From polethiopia@yahoo.com Fri Jun 10 13:37:02 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Fri, 10 Jun 2005 06:37:02 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050610133702.32429.qmail@web53309.mail.yahoo.com> June 10, 2005 Police Commission says calm restored in Addis Peace, stability prevails in the capital: MoI ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – The Addis Ababa Police Commission has disclosed that calm has been restored in Addis Ababa, yesterday and the residents have resumed their regular activities in the prevailing peaceful and stable conditions, the Ministry of Information said. It is to be recalled that members and supporters of CUD were engaged in unlawful activities, including looting, Wednesday which were quelled by the metropolitan police and security forces. However, the Federal Police headquarter announced yesterday that all its quite and stable, again, though in the morning three buses were attacked by hooligans who are now under police custody. The Commission has further stated that the police and security forces are engaged in rigorous patrol duty to ensure peace and security in the city and has called upon the residents to go on their daily business. The Commission has also stated that the police and security forces are on alert to foil any activity that would affect the peace and stability of the city. The metropolitan police has called upon all Addis Ababa residents to be vigilant and assist it in establishing law and order in the city sustainably, the Ministry said. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Information has said after the havoc and lootings in some parts of Addis Ababa by elements heeding the call of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) were quelled through the concerted efforts of the police and security forces Wednesday peace and stability has prevailed throughout the city yesterday. “It is to be recalled that in the riots and violence which erupted Wednesday, the police and security forces took the necessary measures to foil the attempted looting, bank robbery, raiding police stations to free suspects under legal custody and to disarm the police, loss of life and injuries were sustained,” the ministry told ENA in a statement. It quoted the police as saying that among those severely wounded four have died in the hospital raising the number of the casualties to 26. “The police have also confirmed that among the injured, 40 persons are free of any risk to their life,” the statement said. The police have identified by names 15 of the 26 persons who lost their lives while the rest have not been identified yet. UN Chief calls upon gov’t opposition to resolve differences through dialogue ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – UN Secretary General Kofi Annan called upon all sides in Ethiopia to resolve their differences through dialogue and legal means, UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Wednesday, Xinhua, Chinese news agency and AFP reported. The Secretary General called on the Ethiopian Government and the opposition leaders to do everything possible to resolve their differences through dialogue and legal means, Xinhua quoted the spokesman as saying. The efforts of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia to investigate the allegations of election irregularities, with the participation of all relevant parties, must be fully supported, AFP reported on its part. The Secretary General urged the parties to commit themselves firmly to accept the final results that will be announced after investigations are completed, the spokesman stressed, saying Annan called on all parties for calm, respect for the law and the rights of the people. Ambassadors Donor Group, EU urge parties to resolve differences peacefully ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – The Ambassadors Donor Group and the EU have urged all parties in Ethiopia to avoid confrontation and to resolve their differences peacefully within the framework of Ethiopia’s constitution, democratic institutions and laws and to await the outcome of the elections. In a statement they issued Tuesday concerning the events that occurred in educational institutions in Addis Ababa Monday, June 6, they said they could not condone violence nor incitement to violence nor incitement to racial hatred, nor could they condone any party which resorts to violent or illegal or non-constitutional actions. “The Ambassadors Donor Group and the EU remain committed to continue to play their role in supporting the transparency and credibility of the democratic process in Ethiopia in the final stages of the election and call on all parties to play a responsible and constructive role in ensuring the election process is completed peacefully,” the statement said. They expressed grave concern about the events that occurred in educational institutions last Monday and Tuesday. “The Ambassadors Donor Group and the EU expect the government and its security forces to show utmost restraint in handling peaceful demonstrations by civil society and to uphold international principles of human rights,” the statement said. The statement is endorsed by Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, EU Delegation, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holy See, IMF, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States. ======================================= Pol.ethiopia June 10,2005 =========================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Find what you need with new enhanced search. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 From polethiopia@yahoo.com Mon Jun 13 12:41:01 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Mon, 13 Jun 2005 05:41:01 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050613124101.81793.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> June 12, 2005 Meles says his push for greater democracy remains on track ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said his push for greater democracy remained on track, describing the elections as a watershed, Reuters reported Friday. In an interview with Reuters, Meles said “No risk of violence was spreading across the country and there was no turning back from democracy.” But Meles said he remained ready to take preventive action to keep things from getting out of control. We deeply regret that lives have been lost…; Reuters also quoted Meles as saying. Meles also told the BBC because of events were getting out of control force need to be used. “People were trying to charge police station and perhaps take guns. People were trying to charge banks and perhaps loot money and things were beginning to have got out of control. At that stage, it was prudent to stop these with forceful action, Meles said. Diplomats called the election the most democratic in the history of the Sub-Saharan Africa’s second most populous country. Meanwhile, UN General Secretary Kofi Annan urged a peaceful resolution of the situation and called for respect for the electoral outcome. In a statement released by his Spokesman Annan said Ethiopian police this week cracked down protestors disputing the results of the country’s May 15 elections. Annan, who recently returned from a diplomatic trip to Ethiopia, has this week been in contact with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and opposition leaders, who earlier Friday signed a non-violence pact over the disputed elections, the statement said. However, prospects of the agreements appeared dim, as the two sides traded new accusations of malfeasance immediately after it was sealed. Carter Centre urges gov’t, opposition parties to reaffirm commitments ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – The Carter Centre called upon all concerned, including the government, ruling party, and the opposition parties, to reform their commitments to peaceful participation in the entirety of the election process. In a statement issued on 9 June 2005, the Carter Centre joins other members of the international community and Ethiopian citizens in expressing its deep alarm and sorrow at the violence, injuries, and deaths in the aftermath of the May 15 election. It said the Carter Centre denounces the deaths of more than 20 citizens in Addis Ababa as well as the clashes between the government security forces and civilians. The Carter Centre acknowledges that the opposition parties have a shared responsibility in the preservation of a peaceful climate in which the elections process can be concluded, it said. The statement said that every press statement, public appearance and action must be weighed in terms of its potential effects on the fragile peace that must be maintained until the announcement of the final results. The Carter Centre is hopeful that recent overtures toward compromise on the complaints process will continue, it said, adding “It is our sincerest hope that all parties will construe to seek solutions that mirror the faith in the democratic process that millions of Ethiopians have shown at the polls.” The decision taken in the completion of this year’s election must recognize and honour their extreme patience and sacrifice, the statement said. All parties should pursue legal means to peacefully conclude election: MoI ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – The Ministry of Information says that all parties should pursue legal way to conclude the third national elections democratically. The Ministry said in its weekly statement Friday that the government, public and peace loving forces have exerted rigorous efforts for democratic and legal conduct of the elections. As stipulated in the Constitution, power of the government assumed and left only through public votes, the Ministry said, adding attempting to fulfill whims and interest through forceful acts was against the constitution and thus would be unacceptable. The Ministry said that no preconditions should be put in a peaceful and legal process, adding that the party which put such precondition needs to reconsider its stance and should refrain from any activities of disturbances and violence until it yields to peaceful and legal way unconditionally. The measures taken to ensure law recently particularly on Wednesday during attempts of violence stemmed from such perspective, it said. In a community with diverse benefits and interests such benefits and interests should be maintained harmoniously through law and democracy, not through might and force, that Ministry said. The Ministry said those political parties involved in encouraging citizens through inappropriate information and promise should refrain from such activities and put forward their questions pursuant to law and get responses. The government expressed its grievances over the undesired human causalities caused due to violence ignited by forceful acts of opposition parties in an attempt to fulfill their interests. The Ministry reiterated citizens should act in conformity with laws and regulations and refrain from illegal activities. OPDO’s capital move decision based on earlier study, says Junedi ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – Oromia State President, Junedi Sado said that the decision made by the OPDO Executive Committee to make Finfine (Addis Ababa) capital of the Oromia State was based on a study conducted over the past three years. In a press conference he gave yesterday, the State President said that the study was begun after the OPDO passed decision in 2001 for the conduct of study concerning the Article which states about special privileges of the Oromia State in the Federal Constitution. Juneidi also said that the study is nearing completion, while relevant discussions have been held with both the Addis Ababa City Administration as well as the Federal Government. The state president said that the study will also be tabled for discussion to the Oromia State Council, adding that it would also be debated by the Federal Parliaments as well as concerned federal bodies. Prior to these, Junedi said the State Constitution which stipulates Adama as capital of the Oromia State would be amended. The decision taken by the OPDP has been discussed by the civil servant, business men and the Oromo people at large, he added. Concerning the construction works being carried out in Adama town, Juneidi said that though various constructions have been undertaken in Adama so far, it would not be recognized as a capital of the Oromia State, however, it will function as a commercial city. Concerning the decision of the OPDO vis-à-vis CUD’s victory in Addis Ababa City Administration, the State President said that the study of making Finfine capital of Oromia State has been conducted since three or four years ago and CUD’s victory won’t be a hindrance to the implementation of the decision. The State President also said that there won’t be any problem if CUD administers the city in accordance with the city charter, and indicated his belief that CUD will execute the Addis Ababa Charter. Moreover, he added the Oromia State has been working in harmony with the Addis Ababa Administration and the Federal Government as well. The State Government had issued a statement Thursday and expressed its regret over the life and property loss occurred due to violence and chaos recently erupted in Addis Ababa, Juneidi recalled. The State President also urged members of all nations and nationalities residing in the Oromia State to be engaged in their day-to-day activities and work with mutual respect for the development of the country. ====================================== Pol.ethiopia June 13,2005 ============================= __________________________________ Discover Yahoo! Stay in touch with email, IM, photo sharing and more. Check it out! http://discover.yahoo.com/stayintouch.html From polethiopia@yahoo.com Thu Jun 16 07:49:00 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Thu, 16 Jun 2005 00:49:00 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050616074900.51515.qmail@web53306.mail.yahoo.com> June 16, 2005 Benn says political parties need to implement Joint Declaration ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – British Secretary of State for International Development Hilary Benn said that all political parties need to be committed to the implementation of the Joint Declaration which they signed recently. Following talks with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi yesterday, Benn told journalists that all parties also need to extend their support to activities under way to investigate alleged election irregularities. He said they (parties) should also support the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia in its activities launched to probe into the complaints of the political parties. The huge voter turnout on the polling day has a significant importance and the votes given by the people need to be respected, Benn said. Britain was concerned with the violence that occurred in Addis last week, he said. He also expressed his sadness over the loss of human lives in the violence. During his talks with Prime Minister Meles, Benn said he has been informed that an order has been given to the setting up of an enquiry commission to investigate the incidents. Meles also told Benn that he had expressed his sadness over the loss of human lives during the violence through the mass media, according to a Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Regarding those imprisoned as a result of the violence, Meles told the Secretary of State that those innocent of the crime will be released and the culprits prosecuted. He also stressed the need that all political parties need to respect the supremacy of the law. Meles told Benn that families of the imprisoned persons and the Red Cross are allowed to visit them. According to the Spokesperson, meles and Benn have also discussed the safety net programme being run with the Ethio-British Development Cooperation. Britain has strong development cooperation with the Ethiopian government, the Spokesperson said. The British government has been extending direct budgetary support to the development Endeavour aimed at reducing poverty including food security, education and capacity building programmes, among others. British’s programme in Ethiopia has grown from 44 million pound in 2002/03 to a 85 million pound in 2005/06. Constitutional Inquiry Council says May 15 decree by Premier does not breach Constitution ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – The Constitutional Inquiry Council of the House of the Federation says the May 15, 2005 decree passed by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi does not breach the Constitution. The council during its regular session Tuesday responded to the application submitted to it by the Federal First Instance Court pertaining the charge filed by Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) calling it to annual the state of emergency decreed on May 15 by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi. The Constitutional Inquiry Council however said the Prime Minister has the power to issue such decree, which it said was in concordance with the Constitutional provision and not contradictory to Proclamation 3/83. The council endorsed unanimously that no constitutional interpretation is required of the council to provide as the issue does not need such interpretation. The session was concluded after passing the resolution on one of the 9 points submitted to it, the council’s press, public relation and minute coordination service said. Service Head Alemneh Regasa told ENA that, he council, by the power vested on it by Article 84/1 of the Constitution, deliberates on any application for constitutional interpretation, and, should it find that any of the Constitutional interpretation, examine the case and submit recommendation to the House of the Federation; or otherwise, informs the applicant (weather a justice body or an individual) back. The council took up one of the 9 points submitted to it for a constitutional interpretation by the Lideta Civil Bench of the First Instance Court on the Charge filed by CUD for the lifting of the decree made by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and for a media announcement of it. CUD contested that the Prime Minister does not have the mandate to issue such a decree as the one made on the 15th of May 2005. The Constitutional Inquiry Council after looking into the contents of the charge, and into Proclamation 3/83 of the Constitution and the Addis Ababa City Administration’s Charter to find out whether or not the decree breaches the Constitution declared that the Prime Minister has the mandate and the May 15 decree concur, and was not contradictory to, Article 3/83 of the Constitution, and thus is not liable to any interpretation. The council concluded its deliberation after deciding that the Council’s resolution is sent immediately to the Federal First Instance Court. The Constitutional Inquiry Council is composed of 11 senior legal professionals. G8 Finance Ministers decide 100 per cent debt cancellation for Ethiopia ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – The G8 Finance Ministers agreed to write off Ethiopia’s debt by 100 per cent, which amounts to 4.41 billion US dollars, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development has announced. The G8 Finance Ministers agreed the 100 per cent debt cancellation for Ethiopia as the country has reached completion point under the HIPC initiative of the donor countries, Public Relations and Conference Service Head with the Ministry Getachew Admasu told ENA yesterday. The Finance Ministers’ decision of a 100 per cent debt cancellation pertains to the debt Ethiopia owes to the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the African Development Fund, Getachew said. With this 100 per cent debt cancellation, the debt Ethiopia owes to donor countries will go down to only 1.36 billion dollars, he indicated. Ethiopia’s foreign debt will further reduce to 1.14 billion dollars when the agreement expected to be signed soon with Paris Club creditors and with the countries that are not members with the club, he said. This agreement is expected to be signed by Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Japan and Hungary providing for the cancellation of a sum of 58.5 million US dollars. It is also expected that the 183 million dollars that remained after the Russian Federation relieved Ethiopia of 1.1 billion USD would also be written off, Getachew said. He said the G8 Finance Minister’s decision will go into enforcement after being endorsed by the G8 leaders in their summit soon in Scotland. The country will then redirect the 110 million USD annual debt service to the implementation of its priority development programmes related to poverty alleviation, he indicated. To benefit from such a debt cancellation scheme, indebted countries need to fulfill the criteria posed by creditor countries and international financial institutions, he said. Ethiopia has met all the criteria and approved to have reached completion point leading to the 2004 decision by the board of directors of the international financial institutions and the World Band to write off 3.3 billion USD of Ethiopia’s debt. ================================= Pol.ethiopia June 16,2005 ========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Tue Jun 21 12:21:48 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue, 21 Jun 2005 05:21:48 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050621122148.48813.qmail@web53306.mail.yahoo.com> June 21, 2005 Electoral Board Joint Forum on CRB, CIPs operations By Dagne Biazen ADDIS ABABA – The National Electoral Board (NEB) yesterday gave briefing to the Joint Forum of political parties on the terms of reference for the operations of Complaints Review Body (CRB) and Complaints Investigation Panels (CIPs) with a view to addressing the complaints lodged with it. Electoral Reform International Services (ERIS) Programme Manager Richard Chambers, told the Joint Forum held on the premises of the Board that CRB would review complaints submitted by political parties and assess the same whether each complaint has sufficient supporting evidence to show an irregularity may have occurred in a constituency and, if so, whether the supporting evidence shows the irregularity may have affected the outcome of the election in that constituency. He added that the CRB would make recommendation to the NEB on whether an investigation is required to establish the facts of the alleged irregularity. The Board also indicated that members of CRB will be the Deputy Chief Executive of the Secretariat of the Board, the Acting Registrar of the Political Parties and a qualified lawyer temporarily appointed as legal advisor. Following the review, the VRB will prepare a provisional recommendation on the complaint which will be recorded in a draft Summary of Complaint and Note of Recommendation where copies of which will be provided to the complaint and the political party that would be affected by the complaint the Board said. The Board added that the complainant will have 48 hours from receipt of the draft summary of complaint to request a hearing with their CRB in order to address issues or concerns. Within two days of the hearing, the CRB will submit a final summary of complaint to the NEB where within seven days of the hearing the Board will decide on whether to accept the recommendation or not, according to the statement. The NEB shall appoint a CIP for each constituency where it has decided the scope and nature of an alleged irregularity or irregularities were such that they were bound to determine the outcome of the election in that constituency. The members of CIP will be two members of the NEBE Secretariat, a political party representative and the political party representative that would be affected by the complaint, it added. The Board also said that the CIPs shall operate by consensus but, where consensus is not possible, a majority vote shall be binding. EPRDF Representative Tadesse Kassa on the occasion accused the two major opposition parties for instigating violence in all places in the country. “As time is against us, we should work on the verification as quickly as possible, “he said. He added that CUD in particularly instigator of violence even after it signed a non-violence pact. A representative of CUD on his part expressed concern over the impartiality of NEB officials represented in CRB and CIPs. He added that they would affect the credibility of the investigation. UEDF’s representative also said that the NEB officials would cast doubt to the credibility of the operations of the two bodies. Forum lauds joint agreement reached between ruling, opposition parties ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – Members of Ethiopian National Consensus Forum (ENCF) in the UK expressed support to the Joint Declaration signed among EPRDF, CUD and UEDF, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. The members described as an encouraging step the agreement the parties have signed for the review and investigation of complaints by panels to be established by the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia. ENCF called on the signatory parties to abide by the decision to be passed by the Complaints Investigation Panels (CIPs). The ENCF urged the concerned bodies to realize that power would be seized only through peaceful means not through violence and riot; the Ministry quoted the Ethiopian Embassy in London as saying. Members of the Forum expressed their deep sorrow over the human causalities, which occurred due to the recent violence in the capital. They also admired the May 15 national elections, which they said was unprecedented in the history of the country and the active and peaceful participation of the public. The Ministry said the Forum was established by Ethiopians residing in Britain. ==================================== Pol.ethiopia June 21,2005 ========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Thu Jun 23 12:20:17 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Thu, 23 Jun 2005 05:20:17 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050623122017.63331.qmail@web53309.mail.yahoo.com> June 23, 2005 Ethio-Japan Policy Dialogue Meet conducted ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – Japanese Ambassador to Ethiopia as one of its most valuable partners, both politically and economically, among the many countries in the world. Speaking at a half-day Ethio-Japan Policy Dialogue Session yesterday, Ambassador Kinjiro Izumi said that Ethiopia should receive much more aid from the point of view of the per capita amount of foreign aid being received. He congratulated Ethiopia for being selected as one of those beneficiaries of the agreement reached during the G8 Finance Ministers’ meeting regarding the comprehensive cancellation of debt of countries struggling with severe poverty. He expressed appreciation to the efforts made by the Ethiopian Government since the last Policy Dialogue in July 2004, in the monitoring and evaluation of Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction Programme (SDPRP), the preparation of SDPRP2, the commencement of a Productive Safety Net Programme in the context of Food Security, the Capacity Development in Public Financial Management, the progress of PSCAP (Public Sector Delivery Capacity Building Programme) and decentralization, among others. “This year, 2005 is a commemorative year for Ethiopia and Japan. The diplomatic relationship between Ethiopia and Japan was re-established in 1955, making this year, 2005, the 50th anniversary of that event,” he said. He said since the last Dialogue, the progress of the rehabilitation of the trunk road and the start of the construction of the new Abay Bridge were among the epoch-making incidents. The main purpose of the session is to review the implementation status of existing Ethio-Japan bilateral cooperation and chart out possible areas of future cooperation between the two sisterly countries. Leading the Ethiopian delegation to the Dialogue, State Minister of Finance and Economic Development Mekonnen Manyazewal said that the key goal for the development cooperation between the two countries was poverty reduction. “In the last 12 months, the government has focused its efforts on implementing the various policy, strategy and programmes put in place especially by giving due emphasis on capacity building and public sector reforms in order to facilitate the achievements of the goals of the SDPRP,” he said. The decision of the G8 Finance Ministers including Japan to write off 100 per cent of the debt owed by 18 countries ahead of the G8 Summit slated to be held July 6-8 is Scotland is a great achievement, he said. Discussions focused on bilateral programmes undertaken so far and on subsequent programmes held during the half-day meeting. CIPs to launch investigation next week ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia has announced that complaints investigation activities will be launched next week. Board Acting Registrar Mekonnen Wondimu told ENA yesterday those 26 Complaints Investigation Panels (CIPs) will be deployed to various constituencies as of Wednesday. Each CIP will carry out investigations covering an average of five constituencies, he said. Investigation will b carried out at 135 constituencies. Commissioner says investment promotion visits fruitful ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – Investment Commissioner Abi Wolde-meskel said that the recent visits to four European countries were fruitful in promoting auspicious investment opportunities in Ethiopia as well as building the good image of the country. Commissioner Abi told ENA yesterday that encouraging results were registered from the visit held in Slovakia, Austria, Hungary and Belgium in attracting investors by promoting the investment opportunities and incentives designed by the Ethiopian government. Discussions were also held with investors, members of the business community as well as government officials in the stated countries to promote investment opportunities in Ethiopia, Abi said. During the visit to Slovak, the Commissioner said, discussions were held with Slovak investors, members of the business community as well as government officials on investment opportunities, investment incentives designed to attract investment as well as current situations in Ethiopia. Since Matador, a Slovak company forged joint venture with Addis Tyre Factory, other Slovak investors have been ready to invest in Ethiopia, Abi said. The Commissioner also said that the Slovak investors have shown desire to involve in agriculture, agricultural products processing, industry and other sectors as well. The investors will pay visit to Ethiopia with a view to closely identifying investment opportunities in the country, Abi indicated. Similarly, the Commissioner said that discussions were held with Austrian investors on Ethiopian investment opportunities and incentives at a workshop organized by the Ethiopian Embassy in Austria. Consensus was also reached on the issue of signing agreement on investment protection and insurance matters, Abi said. According to the Commissioner, discussions were also held with Hungarian investors at a relevant workshop organized in Hungary, while the Hungarian investors have shown interest to work in the floriculture development, food industry, hides and skin, meat production and other sectors. Discussions were also held on investment promotion and protection agreement and ways of encouraging investment on the visit paid to Belgium, Abi indicated. The Commissioner also added that the visit to Belgium was successful in promoting Ethiopian investment opportunities for Belgian investors. ================================== Pol.ethiopia June 23,2005 ============================= ____________________________________________________ Yahoo! Sports Rekindle the Rivalries. Sign up for Fantasy Football http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Thu Jun 30 08:12:30 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Thu, 30 Jun 2005 01:12:30 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050630081230.23810.qmail@web53302.mail.yahoo.com> June 30, 2005 ADG urges all political parties to maintain commitment to non-violence Addis Ababa, (ENA)- The Ambassadors Donor Group (ADG) urged all political parties that signed the Joint Declaration to maintain a commitment to non-violence and full participation in the investigation process, and with out prejudice to recourse to the courts, acceptance of election results thereafter, for the agreements to succeed. The Ambassadors Donor Group made the call in a statement it issued on Wednesday after it met with Prime Minister Meles and leaders of the opposition parties in an effort to promote a peaceful, democratic, political solution to Ethiopia’s election dispute. As Ethiopia’s partners in development, we staunchly support the Joint Declaration signed by the parties on June 10 and reaffirmed on June 13, the ADG statement said. We welcome the start of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) complaints hearing process and are providing international observers to participate in NEBE-led investigations, the statement said. A process exists for resolving elections disputes and promoting a peaceful and democratic future for all Ethiopians, the statement said, adding international election observers and representatives of political parties will play an important role in making this process transparent and credible. The statement pointed out that all parties have agreed to abide by this process and to respect the outcome, and added that It is the responsibility of political leaders of all parties to ensure that this process produces a peaceful and successful outcome acceptable to all Ethiopians. We expect all sides to live up to their commitment to support the Complaints Investigation Panels so as to allow them to complete their work, the ADG statement said. There is no place for retaliation or threats in this process. We abhor ethnic race-baiting and call on all leaders to prevent such activities and call on all Ethiopians to reject such politics of hate, the ADG statement noted. All sides need to put the interests of Ethiopia first or the democratic progress this country has made in recent years could be lost, the statement said. Whatever the outcome of the current electoral process, we trust Ethiopians will adapt to the reality of a multi-party state and embrace new habits for overcoming political differences. The statement also calls on the security forces to respect due process for all detainees and call on the government to adhere to international principles on human rights. All detainees should be charged or released as required by the Constitution. The prime Minister has promised an investigation into the events of June 8, and we look forward to the results of that investigation, the statement said. The Government has the primary responsibility for ensuring that the rule of law is upheld in Ethiopia and that such a tragic loss of life is not repeated, the statement said. It is to be recalled that Police has announced the release of over 3,000 of those who were put under custody following the violence and riot that had recently erupted in Addis Ababa. The remaining prisoners have been brought to justice after investigations have been conducted. The International Red Cross Society and other resident Ambassadors have visited those under custody and testified that their treatment is in line with international law pertaining to prisoners. African Leaders to Converge in Libya for AU Summit Addis Ababa (ENA) - African ambassadors, ministers and Heads of State and Government of 53 African Union members will converge in Libya this week to discuss issues of Africa's development, the South African news service BuaNews reported from Tshwane (Pretoria) yesterday. President Thabo Mbeki will attend the Heads of State and Government Summit from Monday 4-5 July in Sirte, where African leaders will discuss a Council of Ministers' report pertaining to African seats in the reformed United Nations Security Council. The Council of Ministers meeting in Sirte would forward the AU Committee of 10 Foreign Ministers report, which was charged with the responsibility of mobilizing support for Africa's position for the reformed UN Security Council, the report quoted S. African Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa as saying. Ambassador N. Seleka in the South African Foreign Affairs Department is quoted as saying, the "common African position on UN reform is stated quite clear in the Ezulwini Consensus" that before African countries start arguing for position in the reformed Security Council, all African countries should mobilize for reforms to take place. The Ambassador said the Ezulwini Consensus, among others, proposes two permanent seats and five non-permanent seats for Africa in the Security Council. "The Council of Minister's report might give direction on how to mobilize support for Africa's common position on the UN reform in terms of the Ezulwini Consensus," said Ambassador Seleka. Political analyst of the South African Institute for International Affairs (SAIIA) Kuseni Dlamini told BuaNews that it was crucial that African leaders "speak in one voice" to highlight the importance of African seats in the newly reformed Security Council. His comments come amid talks of several African countries coming out wanting to claim the two African seats in the Council. Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad told BuaNews recently that South Africa and Nigeria would work together to secure the African seats, after Libya, Egypt, Senegal and Kenya also expressed their candidacy for the seats. Dlamini said the challenge for the AU Summit was for leaders to work together to push for the UN reforms and stop "bickering about who gets the seats." "It's important that African leaders stop bickering. Bickering does not help. African leaders must speak in one voice to seek reforms of the UN. If we don't [stop bickering] the world will see Africa as a laughing stock," he said. Other issues on the agenda of the Summit will be the strengthening of the AU institutions such as Pan-African Parliament, Peace and Security Council and NEPAD. On the peace and security front, Africa has much to celebrate with a number of conflicts and civil war gradually becoming a thing of the past, said Dlamini. The mineral-rich but strife-torn Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently adopted an interim Constitution paving the way for democratic elections and ending decades of conflict in the country. Burundi is also preparing to hold elections in the Great Lakes country while Ivory Coast is also on cause for all-inclusive democratic elections. African leaders had been steadfast in opposing any "unconstitutional" ascendancy to power. President of Djibouti expresses delight over democratic conduct of Ethiopia's elections ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The President of Djibouti Ismael Omar Guelleh expressed his delight over the democratic conduct of the third national elections in Ethiopia. In a statement the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent to ENA on Wednesday the Ethiopian Embassy in Djibouti said President Guelleh has expressed his delight over the democratic conduct of Ethiopia's third national election at the 28th Anniversary Celebration of Djibouti's Independence on June 27, 2005. President Guelleh said it is very encouraging to see such democratic election in the Horn of Africa where there is often instability. Ethio-South Africa relations of cooperation steadily gaining momentum Addis Ababa (ENA) – The bilateral cooperation between Ethiopia and South Africa are steadily gaining momentum, officials of the Ethiopian Embassy in South Africa said. Minister Counsellor with the Ethiopian Embassy in S. Africa, Mebrat Beyene, and Economic Division Head with the Embassy, Abiy Berhane said the official visit to Ethiopia of the S. African Foreign Minister, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma in March 2004 could be cited as a landmark in the relations between the two countries. Abiy said while there is a positive trend in the trade and investment relations between the two countries, the trade volume at the current level is far from the desired level compared to the existing huge potential. By 2004, the total trade volume between the two countries stood at 30 million USD, Abiy said, and added that the trade balance is more in favour of South Africa. Export from Ethiopia to S. Africa has not exceeded 10mln USD even in the best of time, Abiy said, adding that various efforts are being made to improve the trade balance as well as to attract South African investment to Ethiopia. Ethiopia imports industrial equipment, machineries, chemicals and raw materials for chemical industries as well as food stuff, wine and milk from South Africa, Abiy said. Currently, some South African companies are considering to engage in agricultural sector, while some companies are preparing to produce grains and other agricultural produces in Ethiopia and then to export to South Africa, Abiy said. Ropack International, a South African Company, is currently undertaking preliminary activities to bring select seed to Ethiopia, introduce it to local farmers, buy their produces and supply it to European markets, according to Abiy. Abiy hopes these and other on-going activities would improve the trade imbalance, adding the Ethiopian Embassy is making efforts to promote Ethiopian products in S. Africa. According to Abiy, on-going market researches indicated that there is a huge market potential for Ethiopian leather garments in S. Africa. Abiy said contacts have been made with the Leather Industry Association of South Africa, and that the division will push on to facilitate partnership between South African companies and Ethiopian leatherwear manufacturers. According to Abiy, two South African companies have shown interest to invest in floriculture in Ethiopia, while other companies indicated desire to test the European market for Ethiopian floriculture products. Abiy said South African investors have shown interest in the areas of mining, tourism, real estate and floriculture developments. One South African company has already been engaged in gold prospecting in Ethiopia, while other companies are under preparation to do same, he added. Another company named O & T Development has been considering to engage in Real Estate development in Ethiopia, including in the development of low-cost houses, according to Abiy. Abiy said the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement has already been prepared and is expected to be signed in the near future by pertinent authorities of the two countries. Other agreements in pipeline include those related to arts and culture, science and technology as well as capacity building in local government administration and management, where South Africa will provide support for Ethiopia, Abiy said. The Foreign Ministers of the two countries had signed a general cooperation agreement and an agreement for the avoidance of Double taxation. The agreement providing for the avoidance of double taxation, which is yet to be put into force, would help enhance trade exchanges, while the general cooperation agreement is serving as a legal framework for the multifarious cooperation between the two countries. According to Abiy, the legal agreements pertaining to the various areas of cooperation have been drafted and are currently being studied by pertinent experts of the two countries. Minister Counsellor with the Ethiopian Embassy in S. Africa, Mebrat Beyene said that it was decided during Foreign Minister Zumas visit that the foreign ministers of the two countries pay an official visit to each others country every two years. Accordingly, in February 2005 a technical team drawn from various offices in South Africa came to Ethiopia, while senior government officials from Ethiopia also visited South Africa in May 2005, Mebrat said. The visits of such senior government envoys were meant to lay the ground work to further enhance cooperation between the two governments, ahead of the official meetings of the foreign ministers. Diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and South Africa started soon after the establishment of a democratic system following the abolition of the Apartheid system. ===================================== Pol.ethiopia June 30,2005 ============================= ____________________________________________________ Yahoo! Sports Rekindle the Rivalries. Sign up for Fantasy Football http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri Jun 10 15:37:02 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:39 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050610133702.32429.qmail@web53309.mail.yahoo.com> June 10, 2005 Police Commission says calm restored in Addis Peace, stability prevails in the capital: MoI ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? The Addis Ababa Police Commission has disclosed that calm has been restored in Addis Ababa, yesterday and the residents have resumed their regular activities in the prevailing peaceful and stable conditions, the Ministry of Information said. It is to be recalled that members and supporters of CUD were engaged in unlawful activities, including looting, Wednesday which were quelled by the metropolitan police and security forces. However, the Federal Police headquarter announced yesterday that all its quite and stable, again, though in the morning three buses were attacked by hooligans who are now under police custody. The Commission has further stated that the police and security forces are engaged in rigorous patrol duty to ensure peace and security in the city and has called upon the residents to go on their daily business. The Commission has also stated that the police and security forces are on alert to foil any activity that would affect the peace and stability of the city. The metropolitan police has called upon all Addis Ababa residents to be vigilant and assist it in establishing law and order in the city sustainably, the Ministry said. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Information has said after the havoc and lootings in some parts of Addis Ababa by elements heeding the call of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) were quelled through the concerted efforts of the police and security forces Wednesday peace and stability has prevailed throughout the city yesterday. ?It is to be recalled that in the riots and violence which erupted Wednesday, the police and security forces took the necessary measures to foil the attempted looting, bank robbery, raiding police stations to free suspects under legal custody and to disarm the police, loss of life and injuries were sustained,? the ministry told ENA in a statement. It quoted the police as saying that among those severely wounded four have died in the hospital raising the number of the casualties to 26. ?The police have also confirmed that among the injured, 40 persons are free of any risk to their life,? the statement said. The police have identified by names 15 of the 26 persons who lost their lives while the rest have not been identified yet. UN Chief calls upon gov?t opposition to resolve differences through dialogue ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? UN Secretary General Kofi Annan called upon all sides in Ethiopia to resolve their differences through dialogue and legal means, UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Wednesday, Xinhua, Chinese news agency and AFP reported. The Secretary General called on the Ethiopian Government and the opposition leaders to do everything possible to resolve their differences through dialogue and legal means, Xinhua quoted the spokesman as saying. The efforts of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia to investigate the allegations of election irregularities, with the participation of all relevant parties, must be fully supported, AFP reported on its part. The Secretary General urged the parties to commit themselves firmly to accept the final results that will be announced after investigations are completed, the spokesman stressed, saying Annan called on all parties for calm, respect for the law and the rights of the people. Ambassadors Donor Group, EU urge parties to resolve differences peacefully ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? The Ambassadors Donor Group and the EU have urged all parties in Ethiopia to avoid confrontation and to resolve their differences peacefully within the framework of Ethiopia?s constitution, democratic institutions and laws and to await the outcome of the elections. In a statement they issued Tuesday concerning the events that occurred in educational institutions in Addis Ababa Monday, June 6, they said they could not condone violence nor incitement to violence nor incitement to racial hatred, nor could they condone any party which resorts to violent or illegal or non-constitutional actions. ?The Ambassadors Donor Group and the EU remain committed to continue to play their role in supporting the transparency and credibility of the democratic process in Ethiopia in the final stages of the election and call on all parties to play a responsible and constructive role in ensuring the election process is completed peacefully,? the statement said. They expressed grave concern about the events that occurred in educational institutions last Monday and Tuesday. ?The Ambassadors Donor Group and the EU expect the government and its security forces to show utmost restraint in handling peaceful demonstrations by civil society and to uphold international principles of human rights,? the statement said. The statement is endorsed by Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, EU Delegation, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holy See, IMF, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States. ======================================= Pol.ethiopia June 10,2005 =========================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Find what you need with new enhanced search. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Jun 13 14:41:01 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:39 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050613124101.81793.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> June 12, 2005 Meles says his push for greater democracy remains on track ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said his push for greater democracy remained on track, describing the elections as a watershed, Reuters reported Friday. In an interview with Reuters, Meles said ?No risk of violence was spreading across the country and there was no turning back from democracy.? But Meles said he remained ready to take preventive action to keep things from getting out of control. We deeply regret that lives have been lost ; Reuters also quoted Meles as saying. Meles also told the BBC because of events were getting out of control force need to be used. ?People were trying to charge police station and perhaps take guns. People were trying to charge banks and perhaps loot money and things were beginning to have got out of control. At that stage, it was prudent to stop these with forceful action, Meles said. Diplomats called the election the most democratic in the history of the Sub-Saharan Africa?s second most populous country. Meanwhile, UN General Secretary Kofi Annan urged a peaceful resolution of the situation and called for respect for the electoral outcome. In a statement released by his Spokesman Annan said Ethiopian police this week cracked down protestors disputing the results of the country?s May 15 elections. Annan, who recently returned from a diplomatic trip to Ethiopia, has this week been in contact with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and opposition leaders, who earlier Friday signed a non-violence pact over the disputed elections, the statement said. However, prospects of the agreements appeared dim, as the two sides traded new accusations of malfeasance immediately after it was sealed. Carter Centre urges gov?t, opposition parties to reaffirm commitments ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? The Carter Centre called upon all concerned, including the government, ruling party, and the opposition parties, to reform their commitments to peaceful participation in the entirety of the election process. In a statement issued on 9 June 2005, the Carter Centre joins other members of the international community and Ethiopian citizens in expressing its deep alarm and sorrow at the violence, injuries, and deaths in the aftermath of the May 15 election. It said the Carter Centre denounces the deaths of more than 20 citizens in Addis Ababa as well as the clashes between the government security forces and civilians. The Carter Centre acknowledges that the opposition parties have a shared responsibility in the preservation of a peaceful climate in which the elections process can be concluded, it said. The statement said that every press statement, public appearance and action must be weighed in terms of its potential effects on the fragile peace that must be maintained until the announcement of the final results. The Carter Centre is hopeful that recent overtures toward compromise on the complaints process will continue, it said, adding ?It is our sincerest hope that all parties will construe to seek solutions that mirror the faith in the democratic process that millions of Ethiopians have shown at the polls.? The decision taken in the completion of this year?s election must recognize and honour their extreme patience and sacrifice, the statement said. All parties should pursue legal means to peacefully conclude election: MoI ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? The Ministry of Information says that all parties should pursue legal way to conclude the third national elections democratically. The Ministry said in its weekly statement Friday that the government, public and peace loving forces have exerted rigorous efforts for democratic and legal conduct of the elections. As stipulated in the Constitution, power of the government assumed and left only through public votes, the Ministry said, adding attempting to fulfill whims and interest through forceful acts was against the constitution and thus would be unacceptable. The Ministry said that no preconditions should be put in a peaceful and legal process, adding that the party which put such precondition needs to reconsider its stance and should refrain from any activities of disturbances and violence until it yields to peaceful and legal way unconditionally. The measures taken to ensure law recently particularly on Wednesday during attempts of violence stemmed from such perspective, it said. In a community with diverse benefits and interests such benefits and interests should be maintained harmoniously through law and democracy, not through might and force, that Ministry said. The Ministry said those political parties involved in encouraging citizens through inappropriate information and promise should refrain from such activities and put forward their questions pursuant to law and get responses. The government expressed its grievances over the undesired human causalities caused due to violence ignited by forceful acts of opposition parties in an attempt to fulfill their interests. The Ministry reiterated citizens should act in conformity with laws and regulations and refrain from illegal activities. OPDO?s capital move decision based on earlier study, says Junedi ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? Oromia State President, Junedi Sado said that the decision made by the OPDO Executive Committee to make Finfine (Addis Ababa) capital of the Oromia State was based on a study conducted over the past three years. In a press conference he gave yesterday, the State President said that the study was begun after the OPDO passed decision in 2001 for the conduct of study concerning the Article which states about special privileges of the Oromia State in the Federal Constitution. Juneidi also said that the study is nearing completion, while relevant discussions have been held with both the Addis Ababa City Administration as well as the Federal Government. The state president said that the study will also be tabled for discussion to the Oromia State Council, adding that it would also be debated by the Federal Parliaments as well as concerned federal bodies. Prior to these, Junedi said the State Constitution which stipulates Adama as capital of the Oromia State would be amended. The decision taken by the OPDP has been discussed by the civil servant, business men and the Oromo people at large, he added. Concerning the construction works being carried out in Adama town, Juneidi said that though various constructions have been undertaken in Adama so far, it would not be recognized as a capital of the Oromia State, however, it will function as a commercial city. Concerning the decision of the OPDO vis-?-vis CUD?s victory in Addis Ababa City Administration, the State President said that the study of making Finfine capital of Oromia State has been conducted since three or four years ago and CUD?s victory won?t be a hindrance to the implementation of the decision. The State President also said that there won?t be any problem if CUD administers the city in accordance with the city charter, and indicated his belief that CUD will execute the Addis Ababa Charter. Moreover, he added the Oromia State has been working in harmony with the Addis Ababa Administration and the Federal Government as well. The State Government had issued a statement Thursday and expressed its regret over the life and property loss occurred due to violence and chaos recently erupted in Addis Ababa, Juneidi recalled. The State President also urged members of all nations and nationalities residing in the Oromia State to be engaged in their day-to-day activities and work with mutual respect for the development of the country. ====================================== Pol.ethiopia June 13,2005 ============================= __________________________________ Discover Yahoo! Stay in touch with email, IM, photo sharing and more. Check it out! http://discover.yahoo.com/stayintouch.html From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu Jun 16 09:49:00 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:39 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050616074900.51515.qmail@web53306.mail.yahoo.com> June 16, 2005 Benn says political parties need to implement Joint Declaration ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? British Secretary of State for International Development Hilary Benn said that all political parties need to be committed to the implementation of the Joint Declaration which they signed recently. Following talks with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi yesterday, Benn told journalists that all parties also need to extend their support to activities under way to investigate alleged election irregularities. He said they (parties) should also support the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia in its activities launched to probe into the complaints of the political parties. The huge voter turnout on the polling day has a significant importance and the votes given by the people need to be respected, Benn said. Britain was concerned with the violence that occurred in Addis last week, he said. He also expressed his sadness over the loss of human lives in the violence. During his talks with Prime Minister Meles, Benn said he has been informed that an order has been given to the setting up of an enquiry commission to investigate the incidents. Meles also told Benn that he had expressed his sadness over the loss of human lives during the violence through the mass media, according to a Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Regarding those imprisoned as a result of the violence, Meles told the Secretary of State that those innocent of the crime will be released and the culprits prosecuted. He also stressed the need that all political parties need to respect the supremacy of the law. Meles told Benn that families of the imprisoned persons and the Red Cross are allowed to visit them. According to the Spokesperson, meles and Benn have also discussed the safety net programme being run with the Ethio-British Development Cooperation. Britain has strong development cooperation with the Ethiopian government, the Spokesperson said. The British government has been extending direct budgetary support to the development Endeavour aimed at reducing poverty including food security, education and capacity building programmes, among others. British?s programme in Ethiopia has grown from 44 million pound in 2002/03 to a 85 million pound in 2005/06. Constitutional Inquiry Council says May 15 decree by Premier does not breach Constitution ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? The Constitutional Inquiry Council of the House of the Federation says the May 15, 2005 decree passed by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi does not breach the Constitution. The council during its regular session Tuesday responded to the application submitted to it by the Federal First Instance Court pertaining the charge filed by Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) calling it to annual the state of emergency decreed on May 15 by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi. The Constitutional Inquiry Council however said the Prime Minister has the power to issue such decree, which it said was in concordance with the Constitutional provision and not contradictory to Proclamation 3/83. The council endorsed unanimously that no constitutional interpretation is required of the council to provide as the issue does not need such interpretation. The session was concluded after passing the resolution on one of the 9 points submitted to it, the council?s press, public relation and minute coordination service said. Service Head Alemneh Regasa told ENA that, he council, by the power vested on it by Article 84/1 of the Constitution, deliberates on any application for constitutional interpretation, and, should it find that any of the Constitutional interpretation, examine the case and submit recommendation to the House of the Federation; or otherwise, informs the applicant (weather a justice body or an individual) back. The council took up one of the 9 points submitted to it for a constitutional interpretation by the Lideta Civil Bench of the First Instance Court on the Charge filed by CUD for the lifting of the decree made by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and for a media announcement of it. CUD contested that the Prime Minister does not have the mandate to issue such a decree as the one made on the 15th of May 2005. The Constitutional Inquiry Council after looking into the contents of the charge, and into Proclamation 3/83 of the Constitution and the Addis Ababa City Administration?s Charter to find out whether or not the decree breaches the Constitution declared that the Prime Minister has the mandate and the May 15 decree concur, and was not contradictory to, Article 3/83 of the Constitution, and thus is not liable to any interpretation. The council concluded its deliberation after deciding that the Council?s resolution is sent immediately to the Federal First Instance Court. The Constitutional Inquiry Council is composed of 11 senior legal professionals. G8 Finance Ministers decide 100 per cent debt cancellation for Ethiopia ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? The G8 Finance Ministers agreed to write off Ethiopia?s debt by 100 per cent, which amounts to 4.41 billion US dollars, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development has announced. The G8 Finance Ministers agreed the 100 per cent debt cancellation for Ethiopia as the country has reached completion point under the HIPC initiative of the donor countries, Public Relations and Conference Service Head with the Ministry Getachew Admasu told ENA yesterday. The Finance Ministers? decision of a 100 per cent debt cancellation pertains to the debt Ethiopia owes to the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the African Development Fund, Getachew said. With this 100 per cent debt cancellation, the debt Ethiopia owes to donor countries will go down to only 1.36 billion dollars, he indicated. Ethiopia?s foreign debt will further reduce to 1.14 billion dollars when the agreement expected to be signed soon with Paris Club creditors and with the countries that are not members with the club, he said. This agreement is expected to be signed by Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Japan and Hungary providing for the cancellation of a sum of 58.5 million US dollars. It is also expected that the 183 million dollars that remained after the Russian Federation relieved Ethiopia of 1.1 billion USD would also be written off, Getachew said. He said the G8 Finance Minister?s decision will go into enforcement after being endorsed by the G8 leaders in their summit soon in Scotland. The country will then redirect the 110 million USD annual debt service to the implementation of its priority development programmes related to poverty alleviation, he indicated. To benefit from such a debt cancellation scheme, indebted countries need to fulfill the criteria posed by creditor countries and international financial institutions, he said. Ethiopia has met all the criteria and approved to have reached completion point leading to the 2004 decision by the board of directors of the international financial institutions and the World Band to write off 3.3 billion USD of Ethiopia?s debt. ================================= Pol.ethiopia June 16,2005 ========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue Jun 21 14:21:48 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:39 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050621122148.48813.qmail@web53306.mail.yahoo.com> June 21, 2005 Electoral Board Joint Forum on CRB, CIPs operations By Dagne Biazen ADDIS ABABA ? The National Electoral Board (NEB) yesterday gave briefing to the Joint Forum of political parties on the terms of reference for the operations of Complaints Review Body (CRB) and Complaints Investigation Panels (CIPs) with a view to addressing the complaints lodged with it. Electoral Reform International Services (ERIS) Programme Manager Richard Chambers, told the Joint Forum held on the premises of the Board that CRB would review complaints submitted by political parties and assess the same whether each complaint has sufficient supporting evidence to show an irregularity may have occurred in a constituency and, if so, whether the supporting evidence shows the irregularity may have affected the outcome of the election in that constituency. He added that the CRB would make recommendation to the NEB on whether an investigation is required to establish the facts of the alleged irregularity. The Board also indicated that members of CRB will be the Deputy Chief Executive of the Secretariat of the Board, the Acting Registrar of the Political Parties and a qualified lawyer temporarily appointed as legal advisor. Following the review, the VRB will prepare a provisional recommendation on the complaint which will be recorded in a draft Summary of Complaint and Note of Recommendation where copies of which will be provided to the complaint and the political party that would be affected by the complaint the Board said. The Board added that the complainant will have 48 hours from receipt of the draft summary of complaint to request a hearing with their CRB in order to address issues or concerns. Within two days of the hearing, the CRB will submit a final summary of complaint to the NEB where within seven days of the hearing the Board will decide on whether to accept the recommendation or not, according to the statement. The NEB shall appoint a CIP for each constituency where it has decided the scope and nature of an alleged irregularity or irregularities were such that they were bound to determine the outcome of the election in that constituency. The members of CIP will be two members of the NEBE Secretariat, a political party representative and the political party representative that would be affected by the complaint, it added. The Board also said that the CIPs shall operate by consensus but, where consensus is not possible, a majority vote shall be binding. EPRDF Representative Tadesse Kassa on the occasion accused the two major opposition parties for instigating violence in all places in the country. ?As time is against us, we should work on the verification as quickly as possible, ?he said. He added that CUD in particularly instigator of violence even after it signed a non-violence pact. A representative of CUD on his part expressed concern over the impartiality of NEB officials represented in CRB and CIPs. He added that they would affect the credibility of the investigation. UEDF?s representative also said that the NEB officials would cast doubt to the credibility of the operations of the two bodies. Forum lauds joint agreement reached between ruling, opposition parties ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? Members of Ethiopian National Consensus Forum (ENCF) in the UK expressed support to the Joint Declaration signed among EPRDF, CUD and UEDF, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. The members described as an encouraging step the agreement the parties have signed for the review and investigation of complaints by panels to be established by the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia. ENCF called on the signatory parties to abide by the decision to be passed by the Complaints Investigation Panels (CIPs). The ENCF urged the concerned bodies to realize that power would be seized only through peaceful means not through violence and riot; the Ministry quoted the Ethiopian Embassy in London as saying. Members of the Forum expressed their deep sorrow over the human causalities, which occurred due to the recent violence in the capital. They also admired the May 15 national elections, which they said was unprecedented in the history of the country and the active and peaceful participation of the public. The Ministry said the Forum was established by Ethiopians residing in Britain. ==================================== Pol.ethiopia June 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 Thu Jun 23 14:20:17 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:40 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050623122017.63331.qmail@web53309.mail.yahoo.com> June 23, 2005 Ethio-Japan Policy Dialogue Meet conducted ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? Japanese Ambassador to Ethiopia as one of its most valuable partners, both politically and economically, among the many countries in the world. Speaking at a half-day Ethio-Japan Policy Dialogue Session yesterday, Ambassador Kinjiro Izumi said that Ethiopia should receive much more aid from the point of view of the per capita amount of foreign aid being received. He congratulated Ethiopia for being selected as one of those beneficiaries of the agreement reached during the G8 Finance Ministers? meeting regarding the comprehensive cancellation of debt of countries struggling with severe poverty. He expressed appreciation to the efforts made by the Ethiopian Government since the last Policy Dialogue in July 2004, in the monitoring and evaluation of Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction Programme (SDPRP), the preparation of SDPRP2, the commencement of a Productive Safety Net Programme in the context of Food Security, the Capacity Development in Public Financial Management, the progress of PSCAP (Public Sector Delivery Capacity Building Programme) and decentralization, among others. ?This year, 2005 is a commemorative year for Ethiopia and Japan. The diplomatic relationship between Ethiopia and Japan was re-established in 1955, making this year, 2005, the 50th anniversary of that event,? he said. He said since the last Dialogue, the progress of the rehabilitation of the trunk road and the start of the construction of the new Abay Bridge were among the epoch-making incidents. The main purpose of the session is to review the implementation status of existing Ethio-Japan bilateral cooperation and chart out possible areas of future cooperation between the two sisterly countries. Leading the Ethiopian delegation to the Dialogue, State Minister of Finance and Economic Development Mekonnen Manyazewal said that the key goal for the development cooperation between the two countries was poverty reduction. ?In the last 12 months, the government has focused its efforts on implementing the various policy, strategy and programmes put in place especially by giving due emphasis on capacity building and public sector reforms in order to facilitate the achievements of the goals of the SDPRP,? he said. The decision of the G8 Finance Ministers including Japan to write off 100 per cent of the debt owed by 18 countries ahead of the G8 Summit slated to be held July 6-8 is Scotland is a great achievement, he said. Discussions focused on bilateral programmes undertaken so far and on subsequent programmes held during the half-day meeting. CIPs to launch investigation next week ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia has announced that complaints investigation activities will be launched next week. Board Acting Registrar Mekonnen Wondimu told ENA yesterday those 26 Complaints Investigation Panels (CIPs) will be deployed to various constituencies as of Wednesday. Each CIP will carry out investigations covering an average of five constituencies, he said. Investigation will b carried out at 135 constituencies. Commissioner says investment promotion visits fruitful ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? Investment Commissioner Abi Wolde-meskel said that the recent visits to four European countries were fruitful in promoting auspicious investment opportunities in Ethiopia as well as building the good image of the country. Commissioner Abi told ENA yesterday that encouraging results were registered from the visit held in Slovakia, Austria, Hungary and Belgium in attracting investors by promoting the investment opportunities and incentives designed by the Ethiopian government. Discussions were also held with investors, members of the business community as well as government officials in the stated countries to promote investment opportunities in Ethiopia, Abi said. During the visit to Slovak, the Commissioner said, discussions were held with Slovak investors, members of the business community as well as government officials on investment opportunities, investment incentives designed to attract investment as well as current situations in Ethiopia. Since Matador, a Slovak company forged joint venture with Addis Tyre Factory, other Slovak investors have been ready to invest in Ethiopia, Abi said. The Commissioner also said that the Slovak investors have shown desire to involve in agriculture, agricultural products processing, industry and other sectors as well. The investors will pay visit to Ethiopia with a view to closely identifying investment opportunities in the country, Abi indicated. Similarly, the Commissioner said that discussions were held with Austrian investors on Ethiopian investment opportunities and incentives at a workshop organized by the Ethiopian Embassy in Austria. Consensus was also reached on the issue of signing agreement on investment protection and insurance matters, Abi said. According to the Commissioner, discussions were also held with Hungarian investors at a relevant workshop organized in Hungary, while the Hungarian investors have shown interest to work in the floriculture development, food industry, hides and skin, meat production and other sectors. Discussions were also held on investment promotion and protection agreement and ways of encouraging investment on the visit paid to Belgium, Abi indicated. The Commissioner also added that the visit to Belgium was successful in promoting Ethiopian investment opportunities for Belgian investors. ================================== Pol.ethiopia June 23,2005 ============================= ____________________________________________________ Yahoo! Sports Rekindle the Rivalries. Sign up for Fantasy Football http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu Jun 30 10:12:30 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:40 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050630081230.23810.qmail@web53302.mail.yahoo.com> June 30, 2005 ADG urges all political parties to maintain commitment to non-violence Addis Ababa, (ENA)- The Ambassadors Donor Group (ADG) urged all political parties that signed the Joint Declaration to maintain a commitment to non-violence and full participation in the investigation process, and with out prejudice to recourse to the courts, acceptance of election results thereafter, for the agreements to succeed. The Ambassadors Donor Group made the call in a statement it issued on Wednesday after it met with Prime Minister Meles and leaders of the opposition parties in an effort to promote a peaceful, democratic, political solution to Ethiopia?s election dispute. As Ethiopia?s partners in development, we staunchly support the Joint Declaration signed by the parties on June 10 and reaffirmed on June 13, the ADG statement said. We welcome the start of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) complaints hearing process and are providing international observers to participate in NEBE-led investigations, the statement said. A process exists for resolving elections disputes and promoting a peaceful and democratic future for all Ethiopians, the statement said, adding international election observers and representatives of political parties will play an important role in making this process transparent and credible. The statement pointed out that all parties have agreed to abide by this process and to respect the outcome, and added that It is the responsibility of political leaders of all parties to ensure that this process produces a peaceful and successful outcome acceptable to all Ethiopians. We expect all sides to live up to their commitment to support the Complaints Investigation Panels so as to allow them to complete their work, the ADG statement said. There is no place for retaliation or threats in this process. We abhor ethnic race-baiting and call on all leaders to prevent such activities and call on all Ethiopians to reject such politics of hate, the ADG statement noted. All sides need to put the interests of Ethiopia first or the democratic progress this country has made in recent years could be lost, the statement said. Whatever the outcome of the current electoral process, we trust Ethiopians will adapt to the reality of a multi-party state and embrace new habits for overcoming political differences. The statement also calls on the security forces to respect due process for all detainees and call on the government to adhere to international principles on human rights. All detainees should be charged or released as required by the Constitution. The prime Minister has promised an investigation into the events of June 8, and we look forward to the results of that investigation, the statement said. The Government has the primary responsibility for ensuring that the rule of law is upheld in Ethiopia and that such a tragic loss of life is not repeated, the statement said. It is to be recalled that Police has announced the release of over 3,000 of those who were put under custody following the violence and riot that had recently erupted in Addis Ababa. The remaining prisoners have been brought to justice after investigations have been conducted. The International Red Cross Society and other resident Ambassadors have visited those under custody and testified that their treatment is in line with international law pertaining to prisoners. African Leaders to Converge in Libya for AU Summit Addis Ababa (ENA) - African ambassadors, ministers and Heads of State and Government of 53 African Union members will converge in Libya this week to discuss issues of Africa's development, the South African news service BuaNews reported from Tshwane (Pretoria) yesterday. President Thabo Mbeki will attend the Heads of State and Government Summit from Monday 4-5 July in Sirte, where African leaders will discuss a Council of Ministers' report pertaining to African seats in the reformed United Nations Security Council. The Council of Ministers meeting in Sirte would forward the AU Committee of 10 Foreign Ministers report, which was charged with the responsibility of mobilizing support for Africa's position for the reformed UN Security Council, the report quoted S. African Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa as saying. Ambassador N. Seleka in the South African Foreign Affairs Department is quoted as saying, the "common African position on UN reform is stated quite clear in the Ezulwini Consensus" that before African countries start arguing for position in the reformed Security Council, all African countries should mobilize for reforms to take place. The Ambassador said the Ezulwini Consensus, among others, proposes two permanent seats and five non-permanent seats for Africa in the Security Council. "The Council of Minister's report might give direction on how to mobilize support for Africa's common position on the UN reform in terms of the Ezulwini Consensus," said Ambassador Seleka. Political analyst of the South African Institute for International Affairs (SAIIA) Kuseni Dlamini told BuaNews that it was crucial that African leaders "speak in one voice" to highlight the importance of African seats in the newly reformed Security Council. His comments come amid talks of several African countries coming out wanting to claim the two African seats in the Council. Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad told BuaNews recently that South Africa and Nigeria would work together to secure the African seats, after Libya, Egypt, Senegal and Kenya also expressed their candidacy for the seats. Dlamini said the challenge for the AU Summit was for leaders to work together to push for the UN reforms and stop "bickering about who gets the seats." "It's important that African leaders stop bickering. Bickering does not help. African leaders must speak in one voice to seek reforms of the UN. If we don't [stop bickering] the world will see Africa as a laughing stock," he said. Other issues on the agenda of the Summit will be the strengthening of the AU institutions such as Pan-African Parliament, Peace and Security Council and NEPAD. On the peace and security front, Africa has much to celebrate with a number of conflicts and civil war gradually becoming a thing of the past, said Dlamini. The mineral-rich but strife-torn Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently adopted an interim Constitution paving the way for democratic elections and ending decades of conflict in the country. Burundi is also preparing to hold elections in the Great Lakes country while Ivory Coast is also on cause for all-inclusive democratic elections. African leaders had been steadfast in opposing any "unconstitutional" ascendancy to power. President of Djibouti expresses delight over democratic conduct of Ethiopia's elections ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The President of Djibouti Ismael Omar Guelleh expressed his delight over the democratic conduct of the third national elections in Ethiopia. In a statement the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent to ENA on Wednesday the Ethiopian Embassy in Djibouti said President Guelleh has expressed his delight over the democratic conduct of Ethiopia's third national election at the 28th Anniversary Celebration of Djibouti's Independence on June 27, 2005. President Guelleh said it is very encouraging to see such democratic election in the Horn of Africa where there is often instability. Ethio-South Africa relations of cooperation steadily gaining momentum Addis Ababa (ENA) ? The bilateral cooperation between Ethiopia and South Africa are steadily gaining momentum, officials of the Ethiopian Embassy in South Africa said. Minister Counsellor with the Ethiopian Embassy in S. Africa, Mebrat Beyene, and Economic Division Head with the Embassy, Abiy Berhane said the official visit to Ethiopia of the S. African Foreign Minister, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma in March 2004 could be cited as a landmark in the relations between the two countries. Abiy said while there is a positive trend in the trade and investment relations between the two countries, the trade volume at the current level is far from the desired level compared to the existing huge potential. By 2004, the total trade volume between the two countries stood at 30 million USD, Abiy said, and added that the trade balance is more in favour of South Africa. Export from Ethiopia to S. Africa has not exceeded 10mln USD even in the best of time, Abiy said, adding that various efforts are being made to improve the trade balance as well as to attract South African investment to Ethiopia. Ethiopia imports industrial equipment, machineries, chemicals and raw materials for chemical industries as well as food stuff, wine and milk from South Africa, Abiy said. Currently, some South African companies are considering to engage in agricultural sector, while some companies are preparing to produce grains and other agricultural produces in Ethiopia and then to export to South Africa, Abiy said. Ropack International, a South African Company, is currently undertaking preliminary activities to bring select seed to Ethiopia, introduce it to local farmers, buy their produces and supply it to European markets, according to Abiy. Abiy hopes these and other on-going activities would improve the trade imbalance, adding the Ethiopian Embassy is making efforts to promote Ethiopian products in S. Africa. According to Abiy, on-going market researches indicated that there is a huge market potential for Ethiopian leather garments in S. Africa. Abiy said contacts have been made with the Leather Industry Association of South Africa, and that the division will push on to facilitate partnership between South African companies and Ethiopian leatherwear manufacturers. According to Abiy, two South African companies have shown interest to invest in floriculture in Ethiopia, while other companies indicated desire to test the European market for Ethiopian floriculture products. Abiy said South African investors have shown interest in the areas of mining, tourism, real estate and floriculture developments. One South African company has already been engaged in gold prospecting in Ethiopia, while other companies are under preparation to do same, he added. Another company named O & T Development has been considering to engage in Real Estate development in Ethiopia, including in the development of low-cost houses, according to Abiy. Abiy said the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement has already been prepared and is expected to be signed in the near future by pertinent authorities of the two countries. Other agreements in pipeline include those related to arts and culture, science and technology as well as capacity building in local government administration and management, where South Africa will provide support for Ethiopia, Abiy said. The Foreign Ministers of the two countries had signed a general cooperation agreement and an agreement for the avoidance of Double taxation. The agreement providing for the avoidance of double taxation, which is yet to be put into force, would help enhance trade exchanges, while the general cooperation agreement is serving as a legal framework for the multifarious cooperation between the two countries. According to Abiy, the legal agreements pertaining to the various areas of cooperation have been drafted and are currently being studied by pertinent experts of the two countries. Minister Counsellor with the Ethiopian Embassy in S. Africa, Mebrat Beyene said that it was decided during Foreign Minister Zumas visit that the foreign ministers of the two countries pay an official visit to each others country every two years. Accordingly, in February 2005 a technical team drawn from various offices in South Africa came to Ethiopia, while senior government officials from Ethiopia also visited South Africa in May 2005, Mebrat said. The visits of such senior government envoys were meant to lay the ground work to further enhance cooperation between the two governments, ahead of the official meetings of the foreign ministers. Diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and South Africa started soon after the establishment of a democratic system following the abolition of the Apartheid system. ===================================== Pol.ethiopia June 30,2005 ============================= ____________________________________________________ Yahoo! Sports Rekindle the Rivalries. Sign up for Fantasy Football http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri Jun 10 15:37:02 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:43 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050610133702.32429.qmail@web53309.mail.yahoo.com> June 10, 2005 Police Commission says calm restored in Addis Peace, stability prevails in the capital: MoI ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? The Addis Ababa Police Commission has disclosed that calm has been restored in Addis Ababa, yesterday and the residents have resumed their regular activities in the prevailing peaceful and stable conditions, the Ministry of Information said. It is to be recalled that members and supporters of CUD were engaged in unlawful activities, including looting, Wednesday which were quelled by the metropolitan police and security forces. However, the Federal Police headquarter announced yesterday that all its quite and stable, again, though in the morning three buses were attacked by hooligans who are now under police custody. The Commission has further stated that the police and security forces are engaged in rigorous patrol duty to ensure peace and security in the city and has called upon the residents to go on their daily business. The Commission has also stated that the police and security forces are on alert to foil any activity that would affect the peace and stability of the city. The metropolitan police has called upon all Addis Ababa residents to be vigilant and assist it in establishing law and order in the city sustainably, the Ministry said. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Information has said after the havoc and lootings in some parts of Addis Ababa by elements heeding the call of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) were quelled through the concerted efforts of the police and security forces Wednesday peace and stability has prevailed throughout the city yesterday. ?It is to be recalled that in the riots and violence which erupted Wednesday, the police and security forces took the necessary measures to foil the attempted looting, bank robbery, raiding police stations to free suspects under legal custody and to disarm the police, loss of life and injuries were sustained,? the ministry told ENA in a statement. It quoted the police as saying that among those severely wounded four have died in the hospital raising the number of the casualties to 26. ?The police have also confirmed that among the injured, 40 persons are free of any risk to their life,? the statement said. The police have identified by names 15 of the 26 persons who lost their lives while the rest have not been identified yet. UN Chief calls upon gov?t opposition to resolve differences through dialogue ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? UN Secretary General Kofi Annan called upon all sides in Ethiopia to resolve their differences through dialogue and legal means, UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Wednesday, Xinhua, Chinese news agency and AFP reported. The Secretary General called on the Ethiopian Government and the opposition leaders to do everything possible to resolve their differences through dialogue and legal means, Xinhua quoted the spokesman as saying. The efforts of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia to investigate the allegations of election irregularities, with the participation of all relevant parties, must be fully supported, AFP reported on its part. The Secretary General urged the parties to commit themselves firmly to accept the final results that will be announced after investigations are completed, the spokesman stressed, saying Annan called on all parties for calm, respect for the law and the rights of the people. Ambassadors Donor Group, EU urge parties to resolve differences peacefully ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? The Ambassadors Donor Group and the EU have urged all parties in Ethiopia to avoid confrontation and to resolve their differences peacefully within the framework of Ethiopia?s constitution, democratic institutions and laws and to await the outcome of the elections. In a statement they issued Tuesday concerning the events that occurred in educational institutions in Addis Ababa Monday, June 6, they said they could not condone violence nor incitement to violence nor incitement to racial hatred, nor could they condone any party which resorts to violent or illegal or non-constitutional actions. ?The Ambassadors Donor Group and the EU remain committed to continue to play their role in supporting the transparency and credibility of the democratic process in Ethiopia in the final stages of the election and call on all parties to play a responsible and constructive role in ensuring the election process is completed peacefully,? the statement said. They expressed grave concern about the events that occurred in educational institutions last Monday and Tuesday. ?The Ambassadors Donor Group and the EU expect the government and its security forces to show utmost restraint in handling peaceful demonstrations by civil society and to uphold international principles of human rights,? the statement said. The statement is endorsed by Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, EU Delegation, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holy See, IMF, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States. ======================================= Pol.ethiopia June 10,2005 =========================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Find what you need with new enhanced search. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Jun 13 14:41:01 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:43 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050613124101.81793.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> June 12, 2005 Meles says his push for greater democracy remains on track ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said his push for greater democracy remained on track, describing the elections as a watershed, Reuters reported Friday. In an interview with Reuters, Meles said ?No risk of violence was spreading across the country and there was no turning back from democracy.? But Meles said he remained ready to take preventive action to keep things from getting out of control. We deeply regret that lives have been lost ; Reuters also quoted Meles as saying. Meles also told the BBC because of events were getting out of control force need to be used. ?People were trying to charge police station and perhaps take guns. People were trying to charge banks and perhaps loot money and things were beginning to have got out of control. At that stage, it was prudent to stop these with forceful action, Meles said. Diplomats called the election the most democratic in the history of the Sub-Saharan Africa?s second most populous country. Meanwhile, UN General Secretary Kofi Annan urged a peaceful resolution of the situation and called for respect for the electoral outcome. In a statement released by his Spokesman Annan said Ethiopian police this week cracked down protestors disputing the results of the country?s May 15 elections. Annan, who recently returned from a diplomatic trip to Ethiopia, has this week been in contact with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and opposition leaders, who earlier Friday signed a non-violence pact over the disputed elections, the statement said. However, prospects of the agreements appeared dim, as the two sides traded new accusations of malfeasance immediately after it was sealed. Carter Centre urges gov?t, opposition parties to reaffirm commitments ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? The Carter Centre called upon all concerned, including the government, ruling party, and the opposition parties, to reform their commitments to peaceful participation in the entirety of the election process. In a statement issued on 9 June 2005, the Carter Centre joins other members of the international community and Ethiopian citizens in expressing its deep alarm and sorrow at the violence, injuries, and deaths in the aftermath of the May 15 election. It said the Carter Centre denounces the deaths of more than 20 citizens in Addis Ababa as well as the clashes between the government security forces and civilians. The Carter Centre acknowledges that the opposition parties have a shared responsibility in the preservation of a peaceful climate in which the elections process can be concluded, it said. The statement said that every press statement, public appearance and action must be weighed in terms of its potential effects on the fragile peace that must be maintained until the announcement of the final results. The Carter Centre is hopeful that recent overtures toward compromise on the complaints process will continue, it said, adding ?It is our sincerest hope that all parties will construe to seek solutions that mirror the faith in the democratic process that millions of Ethiopians have shown at the polls.? The decision taken in the completion of this year?s election must recognize and honour their extreme patience and sacrifice, the statement said. All parties should pursue legal means to peacefully conclude election: MoI ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? The Ministry of Information says that all parties should pursue legal way to conclude the third national elections democratically. The Ministry said in its weekly statement Friday that the government, public and peace loving forces have exerted rigorous efforts for democratic and legal conduct of the elections. As stipulated in the Constitution, power of the government assumed and left only through public votes, the Ministry said, adding attempting to fulfill whims and interest through forceful acts was against the constitution and thus would be unacceptable. The Ministry said that no preconditions should be put in a peaceful and legal process, adding that the party which put such precondition needs to reconsider its stance and should refrain from any activities of disturbances and violence until it yields to peaceful and legal way unconditionally. The measures taken to ensure law recently particularly on Wednesday during attempts of violence stemmed from such perspective, it said. In a community with diverse benefits and interests such benefits and interests should be maintained harmoniously through law and democracy, not through might and force, that Ministry said. The Ministry said those political parties involved in encouraging citizens through inappropriate information and promise should refrain from such activities and put forward their questions pursuant to law and get responses. The government expressed its grievances over the undesired human causalities caused due to violence ignited by forceful acts of opposition parties in an attempt to fulfill their interests. The Ministry reiterated citizens should act in conformity with laws and regulations and refrain from illegal activities. OPDO?s capital move decision based on earlier study, says Junedi ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? Oromia State President, Junedi Sado said that the decision made by the OPDO Executive Committee to make Finfine (Addis Ababa) capital of the Oromia State was based on a study conducted over the past three years. In a press conference he gave yesterday, the State President said that the study was begun after the OPDO passed decision in 2001 for the conduct of study concerning the Article which states about special privileges of the Oromia State in the Federal Constitution. Juneidi also said that the study is nearing completion, while relevant discussions have been held with both the Addis Ababa City Administration as well as the Federal Government. The state president said that the study will also be tabled for discussion to the Oromia State Council, adding that it would also be debated by the Federal Parliaments as well as concerned federal bodies. Prior to these, Junedi said the State Constitution which stipulates Adama as capital of the Oromia State would be amended. The decision taken by the OPDP has been discussed by the civil servant, business men and the Oromo people at large, he added. Concerning the construction works being carried out in Adama town, Juneidi said that though various constructions have been undertaken in Adama so far, it would not be recognized as a capital of the Oromia State, however, it will function as a commercial city. Concerning the decision of the OPDO vis-?-vis CUD?s victory in Addis Ababa City Administration, the State President said that the study of making Finfine capital of Oromia State has been conducted since three or four years ago and CUD?s victory won?t be a hindrance to the implementation of the decision. The State President also said that there won?t be any problem if CUD administers the city in accordance with the city charter, and indicated his belief that CUD will execute the Addis Ababa Charter. Moreover, he added the Oromia State has been working in harmony with the Addis Ababa Administration and the Federal Government as well. The State Government had issued a statement Thursday and expressed its regret over the life and property loss occurred due to violence and chaos recently erupted in Addis Ababa, Juneidi recalled. The State President also urged members of all nations and nationalities residing in the Oromia State to be engaged in their day-to-day activities and work with mutual respect for the development of the country. ====================================== Pol.ethiopia June 13,2005 ============================= __________________________________ Discover Yahoo! Stay in touch with email, IM, photo sharing and more. Check it out! http://discover.yahoo.com/stayintouch.html From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu Jun 16 09:49:00 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:43 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050616074900.51515.qmail@web53306.mail.yahoo.com> June 16, 2005 Benn says political parties need to implement Joint Declaration ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? British Secretary of State for International Development Hilary Benn said that all political parties need to be committed to the implementation of the Joint Declaration which they signed recently. Following talks with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi yesterday, Benn told journalists that all parties also need to extend their support to activities under way to investigate alleged election irregularities. He said they (parties) should also support the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia in its activities launched to probe into the complaints of the political parties. The huge voter turnout on the polling day has a significant importance and the votes given by the people need to be respected, Benn said. Britain was concerned with the violence that occurred in Addis last week, he said. He also expressed his sadness over the loss of human lives in the violence. During his talks with Prime Minister Meles, Benn said he has been informed that an order has been given to the setting up of an enquiry commission to investigate the incidents. Meles also told Benn that he had expressed his sadness over the loss of human lives during the violence through the mass media, according to a Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Regarding those imprisoned as a result of the violence, Meles told the Secretary of State that those innocent of the crime will be released and the culprits prosecuted. He also stressed the need that all political parties need to respect the supremacy of the law. Meles told Benn that families of the imprisoned persons and the Red Cross are allowed to visit them. According to the Spokesperson, meles and Benn have also discussed the safety net programme being run with the Ethio-British Development Cooperation. Britain has strong development cooperation with the Ethiopian government, the Spokesperson said. The British government has been extending direct budgetary support to the development Endeavour aimed at reducing poverty including food security, education and capacity building programmes, among others. British?s programme in Ethiopia has grown from 44 million pound in 2002/03 to a 85 million pound in 2005/06. Constitutional Inquiry Council says May 15 decree by Premier does not breach Constitution ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? The Constitutional Inquiry Council of the House of the Federation says the May 15, 2005 decree passed by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi does not breach the Constitution. The council during its regular session Tuesday responded to the application submitted to it by the Federal First Instance Court pertaining the charge filed by Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) calling it to annual the state of emergency decreed on May 15 by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi. The Constitutional Inquiry Council however said the Prime Minister has the power to issue such decree, which it said was in concordance with the Constitutional provision and not contradictory to Proclamation 3/83. The council endorsed unanimously that no constitutional interpretation is required of the council to provide as the issue does not need such interpretation. The session was concluded after passing the resolution on one of the 9 points submitted to it, the council?s press, public relation and minute coordination service said. Service Head Alemneh Regasa told ENA that, he council, by the power vested on it by Article 84/1 of the Constitution, deliberates on any application for constitutional interpretation, and, should it find that any of the Constitutional interpretation, examine the case and submit recommendation to the House of the Federation; or otherwise, informs the applicant (weather a justice body or an individual) back. The council took up one of the 9 points submitted to it for a constitutional interpretation by the Lideta Civil Bench of the First Instance Court on the Charge filed by CUD for the lifting of the decree made by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and for a media announcement of it. CUD contested that the Prime Minister does not have the mandate to issue such a decree as the one made on the 15th of May 2005. The Constitutional Inquiry Council after looking into the contents of the charge, and into Proclamation 3/83 of the Constitution and the Addis Ababa City Administration?s Charter to find out whether or not the decree breaches the Constitution declared that the Prime Minister has the mandate and the May 15 decree concur, and was not contradictory to, Article 3/83 of the Constitution, and thus is not liable to any interpretation. The council concluded its deliberation after deciding that the Council?s resolution is sent immediately to the Federal First Instance Court. The Constitutional Inquiry Council is composed of 11 senior legal professionals. G8 Finance Ministers decide 100 per cent debt cancellation for Ethiopia ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? The G8 Finance Ministers agreed to write off Ethiopia?s debt by 100 per cent, which amounts to 4.41 billion US dollars, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development has announced. The G8 Finance Ministers agreed the 100 per cent debt cancellation for Ethiopia as the country has reached completion point under the HIPC initiative of the donor countries, Public Relations and Conference Service Head with the Ministry Getachew Admasu told ENA yesterday. The Finance Ministers? decision of a 100 per cent debt cancellation pertains to the debt Ethiopia owes to the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the African Development Fund, Getachew said. With this 100 per cent debt cancellation, the debt Ethiopia owes to donor countries will go down to only 1.36 billion dollars, he indicated. Ethiopia?s foreign debt will further reduce to 1.14 billion dollars when the agreement expected to be signed soon with Paris Club creditors and with the countries that are not members with the club, he said. This agreement is expected to be signed by Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Japan and Hungary providing for the cancellation of a sum of 58.5 million US dollars. It is also expected that the 183 million dollars that remained after the Russian Federation relieved Ethiopia of 1.1 billion USD would also be written off, Getachew said. He said the G8 Finance Minister?s decision will go into enforcement after being endorsed by the G8 leaders in their summit soon in Scotland. The country will then redirect the 110 million USD annual debt service to the implementation of its priority development programmes related to poverty alleviation, he indicated. To benefit from such a debt cancellation scheme, indebted countries need to fulfill the criteria posed by creditor countries and international financial institutions, he said. Ethiopia has met all the criteria and approved to have reached completion point leading to the 2004 decision by the board of directors of the international financial institutions and the World Band to write off 3.3 billion USD of Ethiopia?s debt. ================================= Pol.ethiopia June 16,2005 ========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue Jun 21 14:21:48 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:43 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050621122148.48813.qmail@web53306.mail.yahoo.com> June 21, 2005 Electoral Board Joint Forum on CRB, CIPs operations By Dagne Biazen ADDIS ABABA ? The National Electoral Board (NEB) yesterday gave briefing to the Joint Forum of political parties on the terms of reference for the operations of Complaints Review Body (CRB) and Complaints Investigation Panels (CIPs) with a view to addressing the complaints lodged with it. Electoral Reform International Services (ERIS) Programme Manager Richard Chambers, told the Joint Forum held on the premises of the Board that CRB would review complaints submitted by political parties and assess the same whether each complaint has sufficient supporting evidence to show an irregularity may have occurred in a constituency and, if so, whether the supporting evidence shows the irregularity may have affected the outcome of the election in that constituency. He added that the CRB would make recommendation to the NEB on whether an investigation is required to establish the facts of the alleged irregularity. The Board also indicated that members of CRB will be the Deputy Chief Executive of the Secretariat of the Board, the Acting Registrar of the Political Parties and a qualified lawyer temporarily appointed as legal advisor. Following the review, the VRB will prepare a provisional recommendation on the complaint which will be recorded in a draft Summary of Complaint and Note of Recommendation where copies of which will be provided to the complaint and the political party that would be affected by the complaint the Board said. The Board added that the complainant will have 48 hours from receipt of the draft summary of complaint to request a hearing with their CRB in order to address issues or concerns. Within two days of the hearing, the CRB will submit a final summary of complaint to the NEB where within seven days of the hearing the Board will decide on whether to accept the recommendation or not, according to the statement. The NEB shall appoint a CIP for each constituency where it has decided the scope and nature of an alleged irregularity or irregularities were such that they were bound to determine the outcome of the election in that constituency. The members of CIP will be two members of the NEBE Secretariat, a political party representative and the political party representative that would be affected by the complaint, it added. The Board also said that the CIPs shall operate by consensus but, where consensus is not possible, a majority vote shall be binding. EPRDF Representative Tadesse Kassa on the occasion accused the two major opposition parties for instigating violence in all places in the country. ?As time is against us, we should work on the verification as quickly as possible, ?he said. He added that CUD in particularly instigator of violence even after it signed a non-violence pact. A representative of CUD on his part expressed concern over the impartiality of NEB officials represented in CRB and CIPs. He added that they would affect the credibility of the investigation. UEDF?s representative also said that the NEB officials would cast doubt to the credibility of the operations of the two bodies. Forum lauds joint agreement reached between ruling, opposition parties ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? Members of Ethiopian National Consensus Forum (ENCF) in the UK expressed support to the Joint Declaration signed among EPRDF, CUD and UEDF, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. The members described as an encouraging step the agreement the parties have signed for the review and investigation of complaints by panels to be established by the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia. ENCF called on the signatory parties to abide by the decision to be passed by the Complaints Investigation Panels (CIPs). The ENCF urged the concerned bodies to realize that power would be seized only through peaceful means not through violence and riot; the Ministry quoted the Ethiopian Embassy in London as saying. Members of the Forum expressed their deep sorrow over the human causalities, which occurred due to the recent violence in the capital. They also admired the May 15 national elections, which they said was unprecedented in the history of the country and the active and peaceful participation of the public. The Ministry said the Forum was established by Ethiopians residing in Britain. ==================================== Pol.ethiopia June 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 Thu Jun 23 14:20:17 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:43 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050623122017.63331.qmail@web53309.mail.yahoo.com> June 23, 2005 Ethio-Japan Policy Dialogue Meet conducted ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? Japanese Ambassador to Ethiopia as one of its most valuable partners, both politically and economically, among the many countries in the world. Speaking at a half-day Ethio-Japan Policy Dialogue Session yesterday, Ambassador Kinjiro Izumi said that Ethiopia should receive much more aid from the point of view of the per capita amount of foreign aid being received. He congratulated Ethiopia for being selected as one of those beneficiaries of the agreement reached during the G8 Finance Ministers? meeting regarding the comprehensive cancellation of debt of countries struggling with severe poverty. He expressed appreciation to the efforts made by the Ethiopian Government since the last Policy Dialogue in July 2004, in the monitoring and evaluation of Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction Programme (SDPRP), the preparation of SDPRP2, the commencement of a Productive Safety Net Programme in the context of Food Security, the Capacity Development in Public Financial Management, the progress of PSCAP (Public Sector Delivery Capacity Building Programme) and decentralization, among others. ?This year, 2005 is a commemorative year for Ethiopia and Japan. The diplomatic relationship between Ethiopia and Japan was re-established in 1955, making this year, 2005, the 50th anniversary of that event,? he said. He said since the last Dialogue, the progress of the rehabilitation of the trunk road and the start of the construction of the new Abay Bridge were among the epoch-making incidents. The main purpose of the session is to review the implementation status of existing Ethio-Japan bilateral cooperation and chart out possible areas of future cooperation between the two sisterly countries. Leading the Ethiopian delegation to the Dialogue, State Minister of Finance and Economic Development Mekonnen Manyazewal said that the key goal for the development cooperation between the two countries was poverty reduction. ?In the last 12 months, the government has focused its efforts on implementing the various policy, strategy and programmes put in place especially by giving due emphasis on capacity building and public sector reforms in order to facilitate the achievements of the goals of the SDPRP,? he said. The decision of the G8 Finance Ministers including Japan to write off 100 per cent of the debt owed by 18 countries ahead of the G8 Summit slated to be held July 6-8 is Scotland is a great achievement, he said. Discussions focused on bilateral programmes undertaken so far and on subsequent programmes held during the half-day meeting. CIPs to launch investigation next week ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia has announced that complaints investigation activities will be launched next week. Board Acting Registrar Mekonnen Wondimu told ENA yesterday those 26 Complaints Investigation Panels (CIPs) will be deployed to various constituencies as of Wednesday. Each CIP will carry out investigations covering an average of five constituencies, he said. Investigation will b carried out at 135 constituencies. Commissioner says investment promotion visits fruitful ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? Investment Commissioner Abi Wolde-meskel said that the recent visits to four European countries were fruitful in promoting auspicious investment opportunities in Ethiopia as well as building the good image of the country. Commissioner Abi told ENA yesterday that encouraging results were registered from the visit held in Slovakia, Austria, Hungary and Belgium in attracting investors by promoting the investment opportunities and incentives designed by the Ethiopian government. Discussions were also held with investors, members of the business community as well as government officials in the stated countries to promote investment opportunities in Ethiopia, Abi said. During the visit to Slovak, the Commissioner said, discussions were held with Slovak investors, members of the business community as well as government officials on investment opportunities, investment incentives designed to attract investment as well as current situations in Ethiopia. Since Matador, a Slovak company forged joint venture with Addis Tyre Factory, other Slovak investors have been ready to invest in Ethiopia, Abi said. The Commissioner also said that the Slovak investors have shown desire to involve in agriculture, agricultural products processing, industry and other sectors as well. The investors will pay visit to Ethiopia with a view to closely identifying investment opportunities in the country, Abi indicated. Similarly, the Commissioner said that discussions were held with Austrian investors on Ethiopian investment opportunities and incentives at a workshop organized by the Ethiopian Embassy in Austria. Consensus was also reached on the issue of signing agreement on investment protection and insurance matters, Abi said. According to the Commissioner, discussions were also held with Hungarian investors at a relevant workshop organized in Hungary, while the Hungarian investors have shown interest to work in the floriculture development, food industry, hides and skin, meat production and other sectors. Discussions were also held on investment promotion and protection agreement and ways of encouraging investment on the visit paid to Belgium, Abi indicated. The Commissioner also added that the visit to Belgium was successful in promoting Ethiopian investment opportunities for Belgian investors. ================================== Pol.ethiopia June 23,2005 ============================= ____________________________________________________ Yahoo! Sports Rekindle the Rivalries. Sign up for Fantasy Football http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu Jun 30 10:12:30 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:43 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050630081230.23810.qmail@web53302.mail.yahoo.com> June 30, 2005 ADG urges all political parties to maintain commitment to non-violence Addis Ababa, (ENA)- The Ambassadors Donor Group (ADG) urged all political parties that signed the Joint Declaration to maintain a commitment to non-violence and full participation in the investigation process, and with out prejudice to recourse to the courts, acceptance of election results thereafter, for the agreements to succeed. The Ambassadors Donor Group made the call in a statement it issued on Wednesday after it met with Prime Minister Meles and leaders of the opposition parties in an effort to promote a peaceful, democratic, political solution to Ethiopia?s election dispute. As Ethiopia?s partners in development, we staunchly support the Joint Declaration signed by the parties on June 10 and reaffirmed on June 13, the ADG statement said. We welcome the start of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) complaints hearing process and are providing international observers to participate in NEBE-led investigations, the statement said. A process exists for resolving elections disputes and promoting a peaceful and democratic future for all Ethiopians, the statement said, adding international election observers and representatives of political parties will play an important role in making this process transparent and credible. The statement pointed out that all parties have agreed to abide by this process and to respect the outcome, and added that It is the responsibility of political leaders of all parties to ensure that this process produces a peaceful and successful outcome acceptable to all Ethiopians. We expect all sides to live up to their commitment to support the Complaints Investigation Panels so as to allow them to complete their work, the ADG statement said. There is no place for retaliation or threats in this process. We abhor ethnic race-baiting and call on all leaders to prevent such activities and call on all Ethiopians to reject such politics of hate, the ADG statement noted. All sides need to put the interests of Ethiopia first or the democratic progress this country has made in recent years could be lost, the statement said. Whatever the outcome of the current electoral process, we trust Ethiopians will adapt to the reality of a multi-party state and embrace new habits for overcoming political differences. The statement also calls on the security forces to respect due process for all detainees and call on the government to adhere to international principles on human rights. All detainees should be charged or released as required by the Constitution. The prime Minister has promised an investigation into the events of June 8, and we look forward to the results of that investigation, the statement said. The Government has the primary responsibility for ensuring that the rule of law is upheld in Ethiopia and that such a tragic loss of life is not repeated, the statement said. It is to be recalled that Police has announced the release of over 3,000 of those who were put under custody following the violence and riot that had recently erupted in Addis Ababa. The remaining prisoners have been brought to justice after investigations have been conducted. The International Red Cross Society and other resident Ambassadors have visited those under custody and testified that their treatment is in line with international law pertaining to prisoners. African Leaders to Converge in Libya for AU Summit Addis Ababa (ENA) - African ambassadors, ministers and Heads of State and Government of 53 African Union members will converge in Libya this week to discuss issues of Africa's development, the South African news service BuaNews reported from Tshwane (Pretoria) yesterday. President Thabo Mbeki will attend the Heads of State and Government Summit from Monday 4-5 July in Sirte, where African leaders will discuss a Council of Ministers' report pertaining to African seats in the reformed United Nations Security Council. The Council of Ministers meeting in Sirte would forward the AU Committee of 10 Foreign Ministers report, which was charged with the responsibility of mobilizing support for Africa's position for the reformed UN Security Council, the report quoted S. African Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa as saying. Ambassador N. Seleka in the South African Foreign Affairs Department is quoted as saying, the "common African position on UN reform is stated quite clear in the Ezulwini Consensus" that before African countries start arguing for position in the reformed Security Council, all African countries should mobilize for reforms to take place. The Ambassador said the Ezulwini Consensus, among others, proposes two permanent seats and five non-permanent seats for Africa in the Security Council. "The Council of Minister's report might give direction on how to mobilize support for Africa's common position on the UN reform in terms of the Ezulwini Consensus," said Ambassador Seleka. Political analyst of the South African Institute for International Affairs (SAIIA) Kuseni Dlamini told BuaNews that it was crucial that African leaders "speak in one voice" to highlight the importance of African seats in the newly reformed Security Council. His comments come amid talks of several African countries coming out wanting to claim the two African seats in the Council. Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad told BuaNews recently that South Africa and Nigeria would work together to secure the African seats, after Libya, Egypt, Senegal and Kenya also expressed their candidacy for the seats. Dlamini said the challenge for the AU Summit was for leaders to work together to push for the UN reforms and stop "bickering about who gets the seats." "It's important that African leaders stop bickering. Bickering does not help. African leaders must speak in one voice to seek reforms of the UN. If we don't [stop bickering] the world will see Africa as a laughing stock," he said. Other issues on the agenda of the Summit will be the strengthening of the AU institutions such as Pan-African Parliament, Peace and Security Council and NEPAD. On the peace and security front, Africa has much to celebrate with a number of conflicts and civil war gradually becoming a thing of the past, said Dlamini. The mineral-rich but strife-torn Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently adopted an interim Constitution paving the way for democratic elections and ending decades of conflict in the country. Burundi is also preparing to hold elections in the Great Lakes country while Ivory Coast is also on cause for all-inclusive democratic elections. African leaders had been steadfast in opposing any "unconstitutional" ascendancy to power. President of Djibouti expresses delight over democratic conduct of Ethiopia's elections ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The President of Djibouti Ismael Omar Guelleh expressed his delight over the democratic conduct of the third national elections in Ethiopia. In a statement the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent to ENA on Wednesday the Ethiopian Embassy in Djibouti said President Guelleh has expressed his delight over the democratic conduct of Ethiopia's third national election at the 28th Anniversary Celebration of Djibouti's Independence on June 27, 2005. President Guelleh said it is very encouraging to see such democratic election in the Horn of Africa where there is often instability. Ethio-South Africa relations of cooperation steadily gaining momentum Addis Ababa (ENA) ? The bilateral cooperation between Ethiopia and South Africa are steadily gaining momentum, officials of the Ethiopian Embassy in South Africa said. Minister Counsellor with the Ethiopian Embassy in S. Africa, Mebrat Beyene, and Economic Division Head with the Embassy, Abiy Berhane said the official visit to Ethiopia of the S. African Foreign Minister, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma in March 2004 could be cited as a landmark in the relations between the two countries. Abiy said while there is a positive trend in the trade and investment relations between the two countries, the trade volume at the current level is far from the desired level compared to the existing huge potential. By 2004, the total trade volume between the two countries stood at 30 million USD, Abiy said, and added that the trade balance is more in favour of South Africa. Export from Ethiopia to S. Africa has not exceeded 10mln USD even in the best of time, Abiy said, adding that various efforts are being made to improve the trade balance as well as to attract South African investment to Ethiopia. Ethiopia imports industrial equipment, machineries, chemicals and raw materials for chemical industries as well as food stuff, wine and milk from South Africa, Abiy said. Currently, some South African companies are considering to engage in agricultural sector, while some companies are preparing to produce grains and other agricultural produces in Ethiopia and then to export to South Africa, Abiy said. Ropack International, a South African Company, is currently undertaking preliminary activities to bring select seed to Ethiopia, introduce it to local farmers, buy their produces and supply it to European markets, according to Abiy. Abiy hopes these and other on-going activities would improve the trade imbalance, adding the Ethiopian Embassy is making efforts to promote Ethiopian products in S. Africa. According to Abiy, on-going market researches indicated that there is a huge market potential for Ethiopian leather garments in S. Africa. Abiy said contacts have been made with the Leather Industry Association of South Africa, and that the division will push on to facilitate partnership between South African companies and Ethiopian leatherwear manufacturers. According to Abiy, two South African companies have shown interest to invest in floriculture in Ethiopia, while other companies indicated desire to test the European market for Ethiopian floriculture products. Abiy said South African investors have shown interest in the areas of mining, tourism, real estate and floriculture developments. One South African company has already been engaged in gold prospecting in Ethiopia, while other companies are under preparation to do same, he added. Another company named O & T Development has been considering to engage in Real Estate development in Ethiopia, including in the development of low-cost houses, according to Abiy. Abiy said the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement has already been prepared and is expected to be signed in the near future by pertinent authorities of the two countries. Other agreements in pipeline include those related to arts and culture, science and technology as well as capacity building in local government administration and management, where South Africa will provide support for Ethiopia, Abiy said. The Foreign Ministers of the two countries had signed a general cooperation agreement and an agreement for the avoidance of Double taxation. The agreement providing for the avoidance of double taxation, which is yet to be put into force, would help enhance trade exchanges, while the general cooperation agreement is serving as a legal framework for the multifarious cooperation between the two countries. According to Abiy, the legal agreements pertaining to the various areas of cooperation have been drafted and are currently being studied by pertinent experts of the two countries. Minister Counsellor with the Ethiopian Embassy in S. Africa, Mebrat Beyene said that it was decided during Foreign Minister Zumas visit that the foreign ministers of the two countries pay an official visit to each others country every two years. Accordingly, in February 2005 a technical team drawn from various offices in South Africa came to Ethiopia, while senior government officials from Ethiopia also visited South Africa in May 2005, Mebrat said. The visits of such senior government envoys were meant to lay the ground work to further enhance cooperation between the two governments, ahead of the official meetings of the foreign ministers. Diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and South Africa started soon after the establishment of a democratic system following the abolition of the Apartheid system. ===================================== Pol.ethiopia June 30,2005 ============================= ____________________________________________________ Yahoo! Sports Rekindle the Rivalries. Sign up for Fantasy Football http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri Jun 10 15:37:02 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:16 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050610133702.32429.qmail@web53309.mail.yahoo.com> June 10, 2005 Police Commission says calm restored in Addis Peace, stability prevails in the capital: MoI ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? The Addis Ababa Police Commission has disclosed that calm has been restored in Addis Ababa, yesterday and the residents have resumed their regular activities in the prevailing peaceful and stable conditions, the Ministry of Information said. It is to be recalled that members and supporters of CUD were engaged in unlawful activities, including looting, Wednesday which were quelled by the metropolitan police and security forces. However, the Federal Police headquarter announced yesterday that all its quite and stable, again, though in the morning three buses were attacked by hooligans who are now under police custody. The Commission has further stated that the police and security forces are engaged in rigorous patrol duty to ensure peace and security in the city and has called upon the residents to go on their daily business. The Commission has also stated that the police and security forces are on alert to foil any activity that would affect the peace and stability of the city. The metropolitan police has called upon all Addis Ababa residents to be vigilant and assist it in establishing law and order in the city sustainably, the Ministry said. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Information has said after the havoc and lootings in some parts of Addis Ababa by elements heeding the call of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) were quelled through the concerted efforts of the police and security forces Wednesday peace and stability has prevailed throughout the city yesterday. ?It is to be recalled that in the riots and violence which erupted Wednesday, the police and security forces took the necessary measures to foil the attempted looting, bank robbery, raiding police stations to free suspects under legal custody and to disarm the police, loss of life and injuries were sustained,? the ministry told ENA in a statement. It quoted the police as saying that among those severely wounded four have died in the hospital raising the number of the casualties to 26. ?The police have also confirmed that among the injured, 40 persons are free of any risk to their life,? the statement said. The police have identified by names 15 of the 26 persons who lost their lives while the rest have not been identified yet. UN Chief calls upon gov?t opposition to resolve differences through dialogue ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? UN Secretary General Kofi Annan called upon all sides in Ethiopia to resolve their differences through dialogue and legal means, UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Wednesday, Xinhua, Chinese news agency and AFP reported. The Secretary General called on the Ethiopian Government and the opposition leaders to do everything possible to resolve their differences through dialogue and legal means, Xinhua quoted the spokesman as saying. The efforts of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia to investigate the allegations of election irregularities, with the participation of all relevant parties, must be fully supported, AFP reported on its part. The Secretary General urged the parties to commit themselves firmly to accept the final results that will be announced after investigations are completed, the spokesman stressed, saying Annan called on all parties for calm, respect for the law and the rights of the people. Ambassadors Donor Group, EU urge parties to resolve differences peacefully ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? The Ambassadors Donor Group and the EU have urged all parties in Ethiopia to avoid confrontation and to resolve their differences peacefully within the framework of Ethiopia?s constitution, democratic institutions and laws and to await the outcome of the elections. In a statement they issued Tuesday concerning the events that occurred in educational institutions in Addis Ababa Monday, June 6, they said they could not condone violence nor incitement to violence nor incitement to racial hatred, nor could they condone any party which resorts to violent or illegal or non-constitutional actions. ?The Ambassadors Donor Group and the EU remain committed to continue to play their role in supporting the transparency and credibility of the democratic process in Ethiopia in the final stages of the election and call on all parties to play a responsible and constructive role in ensuring the election process is completed peacefully,? the statement said. They expressed grave concern about the events that occurred in educational institutions last Monday and Tuesday. ?The Ambassadors Donor Group and the EU expect the government and its security forces to show utmost restraint in handling peaceful demonstrations by civil society and to uphold international principles of human rights,? the statement said. The statement is endorsed by Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, EU Delegation, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holy See, IMF, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States. ======================================= Pol.ethiopia June 10,2005 =========================== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Find what you need with new enhanced search. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Jun 13 14:41:01 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:16 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050613124101.81793.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> June 12, 2005 Meles says his push for greater democracy remains on track ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said his push for greater democracy remained on track, describing the elections as a watershed, Reuters reported Friday. In an interview with Reuters, Meles said ?No risk of violence was spreading across the country and there was no turning back from democracy.? But Meles said he remained ready to take preventive action to keep things from getting out of control. We deeply regret that lives have been lost ; Reuters also quoted Meles as saying. Meles also told the BBC because of events were getting out of control force need to be used. ?People were trying to charge police station and perhaps take guns. People were trying to charge banks and perhaps loot money and things were beginning to have got out of control. At that stage, it was prudent to stop these with forceful action, Meles said. Diplomats called the election the most democratic in the history of the Sub-Saharan Africa?s second most populous country. Meanwhile, UN General Secretary Kofi Annan urged a peaceful resolution of the situation and called for respect for the electoral outcome. In a statement released by his Spokesman Annan said Ethiopian police this week cracked down protestors disputing the results of the country?s May 15 elections. Annan, who recently returned from a diplomatic trip to Ethiopia, has this week been in contact with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and opposition leaders, who earlier Friday signed a non-violence pact over the disputed elections, the statement said. However, prospects of the agreements appeared dim, as the two sides traded new accusations of malfeasance immediately after it was sealed. Carter Centre urges gov?t, opposition parties to reaffirm commitments ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? The Carter Centre called upon all concerned, including the government, ruling party, and the opposition parties, to reform their commitments to peaceful participation in the entirety of the election process. In a statement issued on 9 June 2005, the Carter Centre joins other members of the international community and Ethiopian citizens in expressing its deep alarm and sorrow at the violence, injuries, and deaths in the aftermath of the May 15 election. It said the Carter Centre denounces the deaths of more than 20 citizens in Addis Ababa as well as the clashes between the government security forces and civilians. The Carter Centre acknowledges that the opposition parties have a shared responsibility in the preservation of a peaceful climate in which the elections process can be concluded, it said. The statement said that every press statement, public appearance and action must be weighed in terms of its potential effects on the fragile peace that must be maintained until the announcement of the final results. The Carter Centre is hopeful that recent overtures toward compromise on the complaints process will continue, it said, adding ?It is our sincerest hope that all parties will construe to seek solutions that mirror the faith in the democratic process that millions of Ethiopians have shown at the polls.? The decision taken in the completion of this year?s election must recognize and honour their extreme patience and sacrifice, the statement said. All parties should pursue legal means to peacefully conclude election: MoI ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? The Ministry of Information says that all parties should pursue legal way to conclude the third national elections democratically. The Ministry said in its weekly statement Friday that the government, public and peace loving forces have exerted rigorous efforts for democratic and legal conduct of the elections. As stipulated in the Constitution, power of the government assumed and left only through public votes, the Ministry said, adding attempting to fulfill whims and interest through forceful acts was against the constitution and thus would be unacceptable. The Ministry said that no preconditions should be put in a peaceful and legal process, adding that the party which put such precondition needs to reconsider its stance and should refrain from any activities of disturbances and violence until it yields to peaceful and legal way unconditionally. The measures taken to ensure law recently particularly on Wednesday during attempts of violence stemmed from such perspective, it said. In a community with diverse benefits and interests such benefits and interests should be maintained harmoniously through law and democracy, not through might and force, that Ministry said. The Ministry said those political parties involved in encouraging citizens through inappropriate information and promise should refrain from such activities and put forward their questions pursuant to law and get responses. The government expressed its grievances over the undesired human causalities caused due to violence ignited by forceful acts of opposition parties in an attempt to fulfill their interests. The Ministry reiterated citizens should act in conformity with laws and regulations and refrain from illegal activities. OPDO?s capital move decision based on earlier study, says Junedi ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? Oromia State President, Junedi Sado said that the decision made by the OPDO Executive Committee to make Finfine (Addis Ababa) capital of the Oromia State was based on a study conducted over the past three years. In a press conference he gave yesterday, the State President said that the study was begun after the OPDO passed decision in 2001 for the conduct of study concerning the Article which states about special privileges of the Oromia State in the Federal Constitution. Juneidi also said that the study is nearing completion, while relevant discussions have been held with both the Addis Ababa City Administration as well as the Federal Government. The state president said that the study will also be tabled for discussion to the Oromia State Council, adding that it would also be debated by the Federal Parliaments as well as concerned federal bodies. Prior to these, Junedi said the State Constitution which stipulates Adama as capital of the Oromia State would be amended. The decision taken by the OPDP has been discussed by the civil servant, business men and the Oromo people at large, he added. Concerning the construction works being carried out in Adama town, Juneidi said that though various constructions have been undertaken in Adama so far, it would not be recognized as a capital of the Oromia State, however, it will function as a commercial city. Concerning the decision of the OPDO vis-?-vis CUD?s victory in Addis Ababa City Administration, the State President said that the study of making Finfine capital of Oromia State has been conducted since three or four years ago and CUD?s victory won?t be a hindrance to the implementation of the decision. The State President also said that there won?t be any problem if CUD administers the city in accordance with the city charter, and indicated his belief that CUD will execute the Addis Ababa Charter. Moreover, he added the Oromia State has been working in harmony with the Addis Ababa Administration and the Federal Government as well. The State Government had issued a statement Thursday and expressed its regret over the life and property loss occurred due to violence and chaos recently erupted in Addis Ababa, Juneidi recalled. The State President also urged members of all nations and nationalities residing in the Oromia State to be engaged in their day-to-day activities and work with mutual respect for the development of the country. ====================================== Pol.ethiopia June 13,2005 ============================= __________________________________ Discover Yahoo! Stay in touch with email, IM, photo sharing and more. Check it out! http://discover.yahoo.com/stayintouch.html From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu Jun 16 09:49:00 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:16 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050616074900.51515.qmail@web53306.mail.yahoo.com> June 16, 2005 Benn says political parties need to implement Joint Declaration ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? British Secretary of State for International Development Hilary Benn said that all political parties need to be committed to the implementation of the Joint Declaration which they signed recently. Following talks with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi yesterday, Benn told journalists that all parties also need to extend their support to activities under way to investigate alleged election irregularities. He said they (parties) should also support the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia in its activities launched to probe into the complaints of the political parties. The huge voter turnout on the polling day has a significant importance and the votes given by the people need to be respected, Benn said. Britain was concerned with the violence that occurred in Addis last week, he said. He also expressed his sadness over the loss of human lives in the violence. During his talks with Prime Minister Meles, Benn said he has been informed that an order has been given to the setting up of an enquiry commission to investigate the incidents. Meles also told Benn that he had expressed his sadness over the loss of human lives during the violence through the mass media, according to a Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Regarding those imprisoned as a result of the violence, Meles told the Secretary of State that those innocent of the crime will be released and the culprits prosecuted. He also stressed the need that all political parties need to respect the supremacy of the law. Meles told Benn that families of the imprisoned persons and the Red Cross are allowed to visit them. According to the Spokesperson, meles and Benn have also discussed the safety net programme being run with the Ethio-British Development Cooperation. Britain has strong development cooperation with the Ethiopian government, the Spokesperson said. The British government has been extending direct budgetary support to the development Endeavour aimed at reducing poverty including food security, education and capacity building programmes, among others. British?s programme in Ethiopia has grown from 44 million pound in 2002/03 to a 85 million pound in 2005/06. Constitutional Inquiry Council says May 15 decree by Premier does not breach Constitution ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? The Constitutional Inquiry Council of the House of the Federation says the May 15, 2005 decree passed by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi does not breach the Constitution. The council during its regular session Tuesday responded to the application submitted to it by the Federal First Instance Court pertaining the charge filed by Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) calling it to annual the state of emergency decreed on May 15 by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi. The Constitutional Inquiry Council however said the Prime Minister has the power to issue such decree, which it said was in concordance with the Constitutional provision and not contradictory to Proclamation 3/83. The council endorsed unanimously that no constitutional interpretation is required of the council to provide as the issue does not need such interpretation. The session was concluded after passing the resolution on one of the 9 points submitted to it, the council?s press, public relation and minute coordination service said. Service Head Alemneh Regasa told ENA that, he council, by the power vested on it by Article 84/1 of the Constitution, deliberates on any application for constitutional interpretation, and, should it find that any of the Constitutional interpretation, examine the case and submit recommendation to the House of the Federation; or otherwise, informs the applicant (weather a justice body or an individual) back. The council took up one of the 9 points submitted to it for a constitutional interpretation by the Lideta Civil Bench of the First Instance Court on the Charge filed by CUD for the lifting of the decree made by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and for a media announcement of it. CUD contested that the Prime Minister does not have the mandate to issue such a decree as the one made on the 15th of May 2005. The Constitutional Inquiry Council after looking into the contents of the charge, and into Proclamation 3/83 of the Constitution and the Addis Ababa City Administration?s Charter to find out whether or not the decree breaches the Constitution declared that the Prime Minister has the mandate and the May 15 decree concur, and was not contradictory to, Article 3/83 of the Constitution, and thus is not liable to any interpretation. The council concluded its deliberation after deciding that the Council?s resolution is sent immediately to the Federal First Instance Court. The Constitutional Inquiry Council is composed of 11 senior legal professionals. G8 Finance Ministers decide 100 per cent debt cancellation for Ethiopia ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? The G8 Finance Ministers agreed to write off Ethiopia?s debt by 100 per cent, which amounts to 4.41 billion US dollars, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development has announced. The G8 Finance Ministers agreed the 100 per cent debt cancellation for Ethiopia as the country has reached completion point under the HIPC initiative of the donor countries, Public Relations and Conference Service Head with the Ministry Getachew Admasu told ENA yesterday. The Finance Ministers? decision of a 100 per cent debt cancellation pertains to the debt Ethiopia owes to the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the African Development Fund, Getachew said. With this 100 per cent debt cancellation, the debt Ethiopia owes to donor countries will go down to only 1.36 billion dollars, he indicated. Ethiopia?s foreign debt will further reduce to 1.14 billion dollars when the agreement expected to be signed soon with Paris Club creditors and with the countries that are not members with the club, he said. This agreement is expected to be signed by Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Japan and Hungary providing for the cancellation of a sum of 58.5 million US dollars. It is also expected that the 183 million dollars that remained after the Russian Federation relieved Ethiopia of 1.1 billion USD would also be written off, Getachew said. He said the G8 Finance Minister?s decision will go into enforcement after being endorsed by the G8 leaders in their summit soon in Scotland. The country will then redirect the 110 million USD annual debt service to the implementation of its priority development programmes related to poverty alleviation, he indicated. To benefit from such a debt cancellation scheme, indebted countries need to fulfill the criteria posed by creditor countries and international financial institutions, he said. Ethiopia has met all the criteria and approved to have reached completion point leading to the 2004 decision by the board of directors of the international financial institutions and the World Band to write off 3.3 billion USD of Ethiopia?s debt. ================================= Pol.ethiopia June 16,2005 ========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue Jun 21 14:21:48 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:16 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050621122148.48813.qmail@web53306.mail.yahoo.com> June 21, 2005 Electoral Board Joint Forum on CRB, CIPs operations By Dagne Biazen ADDIS ABABA ? The National Electoral Board (NEB) yesterday gave briefing to the Joint Forum of political parties on the terms of reference for the operations of Complaints Review Body (CRB) and Complaints Investigation Panels (CIPs) with a view to addressing the complaints lodged with it. Electoral Reform International Services (ERIS) Programme Manager Richard Chambers, told the Joint Forum held on the premises of the Board that CRB would review complaints submitted by political parties and assess the same whether each complaint has sufficient supporting evidence to show an irregularity may have occurred in a constituency and, if so, whether the supporting evidence shows the irregularity may have affected the outcome of the election in that constituency. He added that the CRB would make recommendation to the NEB on whether an investigation is required to establish the facts of the alleged irregularity. The Board also indicated that members of CRB will be the Deputy Chief Executive of the Secretariat of the Board, the Acting Registrar of the Political Parties and a qualified lawyer temporarily appointed as legal advisor. Following the review, the VRB will prepare a provisional recommendation on the complaint which will be recorded in a draft Summary of Complaint and Note of Recommendation where copies of which will be provided to the complaint and the political party that would be affected by the complaint the Board said. The Board added that the complainant will have 48 hours from receipt of the draft summary of complaint to request a hearing with their CRB in order to address issues or concerns. Within two days of the hearing, the CRB will submit a final summary of complaint to the NEB where within seven days of the hearing the Board will decide on whether to accept the recommendation or not, according to the statement. The NEB shall appoint a CIP for each constituency where it has decided the scope and nature of an alleged irregularity or irregularities were such that they were bound to determine the outcome of the election in that constituency. The members of CIP will be two members of the NEBE Secretariat, a political party representative and the political party representative that would be affected by the complaint, it added. The Board also said that the CIPs shall operate by consensus but, where consensus is not possible, a majority vote shall be binding. EPRDF Representative Tadesse Kassa on the occasion accused the two major opposition parties for instigating violence in all places in the country. ?As time is against us, we should work on the verification as quickly as possible, ?he said. He added that CUD in particularly instigator of violence even after it signed a non-violence pact. A representative of CUD on his part expressed concern over the impartiality of NEB officials represented in CRB and CIPs. He added that they would affect the credibility of the investigation. UEDF?s representative also said that the NEB officials would cast doubt to the credibility of the operations of the two bodies. Forum lauds joint agreement reached between ruling, opposition parties ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? Members of Ethiopian National Consensus Forum (ENCF) in the UK expressed support to the Joint Declaration signed among EPRDF, CUD and UEDF, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. The members described as an encouraging step the agreement the parties have signed for the review and investigation of complaints by panels to be established by the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia. ENCF called on the signatory parties to abide by the decision to be passed by the Complaints Investigation Panels (CIPs). The ENCF urged the concerned bodies to realize that power would be seized only through peaceful means not through violence and riot; the Ministry quoted the Ethiopian Embassy in London as saying. Members of the Forum expressed their deep sorrow over the human causalities, which occurred due to the recent violence in the capital. They also admired the May 15 national elections, which they said was unprecedented in the history of the country and the active and peaceful participation of the public. The Ministry said the Forum was established by Ethiopians residing in Britain. ==================================== Pol.ethiopia June 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 Thu Jun 23 14:20:17 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:16 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050623122017.63331.qmail@web53309.mail.yahoo.com> June 23, 2005 Ethio-Japan Policy Dialogue Meet conducted ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? Japanese Ambassador to Ethiopia as one of its most valuable partners, both politically and economically, among the many countries in the world. Speaking at a half-day Ethio-Japan Policy Dialogue Session yesterday, Ambassador Kinjiro Izumi said that Ethiopia should receive much more aid from the point of view of the per capita amount of foreign aid being received. He congratulated Ethiopia for being selected as one of those beneficiaries of the agreement reached during the G8 Finance Ministers? meeting regarding the comprehensive cancellation of debt of countries struggling with severe poverty. He expressed appreciation to the efforts made by the Ethiopian Government since the last Policy Dialogue in July 2004, in the monitoring and evaluation of Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction Programme (SDPRP), the preparation of SDPRP2, the commencement of a Productive Safety Net Programme in the context of Food Security, the Capacity Development in Public Financial Management, the progress of PSCAP (Public Sector Delivery Capacity Building Programme) and decentralization, among others. ?This year, 2005 is a commemorative year for Ethiopia and Japan. The diplomatic relationship between Ethiopia and Japan was re-established in 1955, making this year, 2005, the 50th anniversary of that event,? he said. He said since the last Dialogue, the progress of the rehabilitation of the trunk road and the start of the construction of the new Abay Bridge were among the epoch-making incidents. The main purpose of the session is to review the implementation status of existing Ethio-Japan bilateral cooperation and chart out possible areas of future cooperation between the two sisterly countries. Leading the Ethiopian delegation to the Dialogue, State Minister of Finance and Economic Development Mekonnen Manyazewal said that the key goal for the development cooperation between the two countries was poverty reduction. ?In the last 12 months, the government has focused its efforts on implementing the various policy, strategy and programmes put in place especially by giving due emphasis on capacity building and public sector reforms in order to facilitate the achievements of the goals of the SDPRP,? he said. The decision of the G8 Finance Ministers including Japan to write off 100 per cent of the debt owed by 18 countries ahead of the G8 Summit slated to be held July 6-8 is Scotland is a great achievement, he said. Discussions focused on bilateral programmes undertaken so far and on subsequent programmes held during the half-day meeting. CIPs to launch investigation next week ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia has announced that complaints investigation activities will be launched next week. Board Acting Registrar Mekonnen Wondimu told ENA yesterday those 26 Complaints Investigation Panels (CIPs) will be deployed to various constituencies as of Wednesday. Each CIP will carry out investigations covering an average of five constituencies, he said. Investigation will b carried out at 135 constituencies. Commissioner says investment promotion visits fruitful ADDIS ABABA (ENA) ? Investment Commissioner Abi Wolde-meskel said that the recent visits to four European countries were fruitful in promoting auspicious investment opportunities in Ethiopia as well as building the good image of the country. Commissioner Abi told ENA yesterday that encouraging results were registered from the visit held in Slovakia, Austria, Hungary and Belgium in attracting investors by promoting the investment opportunities and incentives designed by the Ethiopian government. Discussions were also held with investors, members of the business community as well as government officials in the stated countries to promote investment opportunities in Ethiopia, Abi said. During the visit to Slovak, the Commissioner said, discussions were held with Slovak investors, members of the business community as well as government officials on investment opportunities, investment incentives designed to attract investment as well as current situations in Ethiopia. Since Matador, a Slovak company forged joint venture with Addis Tyre Factory, other Slovak investors have been ready to invest in Ethiopia, Abi said. The Commissioner also said that the Slovak investors have shown desire to involve in agriculture, agricultural products processing, industry and other sectors as well. The investors will pay visit to Ethiopia with a view to closely identifying investment opportunities in the country, Abi indicated. Similarly, the Commissioner said that discussions were held with Austrian investors on Ethiopian investment opportunities and incentives at a workshop organized by the Ethiopian Embassy in Austria. Consensus was also reached on the issue of signing agreement on investment protection and insurance matters, Abi said. According to the Commissioner, discussions were also held with Hungarian investors at a relevant workshop organized in Hungary, while the Hungarian investors have shown interest to work in the floriculture development, food industry, hides and skin, meat production and other sectors. Discussions were also held on investment promotion and protection agreement and ways of encouraging investment on the visit paid to Belgium, Abi indicated. The Commissioner also added that the visit to Belgium was successful in promoting Ethiopian investment opportunities for Belgian investors. ================================== Pol.ethiopia June 23,2005 ============================= ____________________________________________________ Yahoo! Sports Rekindle the Rivalries. Sign up for Fantasy Football http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu Jun 30 10:12:30 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:16 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050630081230.23810.qmail@web53302.mail.yahoo.com> June 30, 2005 ADG urges all political parties to maintain commitment to non-violence Addis Ababa, (ENA)- The Ambassadors Donor Group (ADG) urged all political parties that signed the Joint Declaration to maintain a commitment to non-violence and full participation in the investigation process, and with out prejudice to recourse to the courts, acceptance of election results thereafter, for the agreements to succeed. The Ambassadors Donor Group made the call in a statement it issued on Wednesday after it met with Prime Minister Meles and leaders of the opposition parties in an effort to promote a peaceful, democratic, political solution to Ethiopia?s election dispute. As Ethiopia?s partners in development, we staunchly support the Joint Declaration signed by the parties on June 10 and reaffirmed on June 13, the ADG statement said. We welcome the start of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) complaints hearing process and are providing international observers to participate in NEBE-led investigations, the statement said. A process exists for resolving elections disputes and promoting a peaceful and democratic future for all Ethiopians, the statement said, adding international election observers and representatives of political parties will play an important role in making this process transparent and credible. The statement pointed out that all parties have agreed to abide by this process and to respect the outcome, and added that It is the responsibility of political leaders of all parties to ensure that this process produces a peaceful and successful outcome acceptable to all Ethiopians. We expect all sides to live up to their commitment to support the Complaints Investigation Panels so as to allow them to complete their work, the ADG statement said. There is no place for retaliation or threats in this process. We abhor ethnic race-baiting and call on all leaders to prevent such activities and call on all Ethiopians to reject such politics of hate, the ADG statement noted. All sides need to put the interests of Ethiopia first or the democratic progress this country has made in recent years could be lost, the statement said. Whatever the outcome of the current electoral process, we trust Ethiopians will adapt to the reality of a multi-party state and embrace new habits for overcoming political differences. The statement also calls on the security forces to respect due process for all detainees and call on the government to adhere to international principles on human rights. All detainees should be charged or released as required by the Constitution. The prime Minister has promised an investigation into the events of June 8, and we look forward to the results of that investigation, the statement said. The Government has the primary responsibility for ensuring that the rule of law is upheld in Ethiopia and that such a tragic loss of life is not repeated, the statement said. It is to be recalled that Police has announced the release of over 3,000 of those who were put under custody following the violence and riot that had recently erupted in Addis Ababa. The remaining prisoners have been brought to justice after investigations have been conducted. The International Red Cross Society and other resident Ambassadors have visited those under custody and testified that their treatment is in line with international law pertaining to prisoners. African Leaders to Converge in Libya for AU Summit Addis Ababa (ENA) - African ambassadors, ministers and Heads of State and Government of 53 African Union members will converge in Libya this week to discuss issues of Africa's development, the South African news service BuaNews reported from Tshwane (Pretoria) yesterday. President Thabo Mbeki will attend the Heads of State and Government Summit from Monday 4-5 July in Sirte, where African leaders will discuss a Council of Ministers' report pertaining to African seats in the reformed United Nations Security Council. The Council of Ministers meeting in Sirte would forward the AU Committee of 10 Foreign Ministers report, which was charged with the responsibility of mobilizing support for Africa's position for the reformed UN Security Council, the report quoted S. African Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa as saying. Ambassador N. Seleka in the South African Foreign Affairs Department is quoted as saying, the "common African position on UN reform is stated quite clear in the Ezulwini Consensus" that before African countries start arguing for position in the reformed Security Council, all African countries should mobilize for reforms to take place. The Ambassador said the Ezulwini Consensus, among others, proposes two permanent seats and five non-permanent seats for Africa in the Security Council. "The Council of Minister's report might give direction on how to mobilize support for Africa's common position on the UN reform in terms of the Ezulwini Consensus," said Ambassador Seleka. Political analyst of the South African Institute for International Affairs (SAIIA) Kuseni Dlamini told BuaNews that it was crucial that African leaders "speak in one voice" to highlight the importance of African seats in the newly reformed Security Council. His comments come amid talks of several African countries coming out wanting to claim the two African seats in the Council. Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad told BuaNews recently that South Africa and Nigeria would work together to secure the African seats, after Libya, Egypt, Senegal and Kenya also expressed their candidacy for the seats. Dlamini said the challenge for the AU Summit was for leaders to work together to push for the UN reforms and stop "bickering about who gets the seats." "It's important that African leaders stop bickering. Bickering does not help. African leaders must speak in one voice to seek reforms of the UN. If we don't [stop bickering] the world will see Africa as a laughing stock," he said. Other issues on the agenda of the Summit will be the strengthening of the AU institutions such as Pan-African Parliament, Peace and Security Council and NEPAD. On the peace and security front, Africa has much to celebrate with a number of conflicts and civil war gradually becoming a thing of the past, said Dlamini. The mineral-rich but strife-torn Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently adopted an interim Constitution paving the way for democratic elections and ending decades of conflict in the country. Burundi is also preparing to hold elections in the Great Lakes country while Ivory Coast is also on cause for all-inclusive democratic elections. African leaders had been steadfast in opposing any "unconstitutional" ascendancy to power. President of Djibouti expresses delight over democratic conduct of Ethiopia's elections ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The President of Djibouti Ismael Omar Guelleh expressed his delight over the democratic conduct of the third national elections in Ethiopia. In a statement the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent to ENA on Wednesday the Ethiopian Embassy in Djibouti said President Guelleh has expressed his delight over the democratic conduct of Ethiopia's third national election at the 28th Anniversary Celebration of Djibouti's Independence on June 27, 2005. President Guelleh said it is very encouraging to see such democratic election in the Horn of Africa where there is often instability. Ethio-South Africa relations of cooperation steadily gaining momentum Addis Ababa (ENA) ? The bilateral cooperation between Ethiopia and South Africa are steadily gaining momentum, officials of the Ethiopian Embassy in South Africa said. Minister Counsellor with the Ethiopian Embassy in S. Africa, Mebrat Beyene, and Economic Division Head with the Embassy, Abiy Berhane said the official visit to Ethiopia of the S. African Foreign Minister, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma in March 2004 could be cited as a landmark in the relations between the two countries. Abiy said while there is a positive trend in the trade and investment relations between the two countries, the trade volume at the current level is far from the desired level compared to the existing huge potential. By 2004, the total trade volume between the two countries stood at 30 million USD, Abiy said, and added that the trade balance is more in favour of South Africa. Export from Ethiopia to S. Africa has not exceeded 10mln USD even in the best of time, Abiy said, adding that various efforts are being made to improve the trade balance as well as to attract South African investment to Ethiopia. Ethiopia imports industrial equipment, machineries, chemicals and raw materials for chemical industries as well as food stuff, wine and milk from South Africa, Abiy said. Currently, some South African companies are considering to engage in agricultural sector, while some companies are preparing to produce grains and other agricultural produces in Ethiopia and then to export to South Africa, Abiy said. Ropack International, a South African Company, is currently undertaking preliminary activities to bring select seed to Ethiopia, introduce it to local farmers, buy their produces and supply it to European markets, according to Abiy. Abiy hopes these and other on-going activities would improve the trade imbalance, adding the Ethiopian Embassy is making efforts to promote Ethiopian products in S. Africa. According to Abiy, on-going market researches indicated that there is a huge market potential for Ethiopian leather garments in S. Africa. Abiy said contacts have been made with the Leather Industry Association of South Africa, and that the division will push on to facilitate partnership between South African companies and Ethiopian leatherwear manufacturers. According to Abiy, two South African companies have shown interest to invest in floriculture in Ethiopia, while other companies indicated desire to test the European market for Ethiopian floriculture products. Abiy said South African investors have shown interest in the areas of mining, tourism, real estate and floriculture developments. One South African company has already been engaged in gold prospecting in Ethiopia, while other companies are under preparation to do same, he added. Another company named O & T Development has been considering to engage in Real Estate development in Ethiopia, including in the development of low-cost houses, according to Abiy. Abiy said the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement has already been prepared and is expected to be signed in the near future by pertinent authorities of the two countries. Other agreements in pipeline include those related to arts and culture, science and technology as well as capacity building in local government administration and management, where South Africa will provide support for Ethiopia, Abiy said. The Foreign Ministers of the two countries had signed a general cooperation agreement and an agreement for the avoidance of Double taxation. The agreement providing for the avoidance of double taxation, which is yet to be put into force, would help enhance trade exchanges, while the general cooperation agreement is serving as a legal framework for the multifarious cooperation between the two countries. According to Abiy, the legal agreements pertaining to the various areas of cooperation have been drafted and are currently being studied by pertinent experts of the two countries. Minister Counsellor with the Ethiopian Embassy in S. Africa, Mebrat Beyene said that it was decided during Foreign Minister Zumas visit that the foreign ministers of the two countries pay an official visit to each others country every two years. Accordingly, in February 2005 a technical team drawn from various offices in South Africa came to Ethiopia, while senior government officials from Ethiopia also visited South Africa in May 2005, Mebrat said. The visits of such senior government envoys were meant to lay the ground work to further enhance cooperation between the two governments, ahead of the official meetings of the foreign ministers. Diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and South Africa started soon after the establishment of a democratic system following the abolition of the Apartheid system. ===================================== Pol.ethiopia June 30,2005 ============================= ____________________________________________________ Yahoo! Sports Rekindle the Rivalries. Sign up for Fantasy Football http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com