide efficient services to the public. According to Dr. Abraham, last year the city government earmarked 46 million birr with the provision of 222,000 square metres of land to those engaged in micro and small-scale industry. And this year, apart from the designation of 58 hectares as an industrial zone, the city government will construct 45,000 houses which are expected to create job opportunity for 20,000 people, he added. The city government also allocates 79 per cent of its budget to capital budget annually out of which 1.5 billion is channeled to housing construction as an indication of its commitment to the development of the city, Dr. Abraham said. Also on the occasion experts in the sector underlined the importance of taking policy measures to realize fair population distribution among urban areas and improvements of service delivery system to effectively benefit the residents. They also suggested the possible inputs controlling population growth, migration of people and creating job opportunity for the society. The policy forum was an extension of Thursday's discussion on industrial, infrastructure, finance and economic sectors. The discussions pave the way for the ruling and opposition parties' debate for the coming three consecutive Sundays' organized by Inter Africa Group. January 16, 2005 President urges Foundation to pursue consulting and sharing experiences with leaders ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis has urged the Global Leadership Foundation to pursue it activities of consulting and sharing leadership experiences with leaders. During talks with Foundation's Chief Executive Officer John Shepherd at the National Palace yesterday, the President expressed his appreciation for the Foundation's objective of solving problems through consultation with leaders of troubled countries. Girma has also expressed his belief that the Foundation would contribute a lot to ensure peace in the Sudan and Palestine by making recommendations for solution. Shepherd on his part said since the Foundation was established very recently, the visit was aimed at introducing the Foundation and its future activities to the Ethiopian President. The CEO briefed Girma on the establishment, future plans and activities of the Foundation in resolving conflicts peacefully and improving the living standards of peoples, the spokesperson added. Members of the Global Leadership Foundation are former leaders, the CEO said, adding they would share their leadership experiences with leaders in office to enable them develop their skill of solving complex problems. ============================== Pol.ethiopia Jan. 17,2004 ===================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? The all-new My Yahoo! - What will yours do? http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue Jan 18 11:13:00 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:42 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Itmes Message-ID: <20050118091300.35480.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> January 18, 2005 Meles optimistic Ethiopia will achieve food self-sufficiency by 2007 ADDIS ABABA - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said Ethiopia would hopefully achieve food self-sufficiency by 2007 as over the past two years alone the agricultural growth of the country has been in double digit figures. In a discussion he made with BBC World's Talking Point edition last Sunday, Prime Minister Meles responded to such questions as - What Ethiopia plans to deal with its food crisis? What the impact of the Asian tsunami will be on Africa and the Asian tsunami will be on Africa and the impact of Tony Blair's Africa Commission in eradicating poverty on the continent and many others. The Prime Minister said he doesn't believe that the positive response to the tsunami disaster in Asia necessary means there is less aid for Africa. Ethiopia and Africa need to improve governance as an end in itself, not as a means of coaxing additional assistance from the international community, Meles said. He further added that even though good governance is necessary for speedy economic development because the continent needs rapid change and combating corruption, there should not necessarily exist a connection between aid and good governance and corruption. According to Meles, aid is given as a sort of human solidarity and in recognition of the need to help those in need. If those in need live under governments that are corrupt, that does not mean they don't deserve aid, meles said. A question was also raised whether education should have the top priority in Africa. Responding to this question, Prime Minister Meles said education is clearly an important part of the solution to be self-sufficient. In the case of Ethiopia primary school enrolment was 17 per cent when his government took over. As thousands of new schools are built over the past decade, the rate has now reached 72 per cent, and that is the right direction, he said. "Agriculture-led industrialization policy registering remarkable results": EPRDF "No rapid development through agriculture-led industrialization": Oppositions by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The ruling Ethiopian Peoples' Revolution Democratic Front (EPRDF) said the current agriculture-led industrialization policy is an appropriate tool and is registering remarkable results in fostering development of the country. Opposition parties on the other hand denounced the policy for its failure to bring about speedy development and inability to benefit the majority. On the live televised and broadcast electoral debate organized by the Inter Africa Group at the UN Conference Centre Sunday, four national parties debated on industrial sector policy defending their stands. Representing EPRDF, Minister of Trade and Industry Girma Biru along with Minister of Revenue Getachew Belay said the current policy has benefited quite a number of people, enhanced investment and export revenue, among others. The ministers said the rationale for making the agriculture sector lead the industry comes from the objective reality of our country at present. They justified the point as saying agriculture supports the livelihood of the majority of the Ethiopian population, provides abundant manpower and supplies adequate raw materials for the industrial sector. They further said the country could not afford huge capital at present and as a result of that industry would take the lead gradually. According to the ministers, the policy clearly indicates what the fate of the sector would look like in twenty years ahead in addition to playing a pivotal role in facilitating sustainable development in the country now. So far, 22 per cent of the export revenue is generated from the sector while the investment capital has exceeded 29 billion birr enabling quite a number of citizens get employment opportunity. According to EPRDF representatives, the private sector is the engine of the industrialization policy and the government plays the facilitation role arranging fertile grounds that enable them flourish. With this due respect, various reforms have been undertaken to encourage local and foreign investment they said. They mentioned the efforts made in the provision of land, improvement of infrastructures and other relevant services. The ministers also explained the policy's particular focus on the micro and small-scale industries and the priority areas it has taken into account among which textile, cotton, agro processing as well as construction are the main ones. As concerns identification of industrial zones, the representatives indicated that 1,272 hectares of land has been allotted in 35 towns around the country while preparations are underway to make ready another 1,214 hectares of land with all facilities. To assist the leather industry in particular, a training centre has been established with an outlay of 120 million birr, the ministers said. Moreover, in 1996 E.C. alone 96,000 citizens got job opportunity in the micro business areas they said. Representatives of Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) Engineer Hailu Shawol and Dr. Befekadu Degife on their part criticized the current policy for its failure to create peaceful industrial atmosphere, give conducive environment for investment and for wrongly prioritizing agriculture instead of industry. "With its all backward state at present, the agriculture sector is not productive. Moreover, the pollution pressure and the environmental degradation that the government has given no consideration is worsening productivity of the agricultural sector," says CUD. According to the representatives of CUD, the farmers could sell their products at better price and get wide farming land if the industry leads the economy. If their party gets the chance to power, it would make the rule of law reign, create good governance and stability on order to develop confidence of investors bring about industrial peace. They also said their party would strive to realize fair distribution of industrialization among states. Coalition of Ethiopian Democratic Forces (CEDF) representatives Dr. Beyene Petros together with Mekuria Gebre-Mariam criticized EPRDF for lacking clear industrialization policy other than a strategy. The current document that EPRDF formulated in 1994 E.C. is mere strategy, which we perceive as executing tool without policy they said. They criticized the government again for its reluctance to privatize state owned industries, allowing polluting factories and denying the industrial employees job security. They said their party would improve all the defects they said prevailing now if it comes to power with priority to the industrial sector. The All Ethiopian Democratic Party (AEDP) representatives Zelele Wolde-Silassie and Workineh Liulseged also expressed their party's stand on the industrial sector criticizing EPRDF of the wrong approach it followed in its policy. Contrary to that of EPRDF industrial policy, AEDP said it would follow Market-Industry-Agriculture ordered policy. According to AEDP, it is the availability of market that guides what kind of industry to encourage and what kind of raw materials to produce for the industrial to encourage and what kind of raw materials to produce for the industrial consumption. They said that their party utmost encourages export trade and support the private sector by providing loans without collateral considering project feasibility and minimizing taxes. The party also said it would give emphasis to boosting products of comparative advantages. In addition, it said it would encourage local investors and the use of cheap labour force. Various questions were raised from the media, representatives of associations', experts and other people who attended the debate and the parties responded accordingly. The debate would continue in the coming two consecutive Sunday on other issues like infrastructure, finance and economy as well as urban development. EOC holds prayer service for tsunami victims ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) Sunday held a prayer service for the over 150,000 people killed in Southeast Asia's devastating tsunami two weeks ago. Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, His Holiness Abune Paulos said on the occasion that the prayer service was organized with a view to expressing heartfelt sorrow for victims of tsunami. Abune Paulos said the church is duty bound to remember victims in prayer whenever such unexpected tragedy happens. Indonesian Ambassador, Alwis Azizat Murad said on his part that the prayer indicates the church's commitment to promote solidarity and tolerance among the different social and cultural values of the peoples of the world. Some 105,000 Indonesians were killed by the disaster, the ambassador said. President Girma Wolde Giorgis Addis Ababa Mayor Arkebe Equbay, the faithful and resident diplomats attended the service held at the Bole Holy Savior Church. Similar prayer services were also held in various churches and monasteries across the nation. Network seeks clarification of terms in amended electoral law by a Staff Reporter ADDIS ABABA - Members of Ethiopian Civil Societies for Election Network, a recently established coalition requested for explanation and agreed on the need for clarity of words and phrases embodied in the amended draft electoral law before it is endorsed. At an urgent consultative meeting it called at the Ghion Hotel yesterday, network members expressed their concern regarding phrases substituted in the new draft law mainly the article that explains about the groups of observers unlike the previous one, which stipulates civil societies as observers. According to the members, despite the positive measures taken by the government to include some positive issues pertinent to the election process, the substitution of the phrase "non-governmental organizations or civil society organizations by mass organizations" in Article 23 could be ambiguous and open room for the exclusion of this group. As the Electoral Board divides observers into two: mobile and immobile categorizing them into the mobile group could hamper to have the full picture of the election process, they said. They reached a consensus to get an explanation and a clear definition of the phrase 'mass organizations' and if at all it excluded them seek its improvement before endorsement. The comment would be presented to the House before it is tabled for endorsement soon. ====================================== Pol.ethiopia Jan.18,2004 =========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri Jan 21 14:20:30 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:42 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050121122030.14275.qmail@web53302.mail.yahoo.com> January 19, 2005 Millennium Project Report launched ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The UN Millennium Project Report was launched officially here yesterday under a title "Investing in Development: A practical plan to achieve the Millennium Development Goals." The report that is based on the work conducted by more than 250 of the world's leading development practitioners and academics over the past two years, presents a practical plan for achieving the goals. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi expressed full support to the recommendations of the Millennium Project Report towards achieving the MDGs. Ethiopia is implementing various programmes and strategies including poverty reduction strategies, capacity building programmes as well as civil service reforms, he said. Meles also said that Ethiopia has put plan in place to promote private sector, particularly the domestic private sector. Meles said: "We have undertaken a need assessment to identify what we have to do to achieve MDGs". Development assistance to Ethiopia is increasing substantially, according to Meles. Ethiopia is undertaking need assessment for the past seven months in collaboration with UN Country Team and the World Bank, State Minister of Finance and Economic Development Dr. Mulu Ketsela said. Accordingly, she said, Ethiopia is finalizing MDGs need assessment exercise in a bid to achieve MDGs. Support of the international community is critical towards achieving MDGs, Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, Professor Alpha Omar Konare said in his speech read by his representative, Commissioner for Economic Affairs with AU. "The Millennium Project Report provides a blue print a Bradley common view of the challenges, costs, the approach the international community needs to adopt in 2005 to set developing countries in track for the next decade to meet the 2015 deadline, "UN Resident Coordinator in Ethiopia, Modibo Toure said. He said the report calls for a comprehensive reform of the development assistance system in a manner that would ensure greater flexibility and predictability as well as better coherence and alignment with MDG-driven national processes. The main finding and recommendations of the report are very relevant to Ethiopia since many of them such as the need to formulate and implement MDG-driven poverty reduction strategies are on-going, he said. Ministers, ambassadors representative of donor community, faith based organizations and the private sectors as well a s other guests attended the launching of the report. House endorses amended electoral law ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The House of Peoples' Representatives approved a bill amending electoral law and the appointment of Federal High and First Instance Courts. In its regular session held here yesterday, the House endorsed the bill with two objections and seven abstentions. According to House Legal Administration Affairs Standing Committee, a public hearing on the bill was held January 12, 2005 in the presence of executives of the Ministry of Justice and the National Electoral Board. The bill was amended to make it comply with the Federal Constitution, it said. The amended proclamation ensures the rights of voting and getting elected, it was pointed out during the session. The bill was endorsed after making some amendments. The House has also approved the appointment of judges of five Federal High and three First Instance Courts. Political parties to introduce programmes through radio, TV beginning today ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The National Electoral Board announces the issuance of airtime slot in which contesting political parties introduce their programmes. Political Parties Registration Office Acting Registrar Mekonnen Wondimu said yesterday that the ruling party, the Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) and United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) will introduce their respective political programmes thrice in a week through television beginning today. Individual parties and other political parties will also be given adequate airtime to launch their election campaign, Mekonnen said. EPRDF, CUD and EUDF would launch their campaign through radio for five consecutive days in a week in various vernaculars, he added. Mekonnen further indicated that the distribution of airtime for political parties operating at state level will be determined in a draw. Axum Obelisk said symbol of Ethiopian civilization ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - Cross sections of the society underscored the significance of the return of Axum Obelisk as it is the symbol and manifestation of the identity, wisdom and civilization of Ethiopians. At a discussion held yesterday in the ETV studio, the participants said the return of the Obelisk would symbolize the patriotic struggle of our forefathers against invading and colonizing forces. They said it would also enable to smoothly transfer such spirit of patriotism from generation to generation. Preparations are currently well underway by various sub committees with a view to colorful reception to the Obelisk. They said various income soliciting events would also be organized to materialize the colorful reception of the Obelisk. Walta Information Centre General Manager Negash Teklu said on the occasion that the Centre has planned to organize a symposium next month where pertinent research papers are expected to be presented and tabled for discussion. Heads of various governmental organizations, patriots, representatives of women's and youth associations, scholars, prominent personalities and religious heads have attended the panel discussion. The panel was jointly organized by Ethiopian Radio and Television, Walta Information Centre, and National Heritages Return Committee. The Axum Obelisk, having a height of 25 metres and weighing 150 tons, was taken away from its home land by the invading Italian forces and erected in Rome, where it stayed for the last 60 years. January 20, 2005 Project discovers new ancestral hominid fossils in Afar ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - New ancestral hominid fossils dated between 4.51-4.32 million years ago have been discovered at an area locally known as As Duma in Gona Western Margin in the Afar State. Assigned to "Ardipithicus ramidus", the hominid specimens were discovered at the Gona Palaeoanthropological Research Project site, Authority for Research and Conservation of Hertitage (ARCCH) told ENA yesterday. The earliest hominid specimens belonging to this genus were first discovered only 12 years ago in the Middle Awash, a neighbouring study area located about 90 km south of Gona. The Gona team has also discovered numerous new hominid fossils from several key evolutionary periods including hominid fossils that are estimated to be around 5.5 million years, skulls belonging to the earliest representative of genus Homo, which are still under study. Gona preserves a continuous archeological record on the stone tool making and use behaviors of the modern man ancestors, from the earliest dated to 2.6 million years to younger age stone tools estimated to be half-a-million years. Dr. Sileshi Semaw, Direcrtor of Gona Project, who is based at CRAFT Research Centre and Stone Age Institute, Indiana University is quoted as saying, "Gona for a long time was known just for the discovery of the oldest stone tools in the world. Our latest research has shown that it is a unique site with a long sequence preserving a wealth of information both on the biological origin as well as the cultural beginnings and evolution of humankind from the earliest to the more recent." Recently, hominid fossils dated between 5.8-5.2 million years ago were announced from the Middle Awash, which were assigned to a new species named Ardipithecus Kadabba, the Research project said in a back-ground information. "Based on the current evidence from Gona and the Middle Awash, Kadabba is the oldest and ramidus the slightly younger hominid species belonging to the genus Ardipithecus," it said. "Scientists believe that Ardipithecus is the earliest hominid genus after the split from the common ancestor that gave rise to chimpanzees and the human branch of our ancestry." The Gona discovery, the first outside of the Middle Awash, is believed to add knowledge to understanding of the ecological context as well as the skeletal biology of this species, which is currently known only from bits and pieces of fossil remains represented by a few jaws, isolated teeth and fragmentary postcranial bones, it indicated. The multidisciplinary research team began field work in 1999 and discovered the first jaw and finger bone during the first field season. More hominid discoveries are needed from sites such as Gona to fully understand the biological origins of our ancestors, Sileshi said. The research permission for the work in the Afar is granted by ARCHH and the National Museum, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. ======================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan. 21,2005 ============================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue Jan 25 15:45:22 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:42 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050125134522.76705.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> January 22, 2005 UEDF vows to change gov't policies ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - The Union of Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) said that it would strive for the development of the country by changing the policies of the ruling party if elected in the upcoming elections. Introducing the programme of UEDF to the residents of Hosana town, Dr. Beyene Petros, First Vice-President of the Union, said although their demand for the amendment of the electoral law has not been adequately met, it would contest in the elections. Dr. Beyene said that the Union plans to change the education policy which it described as generation killer and the land policy that causes displacement as well as the resettlement and water harvesting programmes that have 'proved worthless,' and called upon the people to register as voters realizing the significance of the elections. Meanwhile, the Gambella Peoples' Movement said that it has fielded 85 candidates for the elections. Movement Vice-Chairman Umed Ubong said yesterday that 82 would vie for seats in the State Council and three for House of Peoples' Representatives. The Vice-Chairperson called upon election executives and observers to ensure peace and democracy so that the people would be able to elect the people they trust. ERCS donates 25,000 USD to tsunami-hit African countries by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) yesterday announced that it has donated 25,000 USD to assist people affected by the tsunami recently in two African countries. In a press briefing he gave on the premises of the Society ERCS President Shimelis Adugna said that the money would be distributed to Somalia (15,000 USD) and Seychelles (10,000 USD) through the Red Crescent and Red Cross Societies respectively for emergency needs and rehabilitation. Asked about why the Society focused only on these two countries, he said that they are the most vulnerable and at the same time given less attention by the international community. "The disaster has killed 150 and wounded 54,000 Somalis. In Seychelles, two killed, 21 others wounded and 500 families remain homeless. The undersea earthquake has also affected many people from Kenya, Tanzania, Mauritania, Comoros, the president indicated. In addition, he expressed ERCS's readiness to provide similar assistance anytime and anywhere despite its limited resources. Fertile ground has also been created to solicit assistance from the Ethiopian people, he said. According to the president, though the assistance is insignificant, it shows the deep concern of ERCS to the rest of the world strengthening the solidarity among African countries in particular and other countries in general. The massive undersea earthquake off the coast of Indonesia on December 26, 2004 triggered deadly tidal waves, which smashed into Indian Ocean coastlines, killing more than 220,000 people. ERCS was established in 1935, during the time of the Italian aggression. Now it has 1.8 million members and 700,000 volunteers and is assisting many people through its 11 state, 26 zonal and 42 woreda offices as well as 1,792 kebele committees around the country, the President said. Women's struggle for justice must be consolidated, sustained: Ministry ADDIS ABABA - The Ministry of Information said women's struggle for justice should be consolidated and sustained, as their role in efforts being made to extricate society from poverty and backwardness is decisive. In its weekly statement issued yesterday the ministry said, the contribution of women in the multifarious activities of society is enormously huge. Women work for longer hours and shoulder the burden compared to their male counterparts, it said. As women play a decisive role in discharging household and family duties, their contribution to development and progress of a country should get higher consideration, the statement said. According to the statement, the FDRE Constitution, which is the result of sacrifices of the general public and women in particular, has provisions to promote the equality of women. The country's laws were also revised and amended to ensure the human and democratic rights of women. Taking advantage of these provisions, women are ensuring their rights by raising their participation in the day-to-day activities of the society, it said. "It is important to note that the ruling party has decided to reserve a minimum of 30 per cent of the decision-making at every level for women. Other contending parties have also made similar decisions, which is encouraging,' the statement said. The statement finally called upon women to register in time for the upcoming May elections and prepare themselves to win. January 23, 2005 ONC sees benefits in amended electoral law, calls for voter huge turn out CUD demands candidate presenting timetable extension ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Oromo National Congress (ONC) said the amended electoral law will have a significant contribution towards the activities of the party, though it has fallen short of meeting demands. The congress also called upon the electorate to turn out en masse in the May national elections. The amended electoral law that precludes the previous requirement for opposition candidates to submit 500 endorsement signatures was in the party's interest, ON Executive Committee member Almaz Seifu said yesterday. "The emanates not from anticipating failure that we may not be able to solicit the necessary support, but rather for avoiding the intimidation that supporters would otherwise have faced," said Almaz who is also Head of the Party's Political Affairs. She said the public used to be denied clean water and health services for supporting oppositions, adding the amended law offers security to the people and makes early preparations smooth. ONC, however does believe that the desired solution has been achieved on issues regarding the electoral board and election executives, she said. "ONC hopes that such issues will be settled in future consultations." She further indicated that as all election executives are civil servants, this undoubtedly puts a cloud over the democratic conduct of the election. Meanwhile, Almaz said ONC will field candidates in Addis Ababa and in all zones of Oromia State. ONC will strive to field candidates who are trusted and respected by their constituents, she said. "Any candidate who fails the people's trust will be sacked not only from candidacy, but from party membership as well." She finally called upon the public to get registered at their polling stations to make the election process democratic. Meanwhile, the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) has demanded the extension of timetable to present candidates. The National Electoral Board, however, said that adding more days on the timetable will create work burden. CUD officials told ENA that the party requested for more days to field its candidates to be selected first by member parties separately, and then endorsed in merger joint meeting. CUD believes that candidates should be nominated carefully, Chekol Getahun and Lidetu Ayalew said. As only 12 days are left for the deadline to expire, the government and the Board should give attention to the issue, which they said is critical. Deputy Head of NEBE Tesfaye Mengesha said on his part that earlier the Board had extended its election timetable by a month in response to opposition political parties demand. He said any extension of the timetable now will create work burden. He however pledged to submit the CUD demand before the Board. Meanwhile, Coalition for Unity and Democracy said the peace initiative tabled by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border conflict would not bring a lasting peace. Speaking to a gathering called by the party in Bahir Dar town yesterday. Chairman of the Coalition, Dr. Admassu Gebeyehu said that the peace plan couldn't bring lasting peace as it violates the sovereignty of the country. The Vice-Chairman said a peace proposal which did not involve the people have not discussed by the public wouldn't establish durable peace. As accepting the EBBC's decision in principle requires the implementation of verdict, and EPRDF's peace plan is against the interest of the country, he added. Dr. Admassu, who said that lasting peace cannot be achieved by giving up Badme, Irob and Bure territories and citizens, he instead urged the brotherly peoples of Ethiopia and Eritrea to seek ways of finding lasting solutions through neutral intermediaries. The Vice Chairman called upon the public to come out and get registered in the remaining 15 days and vote for the same parties as the ruling party has brought no change during its 14 years stay in power. According to him, the people should vote for the Coalition as it surpasses the ruling party in many ways. Similarly, peaceful demonstrations were held in Awassa demonstrations were held in Awassa and Bahir Dar towns as summoned by the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) to denounce the five-point peace proposal put forward by Ethiopia to resolve the dispute with Eritrea. CUD representative Dr. Hailu Araya during the demonstration in Awassa said the peace proposal can not bring about sustainable peace. The proposal denies Ethiopia of sea outlet, Dr. Hailu said. He said EPRDF upholds a wrong stand in the Ethio-Eritrea issue. Meanwhile, the Afar National Democratic Party (ANDP) has said it raises women's candidacy in election by 15 per cent. Central Committee member Assa Hussien told ENA that without bridging the gap in gender inequality, sustainable development and good governance cannot be achieved. Of the total number of candidates the party is going to field for the upcoming national elections, Women constitute 15 per cent, he said. He said empowering women and raising their participation at all levels down to the grass roots will be vital to speed up development. The party will support women in the state to have their rights respected. The party is exerting efforts to enable the pastoralist communities to adopt sedentary living along riverbanks where they can divert the waters for farming. The party's candidates have already been campaigning in Zone 2. EPRDF said working towards new chapter of enlightenment ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary and Democratic Front (EPRDF) has said it has been working towards a new chapter of enlightenment in the upcoming national elections. EPRDF Organization Affairs Head Tsegaye Mamo told Friday's issue of the Front organ Abyotawi Democracy, that the Front will revivify the ongoing development and good governance efforts. He said the Front has issued ethical code for its members to adhere in the process of the elections. He also expressed the Front's readiness to set up a joint committee, which will provide a roundtable in the event of any problem in the election process. Tsegaye said the Front will take serious measures on any member of supporter who goes against the democratic conduct of the elections. Nothing that EPRDF is ensuring that its candidates undergo critical public comments. Women constitute more that 30 per cent of the Front's candidature for the upcoming elections' he said, adding they have proved competent. EPRDF believes in the supremacy of the people, he said, adding the Front thus will remedy of any candidate is found lacking in the people's demands. He called upon the public to observe all through the process of the elections. He also called on voters to register in time as per the schedule set by the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia. ============================== Pol.ethiopia Jan.25,2005 ===================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Jan 26 15:19:01 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:42 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050126131901.66368.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> January 25, 2005 Meles underscores intensifying HIV/AIDS battle ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles said yesterday that unless the battle against HIV/AIDS is further intensified, its threat to the nation will be disastrous. Meles said the gathering that HIV storm threatening our people, will only be lifted when our efforts are outcome oriented and aimed to bring about fundamental changes. Prime Minister Meles made the remark in a keynote address at the launching of National Strategic Plan and Management/Social Mobilization/Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) at the UN Conference Centre in the presence of President Girma Wolde-Giorgis and representatives of governmental and non-governmental organizations. He said the government put on a concerted effort and has continued its endeavour to control the spread of the pandemic with some encouraging results. Even though the struggle against the pandemic is bearing some encouraging results, "we should not forget that we have one million people infected by the virus," Meles said. He said "the SPM being launched today was the outcome of extensive consultations and discussions." The Prime Minister says the new SPM has several departure points such as placing HIV/AIDS prevention at the forefront of the health sector agenda. In order to achieve this agenda, Meles said, a Health Extension Package, which includes HIV/AIDS prevention as one of its activities. In the next three years, this plan will rollout to all rural kebeles and that there will also be a health centre to serve a catchment area of 25,000 people, Meles said. Training of health professionals who will be assigned to rural villages will be completed by 2008, Meles added. According to Meles the strategic plan's new departure is that it recognizes behavioral change as a key in the prevention of HIV. There is no cure for HIV/AIDS, but there are drugs that are effective in prolonging productive life, Meles said adding that integrating counseling, testing and treatment with prevention will undoubtedly make the fight against HIV/AIDS more successful. U.S Ambassador Aurelia Brazeal on her part said that the U.S. is a full partner in making safe, effective drugs available, whether imported or produced locally. Even as we also focus on prevention efforts, lessening discrimination, and providing care and support to orphans and vulnerable populations will be on the agenda, she said. The ambassador said that Ethiopia is at a cross road in her fight against the AIDS pandemic, adding that convergence of interest, knowledge, purpose and finance by the government and all parties is being observed. She also called up on all stakeholders to fight the pandemic on all fronts with the seriousness and scale that the epidemic requires. Ruling party, oppositions debate on service sector by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The ruling Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) defended its infrastructure and monetary policies saying that encouraging achievements have been made towards making them a supportive tool to attain sustainable development. Opposition parties on the other hand argued that activities were insignificant with no result and change. The EPRDF and three opposition parties were debating Sunday at a forum focusing on the service sector and organized by the inter-Africa Group Dr. Arega Yirdaw had been a moderator. Representing EPRDF, Minister of Infrastructure Development Dr. Kassu Illala along with Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia Tekle-Wold Atnafu said that the policies have created an enabling environment in addressing the needs of the general public, assisting the economic activities mainly agriculture and attracting investors. As the policies were designed based on the country's resources, promising results were registered over the last 14 years, they said. The policies also give due consideration to delivering the services fairly among states, the representatives said. According to Dr. Kassu, the number of regular telephone customers has increased from 175,000 to 780,000 and that of electricity to 845,000 from only 400,785, 14 years back. The power generation capacity has also grown to 782 from 318 mega watt with the construction of road whose length stretched to 36,500 from 18,000 kms, the Minister added. The Minister also explained the progress being made in the air transport, mobile telephone service and the application of modern technology to the education and health sectors, among others. "The Bole International Airport terminal could accommodate 1,870 customers at a time while 1.2 million people would get mobile telephone service as of August this year," he said. Speaking of the financial sector, Ato Tekle-Wold said the that the development oriented policy played a significant role in creating stable macro-economic environment. He further indicated that the policy encourages saving and investment and also provision of support to other financial institutions like insurance and leasing companies. Thanks to the policy measures, inflation interest and exchange rates have been stabilized, he added. Representatives of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) Dr. Birhanu Nega and Ato Biruk Kebede on their part criticized the policy for its failure to meet the needs of the business community and the large majority of people living in the countryside. They said the interest rate is hostile for the business community and discourages investment in the country with the vast majority of people getting no financial and other services. According to the representatives, much needs to be done in the telecommunication, power supply and the provision of other infrastructures. They pointed out inefficient manpower, exclusion of both domestic and foreign investors and skilled professionals to engage in the sectors as some of the factors that inhibit their development. If the party is elected, it would work in close cooperation with the private sector designing a policy that encourages saving, promote investment to create job opportunity to citizens they said. Coalition of Ethiopian Democratic Forces (CEDF) representatives Dr. Merara Gudina together with Col. Feleke Tiruneh criticized EPRDF polices saying that no change has been witnessed from where it was a decade ago. According to the representatives, the policies were not designed based on the objective reality in the country and considering expertise advice. Giving less attention to railway transportation is also another defect of the policy, the representatives indicated. If elected, the party would focus on promoting education, health and work actively on improving the transport and finance sectors, they said. Representatives of the Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement (OFDM) also blamed the policies of the incumbent government and recommends for some kinds of changes. Ato Bulcha Demekssa and Dereje Bekele said that vulnerable societies and people like Oromos were neglected by the policy. Commercial banks should not be under government ownership and at the same time it (the government) shouldn't be engaged in the business sector other than playing the facilitation role, they said. At the televised debate various questions pertinent to the sector were raised by professionals, journalists and participants to the political parties, which they responded accordingly. Also Sunday, EPRDF and two opposition parties held a debate in Makalle. EPRDF, All Ethiopian Unity Party (AEUP) and the Ethiopian Peoples' Democratic Party EPDP Medhin introduced their political programmes to the public ENA reported. AEUP representative Berehet and EPDP-Medhin Berhan Embiz said their parties are working jointly to win the elections. They said members of EPRDF were forcing the people to elect members in the previous two elections. They also indicated that some of the proposals the opposition made for the amendment of the electoral law were accepted, which they said, is a welcome development. EPRDF representative Ambassador Tewolde-Gebru said on his part that Front members do not have any intention of imposing its programme on opposition parties other that introducing it to the general public. He said efforts have been launched more than ever before to make the present election free and fair. The debate was organized by Nile College and Makalle University. Japan responds to relief appeal ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The governments of Ethiopia and Japan yesterday signed a grant agreement amounting to 1.956 million US dollars at the conference hall of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MoFED). The agreement was signed by State Minister of MoFED, Dr. Mulu Kestela, and Ambassador Kenjiro Izumi. As stipulated in the agreement, the grant would be used for the purchase and transportation of wheat, which would be distributed to food insecure people through the Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Commission (DPPC). Speaking on the occasion, Dr, Mulu said the government of Japan has been a great supporter of Ethiopia. Ethiopia has embarked on food security programme, she said adding the present grant would be utilized to ensure food security in the country. The aid is a swift response to the appeal made by Ethiopian and UN agencies - FAO, WFP, UNDP and other for emergency humanitarian support to drought affected people and facing food shortage in 2005, Ambassador Kenjiro Izumi said. Japan has expressed willingness to support the efforts to improve food security in Ethiopia by contributing to the New Coalition for Food Security, he said. Japan has so far extended a total of 6.3 million US dollars assistance under this grant, aid scheme since 1985. January 26, 2005 Church urged to intensify HIV/AIDS sensitization efforts ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis has urged the Ethiopian Evangelical Church to redouble its efforts towards raising awareness of the public surrounding HIV/AIDS. The efforts being exerted to provide care and support to people living with the virus and orphans are encouraging, Girma said at the 17th conference the church held here Tuesday. He said the pandemic is affecting the public, particularly the youth. The sensitization activities of the church towards curbing the impact so far is commendable, according to the President. Ethiopia has been engaged in development activities owing to the prevalence of peace and stability in the country, he said, adding the church needs to exert its effort to the realization of the activities. Girma expressed his conviction that the church would do its level best towards enhancing the efforts being exerted by religious leaders to resolve the dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The church is carrying out a wide range of development and social activities across the country by mobilizing 4.2 million people, he said. Girma said the church should work for better results by undertaking activities that are in line with the policies of the government. The church is executing various community-based activities to reduce poverty, Church President, Reverend Itefa Gobena said. He said the faithful are registering and participating in election orientations with a view to casting voter in the upcoming election in May 2005. TPLF candidates face public evaluation ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Some 40 candidates fielded by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) to run in the upcoming national elections in Eastern Zone of the Tigray State have undergone critical comments by their constituents. All the candidates have passed the public scrutiny, zonal public coordination head Merha Gebre-Egziabher said. Some eight of the candidates will be contending for seats in the House of Peoples' Representatives and 32 for the State Council. Represented in the candidature are youths, farmers and scholars, he said. Meanwhile, more that 130,530 voters have registered in the zone to cast votes in the elections, zonal electoral board coordinator said. The figure represents only about half of the number of expected voters, as there has not been an awareness-raising programme to the required scope, he said. Some 250,000 prospective voters are expected at the 343 poling stations in the zone including Zalambessa and Irob, Mekonnen Reda said. Meles holds talks with U.S. Deputy Central Commander ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Deputy Commander of the U.S. Central Command Lance L. Smith said his country is committed to further enhance its cooperation with Ethiopia in the prevention of terrorism as well as in bringing about peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. After holding talks with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi here yesterday Lieutenant General Smith told journalists that there has been a positive sense of partnership between the U.S. and Ethiopia in peace efforts in the Horn of Africa. The U.S. and Ethiopia have been working in partnership in the fight against terrorism as well as to bring about sustainable peace and security in the region, according to the General. Lt. Gen. Smith commended Ethiopia's roles in the fight against terrorism as well as in peace and stability efforts in the Horn of Africa. He said his discussion with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi was constructive. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said the comprehensive agreement signed recently between the Sudanese Government and SPLS as well as the establishment of Transitional Government in Somalia would be vital for the peace security of the region. Meles said Ethiopia has played significant roles in the peace processes in the Sudan and Somalia. Meles reaffirmed his government's commitments to strengthen its cooperation with the U.S. in the fight against international terrorism as well as in peace and security efforts, according to a senior official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who attended the meeting. ==================================== pol.ethiopia Jan.26,2005 ========================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Easier than ever with enhanced search. Learn more. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri Jan 28 15:37:37 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:42 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050128133737.16262.qmail@web53305.mail.yahoo.com> January 27, 2005 Premier emphasizes individual, collective efforts to address migration challenges by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi emphasized the need for exerting efforts individually and collectively to address the challenges of migration and minimize the negative impact it poses on development. Opening the Global Coalition for Africa (GCA) Policy Forum of Migration and Development in Africa at the UN Conference Centre yesterday, Meles underlined the importance of thinking creatively and collaboratively to counterbalance "the negative views about migrants by the extremely positive contribution migrants can and do to make the economies of their host countries." "Principles and fairness and equity must guide the way international migration is approached and the concerns of African countries must be taken into account. We are living in a world that is more interdependent and interconnected than ever before, and it is incumbent on us all to ensure that we manage migration so that it works to the benefit of all," the Prime Minister said. Meles who is also the Co-Chair-person of the GCA called up on all countries in general and Africa in particular to seriously consider how to better involve the Diaspora in both individual countries and at the continental level, how to build bridges and channels of communication with Diaspora organizations. He also commended efforts of AU and African regional bodies to address migration issues within the continent. According to Meles in a number of partner countries, domestic pressure has made migration one of the most sensitive political issues of the day while public perception of migration often exacerbates its negative consequences minimizing the contribution that migrants can made to development. The rise of international terrorism in recent years has negatively affected the perception of migrants in many countries, the Prime Minister added. Speaking of Africa, Meles said that the continent loses not only skilled and professional expertise that in needs to spur and manage development as a result of migration but also the return of the investment made in education and training. GCA Co-Chairperson Dr. Frene Ginwala on her part told the gathering about the importance of examining the factors that drive migration, particularly of skilled professionals and what African countries need to do to retain their educated and skilled workers. She also advised the forum to think of what partners of Africa can do to help the continent in this regard. The co0chariperson indicated that the challenge facing the whole world is how to manage international migration in a way that it does not advantage some countries at the expense of others and stressed the importance of looking for possible means of managing it fairly and equitably. According to Dr. Frene, 175 million people, or one out of every 35 persons, are now international migrants, and 48 per cent of them are women. She also quoted different sources indicating the number of labour migrants in Africa constitute one fifth of the global total. Sources also estimate by 2025 one in ten Africans will live and work outside their countries of origin, she said. The two-day forum is expected to explore how migration can make a positive contribution to African countries and to the continent as a whole, and how it can expand individual opportunity. It would also consider what sort of international cooperation and collaboration could help to manage migration so that it benefits all. AU High-Level Committee agrees to make stand-by force operational ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The African Union (AU) High0Level Committee on the Non-Aggression Pact and the Common Defence and Security in Africa, agreed Tuesday that the stand-by force for the AU should be operational, Ghana News Agency reported. The decision was taken at a day-long meeting of Foreign Minister of AU member states in Accra to prepare the ground for the AU High-Level Committee of Heads of State and Government on the Non-Aggression Pact and the Common Defence and Security in Africa meeting to be held in Abuja, Nigeria on January 29,the Agency said. Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo announced the decision when he led the Foreign Ministers to brief President John Agyekum Kufuor, Chairman of the Committee on their deliberations at the Castle, OSU. The Foreign Ministers were from Ghana, South Africa, Congo, Ethiopia, Algeria and Mozambique, whose governments are among members of the High-Level Committee. Nana Akufo-Addo said: "We reached consensus on a document that embodies the considerations that we had had and captured fundamental issues". "We are satisfied that it is a good document on a single army as the goal to make the stand-by force operational," he said. Dr. Dlamini Nkosazana Zuma, South African Foreign Minister, said: "We have done our best to accommodate all the different view in the different documents". He said, "With your accumulated experience and commitment, mu colleagues would want to know what the Committee is doing". The January 29 Abuja meeting will be a prelude to a special African Union (AU) Summit the following day to consider a common defence and security policy for the continental body. The Committee of Heads of State and Government was established to examine issues relating to non-aggression, common defence and common security in Africa. Members of the Committee are the Heads of State of Algeria; Republic of Congo; Ethiopia and South Africa. It also has Mozambique, the immediate past Chairman of the Africa Union as Ex-Officer Member. Meles appears as a candidate in Tigray AXUM (ENA) - Five high-level leaderships of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) including Prime Minister Meles Zenawi appeared as candidates in Central Zone of the Tigray State for the seat of the House of Peoples' Representatives in the upcoming national elections, Zonal Culture and Information Office said. Office Head, Kidane-Mariam Gebre-Kristos said last Tuesday that the public unanimously endorsed the candidacy of the TPLF top members when they held a campaign in rural Keble's and towns in 13 woredas of the zone from January 9-21,2005. Kidane-Mariam said 14 candidates including the high-level leaderships would run for seats in the House of Peoples Representatives and 56 candidates for State Council at 476 polling stations set up in 14 constituencies in the zone. January 28, 2005 Ethiopia desirous of strengthening trade, tourism cooperation with UAE: Ministry ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that Ethiopia is taking various measures geared towards strengthening boosting economic ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Dubai in the fields of trade and tourism. The Ministry told ENA yesterday that Ethiopia has already opened consulate office in Dubai a year ago in a bid to strengthening bilateral ties with the UAE, and deliver services to the Ethiopian community there. Ethiopian Consul General Gashaw Debebe Tuesday held talks with Director General of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Khalid A. bin Sulayem focusing on enhancing economic ties with Dubai and the UAD. The Ministry said the two senior officials held the talks at DTCM headquarter in Dubai on issues pertaining to strengthening cooperation in tourism, trade, and ways of enhancing relations. Consul General Gashaw briefed Sulayem on Ethiopia's economic policy and its tourist attraction sites. Director General Sulayem on his part briefed Gashaw on latest infrastructure projects geared toward encouraging travel agencies. Djibouti electricity exportation project in high gear ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo) announced that preparations are being speeded upto effect Djibouti electricity exportation project. EEPCo General Manager Mihret Debebe made the announcement yesterday at the opening of a meeting called to discuss power line transfer draft agreement between pertinent bodies from Ethiopia and Djibouti. The project, launched following the signing of the agreement in 2001, provides for the installation of a 283-kms power line from Dire Dawa to Djibouti. The African Development Bank has already approved a 60 million dollars loan for the implementation of the project, Mihret said. The loan is to be repaid in a long term a minimum interest by the two countries. The project would enable urban and rural border areas in the two countries to get power supply is expected to be finalized until 2002 E.C. Ethiopia will be receiving upto 33 million dollars annually from the export of electricity, Mihiret said. The project could be extended beyond Ethiopia and Djibouti to include countries in the region and even reaching farther to Northern African countries, General Manager of Djibouti Electric Company Jama Ali Guelleh said on the occasion. Such a project will be significant in strengthening ties between nations, he said. Norway pledges support for election successful conduct ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Norway is ready to provide support for the successful conduct of the national elections in Ethiopia scheduled to be held in May this year, Norwegian International Development Minister announced. The Minister Hilde F. Johnson mad the pledge here yesterday during talks with Prime Meles Zenawi. Commending the ongoing election activities, she said it was a positive sign that the electoral law has been amended as part of the activities to conduct the elections successfully. She said the political debates among the contesting political debates among the contesting political parties would give the electorate the opportunity to vote for the party of their choice. Hilde F. Johnson said Norway is implementing a pilot project in Ethiopia on crops of commercial value. Prime Minister Meles and the Norwegian minister discussed the bilateral economic cooperation between Ethiopia and Norway as well as the peace and security situation in the Horn of Africa. ANDM candidates including Addisu under public evaluation Gondar (WIC/ENA) - The Amhara Nation Democratic Movement said that 66 of its candidates including Deputy Prime Minister Addisu Legesse, are being evaluating by the public. Zonal office Head of the Movement, Wasse Bezuneh told WIC yesterday that among the candidates, 14 men and seven women, will contest for seat in the House of Peoples' Representatives, and 26 men and 19 women candidates for seat in the State Council. Besides to the Deputy Prime Minister and Rural and Agricultural Development Minister Addisu Legesse, other high ranking leaders of the Movement will also vie for seat in the House of Peoples' Representatives. According to the Head, candidates of ANDM have been evaluated by the public throughout the 18 woredas of the zone since last week. In a relation development, out of the 1.2 million electorates expected to get registered in the zone, 660,ooo voters have been registered at the 1,095 polling stations. Similarly, the Oromo People's Democratic Organization (OPDO) said that its candidates in Bale Zone are being evaluated by the public. Accordingly, the 40 candidates fielded by OPDO to run in the elections in 18 woredas have received critical comments by the public. Some 19 of the candidates are women. All the candidates have met the demand for public evaluation. Meanwhile, the Adama Teachers Association has called on teachers to get registered for the elections. Association Chairperson Getachew Guta told WIC Wednesday as teachers are acquainted with the principles of democratic elections, they need to play exemplary role by getting registered for the elections. Indicating that teachers have to elect candidates that would ensure their benefits, the chairperson said teachers should also contribute in sensitizing the public to use their rights to left and get elected. Accordingly, he urged the teachers to encourage students above 18 years to participate in electing candidates committed to the development of the country. He further added that the Association has finalized preparations to offer training for members who would observe the elections. Hungarian Company donated medical equipment to MoH ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - The Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday received medical equipment worth over six million birr from the Hungarian ENAVIT Medical Company. State Minister of Health Dr. Tewodros Adhanom said on the occasion that the aid is part of a development cooperation between the two countries. The State Minister said that the company's material and training support would build the capacity to manufacture and use the equipment locally. He said the modern medical equipment donated by the company would be distributed to medical training institutions and referral hospitals. Hungarian Ambassador Janos Budai on his part said that the development cooperation between the two countries would be further strengthened on the basis of the agreement that is to be reached with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. He said the company would further strengthen its relations with the donation of medical equipment and the provision of training that would play crucial role in developing and expanding the health sector of the country. Ministry Medicine Supply and Administration Service Expert Yohannes Mesfin said that the donated 27 types of medical equipment would play important role in providing medical services. He said professionals of training institutions and referral hospitals receiving the appliances would receive training on the utilization of the medical equipment in Hungary. ======================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan.28,2005 ========================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? All your favorites on one personal page – Try My Yahoo! http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Jan 31 14:11:06 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:42 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050131121106.4171.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> January 29, 2005 Africa Unite organizers optimistic Bob Marley's birthday celebration promote image of Ethiopia by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - Rita Marley, wife of Bob Marley, the legendary hero of Reggae music and dance, has said that the Africa Unite event would promote image of Ethiopia and boost the existing Marley family foundations' programmes in Ethiopia and Jamaica and their expansion to other African countries. Speaking at the press briefing organized yesterday at the Sheraton Addis in connection with the event of the official launching of a one month celebration of Africa Unite that marks Bob Marley's 60th birthday Nane Rita said the event would help to raise the profile of the Bob Marley and Rita Marley Foundations and put a global spotlight on the works that the foundations are doing. "We have been celebrating Bob's birthday in different parts of the world since his death 21 years ago. And we selected Ethiopia for the 60th because Bob lover Ethiopia," she said. State Minister of Information Netsanet Asfaw on her part said that the celebration would have positive implication not only for the Ras Teferians in Ethiopia but also for young people who come from all over the world. The event would mark the life of one human being who brought together the youth of the entire planet, together she added. "It is an example of how a person from a humble beginning becomes such a great man who has thought us that no matter how poor and deprived we are, we can be somebody and great. And as Ethiopia is working intensively towards fighting poverty and backwardness, there would be a great lesson for the people and the government of Ethiopia from Bob's life," the State Minister said. Members of the organizing committee on their part said the event is not only the celebration of the 60th birthday of Bob, it is also an event that highlights all the virtues attached to him in terms of human rights, social justice and equality and every one can participate in this wonderful event. They said the event would show positive portrays of Ethiopia to the world in different light eliminating beautiful historic country that has a great legacy, a legacy that are near and dear to Ras Teferians. In addition it is a positive reflection of Ethiopia's commitment to the advancement of Africa and its people, they said. They also added that the event could play a pivotal role in inspiring the youth especially Africans creating a great chance for them to participate in many activities in order to change the image of this continent. Thousands of tourists, dignitaries, academics, activists and international media including the Marley family are expected to arrive in Ethiopia over the coming days. The event would start as of the coming Tuesday (Feb.1, 2005). International celebrities like Danny Glover and Angelique Kidjo will join Africa and Diasporan luminaries in a contribution to the future of the continent. In addition, 12 footballers including George Weah, Claude Makalele (Chelsea) and Lilian Thuram (Juventus) are expected to come to Ethiopia. The historic, global outreach initiative is conceived by the Bob and Rita Marley Foundations and AFRICA UNITE 2005 is sponsored by UNICEF, the World Bank, the African Union, the Addis Ababa City Government, the Ethiopian Ministry of Information, Ethiopian Airlines and Ethiopian Tourism Commission, it was learnt. Italy says Axum Obelisk returns in April ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - The Axum Obelisk would reportedly be returned to its home country by the end of April. According to Reuters, the Italian Foreign Ministry has said the 24-metre obelisk believed to be at least 1,700 years old would be returned by the end of April. Italy promised in 1947 to return the 200-ton granite column, a symbol of the dawn of Ethiopian Civilization, but arguments and logistical problems delayed it until November last year when the two countries finally agreed to fly it home. An Italian Foreign Ministry spokesman was quoted by Reuters as saying that the first flight with the first segment would be made in the first 10 days of March; the other two flights would follow around 20 days apart; and in that way, the column would be returned by the end of April. It said the Russian-made Antonove 124 was chosen to bring the Obelisk home, and Ethiopia has planned to celebrate the Obelisk's return with a national holiday. The column was plundered by Italian fascist invaders in 1937. Ministerial Council refers three bills to parliament ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Council of Minister in its 125th regular session yesterday deliberated on three bills and referred them to the House of Peoples' Representatives with some amendments. The Office of the Prime Minister told ENA that the Council discussed the bill endorsing Hides and Skin Transaction Procedure and one providing for the reestablishment of the Population Census Commission and also other ratifying a loan agreement concluded with the International Development Association (IDA) to be utilized for building the capacity of tertiary education. While discussing the bill endorsing Hides and Skin Transaction Procedure, the Council said that the benefit from the sub-sector has been dwindling for lack of market information, absence of laws supporting the sector and problems emanating from improper handling. Accordingly, the bill would enable to get the proper income by improving the collection, preparation and handling of the products, the office said in a statement sent to ENA yesterday. During its discussion on the bill re-establishing the Pollution Census Commission, the Council noted the significance of conducting population census in strengthening the democratic order and improving the livelihood of the people, the statement said. It has also deliberated on the bill ratifying a loan agreement concluded with the IDA to be utilized for the implementation of a project to build the capacity of tertiary education. January 30, 2005 Meles leaves for Abuja AU Ordinary Session ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - A high level Ethiopian delegation led by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi left here yesterday to attend the 4th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and government of the African Union (AU) in Abuja, Nigeria. Upon departure at Bole International Airport, the delegation was seen off by senior government officials. A review of the food security situation in the continent, the status of implementation of previous decisions and declarations on HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other infectious diseases as well as eradication of poliomyelitis would be on the agenda of the two-day session. The leaders would also appraise the peace and security situation in Africa and the challenges facing the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) policy initiatives. All African heads of states and government are expected to attend the session. Makalle resident challenge CUD's peace initiative stand MAKALLE (WIC) - Residents of Makalle town have rejected the idea propounded by the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) stating that the New Peace Initiative proposed by the Prime Minister stands contrary to peace and sovereignty. Participants of a meeting organized by CUD here yesterday said that they support the peace initiative as it ensures lasting peace between the two countries. The inhabitants and religious leaders said they would not accept what the Coalition propagates because it leads to conflict and war. The participants clearly stated their opposition to the leaders of the CUD, Dr. Haily Araya and Prof. Mesfin Wolde-Mariam, who said the five-point peace initiative proposed by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi stands contrary to national sovereignty and development. The leaders also said the initiative was imposed on the people, which the participants refused to accept. The CUD claimed that the TPLF/EPRDF, beginning from its outset, has been working against Ethiopia's interest, adding that the people should therefore not remain docile while dictators prevail on the lives of the people and the nation. The Coalition argued that lasting peace could be ensured when the right party wins election in a democratic manner by abolishing the EPRDF government. That is why, they said, they are contending for power by fielding candidates almost allover the country. Two individuals among the gathering spoke in favour of the Coalition saying they would take up arms if Badime is given away. One of the CUD leaders, Prof. Mesfin, finally provoked the audience when he said democratic election has never taken place in Tigray State as the votes have been hundred per cent similar to products manufactured by a factory. As a result, a closing speech could not be delivered as the participants were very much upset. Organizations assign roving election observers ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Five local organizations have assigned roving election observers to monitor the process of the next May national elections, the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) said. The Board told ENA yesterday that it has on its part prepared 595 IDs for election observers. The Ethiopian Teachers Association and the Oromia Youth Association have requested for 94 and 142 IDs respectively for their election observers, the Board said. The Organization for Victims of Red Terror has also assigned 30 observers while the Addis Ababa Women Association assigned 273 election observers, the Board said. The Ethiopian Civil Society Coalition on its part assigned 56 observers, according to the Board. NEBE said it would also give the necessary IDs for foreign observers. Party urges supporters to register before deadline by Yemane Terefe ADDIS ABABA - The Keste Damena (Rainbow Ethiopia: Movement for Democracy and Justice) urged all its supporters to register for the upcoming elections before the deadline expires. Speaking at a public gathering it held at the National Lottery Administration yesterday, Dr. Befekadu Degefe, Party Fund-Raising Chairperson, said that registering to vote by itself accounts 10 per cent of the struggle and the remaining 90 per cent is related to the fairness of the election that will take place in May 2005. He stressed that all haves get to register and receives IDs in time and elects the party that would transform the country. Ato Bedru Adem, member of the House of Peoples' Representatives and who recently joined the Party, on his part said that election is a guarantee for life if people deliberately and actively elect whom they want. And he told the gathering to register and also mobilize others to register soon. The party called upon the people to actively participate in the national elections without any fear to exercise their political and democratic rights. Similar public gathering were held in Wolkite and Makalle, it was learnt. ================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan.31,2005 ======================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Jan 3 10:49:46 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:15 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050103084946.54001.qmail@web53310.mail.yahoo.com> January 1, 2005 Six political parties agree to continue debate ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Six political parties have agreed to continue the political parties have agreed to continue the political debate to be organized by Inter-Africa Group after two weeks, the group said. Political Parties Debate Forum Coordinator Nebiyu Samuel told ENA yesterday that the parties have agreed that the debate should focus on Industrial Development Policy. The political parties reached the agreement following a discussion they held here yesterday at Sheraton Addis. The agreement was reached among the ruling party, the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front, the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, the United Ethiopian Democratic Forces, All Ethiopian Democratic Party, the Oromo Federal Democratic Movement and Pan-Africanist Ethiopian Party. The parties have also reached agreement to hold a debate on urban development policy after three weeks and a debate on service sector after one month. Council of Ministers endorses bill ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Council of Minister approved here yesterday a bill for ratification of a loan and aid agreement enabling to implement Productive Safety Project designed based on the Ethiopian Water Resources Management Regulation, the Office of the Prime Minister said. In a press statement it sent to ENA yesterday, the office said the Council in its 123rd session said it was necessary to issue a regulation that would enable to utilize effectively the country's water resources under the appropriate administration. The Council approved after deliberating extensively on the bill for the ratification of the Productive Safety Project. The Council said the project to be implemented with the loan and aid would support the food security programme being implemented in food deficit areas of the country while enabling dozens of people to participate in various development activities through food-for-work programme. It also said the project would have a significant importance in bringing about sustainable development through the launching of various developments activities in drought prone areas, the statement said. The Council accepted and referred the draft proclamation to the House of Peoples' Representatives for approval, it said. The Ethiopian Water Resources Management Regulation was endorsed in 1992 E.C. AU expresses solidarity with victims of natural calamities ADDIS ABABA - The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission was deeply shocked by the natural calamities that recently devastated south-east Asia, as well as part of the Indian Ocean coast of Africa, which resulted in immense losses of life and considerable material damage, AU press release indicated. The press release sent to the Herald by AU yesterday said in this tragic situation, Konare expresses, on behalf of the Commission of the African Union, and on his own behalf, Africa's solidarity and sympathy to the affected populations and governments, as well as deep felt condolences to the bereaved families. As a gesture of solidarity towards the affected populations, the African Union decided to make a symbolic contribution of US $100,000. The Chairperson commends the efforts already deployed by some states, including African states, to alleviate the suffering of the affected populations and he wishes to call on the entire international community and the member states of the African Union in particular, to join the efforts and to provide the necessary assistance to the affected countries, the release added. "Peace proposal lacking public participation won't bring lasting solution": Opposition ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Opposition parties said a peace proposal that failed to consider the participation of the public would not bring a lasting solution to Ethio-Eritrea border dispute. Pointing out that few government leaders were deciding on the fate of the people and sovereignty of the nation, the opposition parties said the five-point new peace proposal could not bring lasting solution to the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute. The opposition parties, United Ethiopian Democratic Forces and the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, made the statement during a press statement they gave here last Thursday at Semen Hotel in connection with public gathering called by the parties opposing the proposal put forward by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and approved by the country's parliament. Pointing out that the parties strongly oppose the new peace proposal, they called upon the public to express their interest regarding the proposal by taking part in the gathering. The parties stressed the need that the peoples of the two countries should struggle against the dictatorial position and attitudes if there is a desire to bring about sustainable peace and enhance brotherhood between the peoples of the two countries through discussion. The parties said the gathering which is intended to be held tomorrow would enable the people to struggle for their rights and decide on the fate of their country. January 2, 2005 President lauds Addis greening, beautifying efforts ADDIS ABABA (ENA/WIC) - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis has lauded efforts launched by Clean and Green Addis Ababa Initiative to make the metropolis clean and suitable for living. Opening the Initiative's General Assembly yesterday, President Girma said that the Initiative is expected to register encouraging results by cleaning the city in the years ahead. He also said governmental and non-governmental organizations, the business community, educational institutes and the metropolitans should continue with their efforts towards creating the clean Addis Ababa. The President recommended the establishment of a joint forum for the implementation of integrated activities on environmental development and natural resources conservation. He said the efforts launched to clean the city should continue in sustainable manner for making the city environmental friendly would take longer years. President Girma also called upon members of the Initiative to further intensify their integrated activities of planting trees, cleaning rivers from pollution and soil conservation. The President assured the Initiative that the government would do everything possible to help realize its goal of making Addis Ababa, Capital of Africa, clean and beautiful. Speaking on his part Addis Ababa City Mayor Arkebe Equbay stressed the need that priority should be given to clear the city from environmental pollution, which affects the health of thousands of city residents. He said the younger generation has the greater responsibility of greening and beautifying the city. Speaking on his part Initiative President Dr. Fisseha Eshetu said that the main objective of the launching of the Initiative is to raise the awareness of the public about the importance of keeping the city clean. The Initiative has managed to collect and dump 14,273 cubic metres of garbage from the ten sub-cities and planted 22,000 tree seedlings of various species in cooperation with the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Authority and other organizations over the last one year, he said. Dr. Fisseha further said that the Initiative plans to construct 50 public toilets in ten selected kebeles. Prizes and certificates were awarded to individuals and organizations who made outstanding contributions in greening and beautifying the city. An exhibition depicting activities undertaken to beautify and green the city was also visited by participants of the assembly. Currently, the Initiative has 392 members. Zonal TPLF, ANDM offices field candidates ADDIS ABABA (WIC/ENA) - The Central Tigray Zone Administration said that the Tigray Peoples' Liberation Front (TPLF) has fielded 70 candidates for the upcoming national and state elections. Zonal Deputy Administrator and Public Mobilization Head Kiros Gebre-Silassie told WIC that 14 candidates vie for seats in the House of Peoples' Representatives, and the rest for State Council in 14 constituencies of the Zone. According to the Deputy Administor, 28 and five of the candidates vying for seats in the state Council and in the House of Peoples' Representatives are women respectively. Similarly, the North Wollo Zone branch Amhara Nation Democratic Movement (ANDM) said that it has fielded 32 candidates for the elections. Office Head Nigus Demilew said nine candidates will vie for in the state council and 23 in the House of Peoples Representatives. The candidates have already begun collecting candidature endorsement signatures in their respective constituencies, he said. According to Nigus, 30-40 per cent of the candidates constitute women. Eritrean people, army urged to pressurize gov't to accept proposal ADDIS ABABA (ENA/WIC) - Some members of the army at the Badme Front have called on Eritrean people and the army to pressurize government to accept the peace proposal forwarded the Ethiopian government to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea boarder dispute. They told ENA recently that they fully support the proposal, for war hampers development activities further aggravating the problem of poverty. The army members said the Eritrean people and army are expected to pressurize the Eritrean government to accept the proposal so that the dispute could be resolved through peaceful means. If the government of Eritrean accepts the new peace initiative preferring peace to war, it would be of a great significance for both countries in enhancing their development endeavors, they said. Similarly, workers and the management of the Bole Printing Enterprise have expressed support for the initiative. At a discussion forum held Friday, the workers said that peace plan has a lot to contribute for the effective materialization of ensuring good governance and multifaceted development works in the country. They noted that the various wars waged in the past have inflicted property damage and human loss leaving the country and its peoples in extreme poverty. Inculcating the culture of mutual coexistence and ensuring stability would, therefore, playa key role in freeing the country from the shackles of poverty, they said. The inhabitants of Negele town, Oromia, State, also said that the initiative would enable to achieve the desired development goals. In a meeting they held Friday, the inhabitants expressed their support for the peace initiative and for the effective implementation of poverty alleviation endeavour. At a discussion held recently, over 400 investors in Shashemene and its environs also said that the development strategies could only be realized when peace prevails and in this regard the peace proposal would create favourable environment for development endeavours. They also indicated that reforms introduced by the government to encourage the private sector have enabled them to contribute their share to the development efforts of the country. They finally urged the international community to put pressure on the Eritrean government to accept the proposal. 134 mln. birr earned from hides, skin export ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopia has earned 134 million birr in foreign Exchange from the export of hides and skin over the last three months, the Ethiopian Customs Authority said. Authority Public and International Relations Service said yesterday that the sum was secured from the export of 4.11 quintals of hides and skin between September and November. The products were exported to the United States, United Kingdom, China, Italy, Malaysia, Thailand, Spain and Turkey, it said. The products were exported to the United States, United Kingdom, China, Italy, India, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Malaysia, Thailand, Spain and Turkey, it said. The hides and skin exported to Italy and the United Kingdom constitute 35 and 17 per cent respectively, it added. In a similar development, 279 million birr was earned in foreign currency from various products exported via Nazareth over the last five months. Operation Main Section Head with the Nazareth Custom Office Lemma Mulatu told ENA yesterday that the sum was secured from the export of 41 various products. The sum secured between July 1, 1996 November 30,1997 E.C. exceeded that of last year same period by 105 million birr, he said. Lemma attributed the increase in the amount of export revenue to the rise in the types of products being exported abroad, among others. The exported items include hides and skin, soya bean, cacao, sugar and live animals, among others, he said. ================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan. 3,2005 ============================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue Jan 4 14:17:27 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:15 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050104121727.30163.qmail@web53305.mail.yahoo.com> January 4, 2005 Italy cancels 3.1 bln. birr debt for Ethiopia by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The governments of Ethiopia and Italy yesterday signed an agreement of 3.1 billion birr debt cancellation that the former owes to the latter. The Ethiopian government would use the cancelled debt to finance its poverty reduction programme. The Italian government has written off 100 per cent of Ethiopia's debt which is more by 10 per cent than the 90 per cent agreement Ethiopia signed with Paris Club Creditors upon reaching the Completion Point and as per the Enhanced Heavily In debted Poor Countries (HIPC) in April 2004. Speaking at the signing ceremony of the agreement held on the premises of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MoFED), State Minister Dr. Mulu Ketsela said that the debt cancellation will highly assist Ethiopia's multi sectoral development endeavours. According to the State Minister, the money would be utilized for the highest priority areas in the country and it would also be highly significant in meeting the MDGs. Ambassador Guido La Tella Italian ambassador to Ethiopia on his part said that his country cancelled the debt to assist Ethiopia in achieving sustainable development. The debt cancellation, which is one of the highest in the history of the bilateral relation of the two nations and the Paris Club members, leads to the more intensified chapter of their relation, Ambassador Guido said. He also said the visit of PM Meles Zenawi to Italy and the economic and cultural agreements signed as well as the agreement to return the Axum Obelisk are indications of this fact. The agreement was signed by Dr. Mulu and Ambassador Guido representing their respective governments. Meanwhile, embassy press release said that the agreement will pave the way to the enhancement of economic relations between Italy and Ethiopia. It will also facilitate a change of attitude of SACE (the Italian Export Credit Agency) towards Ethiopia, and encourage Italian entrepreneurs to increase their business (both through trade and new investments). An important economic mission is expected to visit Ethiopia next month, on the occasion of the Addis Ababa International Fair According to the release, the mission will include all major Italian institutions involved in international economic relations, including SACE, ICE (the Italian Institute for Foreign Trade) and SIMEST (the Institute for the Internationalisation of Italian Companies). EDUP-Medhin to field candidates in all constituencies ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Democratic Unity Party Medhin, (EDUP-Medhin) one of the opposition parties formed following the merger of two hitherto separate legal entities, announced Saturday that it would field candidates in all constituencies throughout the country. However, the party urged the government to react to the five questions posed by opposition political parties with a view to making the upcoming elections free and fair. Party Secretary General, Lidetu Ayalew told ENA that though there are some questions to be addressed, his party has been preparing to field candidates across nation. Lidetu said that his party has been engaged in selecting its candidates who are to compete in the election throughout the country, except in some border constituencies. He further indicated that the National Electoral Board should be established again and manned with independent individuals or those drawn from all political parties with a view to making the election democratic, free, and fair. He said though the electoral law states that the government has to provide financial assistance to contesting opposition parties, his party has not been provided with getting any support so far. Suspension of the financial assistance to opposition parties is a deliberate act made by the incumbent government to suppress the capacity of the contesting political parties, he added. The Secretary General also urged the government to allow the establishment of private Radio and Television Stations immediately since they contribute a lot towards making the elections free and fair. Government media should be duty bound to serve all political parties equally, he said, adding the government has been taking encouraging measures creating access for political parties to the state. "Live coverage of recent debates between opposition political parties and the ruling EPRDF is a cast in point," he added. Though the government positively responded to the presence of foreign observers during the upcoming election, nothing is known as to how and when they will enter the country, he said. Lidetu also called on the public to actively participate in the election either as a candidate, voter, or an observer. Oppositions denounce the New Peace Proposal ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Members and supporters of the Coalition of Ethiopian Democratic Forces (CEDF) and Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), last Sunday gathered here in Addis Ababa at the Meskel Square to denounce the peace proposal that the Ethiopian government has put forward recently to resolve the border dispute with Eritrea. In a peaceful gathering summoned jointly by CEDF and CUD, the members and supports of the two parties rejected the peace proposal, which they said violates Ethiopia's legal rights. The rally called for another proposal that would allow Ethiopia an outlet to the Red Sea. CEDF Head Dr. Merara Gudina said the ruling EPRDF has been deceiving the Ethiopian people concerning the Ethio-Eritrea issue. He said EPRDF made a mistake in signing the Algiers Peace Accord after Ethiopia had won the war. He further added that the people of Ethiopia have not been consulted on the terms contained in the recent peace proposal. Dr. Beyene Petros CEDF Deputy Head on his part said his party has right from the outset opposed to the Algiers Peace Accord that provides for demarcation of the border according to colonial agreement. CUD Executive Chekol Getahun also on his part said the peace proposal would not enable to bring about sustainable peace. Former Chief of the Tigray State as a guest speaker on the occasion said it was a historic mistake that Ethiopia signed the Algiers Agreement after it defeated Sha'ibia in the battle-field. Gebru, who was member of the ruling party when the agreement was signed, said the members of the former TPLF/EPRDF who have abandoned their membership request the pardon of the Ethiopian people for the mistake they made voting in favour of the Algiers Agreement. Former President Negaso Gidada on the occasion said he, as a citizen, opposes to the peace proposal. Numerous people who attended in the peaceful gathering aired slogans such as "peace will not come about by giving our land", Sha'ibia should not prosper at the expense of Ethiopia", and "the government should have consulted with the people on the terms of the peace proposal". Eritrean nationals stress pressurizing gov't to accept peace proposal ADDIS ABABA (ENA/WIC) - Eritreans who recently entered Ethiopia said that Eritreans should put pressure on their government to accept the peace proposal put forward by Ethiopia, saying it is the only option to end the border dispute between the two countries peacefully. The Eritreans, who said they attended to the proposal with great concern before coming to Ethiopia, said they believe the proposal will bring about good neighborliness between the peoples of the two countries. The government of Eritrea needs to accept the proposal for war results in devastation, Birhane Kahsay, a health professional and Tsigereda Messele as well as her four children said. They called upon the Eritrean government to accept the peace proposal and to make exertions to extricate its people from abject poverty, rather that preparing the youth for yet another round of war rounding them up from their schools and work places. A young woman Rahel Semere and a soldier Hayelom Asema said that accpetance by the government in Asmara of the peace proposal and its successive implementation will normalize relations between the two countries. Some six students from Asmara University and more that ten other Eritreans, who wanted to remain anonymous, said that they are certain that Eritreans applaud the new peace initiative. The government of Eritrea has no alternative other than accepting the peace initiative, which, they said, is in the interest of its people. Meanwhile, the inhabitants of the Zalanbessa Igela Front in the Tigray State have expressed their commitment for the effective implementation of the initiative, WIC reported. They further indicated that the peace plan would lay the cornerstone for the prevalence of lasting and durable peace between the two neighbouring and brotherly peoples through the resolution of the Ethio-Eritrea dispute in a peaceful manner. The inhabitants of Ahferom and Mereblehe woredas in the Front also stated that Ethiopia was forced to reverse the aggression of the Eritrean government as the opportunity for peace was blocked by the later. They expressed their desire to peacefully and mutually live with the Eritrean people, which, they said, should exert utmost efforts in the practical implementation of the peace proposal with a view to materializing the development endeavour in the country. Mereblehe Woreda Culture and Information Head Shiferaw Fisiha said on his part that the inhabitants of the woreda are the very inhabitants of the woreda are the very beneficiaries of the prevalence of lasing peace as they are immediate neighbors to Eritrea. The residents on the occasion called upon the people of Eritrea to put maximum pressure on their government. Over 15,000 people in the woredas have voiced support for the peace proposal following intensive discussion. Similarly, the inhabitants of Sheka Zone in Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples State expressed support to the proposal. In separate meetings they held recently, the over 5,000 inhabitants of 22 kebeles in Yeki Woreda and Tepi town said the proposal would help improve the relations between the two countries. They said the initiative would also enable to resolve the boarder dispute between the two countries. They also said the new peace proposal would promote the peaceful co-existence between the two countries. The forwarding of the proposal shows how the government of Ethiopia is committed to peace, they said. The inhabitants expressed commitment to extend support for the realization of the proposal. ================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan. 4,2005 ======================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Easier than ever with enhanced search. Learn more. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue Jan 11 10:46:55 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:15 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050111084655.83987.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> January 6, 2005 Commission to start regular duty this month by Yemane Terefe ADDIS ABABA - The Trade Practice Commission a newly set government institution has announced that it will officially start its regular duty as of this month to properly serve the business community in hearing and investigating complaints. Briefing local journalists yesterday at a press conference held at the office of the Commission, Chairperson of the Commission and Minister of Justice Harqa Haroye said, although the proclamation has been in place since April 9,1995 E.C, the Commission did not start its regular duty due to the delay in determining the number of members and arranging candidates for appointment by the Prime Minister. According to Harqa, members of the Commission have already started preparing ground works for the full function of the Commission right after their appointment. Accordingly they have arranged office facilities, and held discussions on the proclamation to raise the awareness of their members. Ato Harqa also told the conference that the trade proclamation of 1995 promotes free market in the country by prohibiting activities that hinder fair competition among the business community. According to Harqa, the proclamation mainly paves ways on how to regulate supply and demand, and discourage rent-collecting activities that hamper the business sector without adding value. It also discourages unnecessary trade competition and market monopoly, which simply targets weakening small business community and eventually chasing them out of the market. Accountability of the Commission is to the Ministry of Trade and Industry and it accepts complaints only when presented to the Commission, its was learnt. Supreme Court upholds Kinfe's killer death sentence ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Federal Supreme Court yesterday upheld the death sentence the Federal High Court passed on Major Tsehaye Wolde-Selassie found guilty of killing Security, Immigration and Refugee Affairs Former General Manager Kinfe Gebre-Medhin. The Supreme Court upheld the sentence after examining the appeal lodged by the convict. The act of killing of any individual entrusted to government duty of such a level high liable to heavier punishment, the court said. The convict killed the late Kinfe in cold blood. EIIPD President emphasizes developed nations' backing in fighting terrorism by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - {resident of the Ethiopian International Institute for Peace and Development (EIIPD) Prof. Kinfe Abraham said developed nations should back economic endeavours of developing countries in order to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Speaking at the opening of a seminar on "Challenges of Terrorism in the Horn of Africa" at Sheraton Addis yesterday, Prof. Kinfe said that the root causes of terrorism are poverty and backwardness and unless these issues are addressed properly, the fight against terrorism would become more challenging. The failure to address poverty reduction in a comprehensive manner considering all its manifestations such as diseases, malnutrition, illiteracy, and backwardness would inevitably lead to what is called "Structural or silent terrorism", Kinfe said. The president also emphasized the need for solving the inter and intraconflicts that can arise around the globe through a peaceful means for it enhances vulnerability to terrorism. According to Kinfe, the origin of terrorism goes back to the eleventh century when the Muslim world suffered a series of major defeats in the hands of crusaders. The end of the Cold War, the decolonization process, statelessness and the failure to discriminate freedom fighters from terrorists by the international community have all contributed a lot to the prevalence of the evil act, he added. The professor also urged countries in the Horn in particular and others in general to assist the coalition of the counter terrorism efforts more seriously. Director of Centre for Counter Terrorism Studies, a China-based institute, Li wei on his part said that the devolution of Al-Quida centres around the world after September 11, 2001 as well as the very fast changing nature of mechanisms of terrorism and the networking system the terrorist developed has made the counter terrorism effort very tough. According to the director, the shift of the attack of terrorists to the soft targets like hotels, tourist resorts and schools among others have also made the preventive task very hard inspite of the remarkable achievements registered so far. The seminar aims to update the concerned participants on the extent and depth of the threat which terrorism poses to the Horn of Africa in particular and African continent as a whole. Participants from the Security, Immigration and Refugee Affairs Authority, the Federal Police, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, House of Peoples' Representatives as well as EIIPD attended the half-day seminar. January 9, 2005 EPRDF, opposition parties debate on Nat'l Youth Policy, HIV/AIDS by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) says that over the last decade the issues of the youth, health in general and HIV/AIDS in particular have been addressed properly registering remarkable achievements while opposition parties argued to the contrary. At a debate organized by African Initiatives for a Democratic World Order (AIDWO) on the National Youth Policy and HIV/AIDS at the Convention Centre yesterday, EPRDF representatives Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Ambassador Teshome Toga and State Minister of Health Dr. Tewodros Adhanum said that the Front has registered promising results through its sound policies and strategies mobilizing the community for their implementation. According to Ambassador Teshome, EPRDF believes that the youth are not only the country's hope for future but also the prime forces for peace development and democracy. The government has made a relentless effort to make this group active actor in the all-round development activities respecting their human and democratic rights. Ambassador Teshome also indicated that his Ministry has worked and invested a lot in mobilizing and empowering the youth with the provision of education and training at all levels and creating an enabling environment. In addition, a policy has already been formulated following heated debate by over 51,000 youth representatives from all over the country. Their issue has been mainstreamed in other policies and strategies as well, Ambassador Teshome said. He also indicated the need for coordinated efforts in the implementation of the policy and called on governmental and NGOs as well as pertinent bodies to coordinate efforts to achieve the desired objective. Dr. Tewodros Adhanum also cited the fruitful results so far achieved in the health sector in general and HIV/AIDS in particular. He said that the policy has given due consideration to preventive mechanisms; with the participation of the entire community in general and the youth and women in particular. Community-based prevention activities are being carried out focusing on the implementation of health extension package with primary attention to HIV/AIDS services, he added. The health delivery plan envisages to provide at least a health post at each and every locality with the assignment of two extension workers producing 24,000 professionals. Antiretroviral drugs would be provided to 12,000 PLWHA for free as of January 24, 2005. The number of beneficiaries would increase to 30,000 people, the State Minister indicated. According to Dr. Tewodros, the health coverage in the country has risen to 60 per cent from 30 ten years ago with primary health care to reach 100 per cent soon. He said that by strengthening current efforts meeting the MDGs is undoubted by possible. Representatives of the Coalition of Ethiopian Democratic Forces (CEDU) and the United Ethiopian Democratic Union (UEDU) on their part strongly disagreed with the points raised by the ruling party and presented their own options. CEDU representatives said that the youth do not have the desired access to education and unemployment is rampant among this section of the society. In addition, lack of adequate sports and other recreational centres made this group to be vulnerable to HIV/AIDS, they said. If the party is elected in the upcoming elections, it would strive to formulating a new National Youth Policy with the full participation of all pertinent bodies, the representatives said. They also said that they would use the state media more effectively encouraging the establishment of private media as well to teach the public about preventive mechanisms in the HIV/AIDS battle. UEDU representatives on their part criticized the current youth policy and its implementation mechanisms suggesting its amendment. They said that the policy does not guarantee the migration of farmers to cities, the increasing number of juvenile delinquents and the spread of HIV/AIDS. They said that over 3 million people are living with the virus while 14,000 are infected daily as a result of the government's inappropriate policy. If the party is elected it would formulate a new policy with the participation of all segments of the society in general and the youth in particular, the representatives said. The party would follow up the proper utilization of the fund allocated to battle HIV/AIDS and provide anti retroviral drugs for free, the representatives said. Youth, representatives of HIV/AIDS organizations, disabled persons women's associations and party members attended the half-day debate at the debate. Pertinent questions were raised by representatives from the Addis Ababa University students, youth associations and organizations working on HIV/AIDS to which the parties responded accordingly. January 11, 2005 Ethiopia committed to Sudanese peace deal implementation: Meles ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has pledged his country's readiness to provide all the necessary support towards the implementation of the historic agreement signed between the Sudanese government and the SPLM/A. At the signing of the comprehensive peace deal in Nairobi, Kenya, Sunday, the Prime Minister also called on the international community to extend continued support for the prevalence of peace in the Sudan. The comprehensive agreement ending the war through dialogue ushers in a new dawn in the region, Meles said. According to the Prime Minister, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has played the decisive role to end the 22 years war in the Sudan. IGAD member countries, especially Ethiopia, feel great joy, for they have been the members of the mediators' committee, Meles added. Meles also expressed gratitude to all the parties who contributed to the peace process in the Sudan, especially the U.S. and IGAD partners forum as well as the international community without whose support, he said, the peace process would not have borne fruits. The victory achieved in the efforts to end the civil war in the Sudan would be significant not only for Sudan and the sub-region, but also for the African continent as a whole, the Prime Minister said. Meles told a huge gathering at Nyayo National Stadium that the agreement would enable bayonet turn into plough share and channel all energies knowledge into development. Various foreign dignitaries including Heads of State and Government, Deputy Presidents, US Secretary of State Colin Powel as well as senior officials of international and continental organizations attended the historic event, according to a message the Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi faxed to ENA yesterday. The signing of the agreement that he hoped to be involved in peace talks on Darfur once he joined the planned national unity government. Garang, who is set to become a vice-president, signed the peace deal on behalf of the leader of the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA); the government side was represented by Vice-President Ali Osman Taha. According to the agreement, starting in July, the south will be autonomous for six years and will then vote in a referendum to decide whether to remain part of Sudan, or become independent. Sudan's new oil wealth- currently producing about 320,000 barrels a day is to be split equally between north and south. Apart from an 11-year period from 1972-1983, southern Sudan has been at war continuously since 1956. Peace talks began in 2002. The peace deal signed in Nairobi follows the signing of a permanent cease-fire on New Year's Eve. AU Peace and Security Summit opens in Libreville ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The African Union Peace and Security Summit in which 15 leaders of African countries including Prime Minister Meles Zenawi are attending opened in Libreville, Gabon yesterday. The summit is expected to discuss the problems of the peace and security prevailing in the African continent. Prime Minister Meles left for Gabon after attending the signing of the historic peace agreement between the Sudanese government and the Southern Liberation Movement/Army in Nairobi, Kenya on Sunday. The Darfur crisis and security problems prevailing in Cote d'Voire, and Democratic Republic of Congo are the top most agendas of the summit. The African Union Commission on its part will submit a report regarding the peace and security of the stated countries to the summit. Speaking at the summit, the Chairperson of the African Commission the historic peace agreement between the Sudanese government and the Southern Liberation Movement/Army in Nairobi, Kenya on Sunday. The Darfur crisis and security problems prevailing in Cote d'Voire, and Democratic Republic of Congo are the top most agendas of the summit. The African Union Commission on its part will submit a report regarding the peace and security of the stated countries to the summit. Speaking at the summit, the Chairperson of the African Commission Alpha Oumar Konare said if good governance and democracy are ensured by avoiding conflict and use of force, security problems would not be a threat to the African continent. Addressing the summit on his part African Union Current Chairperson Olusegun Obasanjo said ideas that come from the summit would help ensure the peace and security in Darfur, Sudan, Cote D'voire and Democratic Republic of Congo. The summit is expected to pass resolution on the stated issues. ================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan. 11,2005 ======================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Jan 12 11:11:12 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:15 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050112091112.90775.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> January 12, 2005 Meles back home after attending Libreville PSC Summit ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi returned home late yesterday after attending the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) Summit held in Libereville, Gabon. Ministers and senior officials welcomed Meles upon arrival at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Leaders of 15 African countries including Prime Minister Meles attended the Summit. The Heads of State and Government concluded their Summit adopting resolution on the troubled Western Region of Darfur as well as the security problems in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cote D'Ivoire. This is the first for the PSC to convene its Summit out of Addis since the founding of the AU, successor of the Organization of African Unity. The PSC concluded its meeting after 12-hour closed-door deliberations. Darfur remained the concern of the AU. Now a comprehensive agreement has been signed between the Government of the Sudan and SPLA. The problem in Cote d'Ivoire gets worse after the warring parties failed to implement agreements they had signed. The Summit thus indicated the need for the process of disarmament to resume, and called on the parties in Cote d'Ivoire to create enabling conditions for the security situations to improve. Concerning the security problem at border areas between DRC and Rwanda, the PSC resolved that the Rwandese rebels be disarmed immediately, and pledged that the AU would give the necessary support to the DRC in disarming the rebels. It has also resolved that the rebels be brought before the international tribunal for involvement in the Rwandan genocide 10 years ago. Conflict prevention possible through ensuring good governance, speeding up dev't: Addisu GAMBELLA (ENA) - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Addisu Legesse said that conflicts in the less developed states could be prevented by speeding up development and ensuing good governance. "This is the only alternative to avoid conflict in these states," Addisu said at the conclusion of a two-day visit here yesterday by a delegation of the Council of Ministers. Thus, he said, leaderships and experts at all level should embark on development activities mobilizing the public at large cementing strong relations among themselves and also promoting transparency and accountability. Addis underscored the importance of enlightening the public not to become victims of anti-peace elements. The federal government in collaboration with the state government is carrying out various activities with a view to promoting good governance and speeding up development, according to the Deputy Prime Minister. The delegation, comprising of ministers and state ministers of education, health, water and federal affairs, heard mid-term performance and reports of experts. The delegation also had discussions with the elderly on bringing about sustainable peace in the state. Speaker attends Kuffour inauguration, meets Ethiopian community ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Speaker of the House of the Federation Dr. Mulatu Teshome has held discourse with Ethiopians residing in Ghana. The Speaker met members of the Ethiopian community in Ghana after attending, on behalf of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, the inauguration of President John Kuffour on January 7,2005. Dr Mulatu briefed members of the Ethiopian community about the positive results being registered in Ethiopia in the socio-economic development sectors, according to a press release the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent to ENA yesterday. Dr. Mulatu told the Ethiopians in Ghana that tangible results have been achieved through the implementation of government policies and strategies. He expressed conviction that Ethiopia would be extricated from poverty situation in a short period if all Ethiopians contribute their share in the ongoing all-round activities. He also gave detailed briefing about the 5-point peace proposal the Ethiopian Government has put forward to resolve the dispute with Eritrea. President Kuffour won a second terms during the December 7,2004 presidential and parliamentary elections. He was sworn in January 7, 2005 in the presence of thousands of people, leaders and senior officials from a number of countries as well as invited guests. Dr. Mulatu also met the Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana Ebenezer Sekyi Hughes with whom he held discussions on issues of common interest; the release quoted the Ethiopian Embassy in Accra as saying. Toure speaks of continued UNDP support to Ethiopia ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The newly appointed UNDP Resident Representative said that the UN specialized agency will continue extending its support to Ethiopia focusing on sustainable development and poverty reduction. The newly appointed UNDP Resident Representative and UN Resident Coordinator in Ethiopia, Modibo Toure, said at a programme organized to introduce him to media people here yesterday that the UN specialized agency has been assisting Ethiopia in the realization of the development policies and strategies. Toure expressed commitment to further strengthen the friendly relations between Ethiopia and the UNDP in particular and the UN in general. It was stated at the programme that 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. He just completed a three-year assignment in Chad (2001-2004) as UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative and recently as Humanitarian Coordinator. Prior to joining the UN, Toure worked in the private sector in the US as well as in the civil service in Mali. Toure officially submitted his credentials to the Ethiopian Government on September 17,2004. ================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan. 12,2004 =========================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Read only the mail you want - Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu Jan 13 13:36:45 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:15 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050113113645.60576.qmail@web53304.mail.yahoo.com> January 13, 2005 Meles says Ethiopia keen to strengthen cooperation with Turkey ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi expressed Ethiopia's desire to further enhance its cooperation with Turkey in textile industry and construction sectors. While conferring with the Turkish delegation led by Minister of Transport and Cochairman of the Ethio-Turkish Joint Economic Commission Binali Wildirim here yesterday, Meles said Ethiopia was also keen to draw lessons from Turkey's experience in textile industrial development sector. He said his country was also desirous to work in partnership with Turkey in the areas of road and real estate construction sectors, according to a spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was pointed out during the discussion that the two countries are expected to sign agreements on civil aviation that would enable establish strong air links between Addis Ababa and Ankara at the conclusion of the Ethio-Turkish Joint Economic Commission Meeting underway here. The two sides had on the occasion reached consensus to create conducive situation enabling Turkish entrepreneurs to involve in the construction of roads, dams and infrastructures in Ethiopia, according to the spokesperson. Prime Minister Meles also gave briefings to the delegation about the objectives of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). The spokesperson said the talks between Meles and the Turkish delegation was constructive. CETU calls on member to actively participate in elections ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Confederation for Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU) called upon members to get registered within the set timetable. CETU President Amare Alemayehu told ENA yesterday that workers should be registered first to be able to elect those who work to ensure their rights and benefits as well as their democratic rights. Members of unions should discharge their responsibilities of electing trustworthy and honest candidates, he said. Amare also said the workers should elect independent party candidates, who champion the rights of trade unions. National Plantation, Fishery and Agro-Industry Federation President Gebeyehu Adugna said on his part that preparation is well underway to give orientation to workers to enable them participate actively in the elections. International relations sector Head Haile-Silassie said on his part that various programmes have been organized to enable workers to realize the significance and concept of election. State Council supports peace plan MAKALLE (WIC) - The Tigray State Council disclosed that the New Peace Initiative proposed by Ethiopia to resolve its border dispute with Eritrea is instrumental in playing pivotal role in the expedition of development, democracy and good governance in the country. At the 11th regular conference of the State Council launched here Tuesday, participants said that the peace proposal would have significant importance in settling the hostile environment between the two countries in a lasting and durable manner, ensuring brotherly relationships between the peoples and common development and prosperity. They have pledged on the occasion to exert utmost efforts in the implementation of the peace plan, as it would preserve the sovereignty and national interest of the country. The participants of the conference have also urged the peoples of both countries to intensify their joint struggle towards ensuring lasting peace in the Horn, as there is no party that could benefit in waging war. House holds public hearing on amended electoral law ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - A public hearing was held to discuss the amended electoral law at the House of Peoples Representatives. According to Legal and Administrative Affairs Standing Committee with the House, some 19 points are included in the amended electoral law. The existing electoral law obliges individuals who want to get elected to live at least for five years in the same kebele, but the amended electoral law minimized the period to two years. The amended electoral law also allows registered candidates to call meetings and organize demonstrations until the election period is finalized with out getting permission from pertinent administration or municipality by only informing them. The right of the public and various organizations to represent their respective election observers has also been included in the amended law, it was pointed out. The government has the right to invite foreign observers if it deemed necessary were also included in the law, it was learnt. Representatives of opposition parties, the Houses of peoples' Representatives and the Federation and others attended the hearing. Representatives of some of opposition parties said some articles of the existing electoral law which need to be changed as requested by opposition parties have not been amended. =================================== Pol.ethiopia Jan.13,2004 ============================ __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - You care about security. So do we. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri Jan 14 13:51:02 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:15 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050114115102.87953.qmail@web53309.mail.yahoo.com> January 14, 2005 Axowrthy says peace proposal momentous decision ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - United Nations Secretary General Special Envoy to Ethiopia and Eritrea Lloyd Axworthy said the new proposal put forward by the Ethiopian Government to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute is momentous decision and need to be supported. While conferring with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi here yesterday, Axworthy said that the five-point proposal was an important measure for the resolution of the conflict peace-fully. He said that the new peace initiative has also got acceptance among the international community. Axworthy said that the discussion between Prime Minister Meles and him, which was held for the third time, was part of the efforts launched by the United National to solve the Ethio-Eritrea border dispute peacefully. The UN has also planned to hold a series of meetings with the two nations with the objective of resolving the conflict between them, he added. Axworthy expressed his personal commitment to the peaceful resolution of the dispute, according to a spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He said Ethiopia is committed to resolve the dispute peacefully realizing the devastating consequences of war, the spokesperson said. Prime Minister Meles stressed the need on his part that pressurize the party that refuses to peacefully resolve the dispute was absolutely necessary. Deputy Speaker stresses intensifying Nile dev't joint effort ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives says that efforts being harnessed to work jointly with the Nile Basin countries need to be intensified to extricate Ethiopia from poverty and improve the livelihood of its people. Briefing journalists yesterday, on the January 8-9,2005 parliamentary forum of Nile Basin countries in Cairo, Egypt, Dr. Petros Olango said that the forum has discussed issues pertaining to the utilization of the Nile River for development based on the interest of the over 300 million people residing in the Basin. He said representatives of the Ethiopian Parliament participated in the forum with a view to promoting the interest of the Ethiopian people to the development of the River. The session would enable the Basin countries work in close cooperation in the areas of trade, tourism, as well as private sector apart from facilitating conditions to utilize the River, Dr. Petros said. He further said that a Parliamentary Forum comprising four parliamentary leadership from each Nile Basin country has been established. The forum will have an advisor role, he added. Dr. Petros also said that the forum would organize debate that would enable to design a mechanism aimed at exploiting the Nile Basin for the development of all riparian countries. The meeting is held annually. Gov't policy enables to register significant achievements: Officials ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The government has taken important strategic and policy measures that further develop industrial, infrastructure, finance and economic sectors, senior government official said. Professionals engaged in the sectors said on their part that though the measures have enabled to achieve encouraging results, there is still room that calls for improvement. The remarks were made at a policy discussion forum yesterday at the UN Conference Centre on industrial, urban and service delivery policies by ministers and professionals engaged in the sector. The ministers said that the government has been able to register significant achievements in the sectors through its strategic plans and policies. The government will continue to take measures to achieve the desired objective, they added. Industry and Trade State Minister Tadesse Haile pointed out that the government has taken various measures to strengthen the private and industrial sectors of the economy. He said the government has been supporting and providing incentives particularly to private manufacturing industries and to export-oriented business to help boost their undertakings. Tadesse said that changing the trend of monopolizing the industrial sector of the economy, which was used to be promoted by the previous regime, the incumbent government has helped establish 909 local manufacturers so far, which, he said, has enabled the private sector to own 85 per cent of local industries in the country. The share of private industries in the overall production constitutes 40 per cent, he added. Tadesse said the country had also managed to obtain 596 million USD in export revenue last year. Ethiopia has also planned to obtain billions in foreign exchange from the export of 500 million tons of textile products alone in the next five years, he added. The State Minister also announces plan to increase sugar-cane plantation from the 24,000 to 104,000 hectares that will help increase sugar-production six-fold amounting to 1.7 million tons. Infrastructure Minister Dr. Kassu Illala said that over 4,000 tele centres have been established across the country. He said the installation of rural network has already been launched, which, he said, is fundamental to the country's economic development. Dr. Kassu said priority has also been given to help export and manufacturing industries and industrial zones get access to telephone and electric lines. Vice Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia Alem-Seged said on his part that the number of financial institutions, which was limited only to four during the reign of the previous regime, has now reached to 12. He said there are also 23 microfinance institutions with a cumulative capital of 380 million birr and a membership of 800,000. The professionals on their part have identified problems existing in industrial, infrastructure and finance sectors. The discussion was organized by Inter-Africa Group. ================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan.14,2004 ===================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? The all-new My Yahoo! - What will yours do? http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Jan 17 10:48:44 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:15 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050117084844.20836.qmail@web53304.mail.yahoo.com> January 15, 2005 Ethiopians in Diaspora pronounce backing dev't endeavours at home by Dejene Tesemma ADDIS ABABA - Ethiopians living in different parts of the world pronounced backing development endeavours in their home country with a commitment that transcends partisan political rhetoric and complaints o any form. At a conference organized by Forum International for Ethiopians Living in the Diaspora (FIELD) and Lem Ethiopia yesterday here at the Hilton Hotel renowned Ethiopians drawn from Europe, the U.S, and Canada among whom 20 are famous scientists, pledged to assist their country financially and technically as just the Indians, Pakistanis, Egyptians and Sri Lankans are doing in their respective home lands. Opening the one-day conference H.E President Girma Wolde Giorgis called upon Ethiopians living in the Diaspora to help their country by generating viable solutions engaging in capacity building and developing investment and entrepreneurship to alleviate extreme poverty, that challenges their country of origin. Dr. Berha Tesfa Costantinos President of Lem Ethiopia and Chief, FIELD Ethiopian Secretariat in its welcome address indicated that there has not been a platform that could bring Ethiopians in the Diaspora, friends of Ethiopia and local partners together to discuss pressing issues concerning this ancient country. In response to this vacuity Lem Ethiopia, People to People and various collaborating organizations are establishing an international forum for Ethiopians living in the Diaspora, Berha Tesfa said. Distinguished panelists that include Noah Samara, President and Chief Executive Officer of World Space Inc., Dr. Enawgaw Mehari, President People to People Inc, Girma Waque CEO, Ethiopian Airlines, Professor David Shinn former US Ambassador to Ethiopia, Temesgen Hailu President Association for Higher Education and Development in Canada, Azeb Tadesse P2P Programme Director and Deputy Director of African Studies at the University of California, Dr. Tadesse Wuhib, Director Centre for Disease Control (CDC) Ethiopia, Charles Kwenin, Director International Migration Organization (IOM), Ambassador Wubshet Demisse, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and many others spoke on various issues such as brain drainage, HIV/AIDS, knowledge transfer, advocacy, partnership, Diaspora - local linkage and many others. The participants and the panelists pointed out that unity of purpose is very important to nation building and they have also indicated that the Diaspora can play crucial role in improving trade of Ethiopia by introducing Ethiopian goods bringing home knowledge, information and skills, facilitating twinning of national institutions with foreign counter parts and advocating their country's interest world wide. They also called upon the government to create conducive environment for the Diaspora so that they can feel free and safe while engaging in nation building here at home. They further called for direct and forth coming policy that allow the Diaspora who is accustomed to simple and transparent bureaucratic system in the developed world while bringing finance, knowledge and technology back home. Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the occasion pointed out facilities that the government has afforded so far and pledged to look in to some areas in the policies where bottlenecks are felt. The organizers of the forum said they would continue working hard to bring together various individuals with interest and research to participate in nation building. They are planning to create sense of oneness among the Diaspora through varieties of activities such as conferences, festivals, exhibitions, and tournaments and cite visits to historical places, it was learnt. Lavrov pledges Russia's support for peace proposal implementation ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Government of Russia will assist in the efforts to see the peace proposal Ethiopia has recently put forward to resolve the dispute with Eritrea implemented, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said. The Russian Foreign Minister made the pledge during talks in Moscow with his Ethiopian counterpart Seyoum Mesfin to Thursday. The two sides on the occasion dwelt at length on the Ethio-Russian bilateral cooperation and other issues of common interest, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told ENA in a press release yesterday. Lavrov on the occasion said the Ethiopian Government with its latest peace initiative proves itself committed to peace. He said Russia has already expressed support to the peace initiative. The two sides agreed to hold the Ethio-Russian Joint Commission Meeting in mid this year, the release said. During his stay, Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin along with the chairman and members of the foreign relations committee of the Russian Federation provided briefing on issues of development and democratization process in the Horn of Africa, conflict situations in the region as well as on ways of strengthening the relations between Russia and the African Union, the release indicated. Following the talks and briefing, Foreign Minister Seyoum and his Russian counterpart Lavrov gave a joint press statement. After concluding his three-day visit to Russia, Seyoum returned home later on Thursday. Ethiopian Pan Africanist Party officially launched ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Pan Africanist Party said that it would field candidates who hold alternative views in its contest in the upcoming national elections. The party will be represented by over 200 candidates who will be running for seats in the House of Peoples' Representatives of State Councils, Party Chairman Abdul Fetah Huldar said at the party's official launching yesterday. The elections should serve as an opportunity in which new ideas are entertained, alternatives come out, the culture of co-existence and respect to differences prevail democratization nurtured and citizens' political participation grows, he said. The problems the country is in deep-seated and complex for one party or group to solve, he said, adding the winner party is expected to draw forces involving all political sides to work towards salvaging it. Officials, experts underscore need for further strengthening urban dev't endeavours by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The policy measures and reform programmes implemented by the government in the urban development sector have been registering encouraging achievements though much remains to be done to meet the desired goal, Federal Affairs Minister and city government representative said. Experts working in the area on their part suggested that the policy measures have to be carefully designed taking the various research findings as an input to address the problems of the society giving emphasis to follow ups during implementation. At a Policy Forum organized by the Inter-Africa Group at the UN Conference Centre yesterday, Ato Abay Tsehaye indicated that the various activities undertaken in the areas of developing infrastructure, real estate, housing construction, service delivery as well as good governance and democracy were promising. According to the Minister, the government has formulated sound economic policies to meet the basic needs of the society such as infrastructure development, housing construction and providing assistance to citizens engaged in micro and small-scale businesses through the provision of skill training and credit. The policies also acknowledge the rights of cities to administer themselves through decentralizing power upto the grass roots enhancing the society's full participation in development activities. They are also meant to realize transparent and accountable service delivery systems, the Minister said. The Minister also explained that the urban policy has enabled people of different background, belief and culture to live in harmony, making these areas market centres for the farmers. It has also created job opportunities for quite a number of citizens making them centres of excellence to create conducive environment for technology transfer and the provision of information to farmers. "The policy was designed based on the country's agriculture led industrialization development policy." The active participation of the community, governmental and nongovernmental organizations is instrumental in further enhancing their efforts and attaining the desired goal, Ato Abay said. Representing the Addis Ababa City Government, Dr. Abraham Tekeste said that important strategic and policy measures have been taken to speed up development and provide efficient services to the public. According to Dr. Abraham, last year the city government earmarked 46 million birr with the provision of 222,000 square metres of land to those engaged in micro and small-scale industry. And this year, apart from the designation of 58 hectares as an industrial zone, the city government will construct 45,000 houses which are expected to create job opportunity for 20,000 people, he added. The city government also allocates 79 per cent of its budget to capital budget annually out of which 1.5 billion is channeled to housing construction as an indication of its commitment to the development of the city, Dr. Abraham said. Also on the occasion experts in the sector underlined the importance of taking policy measures to realize fair population distribution among urban areas and improvements of service delivery system to effectively benefit the residents. They also suggested the possible inputs controlling population growth, migration of people and creating job opportunity for the society. The policy forum was an extension of Thursday's discussion on industrial, infrastructure, finance and economic sectors. The discussions pave the way for the ruling and opposition parties' debate for the coming three consecutive Sundays' organized by Inter Africa Group. January 16, 2005 President urges Foundation to pursue consulting and sharing experiences with leaders ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis has urged the Global Leadership Foundation to pursue it activities of consulting and sharing leadership experiences with leaders. During talks with Foundation's Chief Executive Officer John Shepherd at the National Palace yesterday, the President expressed his appreciation for the Foundation's objective of solving problems through consultation with leaders of troubled countries. Girma has also expressed his belief that the Foundation would contribute a lot to ensure peace in the Sudan and Palestine by making recommendations for solution. Shepherd on his part said since the Foundation was established very recently, the visit was aimed at introducing the Foundation and its future activities to the Ethiopian President. The CEO briefed Girma on the establishment, future plans and activities of the Foundation in resolving conflicts peacefully and improving the living standards of peoples, the spokesperson added. Members of the Global Leadership Foundation are former leaders, the CEO said, adding they would share their leadership experiences with leaders in office to enable them develop their skill of solving complex problems. ============================== Pol.ethiopia Jan. 17,2004 ===================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? The all-new My Yahoo! - What will yours do? http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue Jan 18 11:13:00 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:15 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Itmes Message-ID: <20050118091300.35480.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> January 18, 2005 Meles optimistic Ethiopia will achieve food self-sufficiency by 2007 ADDIS ABABA - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said Ethiopia would hopefully achieve food self-sufficiency by 2007 as over the past two years alone the agricultural growth of the country has been in double digit figures. In a discussion he made with BBC World's Talking Point edition last Sunday, Prime Minister Meles responded to such questions as - What Ethiopia plans to deal with its food crisis? What the impact of the Asian tsunami will be on Africa and the Asian tsunami will be on Africa and the impact of Tony Blair's Africa Commission in eradicating poverty on the continent and many others. The Prime Minister said he doesn't believe that the positive response to the tsunami disaster in Asia necessary means there is less aid for Africa. Ethiopia and Africa need to improve governance as an end in itself, not as a means of coaxing additional assistance from the international community, Meles said. He further added that even though good governance is necessary for speedy economic development because the continent needs rapid change and combating corruption, there should not necessarily exist a connection between aid and good governance and corruption. According to Meles, aid is given as a sort of human solidarity and in recognition of the need to help those in need. If those in need live under governments that are corrupt, that does not mean they don't deserve aid, meles said. A question was also raised whether education should have the top priority in Africa. Responding to this question, Prime Minister Meles said education is clearly an important part of the solution to be self-sufficient. In the case of Ethiopia primary school enrolment was 17 per cent when his government took over. As thousands of new schools are built over the past decade, the rate has now reached 72 per cent, and that is the right direction, he said. "Agriculture-led industrialization policy registering remarkable results": EPRDF "No rapid development through agriculture-led industrialization": Oppositions by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The ruling Ethiopian Peoples' Revolution Democratic Front (EPRDF) said the current agriculture-led industrialization policy is an appropriate tool and is registering remarkable results in fostering development of the country. Opposition parties on the other hand denounced the policy for its failure to bring about speedy development and inability to benefit the majority. On the live televised and broadcast electoral debate organized by the Inter Africa Group at the UN Conference Centre Sunday, four national parties debated on industrial sector policy defending their stands. Representing EPRDF, Minister of Trade and Industry Girma Biru along with Minister of Revenue Getachew Belay said the current policy has benefited quite a number of people, enhanced investment and export revenue, among others. The ministers said the rationale for making the agriculture sector lead the industry comes from the objective reality of our country at present. They justified the point as saying agriculture supports the livelihood of the majority of the Ethiopian population, provides abundant manpower and supplies adequate raw materials for the industrial sector. They further said the country could not afford huge capital at present and as a result of that industry would take the lead gradually. According to the ministers, the policy clearly indicates what the fate of the sector would look like in twenty years ahead in addition to playing a pivotal role in facilitating sustainable development in the country now. So far, 22 per cent of the export revenue is generated from the sector while the investment capital has exceeded 29 billion birr enabling quite a number of citizens get employment opportunity. According to EPRDF representatives, the private sector is the engine of the industrialization policy and the government plays the facilitation role arranging fertile grounds that enable them flourish. With this due respect, various reforms have been undertaken to encourage local and foreign investment they said. They mentioned the efforts made in the provision of land, improvement of infrastructures and other relevant services. The ministers also explained the policy's particular focus on the micro and small-scale industries and the priority areas it has taken into account among which textile, cotton, agro processing as well as construction are the main ones. As concerns identification of industrial zones, the representatives indicated that 1,272 hectares of land has been allotted in 35 towns around the country while preparations are underway to make ready another 1,214 hectares of land with all facilities. To assist the leather industry in particular, a training centre has been established with an outlay of 120 million birr, the ministers said. Moreover, in 1996 E.C. alone 96,000 citizens got job opportunity in the micro business areas they said. Representatives of Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) Engineer Hailu Shawol and Dr. Befekadu Degife on their part criticized the current policy for its failure to create peaceful industrial atmosphere, give conducive environment for investment and for wrongly prioritizing agriculture instead of industry. "With its all backward state at present, the agriculture sector is not productive. Moreover, the pollution pressure and the environmental degradation that the government has given no consideration is worsening productivity of the agricultural sector," says CUD. According to the representatives of CUD, the farmers could sell their products at better price and get wide farming land if the industry leads the economy. If their party gets the chance to power, it would make the rule of law reign, create good governance and stability on order to develop confidence of investors bring about industrial peace. They also said their party would strive to realize fair distribution of industrialization among states. Coalition of Ethiopian Democratic Forces (CEDF) representatives Dr. Beyene Petros together with Mekuria Gebre-Mariam criticized EPRDF for lacking clear industrialization policy other than a strategy. The current document that EPRDF formulated in 1994 E.C. is mere strategy, which we perceive as executing tool without policy they said. They criticized the government again for its reluctance to privatize state owned industries, allowing polluting factories and denying the industrial employees job security. They said their party would improve all the defects they said prevailing now if it comes to power with priority to the industrial sector. The All Ethiopian Democratic Party (AEDP) representatives Zelele Wolde-Silassie and Workineh Liulseged also expressed their party's stand on the industrial sector criticizing EPRDF of the wrong approach it followed in its policy. Contrary to that of EPRDF industrial policy, AEDP said it would follow Market-Industry-Agriculture ordered policy. According to AEDP, it is the availability of market that guides what kind of industry to encourage and what kind of raw materials to produce for the industrial to encourage and what kind of raw materials to produce for the industrial consumption. They said that their party utmost encourages export trade and support the private sector by providing loans without collateral considering project feasibility and minimizing taxes. The party also said it would give emphasis to boosting products of comparative advantages. In addition, it said it would encourage local investors and the use of cheap labour force. Various questions were raised from the media, representatives of associations', experts and other people who attended the debate and the parties responded accordingly. The debate would continue in the coming two consecutive Sunday on other issues like infrastructure, finance and economy as well as urban development. EOC holds prayer service for tsunami victims ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) Sunday held a prayer service for the over 150,000 people killed in Southeast Asia's devastating tsunami two weeks ago. Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, His Holiness Abune Paulos said on the occasion that the prayer service was organized with a view to expressing heartfelt sorrow for victims of tsunami. Abune Paulos said the church is duty bound to remember victims in prayer whenever such unexpected tragedy happens. Indonesian Ambassador, Alwis Azizat Murad said on his part that the prayer indicates the church's commitment to promote solidarity and tolerance among the different social and cultural values of the peoples of the world. Some 105,000 Indonesians were killed by the disaster, the ambassador said. President Girma Wolde Giorgis Addis Ababa Mayor Arkebe Equbay, the faithful and resident diplomats attended the service held at the Bole Holy Savior Church. Similar prayer services were also held in various churches and monasteries across the nation. Network seeks clarification of terms in amended electoral law by a Staff Reporter ADDIS ABABA - Members of Ethiopian Civil Societies for Election Network, a recently established coalition requested for explanation and agreed on the need for clarity of words and phrases embodied in the amended draft electoral law before it is endorsed. At an urgent consultative meeting it called at the Ghion Hotel yesterday, network members expressed their concern regarding phrases substituted in the new draft law mainly the article that explains about the groups of observers unlike the previous one, which stipulates civil societies as observers. According to the members, despite the positive measures taken by the government to include some positive issues pertinent to the election process, the substitution of the phrase "non-governmental organizations or civil society organizations by mass organizations" in Article 23 could be ambiguous and open room for the exclusion of this group. As the Electoral Board divides observers into two: mobile and immobile categorizing them into the mobile group could hamper to have the full picture of the election process, they said. They reached a consensus to get an explanation and a clear definition of the phrase 'mass organizations' and if at all it excluded them seek its improvement before endorsement. The comment would be presented to the House before it is tabled for endorsement soon. ====================================== Pol.ethiopia Jan.18,2004 =========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri Jan 21 14:20:30 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:15 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050121122030.14275.qmail@web53302.mail.yahoo.com> January 19, 2005 Millennium Project Report launched ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The UN Millennium Project Report was launched officially here yesterday under a title "Investing in Development: A practical plan to achieve the Millennium Development Goals." The report that is based on the work conducted by more than 250 of the world's leading development practitioners and academics over the past two years, presents a practical plan for achieving the goals. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi expressed full support to the recommendations of the Millennium Project Report towards achieving the MDGs. Ethiopia is implementing various programmes and strategies including poverty reduction strategies, capacity building programmes as well as civil service reforms, he said. Meles also said that Ethiopia has put plan in place to promote private sector, particularly the domestic private sector. Meles said: "We have undertaken a need assessment to identify what we have to do to achieve MDGs". Development assistance to Ethiopia is increasing substantially, according to Meles. Ethiopia is undertaking need assessment for the past seven months in collaboration with UN Country Team and the World Bank, State Minister of Finance and Economic Development Dr. Mulu Ketsela said. Accordingly, she said, Ethiopia is finalizing MDGs need assessment exercise in a bid to achieve MDGs. Support of the international community is critical towards achieving MDGs, Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, Professor Alpha Omar Konare said in his speech read by his representative, Commissioner for Economic Affairs with AU. "The Millennium Project Report provides a blue print a Bradley common view of the challenges, costs, the approach the international community needs to adopt in 2005 to set developing countries in track for the next decade to meet the 2015 deadline, "UN Resident Coordinator in Ethiopia, Modibo Toure said. He said the report calls for a comprehensive reform of the development assistance system in a manner that would ensure greater flexibility and predictability as well as better coherence and alignment with MDG-driven national processes. The main finding and recommendations of the report are very relevant to Ethiopia since many of them such as the need to formulate and implement MDG-driven poverty reduction strategies are on-going, he said. Ministers, ambassadors representative of donor community, faith based organizations and the private sectors as well a s other guests attended the launching of the report. House endorses amended electoral law ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The House of Peoples' Representatives approved a bill amending electoral law and the appointment of Federal High and First Instance Courts. In its regular session held here yesterday, the House endorsed the bill with two objections and seven abstentions. According to House Legal Administration Affairs Standing Committee, a public hearing on the bill was held January 12, 2005 in the presence of executives of the Ministry of Justice and the National Electoral Board. The bill was amended to make it comply with the Federal Constitution, it said. The amended proclamation ensures the rights of voting and getting elected, it was pointed out during the session. The bill was endorsed after making some amendments. The House has also approved the appointment of judges of five Federal High and three First Instance Courts. Political parties to introduce programmes through radio, TV beginning today ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The National Electoral Board announces the issuance of airtime slot in which contesting political parties introduce their programmes. Political Parties Registration Office Acting Registrar Mekonnen Wondimu said yesterday that the ruling party, the Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) and United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) will introduce their respective political programmes thrice in a week through television beginning today. Individual parties and other political parties will also be given adequate airtime to launch their election campaign, Mekonnen said. EPRDF, CUD and EUDF would launch their campaign through radio for five consecutive days in a week in various vernaculars, he added. Mekonnen further indicated that the distribution of airtime for political parties operating at state level will be determined in a draw. Axum Obelisk said symbol of Ethiopian civilization ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - Cross sections of the society underscored the significance of the return of Axum Obelisk as it is the symbol and manifestation of the identity, wisdom and civilization of Ethiopians. At a discussion held yesterday in the ETV studio, the participants said the return of the Obelisk would symbolize the patriotic struggle of our forefathers against invading and colonizing forces. They said it would also enable to smoothly transfer such spirit of patriotism from generation to generation. Preparations are currently well underway by various sub committees with a view to colorful reception to the Obelisk. They said various income soliciting events would also be organized to materialize the colorful reception of the Obelisk. Walta Information Centre General Manager Negash Teklu said on the occasion that the Centre has planned to organize a symposium next month where pertinent research papers are expected to be presented and tabled for discussion. Heads of various governmental organizations, patriots, representatives of women's and youth associations, scholars, prominent personalities and religious heads have attended the panel discussion. The panel was jointly organized by Ethiopian Radio and Television, Walta Information Centre, and National Heritages Return Committee. The Axum Obelisk, having a height of 25 metres and weighing 150 tons, was taken away from its home land by the invading Italian forces and erected in Rome, where it stayed for the last 60 years. January 20, 2005 Project discovers new ancestral hominid fossils in Afar ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - New ancestral hominid fossils dated between 4.51-4.32 million years ago have been discovered at an area locally known as As Duma in Gona Western Margin in the Afar State. Assigned to "Ardipithicus ramidus", the hominid specimens were discovered at the Gona Palaeoanthropological Research Project site, Authority for Research and Conservation of Hertitage (ARCCH) told ENA yesterday. The earliest hominid specimens belonging to this genus were first discovered only 12 years ago in the Middle Awash, a neighbouring study area located about 90 km south of Gona. The Gona team has also discovered numerous new hominid fossils from several key evolutionary periods including hominid fossils that are estimated to be around 5.5 million years, skulls belonging to the earliest representative of genus Homo, which are still under study. Gona preserves a continuous archeological record on the stone tool making and use behaviors of the modern man ancestors, from the earliest dated to 2.6 million years to younger age stone tools estimated to be half-a-million years. Dr. Sileshi Semaw, Direcrtor of Gona Project, who is based at CRAFT Research Centre and Stone Age Institute, Indiana University is quoted as saying, "Gona for a long time was known just for the discovery of the oldest stone tools in the world. Our latest research has shown that it is a unique site with a long sequence preserving a wealth of information both on the biological origin as well as the cultural beginnings and evolution of humankind from the earliest to the more recent." Recently, hominid fossils dated between 5.8-5.2 million years ago were announced from the Middle Awash, which were assigned to a new species named Ardipithecus Kadabba, the Research project said in a back-ground information. "Based on the current evidence from Gona and the Middle Awash, Kadabba is the oldest and ramidus the slightly younger hominid species belonging to the genus Ardipithecus," it said. "Scientists believe that Ardipithecus is the earliest hominid genus after the split from the common ancestor that gave rise to chimpanzees and the human branch of our ancestry." The Gona discovery, the first outside of the Middle Awash, is believed to add knowledge to understanding of the ecological context as well as the skeletal biology of this species, which is currently known only from bits and pieces of fossil remains represented by a few jaws, isolated teeth and fragmentary postcranial bones, it indicated. The multidisciplinary research team began field work in 1999 and discovered the first jaw and finger bone during the first field season. More hominid discoveries are needed from sites such as Gona to fully understand the biological origins of our ancestors, Sileshi said. The research permission for the work in the Afar is granted by ARCHH and the National Museum, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. ======================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan. 21,2005 ============================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue Jan 25 15:45:22 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:15 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050125134522.76705.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> January 22, 2005 UEDF vows to change gov't policies ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - The Union of Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) said that it would strive for the development of the country by changing the policies of the ruling party if elected in the upcoming elections. Introducing the programme of UEDF to the residents of Hosana town, Dr. Beyene Petros, First Vice-President of the Union, said although their demand for the amendment of the electoral law has not been adequately met, it would contest in the elections. Dr. Beyene said that the Union plans to change the education policy which it described as generation killer and the land policy that causes displacement as well as the resettlement and water harvesting programmes that have 'proved worthless,' and called upon the people to register as voters realizing the significance of the elections. Meanwhile, the Gambella Peoples' Movement said that it has fielded 85 candidates for the elections. Movement Vice-Chairman Umed Ubong said yesterday that 82 would vie for seats in the State Council and three for House of Peoples' Representatives. The Vice-Chairperson called upon election executives and observers to ensure peace and democracy so that the people would be able to elect the people they trust. ERCS donates 25,000 USD to tsunami-hit African countries by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) yesterday announced that it has donated 25,000 USD to assist people affected by the tsunami recently in two African countries. In a press briefing he gave on the premises of the Society ERCS President Shimelis Adugna said that the money would be distributed to Somalia (15,000 USD) and Seychelles (10,000 USD) through the Red Crescent and Red Cross Societies respectively for emergency needs and rehabilitation. Asked about why the Society focused only on these two countries, he said that they are the most vulnerable and at the same time given less attention by the international community. "The disaster has killed 150 and wounded 54,000 Somalis. In Seychelles, two killed, 21 others wounded and 500 families remain homeless. The undersea earthquake has also affected many people from Kenya, Tanzania, Mauritania, Comoros, the president indicated. In addition, he expressed ERCS's readiness to provide similar assistance anytime and anywhere despite its limited resources. Fertile ground has also been created to solicit assistance from the Ethiopian people, he said. According to the president, though the assistance is insignificant, it shows the deep concern of ERCS to the rest of the world strengthening the solidarity among African countries in particular and other countries in general. The massive undersea earthquake off the coast of Indonesia on December 26, 2004 triggered deadly tidal waves, which smashed into Indian Ocean coastlines, killing more than 220,000 people. ERCS was established in 1935, during the time of the Italian aggression. Now it has 1.8 million members and 700,000 volunteers and is assisting many people through its 11 state, 26 zonal and 42 woreda offices as well as 1,792 kebele committees around the country, the President said. Women's struggle for justice must be consolidated, sustained: Ministry ADDIS ABABA - The Ministry of Information said women's struggle for justice should be consolidated and sustained, as their role in efforts being made to extricate society from poverty and backwardness is decisive. In its weekly statement issued yesterday the ministry said, the contribution of women in the multifarious activities of society is enormously huge. Women work for longer hours and shoulder the burden compared to their male counterparts, it said. As women play a decisive role in discharging household and family duties, their contribution to development and progress of a country should get higher consideration, the statement said. According to the statement, the FDRE Constitution, which is the result of sacrifices of the general public and women in particular, has provisions to promote the equality of women. The country's laws were also revised and amended to ensure the human and democratic rights of women. Taking advantage of these provisions, women are ensuring their rights by raising their participation in the day-to-day activities of the society, it said. "It is important to note that the ruling party has decided to reserve a minimum of 30 per cent of the decision-making at every level for women. Other contending parties have also made similar decisions, which is encouraging,' the statement said. The statement finally called upon women to register in time for the upcoming May elections and prepare themselves to win. January 23, 2005 ONC sees benefits in amended electoral law, calls for voter huge turn out CUD demands candidate presenting timetable extension ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Oromo National Congress (ONC) said the amended electoral law will have a significant contribution towards the activities of the party, though it has fallen short of meeting demands. The congress also called upon the electorate to turn out en masse in the May national elections. The amended electoral law that precludes the previous requirement for opposition candidates to submit 500 endorsement signatures was in the party's interest, ON Executive Committee member Almaz Seifu said yesterday. "The emanates not from anticipating failure that we may not be able to solicit the necessary support, but rather for avoiding the intimidation that supporters would otherwise have faced," said Almaz who is also Head of the Party's Political Affairs. She said the public used to be denied clean water and health services for supporting oppositions, adding the amended law offers security to the people and makes early preparations smooth. ONC, however does believe that the desired solution has been achieved on issues regarding the electoral board and election executives, she said. "ONC hopes that such issues will be settled in future consultations." She further indicated that as all election executives are civil servants, this undoubtedly puts a cloud over the democratic conduct of the election. Meanwhile, Almaz said ONC will field candidates in Addis Ababa and in all zones of Oromia State. ONC will strive to field candidates who are trusted and respected by their constituents, she said. "Any candidate who fails the people's trust will be sacked not only from candidacy, but from party membership as well." She finally called upon the public to get registered at their polling stations to make the election process democratic. Meanwhile, the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) has demanded the extension of timetable to present candidates. The National Electoral Board, however, said that adding more days on the timetable will create work burden. CUD officials told ENA that the party requested for more days to field its candidates to be selected first by member parties separately, and then endorsed in merger joint meeting. CUD believes that candidates should be nominated carefully, Chekol Getahun and Lidetu Ayalew said. As only 12 days are left for the deadline to expire, the government and the Board should give attention to the issue, which they said is critical. Deputy Head of NEBE Tesfaye Mengesha said on his part that earlier the Board had extended its election timetable by a month in response to opposition political parties demand. He said any extension of the timetable now will create work burden. He however pledged to submit the CUD demand before the Board. Meanwhile, Coalition for Unity and Democracy said the peace initiative tabled by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi to resolve the Ethio-Eritrea border conflict would not bring a lasting peace. Speaking to a gathering called by the party in Bahir Dar town yesterday. Chairman of the Coalition, Dr. Admassu Gebeyehu said that the peace plan couldn't bring lasting peace as it violates the sovereignty of the country. The Vice-Chairman said a peace proposal which did not involve the people have not discussed by the public wouldn't establish durable peace. As accepting the EBBC's decision in principle requires the implementation of verdict, and EPRDF's peace plan is against the interest of the country, he added. Dr. Admassu, who said that lasting peace cannot be achieved by giving up Badme, Irob and Bure territories and citizens, he instead urged the brotherly peoples of Ethiopia and Eritrea to seek ways of finding lasting solutions through neutral intermediaries. The Vice Chairman called upon the public to come out and get registered in the remaining 15 days and vote for the same parties as the ruling party has brought no change during its 14 years stay in power. According to him, the people should vote for the Coalition as it surpasses the ruling party in many ways. Similarly, peaceful demonstrations were held in Awassa demonstrations were held in Awassa and Bahir Dar towns as summoned by the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) to denounce the five-point peace proposal put forward by Ethiopia to resolve the dispute with Eritrea. CUD representative Dr. Hailu Araya during the demonstration in Awassa said the peace proposal can not bring about sustainable peace. The proposal denies Ethiopia of sea outlet, Dr. Hailu said. He said EPRDF upholds a wrong stand in the Ethio-Eritrea issue. Meanwhile, the Afar National Democratic Party (ANDP) has said it raises women's candidacy in election by 15 per cent. Central Committee member Assa Hussien told ENA that without bridging the gap in gender inequality, sustainable development and good governance cannot be achieved. Of the total number of candidates the party is going to field for the upcoming national elections, Women constitute 15 per cent, he said. He said empowering women and raising their participation at all levels down to the grass roots will be vital to speed up development. The party will support women in the state to have their rights respected. The party is exerting efforts to enable the pastoralist communities to adopt sedentary living along riverbanks where they can divert the waters for farming. The party's candidates have already been campaigning in Zone 2. EPRDF said working towards new chapter of enlightenment ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary and Democratic Front (EPRDF) has said it has been working towards a new chapter of enlightenment in the upcoming national elections. EPRDF Organization Affairs Head Tsegaye Mamo told Friday's issue of the Front organ Abyotawi Democracy, that the Front will revivify the ongoing development and good governance efforts. He said the Front has issued ethical code for its members to adhere in the process of the elections. He also expressed the Front's readiness to set up a joint committee, which will provide a roundtable in the event of any problem in the election process. Tsegaye said the Front will take serious measures on any member of supporter who goes against the democratic conduct of the elections. Nothing that EPRDF is ensuring that its candidates undergo critical public comments. Women constitute more that 30 per cent of the Front's candidature for the upcoming elections' he said, adding they have proved competent. EPRDF believes in the supremacy of the people, he said, adding the Front thus will remedy of any candidate is found lacking in the people's demands. He called upon the public to observe all through the process of the elections. He also called on voters to register in time as per the schedule set by the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia. ============================== Pol.ethiopia Jan.25,2005 ===================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Jan 26 15:19:01 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:15 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050126131901.66368.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> January 25, 2005 Meles underscores intensifying HIV/AIDS battle ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles said yesterday that unless the battle against HIV/AIDS is further intensified, its threat to the nation will be disastrous. Meles said the gathering that HIV storm threatening our people, will only be lifted when our efforts are outcome oriented and aimed to bring about fundamental changes. Prime Minister Meles made the remark in a keynote address at the launching of National Strategic Plan and Management/Social Mobilization/Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) at the UN Conference Centre in the presence of President Girma Wolde-Giorgis and representatives of governmental and non-governmental organizations. He said the government put on a concerted effort and has continued its endeavour to control the spread of the pandemic with some encouraging results. Even though the struggle against the pandemic is bearing some encouraging results, "we should not forget that we have one million people infected by the virus," Meles said. He said "the SPM being launched today was the outcome of extensive consultations and discussions." The Prime Minister says the new SPM has several departure points such as placing HIV/AIDS prevention at the forefront of the health sector agenda. In order to achieve this agenda, Meles said, a Health Extension Package, which includes HIV/AIDS prevention as one of its activities. In the next three years, this plan will rollout to all rural kebeles and that there will also be a health centre to serve a catchment area of 25,000 people, Meles said. Training of health professionals who will be assigned to rural villages will be completed by 2008, Meles added. According to Meles the strategic plan's new departure is that it recognizes behavioral change as a key in the prevention of HIV. There is no cure for HIV/AIDS, but there are drugs that are effective in prolonging productive life, Meles said adding that integrating counseling, testing and treatment with prevention will undoubtedly make the fight against HIV/AIDS more successful. U.S Ambassador Aurelia Brazeal on her part said that the U.S. is a full partner in making safe, effective drugs available, whether imported or produced locally. Even as we also focus on prevention efforts, lessening discrimination, and providing care and support to orphans and vulnerable populations will be on the agenda, she said. The ambassador said that Ethiopia is at a cross road in her fight against the AIDS pandemic, adding that convergence of interest, knowledge, purpose and finance by the government and all parties is being observed. She also called up on all stakeholders to fight the pandemic on all fronts with the seriousness and scale that the epidemic requires. Ruling party, oppositions debate on service sector by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - The ruling Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) defended its infrastructure and monetary policies saying that encouraging achievements have been made towards making them a supportive tool to attain sustainable development. Opposition parties on the other hand argued that activities were insignificant with no result and change. The EPRDF and three opposition parties were debating Sunday at a forum focusing on the service sector and organized by the inter-Africa Group Dr. Arega Yirdaw had been a moderator. Representing EPRDF, Minister of Infrastructure Development Dr. Kassu Illala along with Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia Tekle-Wold Atnafu said that the policies have created an enabling environment in addressing the needs of the general public, assisting the economic activities mainly agriculture and attracting investors. As the policies were designed based on the country's resources, promising results were registered over the last 14 years, they said. The policies also give due consideration to delivering the services fairly among states, the representatives said. According to Dr. Kassu, the number of regular telephone customers has increased from 175,000 to 780,000 and that of electricity to 845,000 from only 400,785, 14 years back. The power generation capacity has also grown to 782 from 318 mega watt with the construction of road whose length stretched to 36,500 from 18,000 kms, the Minister added. The Minister also explained the progress being made in the air transport, mobile telephone service and the application of modern technology to the education and health sectors, among others. "The Bole International Airport terminal could accommodate 1,870 customers at a time while 1.2 million people would get mobile telephone service as of August this year," he said. Speaking of the financial sector, Ato Tekle-Wold said the that the development oriented policy played a significant role in creating stable macro-economic environment. He further indicated that the policy encourages saving and investment and also provision of support to other financial institutions like insurance and leasing companies. Thanks to the policy measures, inflation interest and exchange rates have been stabilized, he added. Representatives of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) Dr. Birhanu Nega and Ato Biruk Kebede on their part criticized the policy for its failure to meet the needs of the business community and the large majority of people living in the countryside. They said the interest rate is hostile for the business community and discourages investment in the country with the vast majority of people getting no financial and other services. According to the representatives, much needs to be done in the telecommunication, power supply and the provision of other infrastructures. They pointed out inefficient manpower, exclusion of both domestic and foreign investors and skilled professionals to engage in the sectors as some of the factors that inhibit their development. If the party is elected, it would work in close cooperation with the private sector designing a policy that encourages saving, promote investment to create job opportunity to citizens they said. Coalition of Ethiopian Democratic Forces (CEDF) representatives Dr. Merara Gudina together with Col. Feleke Tiruneh criticized EPRDF polices saying that no change has been witnessed from where it was a decade ago. According to the representatives, the policies were not designed based on the objective reality in the country and considering expertise advice. Giving less attention to railway transportation is also another defect of the policy, the representatives indicated. If elected, the party would focus on promoting education, health and work actively on improving the transport and finance sectors, they said. Representatives of the Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement (OFDM) also blamed the policies of the incumbent government and recommends for some kinds of changes. Ato Bulcha Demekssa and Dereje Bekele said that vulnerable societies and people like Oromos were neglected by the policy. Commercial banks should not be under government ownership and at the same time it (the government) shouldn't be engaged in the business sector other than playing the facilitation role, they said. At the televised debate various questions pertinent to the sector were raised by professionals, journalists and participants to the political parties, which they responded accordingly. Also Sunday, EPRDF and two opposition parties held a debate in Makalle. EPRDF, All Ethiopian Unity Party (AEUP) and the Ethiopian Peoples' Democratic Party EPDP Medhin introduced their political programmes to the public ENA reported. AEUP representative Berehet and EPDP-Medhin Berhan Embiz said their parties are working jointly to win the elections. They said members of EPRDF were forcing the people to elect members in the previous two elections. They also indicated that some of the proposals the opposition made for the amendment of the electoral law were accepted, which they said, is a welcome development. EPRDF representative Ambassador Tewolde-Gebru said on his part that Front members do not have any intention of imposing its programme on opposition parties other that introducing it to the general public. He said efforts have been launched more than ever before to make the present election free and fair. The debate was organized by Nile College and Makalle University. Japan responds to relief appeal ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The governments of Ethiopia and Japan yesterday signed a grant agreement amounting to 1.956 million US dollars at the conference hall of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MoFED). The agreement was signed by State Minister of MoFED, Dr. Mulu Kestela, and Ambassador Kenjiro Izumi. As stipulated in the agreement, the grant would be used for the purchase and transportation of wheat, which would be distributed to food insecure people through the Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Commission (DPPC). Speaking on the occasion, Dr, Mulu said the government of Japan has been a great supporter of Ethiopia. Ethiopia has embarked on food security programme, she said adding the present grant would be utilized to ensure food security in the country. The aid is a swift response to the appeal made by Ethiopian and UN agencies - FAO, WFP, UNDP and other for emergency humanitarian support to drought affected people and facing food shortage in 2005, Ambassador Kenjiro Izumi said. Japan has expressed willingness to support the efforts to improve food security in Ethiopia by contributing to the New Coalition for Food Security, he said. Japan has so far extended a total of 6.3 million US dollars assistance under this grant, aid scheme since 1985. January 26, 2005 Church urged to intensify HIV/AIDS sensitization efforts ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis has urged the Ethiopian Evangelical Church to redouble its efforts towards raising awareness of the public surrounding HIV/AIDS. The efforts being exerted to provide care and support to people living with the virus and orphans are encouraging, Girma said at the 17th conference the church held here Tuesday. He said the pandemic is affecting the public, particularly the youth. The sensitization activities of the church towards curbing the impact so far is commendable, according to the President. Ethiopia has been engaged in development activities owing to the prevalence of peace and stability in the country, he said, adding the church needs to exert its effort to the realization of the activities. Girma expressed his conviction that the church would do its level best towards enhancing the efforts being exerted by religious leaders to resolve the dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The church is carrying out a wide range of development and social activities across the country by mobilizing 4.2 million people, he said. Girma said the church should work for better results by undertaking activities that are in line with the policies of the government. The church is executing various community-based activities to reduce poverty, Church President, Reverend Itefa Gobena said. He said the faithful are registering and participating in election orientations with a view to casting voter in the upcoming election in May 2005. TPLF candidates face public evaluation ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Some 40 candidates fielded by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) to run in the upcoming national elections in Eastern Zone of the Tigray State have undergone critical comments by their constituents. All the candidates have passed the public scrutiny, zonal public coordination head Merha Gebre-Egziabher said. Some eight of the candidates will be contending for seats in the House of Peoples' Representatives and 32 for the State Council. Represented in the candidature are youths, farmers and scholars, he said. Meanwhile, more that 130,530 voters have registered in the zone to cast votes in the elections, zonal electoral board coordinator said. The figure represents only about half of the number of expected voters, as there has not been an awareness-raising programme to the required scope, he said. Some 250,000 prospective voters are expected at the 343 poling stations in the zone including Zalambessa and Irob, Mekonnen Reda said. Meles holds talks with U.S. Deputy Central Commander ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Deputy Commander of the U.S. Central Command Lance L. Smith said his country is committed to further enhance its cooperation with Ethiopia in the prevention of terrorism as well as in bringing about peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. After holding talks with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi here yesterday Lieutenant General Smith told journalists that there has been a positive sense of partnership between the U.S. and Ethiopia in peace efforts in the Horn of Africa. The U.S. and Ethiopia have been working in partnership in the fight against terrorism as well as to bring about sustainable peace and security in the region, according to the General. Lt. Gen. Smith commended Ethiopia's roles in the fight against terrorism as well as in peace and stability efforts in the Horn of Africa. He said his discussion with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi was constructive. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said the comprehensive agreement signed recently between the Sudanese Government and SPLS as well as the establishment of Transitional Government in Somalia would be vital for the peace security of the region. Meles said Ethiopia has played significant roles in the peace processes in the Sudan and Somalia. Meles reaffirmed his government's commitments to strengthen its cooperation with the U.S. in the fight against international terrorism as well as in peace and security efforts, according to a senior official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who attended the meeting. ==================================== pol.ethiopia Jan.26,2005 ========================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Easier than ever with enhanced search. Learn more. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri Jan 28 15:37:37 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:15 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050128133737.16262.qmail@web53305.mail.yahoo.com> January 27, 2005 Premier emphasizes individual, collective efforts to address migration challenges by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi emphasized the need for exerting efforts individually and collectively to address the challenges of migration and minimize the negative impact it poses on development. Opening the Global Coalition for Africa (GCA) Policy Forum of Migration and Development in Africa at the UN Conference Centre yesterday, Meles underlined the importance of thinking creatively and collaboratively to counterbalance "the negative views about migrants by the extremely positive contribution migrants can and do to make the economies of their host countries." "Principles and fairness and equity must guide the way international migration is approached and the concerns of African countries must be taken into account. We are living in a world that is more interdependent and interconnected than ever before, and it is incumbent on us all to ensure that we manage migration so that it works to the benefit of all," the Prime Minister said. Meles who is also the Co-Chair-person of the GCA called up on all countries in general and Africa in particular to seriously consider how to better involve the Diaspora in both individual countries and at the continental level, how to build bridges and channels of communication with Diaspora organizations. He also commended efforts of AU and African regional bodies to address migration issues within the continent. According to Meles in a number of partner countries, domestic pressure has made migration one of the most sensitive political issues of the day while public perception of migration often exacerbates its negative consequences minimizing the contribution that migrants can made to development. The rise of international terrorism in recent years has negatively affected the perception of migrants in many countries, the Prime Minister added. Speaking of Africa, Meles said that the continent loses not only skilled and professional expertise that in needs to spur and manage development as a result of migration but also the return of the investment made in education and training. GCA Co-Chairperson Dr. Frene Ginwala on her part told the gathering about the importance of examining the factors that drive migration, particularly of skilled professionals and what African countries need to do to retain their educated and skilled workers. She also advised the forum to think of what partners of Africa can do to help the continent in this regard. The co0chariperson indicated that the challenge facing the whole world is how to manage international migration in a way that it does not advantage some countries at the expense of others and stressed the importance of looking for possible means of managing it fairly and equitably. According to Dr. Frene, 175 million people, or one out of every 35 persons, are now international migrants, and 48 per cent of them are women. She also quoted different sources indicating the number of labour migrants in Africa constitute one fifth of the global total. Sources also estimate by 2025 one in ten Africans will live and work outside their countries of origin, she said. The two-day forum is expected to explore how migration can make a positive contribution to African countries and to the continent as a whole, and how it can expand individual opportunity. It would also consider what sort of international cooperation and collaboration could help to manage migration so that it benefits all. AU High-Level Committee agrees to make stand-by force operational ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The African Union (AU) High0Level Committee on the Non-Aggression Pact and the Common Defence and Security in Africa, agreed Tuesday that the stand-by force for the AU should be operational, Ghana News Agency reported. The decision was taken at a day-long meeting of Foreign Minister of AU member states in Accra to prepare the ground for the AU High-Level Committee of Heads of State and Government on the Non-Aggression Pact and the Common Defence and Security in Africa meeting to be held in Abuja, Nigeria on January 29,the Agency said. Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo announced the decision when he led the Foreign Ministers to brief President John Agyekum Kufuor, Chairman of the Committee on their deliberations at the Castle, OSU. The Foreign Ministers were from Ghana, South Africa, Congo, Ethiopia, Algeria and Mozambique, whose governments are among members of the High-Level Committee. Nana Akufo-Addo said: "We reached consensus on a document that embodies the considerations that we had had and captured fundamental issues". "We are satisfied that it is a good document on a single army as the goal to make the stand-by force operational," he said. Dr. Dlamini Nkosazana Zuma, South African Foreign Minister, said: "We have done our best to accommodate all the different view in the different documents". He said, "With your accumulated experience and commitment, mu colleagues would want to know what the Committee is doing". The January 29 Abuja meeting will be a prelude to a special African Union (AU) Summit the following day to consider a common defence and security policy for the continental body. The Committee of Heads of State and Government was established to examine issues relating to non-aggression, common defence and common security in Africa. Members of the Committee are the Heads of State of Algeria; Republic of Congo; Ethiopia and South Africa. It also has Mozambique, the immediate past Chairman of the Africa Union as Ex-Officer Member. Meles appears as a candidate in Tigray AXUM (ENA) - Five high-level leaderships of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) including Prime Minister Meles Zenawi appeared as candidates in Central Zone of the Tigray State for the seat of the House of Peoples' Representatives in the upcoming national elections, Zonal Culture and Information Office said. Office Head, Kidane-Mariam Gebre-Kristos said last Tuesday that the public unanimously endorsed the candidacy of the TPLF top members when they held a campaign in rural Keble's and towns in 13 woredas of the zone from January 9-21,2005. Kidane-Mariam said 14 candidates including the high-level leaderships would run for seats in the House of Peoples Representatives and 56 candidates for State Council at 476 polling stations set up in 14 constituencies in the zone. January 28, 2005 Ethiopia desirous of strengthening trade, tourism cooperation with UAE: Ministry ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that Ethiopia is taking various measures geared towards strengthening boosting economic ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Dubai in the fields of trade and tourism. The Ministry told ENA yesterday that Ethiopia has already opened consulate office in Dubai a year ago in a bid to strengthening bilateral ties with the UAE, and deliver services to the Ethiopian community there. Ethiopian Consul General Gashaw Debebe Tuesday held talks with Director General of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Khalid A. bin Sulayem focusing on enhancing economic ties with Dubai and the UAD. The Ministry said the two senior officials held the talks at DTCM headquarter in Dubai on issues pertaining to strengthening cooperation in tourism, trade, and ways of enhancing relations. Consul General Gashaw briefed Sulayem on Ethiopia's economic policy and its tourist attraction sites. Director General Sulayem on his part briefed Gashaw on latest infrastructure projects geared toward encouraging travel agencies. Djibouti electricity exportation project in high gear ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo) announced that preparations are being speeded upto effect Djibouti electricity exportation project. EEPCo General Manager Mihret Debebe made the announcement yesterday at the opening of a meeting called to discuss power line transfer draft agreement between pertinent bodies from Ethiopia and Djibouti. The project, launched following the signing of the agreement in 2001, provides for the installation of a 283-kms power line from Dire Dawa to Djibouti. The African Development Bank has already approved a 60 million dollars loan for the implementation of the project, Mihret said. The loan is to be repaid in a long term a minimum interest by the two countries. The project would enable urban and rural border areas in the two countries to get power supply is expected to be finalized until 2002 E.C. Ethiopia will be receiving upto 33 million dollars annually from the export of electricity, Mihiret said. The project could be extended beyond Ethiopia and Djibouti to include countries in the region and even reaching farther to Northern African countries, General Manager of Djibouti Electric Company Jama Ali Guelleh said on the occasion. Such a project will be significant in strengthening ties between nations, he said. Norway pledges support for election successful conduct ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Norway is ready to provide support for the successful conduct of the national elections in Ethiopia scheduled to be held in May this year, Norwegian International Development Minister announced. The Minister Hilde F. Johnson mad the pledge here yesterday during talks with Prime Meles Zenawi. Commending the ongoing election activities, she said it was a positive sign that the electoral law has been amended as part of the activities to conduct the elections successfully. She said the political debates among the contesting political debates among the contesting political parties would give the electorate the opportunity to vote for the party of their choice. Hilde F. Johnson said Norway is implementing a pilot project in Ethiopia on crops of commercial value. Prime Minister Meles and the Norwegian minister discussed the bilateral economic cooperation between Ethiopia and Norway as well as the peace and security situation in the Horn of Africa. ANDM candidates including Addisu under public evaluation Gondar (WIC/ENA) - The Amhara Nation Democratic Movement said that 66 of its candidates including Deputy Prime Minister Addisu Legesse, are being evaluating by the public. Zonal office Head of the Movement, Wasse Bezuneh told WIC yesterday that among the candidates, 14 men and seven women, will contest for seat in the House of Peoples' Representatives, and 26 men and 19 women candidates for seat in the State Council. Besides to the Deputy Prime Minister and Rural and Agricultural Development Minister Addisu Legesse, other high ranking leaders of the Movement will also vie for seat in the House of Peoples' Representatives. According to the Head, candidates of ANDM have been evaluated by the public throughout the 18 woredas of the zone since last week. In a relation development, out of the 1.2 million electorates expected to get registered in the zone, 660,ooo voters have been registered at the 1,095 polling stations. Similarly, the Oromo People's Democratic Organization (OPDO) said that its candidates in Bale Zone are being evaluated by the public. Accordingly, the 40 candidates fielded by OPDO to run in the elections in 18 woredas have received critical comments by the public. Some 19 of the candidates are women. All the candidates have met the demand for public evaluation. Meanwhile, the Adama Teachers Association has called on teachers to get registered for the elections. Association Chairperson Getachew Guta told WIC Wednesday as teachers are acquainted with the principles of democratic elections, they need to play exemplary role by getting registered for the elections. Indicating that teachers have to elect candidates that would ensure their benefits, the chairperson said teachers should also contribute in sensitizing the public to use their rights to left and get elected. Accordingly, he urged the teachers to encourage students above 18 years to participate in electing candidates committed to the development of the country. He further added that the Association has finalized preparations to offer training for members who would observe the elections. Hungarian Company donated medical equipment to MoH ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - The Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday received medical equipment worth over six million birr from the Hungarian ENAVIT Medical Company. State Minister of Health Dr. Tewodros Adhanom said on the occasion that the aid is part of a development cooperation between the two countries. The State Minister said that the company's material and training support would build the capacity to manufacture and use the equipment locally. He said the modern medical equipment donated by the company would be distributed to medical training institutions and referral hospitals. Hungarian Ambassador Janos Budai on his part said that the development cooperation between the two countries would be further strengthened on the basis of the agreement that is to be reached with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. He said the company would further strengthen its relations with the donation of medical equipment and the provision of training that would play crucial role in developing and expanding the health sector of the country. Ministry Medicine Supply and Administration Service Expert Yohannes Mesfin said that the donated 27 types of medical equipment would play important role in providing medical services. He said professionals of training institutions and referral hospitals receiving the appliances would receive training on the utilization of the medical equipment in Hungary. ======================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan.28,2005 ========================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? All your favorites on one personal page – Try My Yahoo! http://my.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Jan 31 14:11:06 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:16 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050131121106.4171.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> January 29, 2005 Africa Unite organizers optimistic Bob Marley's birthday celebration promote image of Ethiopia by Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA - Rita Marley, wife of Bob Marley, the legendary hero of Reggae music and dance, has said that the Africa Unite event would promote image of Ethiopia and boost the existing Marley family foundations' programmes in Ethiopia and Jamaica and their expansion to other African countries. Speaking at the press briefing organized yesterday at the Sheraton Addis in connection with the event of the official launching of a one month celebration of Africa Unite that marks Bob Marley's 60th birthday Nane Rita said the event would help to raise the profile of the Bob Marley and Rita Marley Foundations and put a global spotlight on the works that the foundations are doing. "We have been celebrating Bob's birthday in different parts of the world since his death 21 years ago. And we selected Ethiopia for the 60th because Bob lover Ethiopia," she said. State Minister of Information Netsanet Asfaw on her part said that the celebration would have positive implication not only for the Ras Teferians in Ethiopia but also for young people who come from all over the world. The event would mark the life of one human being who brought together the youth of the entire planet, together she added. "It is an example of how a person from a humble beginning becomes such a great man who has thought us that no matter how poor and deprived we are, we can be somebody and great. And as Ethiopia is working intensively towards fighting poverty and backwardness, there would be a great lesson for the people and the government of Ethiopia from Bob's life," the State Minister said. Members of the organizing committee on their part said the event is not only the celebration of the 60th birthday of Bob, it is also an event that highlights all the virtues attached to him in terms of human rights, social justice and equality and every one can participate in this wonderful event. They said the event would show positive portrays of Ethiopia to the world in different light eliminating beautiful historic country that has a great legacy, a legacy that are near and dear to Ras Teferians. In addition it is a positive reflection of Ethiopia's commitment to the advancement of Africa and its people, they said. They also added that the event could play a pivotal role in inspiring the youth especially Africans creating a great chance for them to participate in many activities in order to change the image of this continent. Thousands of tourists, dignitaries, academics, activists and international media including the Marley family are expected to arrive in Ethiopia over the coming days. The event would start as of the coming Tuesday (Feb.1, 2005). International celebrities like Danny Glover and Angelique Kidjo will join Africa and Diasporan luminaries in a contribution to the future of the continent. In addition, 12 footballers including George Weah, Claude Makalele (Chelsea) and Lilian Thuram (Juventus) are expected to come to Ethiopia. The historic, global outreach initiative is conceived by the Bob and Rita Marley Foundations and AFRICA UNITE 2005 is sponsored by UNICEF, the World Bank, the African Union, the Addis Ababa City Government, the Ethiopian Ministry of Information, Ethiopian Airlines and Ethiopian Tourism Commission, it was learnt. Italy says Axum Obelisk returns in April ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - The Axum Obelisk would reportedly be returned to its home country by the end of April. According to Reuters, the Italian Foreign Ministry has said the 24-metre obelisk believed to be at least 1,700 years old would be returned by the end of April. Italy promised in 1947 to return the 200-ton granite column, a symbol of the dawn of Ethiopian Civilization, but arguments and logistical problems delayed it until November last year when the two countries finally agreed to fly it home. An Italian Foreign Ministry spokesman was quoted by Reuters as saying that the first flight with the first segment would be made in the first 10 days of March; the other two flights would follow around 20 days apart; and in that way, the column would be returned by the end of April. It said the Russian-made Antonove 124 was chosen to bring the Obelisk home, and Ethiopia has planned to celebrate the Obelisk's return with a national holiday. The column was plundered by Italian fascist invaders in 1937. Ministerial Council refers three bills to parliament ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Council of Minister in its 125th regular session yesterday deliberated on three bills and referred them to the House of Peoples' Representatives with some amendments. The Office of the Prime Minister told ENA that the Council discussed the bill endorsing Hides and Skin Transaction Procedure and one providing for the reestablishment of the Population Census Commission and also other ratifying a loan agreement concluded with the International Development Association (IDA) to be utilized for building the capacity of tertiary education. While discussing the bill endorsing Hides and Skin Transaction Procedure, the Council said that the benefit from the sub-sector has been dwindling for lack of market information, absence of laws supporting the sector and problems emanating from improper handling. Accordingly, the bill would enable to get the proper income by improving the collection, preparation and handling of the products, the office said in a statement sent to ENA yesterday. During its discussion on the bill re-establishing the Pollution Census Commission, the Council noted the significance of conducting population census in strengthening the democratic order and improving the livelihood of the people, the statement said. It has also deliberated on the bill ratifying a loan agreement concluded with the IDA to be utilized for the implementation of a project to build the capacity of tertiary education. January 30, 2005 Meles leaves for Abuja AU Ordinary Session ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - A high level Ethiopian delegation led by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi left here yesterday to attend the 4th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and government of the African Union (AU) in Abuja, Nigeria. Upon departure at Bole International Airport, the delegation was seen off by senior government officials. A review of the food security situation in the continent, the status of implementation of previous decisions and declarations on HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other infectious diseases as well as eradication of poliomyelitis would be on the agenda of the two-day session. The leaders would also appraise the peace and security situation in Africa and the challenges facing the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) policy initiatives. All African heads of states and government are expected to attend the session. Makalle resident challenge CUD's peace initiative stand MAKALLE (WIC) - Residents of Makalle town have rejected the idea propounded by the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) stating that the New Peace Initiative proposed by the Prime Minister stands contrary to peace and sovereignty. Participants of a meeting organized by CUD here yesterday said that they support the peace initiative as it ensures lasting peace between the two countries. The inhabitants and religious leaders said they would not accept what the Coalition propagates because it leads to conflict and war. The participants clearly stated their opposition to the leaders of the CUD, Dr. Haily Araya and Prof. Mesfin Wolde-Mariam, who said the five-point peace initiative proposed by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi stands contrary to national sovereignty and development. The leaders also said the initiative was imposed on the people, which the participants refused to accept. The CUD claimed that the TPLF/EPRDF, beginning from its outset, has been working against Ethiopia's interest, adding that the people should therefore not remain docile while dictators prevail on the lives of the people and the nation. The Coalition argued that lasting peace could be ensured when the right party wins election in a democratic manner by abolishing the EPRDF government. That is why, they said, they are contending for power by fielding candidates almost allover the country. Two individuals among the gathering spoke in favour of the Coalition saying they would take up arms if Badime is given away. One of the CUD leaders, Prof. Mesfin, finally provoked the audience when he said democratic election has never taken place in Tigray State as the votes have been hundred per cent similar to products manufactured by a factory. As a result, a closing speech could not be delivered as the participants were very much upset. Organizations assign roving election observers ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Five local organizations have assigned roving election observers to monitor the process of the next May national elections, the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) said. The Board told ENA yesterday that it has on its part prepared 595 IDs for election observers. The Ethiopian Teachers Association and the Oromia Youth Association have requested for 94 and 142 IDs respectively for their election observers, the Board said. The Organization for Victims of Red Terror has also assigned 30 observers while the Addis Ababa Women Association assigned 273 election observers, the Board said. The Ethiopian Civil Society Coalition on its part assigned 56 observers, according to the Board. NEBE said it would also give the necessary IDs for foreign observers. Party urges supporters to register before deadline by Yemane Terefe ADDIS ABABA - The Keste Damena (Rainbow Ethiopia: Movement for Democracy and Justice) urged all its supporters to register for the upcoming elections before the deadline expires. Speaking at a public gathering it held at the National Lottery Administration yesterday, Dr. Befekadu Degefe, Party Fund-Raising Chairperson, said that registering to vote by itself accounts 10 per cent of the struggle and the remaining 90 per cent is related to the fairness of the election that will take place in May 2005. He stressed that all haves get to register and receives IDs in time and elects the party that would transform the country. Ato Bedru Adem, member of the House of Peoples' Representatives and who recently joined the Party, on his part said that election is a guarantee for life if people deliberately and actively elect whom they want. And he told the gathering to register and also mobilize others to register soon. The party called upon the people to actively participate in the national elections without any fear to exercise their political and democratic rights. Similar public gathering were held in Wolkite and Makalle, it was learnt. ================================= Pol.ethiopia Jan.31,2005 ======================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com