From polethiopia@yahoo.com Mon Sep 5 09:40:18 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Mon, 5 Sep 2005 02:40:18 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050905094019.26438.qmail@web53315.mail.yahoo.com> September 5, 2005 17 elected representatives of ONC decide to join parliament Addis Ababa, September 02,2005 (WIC) - Seventeen elected representatives of the Oromo National Congress (ONC) to the House of Peoples’ Representatives have announced their decision to take up their seats in the next parliament, Iftin, a weekly Amharic newspaper reported. In a statement issued on 29th August bearing the emblem and seal of the party, the elected candidates said, “We will honour the responsibilities entrusted to us by the Oromo people, and struggle for the respect of the constitutional rights of our people by joining the new parliament.” In their statement, they have denounced the undemocratic moves by some members of the ONC leadership, which they said were against the fundamental objectives ONC stands for. “These members of the leadership have aligned themselves with chauvinistic forces to declare war against the Oromo people,” today's publication of the newspaper quoted the elected candidates as saying. They have also called upon all members and supporters of ONC to condemn the anti-peace moves by the leadership, whom they said “have become instruments of chauvinists leaving aside the interests of the Oromo people.” Seventeen of the 41 ONC’s elected candidates issued the statement, according to the newspaper. Sources close to Iftin also reported physical confrontation among ONC members yesterday at the party’s head office in Addis Ababa, which called for the intervention of the City Police. A political science scholar at the Addis Ababa University and senior executive member of ONC told Iftin that the ONC leadership has recently been taking illegal actions which contravene the party’s statute. “The undemocratic and illegal measures being taken by the top leadership to silence dissenting voices in the party are indicative that ONC is transforming itself into an autocratic party,” the paper quoted the scholar as saying. Chairman of ONC, Merera Gudina, has recently sacked Almaz Seifu, a senior executive member and founder of ONC as well as leader of the party’s youth wing, Iftin recalled. CUD disagrees on composition of Executive Committee during merger Addis Ababa, September 02,2005 (WIC)-The leadership of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, which met on 30th August 2005 to determine the composition of the new party to be formed on the merger of the existing four parties, has reached a deadlock, Iftin, a private weekly Amharic newspaper disclosed. According to the newspaper issued on September 2, 2005, the leaders have agreed to create a 400-member founding congress,150 people from each party. Despite a lengthy debate on the composition of the Executive Committee members, however, the leaders have failed to reach agreement as the All Ethiopia Unity Party sought upper hand in the committee, the paper added. The leaders will meet on September 6,2005 to resolve the deadlock, it was learnt. Oblivious of this, the leaders have formed a three-man committee to finalize the merger of the parties on September 24, 2005,the paper added. The major hurdles of agreeing on a program and party regulations are serious issues relegated by the leaders and yet be tackled before the merger, the newspaper stated quoting insiders. Ethiopia beyond the third democratic election Posted Date Sept. 05,2005 Emerging from long dark periods of rule under a rotten monarch, military junta and decades of civil war, Ethiopia has been on path of democracy for more than a decade. Since EPRDF ousted the military junta in 1991, the country has been transformed into multi-party democracy and has conducted two previous elections successfully. Today, in Ethiopia there is a conducive environment for citizens to express themselves freely; and to organize in a political, civic, social, religious organization. Following these freedom a number of political parties that covers a wide spectrum of view are operating freely in the country. Because of the freedom of expression that is guaranteed in the constitution, in today’s Ethiopia there are more than dozen of private papers in print and circulation every week. The last fourteen years under EPRDF can be characterized as the most peaceful and stable times Ethiopia has ever witnessed. The economy of the country is growing steadily than before. It was with these political and economic achievements and backdrops that Ethiopia has conducted the 3rd National and regional election. In the May 15, 2005 Ethiopian election 25 million courageous Ethiopians (at 90% of voter turnout) participated and cast their vote in a peaceful manner. Unlike the country’s lack of long democratic experience, during the election there were no incidents to undermine the integrity of the whole processes. The election was hailed by both international and local observers as the most open, competitive, free and fair by any standard and can be considered as a landmark in the country’s political history. Therefore, the whole election process, from its inception to the completion can be summed as a success. First and foremost, the success of the election belongs to the Ethiopian people from North to South and from East to West, irrespective of whom they cast their vote to. By actively participating in the election the Ethiopian people once again demonstrated their commitment to preserve and enhance the durable peace and stability the country has enjoyed for the last fourteen years. The whole election process also demonstrates the commitment of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and his government towards a true multi-party political system in Ethiopia. In this regard, the government of PM Meles should be credited for the courage it took to hang its future at balance, for allowing itself to public judgment and for its paramount contribution to the democratization of Ethiopia. The oppositions also deserve the appreciation of the Ethiopian people for their strong contest before and during the election. However, the post-election conduct of the oppositions and their handful supporters in Diaspora, their childish like nagging and unconstitutional demand for power all but should be denounced. The final and official result of the historic election was declared by the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) after long delay, thorough and transparent complaint investigation. As we understand now from independent foreign observers “…the delays were not anybody’s fault, except that the opposition kept demanding to clarify things, to investigate things and the government and the electoral board were patient, so were the supporters”. Based on official results from 492 constituencies, the composition of the Ethiopian House of People Representative looks like as follows: EPRDF =296 , CUD=109 , UEDF=52 , OFDM=11 , BGPDUF=8 , ANDP= 8 , GPDM =3 , SMPDUO=1 , SPDP=1, HNL=1 , ANDO=1 and Independent=1. As the total numbers of seats in the parliament are 547, NEBE has to announce the remaining results as soon as completed. However, the additional coming results will not affect outcome of the election. The official results announced so far indicate EPRDF as the clear winner of the election. Though the 3rd Ethiopian election was the most open, competitive, free and fair election, it was also became a venue where different defunct and morbid ideas made a comeback. In this election more than the previous ones, we have witnessed a futile struggle to bring back the era of chauvinism, hegemonic rule, anti-federalism and to abolish of multi- culturalism and instill similar rules as the military junta and the rotten monarch. More than the previous two elections, in this one we have noticed people played the race cared, hate politics, singling out one ethnic group as responsible and the sole carrier of the burden of the problem of Ethiopia. In fact the election can be characterized as the tug-of-war between those who were nostalgic about the military junta and rotten monarch and those who were defending the multi-culturalism and federalism of the country. Even if in the 3rd election we have witnessed the defeat of the idea of chauvinism and hegemonic rule, it is our hope as we look beyond to the 4th election these morbid and defunct ideas will be buried once and for all. The election is now completed, paving the way for the formation of the new legitimate Ethiopian government. It is our hope and confidence that EPRDF will soon form and announce the composition of the cabinet of the next government and the policies that it will follow in the next five years. It is also our hope that all elected parliamentarians will take their seats and work day and night for the interest of the electorate voted for them and in the best interest of the country. We urge all political parties and politicians to follow similar suite as the Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement (OFDM) and take their seats in the federal and regional parliament. As the election is successfully completed, all rhetoric must now give way to a genuine commitment of all political parties to work together for the common good of the country. In addition, every Ethiopian citizen must work together with the new Ethiopian government and Parliament to strengthen the country’s democratic system, value and institution. Each and every individual who consider ourselves Ethiopian, generation and reality challenges us to support the country’s struggle to become self-sufficient in food supply. By working in a group or as an individual we are challenged to explore all means that are at our disposal to create more jobs for our fellow countrymen. We should support our men and women in uniform who are always vigilant to defend our land from foreign aggression and terrorists. Now more than ever history presents us a noble opportunity to contribute in building of a democratic, stable and prosperous country. Violence and mob should give way to peace and prosperity. It is not time for rhetoric, to pose a threat to disrupt the peace and security of the public. It is not time for warning and threat against the well being of the Ethiopian people. It is time to be genuine parliamentarian and statesman who work for the interest of the Ethiopian people. >From now on it will not be appropriate and in fact will not be acceptable to criticize Ethiopia and Ethiopian people in their struggle to be self-sufficient in food supply by few who live in the comfort of Washington, London, Minneapolis, Copenhagen, Brussels and other Western Cities. Ethiopia does not need fault-finders. By its very nature fault finding is the easiest job the world can offer as it does not require any intuitive thinking. What it requires is a categorical negation of ideas and policies with out any thorough investigation. Therefore, we urge those who make a living by simple fault finding, exaggerations and critics, it is time to see in ward and assess what positive contributions you have made to the development of Ethiopia. As President Kennedy once said “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country”. Let us not be hypocrite! “Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” Hypocrites have only a lip service, they like to say many words but do nothing. They justify themselves as the most righteous one like the Pharisees and the Scribes. If we sing Ethiopia, we demonstrate holding banner of Ethiopia, if we dressed and wrap up ourselves in the tri-colour flag of Ethiopia, but if we did not make any tangible contribution in the real life of an Ethiopian, we are not Ethiopians. If our lip is not where our heart is we are nothing but hypocrites. As the good book says “This people honour me with their lips, but their heart is far from me”. Ethiopia does not need children that sing in their lips Ethiopia! Ethiopia! in the street of the West, but their heart and mind are away from her. Ethiopia requires citizens that make real and genuine contribution on the life of our fellow countrymen, and we believe more than ever the time is now to make that contribution. It is easy to oppose and criticize an individual or a political party, but it is difficult and challenging to propose viable and alternate solutions. Ethiopians need citizens that can positively contribute to their day-to-day life rather than telling them their fault from far across the oceans. As our country Ethiopia is diverse, our views can differ in many respects. For example, we may differ in the form of unity we should have in Ethiopia, we may differ in the question of the right of nation and nationalities and so on. Some of us argue that our unity should be based on the free will of the people and should reflect our diversity. On the other hand, some of us argue that our unity should be uniform and be imposed on us. These are ideas and approaches that different people follow to attain the unity that we dreamed for our country. However, we should agree to disagree and respect the view of one another in the best interest of the people and the country. That is the only way we can build a better Ethiopia worth of for its children. Regardless of our political difference and stand, in post-election Ethiopia it is in the best interests of the country that we able to support our political leaders and our country. It requires that we rally behind our political leaders and our Prime Minister. We should be able to cherish and celebrate for the international recognition and attention our political leaders got. When the world is rewarding our leaders for their vision and leadership, it is un-Ethiopian to oppose it by flooding a foreign government server by non-sense emails. Let us use the same technique of email storming to alert the West about the urgent needs of the Ethiopian people. Let us redirect our time and energy for something that is worthwhile for the Ethiopian people and for our own satisfaction. If we are genuine Ethiopians, I do not understand why we are irritated by the fact that our leader is sitting in Tony Blair’s African Commission. Or I can not understand why some opposition and their website are organizing anti-Yara movement to protest PM Meles award for “his contribution to improved food security and nutrition”. To oppose a political party and its idea is one thing, but to criticize the most democratic foreign countries, under whose shelter we took refuge, regarding their decisions is undemocratic and in fact violets individual and group rights. In fact the award and recognition of our leader received and nominated to should have been a source of pride for the country and its citizen. For one thing indiscriminate opposition of ideas and policies is the easiest job this world can offer as it does not require any serious thinking and intelligence. In addition such kind of approach does not help the country and its image at the international stage. In the post-election Ethiopia, if we are calling ourselves Ethiopian, it requires that regardless of our political views, we have to support the country’s paramount contribution to the security of the Greater Horn of Africa, East Africa Region, and the whole of Africa continent and in the global fight against terrorism. If we want to see Ethiopia as a strong and viable nation worth of itself and at the international stage, we have to work together, irrespective our differences. What we have to realize is that Ethiopia belongs to more than 80 ethnic groups and no one has entrusted Ethiopia to one or other group of people. Therefore, we have to work towards building a nation that is acceptable and beneficial to all Ethiopians and Ethiopian only. Therefore we call all concerned citizens, at home and in Diaspora, to support the country’s stride towards democracy, peace, stability and struggle in food-sufficiency. We call on the private press to discharge their noble responsibility by informing the society the facts. As Abraham Lincoln said “Let the people know the facts, and the country will be safe.” For the last fourteen years the private press has enjoyed a freedom previously unknown in Ethiopian history. Following the press freedom which came with the advent of EPRDF into power more than dozen news papers are in print every week in Ethiopia. However, instead of making a positive contribution to the democratic process, except few private news papers, all have immersed themselves into hate politics. Instead of becoming the free voice of the people, they became the sole voice of hate politics for power monger politicians. They became the source of news and at the same time the reporter of the news. In effect they fabricate a kind of news as the Amharic proverb goes “Bere welede”. If we want Ethiopia to be peaceful, stable and more democrats the private press has to discharge its responsibility by informing the society the facts than fabricated news. Therefore, we urge the private press to take its responsibility seriously and inform the society the facts and make a positive contribution to the democratic development of the country. Few Ethiopians in Diaspora made it their life time commitment to oppose whatever comes from the current Ethiopian politics. However, we do not think one has to oppose the current government to live in the West. We have to distinguish between to live in the West and to participate in Ethiopian politics. Living in the west does not necessarily imply that we have always to oppose the current government. Rather than blindly following one extreme political view of the few academicians and rich tycoons who live in the Western capitals, that does not help anyone; we can participate in positive political engagement of Ethiopia. As we have already said, the easiest thing in politics and for that matter in any field is, to indiscriminately oppose both good and bad ideas. Indiscriminate opposition of ideas does not require any serious thinking or intelligence, but only negation of ideas and policies. Therefore, we urge all so-called politicians in Diaspora to refrain from any kind of negative thinking and destructive politics. Specially, we urge the so-called intellectual people who are in the shield of Western universities and disseminate hate politics in Ethiopia to refrain from their hate politics. We urge the hate internet sites to make their forum a balanced medium that works for the interest of the Ethiopian people. We are not asking them to support the government or the opposition, but we are requesting them to be a media where balanced views are shared and discussed. We ask them to refrain from fabricating news that never happened and agitate the innocent people. As we successfully completed the third election and look for the fourth one in five years, we are hoping the democratic culture already started will be rooted deep in the country. We are hoping the private press will engage in positive atmosphere and take there responsibility of informing the society the facts seriously in the coming five years. We urge political parties to have clear vision of the country and engage in the positive sprit and mobilize the public in the strengthening of the already started democracy. We request them to separate the few bad apples from their political party. We request both the private press and the extreme elements in the opposition to refrain from hate politics. We request the politicians from both spectra to leave a legacy of political tolerance to the young generation. We had enough of violence and chaos, now we need to strengthen the already started peace, stability and democratic system. If we continue in this sprit it is our hope the 4th Ethiopian election in 2010 will be far better than the one we have conducted now. by Seifeselassie Sibhatu (PhD) ______________________________________________________ Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. http://store.yahoo.com/redcross-donate3/ From polethiopia@yahoo.com Tue Sep 13 08:22:19 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2005 01:22:19 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050913082219.48195.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> September 13, 2005 President Girma calls on public to strive to register more victories in Ethiopian New Year Addis Ababa, September 11,2005-President Girma Woldegiorgis called on the public to register new victories in the political, economic, social and diplomatic spheres during the Ethiopian New Year. In a New Year message he conveyed to the nation, the President said the public should exert utmost efforts to achieve the goals of the on-going development activities during the New Year. President Girma said agriculture, industry and urban development activities should be intensified in both rural and urban settings across the nation. The President said the private sector and the educated members of the society need to actively participate in the efforts to speed up development and build democracy. President Girma also said the government to be established should shoulder the responsibility of intensifying the on-going development activities and the building up of peace and democracy. The President said the public should provide the necessary support to the efforts of the government, whose power is emanating from the people in a democratic manner. The President said the country has built a dependable defense force that could maintain the nations peace as well as safeguard against any external attack. He said the country has also carried out successful diplomatic efforts to maintain its peace. He said the five-point peace proposal forwarded by Ethiopia to peacefully resolve the Ethio-Eritrea dispute enabled the country to achieve a victory in the diplomatic arena. He pointed out that a national council is being set up with a view to coordinating the Ethiopian Millennium ceremony, which would be marked after two years. Ghanaian professor says Amhara State conducive for silk production Bahirdar, September 12,2005 (WIC) - The Amhara State has a conducive climate favorable situation for the production of silk, a Ghanaian professor in the field disclosed. Professor Joseph Matika told WIC recently that the perfect climatic condition, the availability of plants used as food for silk worms as well as the investment incentives provided by the State’s government make the Amhara State an ideal place for the production of quality silk. Encouraging results have been achieved in 34 pilot woredas of the State where production was launched in the past nine months, he said, adding that farmers and investors engaged in the sector have obtained a good deal of income. Professor Matika said the beneficiaries have sold over 15 quintals of raw silk in Bahirdar, Gondar, Dessie and Kombolcha towns during the stated period. A kilo of raw silk was sold for 45 birr, he added. The production of silk in better quantity and quality would help the country generate hard currency, besides reducing unemployment and increasing farmers’ incomes, he noted. According to the professor, a five-year strategic plan has been designed to expand the silk production technology in all woredas of the Amhara State Enterprise to introduce plasma television programs to 168 schools Jijjiga, September 12,2005 (WIC) - The Educational Media Enterprise has reportedly earmarked 160 million birr to launch plasma television programs in 168 schools across the country in the coming academic year, import satellite receivers and introduce additional channels. pol.Ethiopia Sept. 2005 ========== Enterprise Manager Demisew Bekele told WIC that 461 schools were connected to the satellite education service owing to the efforts made to ensure fair access to secondary education in the country during the past academic year. Realizing the significant contribution of the plasma vision program in improving the quality of education, the Ministry of Capacity Building has given it due attention by allocating 160 million birr to further strengthen the program. Accordingly, he said one satellite dish and 8 receivers will be distributed to each of the 168 schools, adding that the six channels in schools where satellite services are available would be upgraded to nine. Thus, in addition to the existing English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Civics channels, he said Business, Economics and Technical Drawing channels would be introduced next academic year. He finally stated that the plasma program would enable students all over the country to have access to quality education fairly __________________________________ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Wed Sep 14 11:44:30 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2005 04:44:30 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050914114430.44418.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> September 14, 2005 Paper says CUD elect members making preparations to take over City Administration, join parliament Addis Ababa, September 13,2005 (WIC)-Members of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) elected for the Addis Ababa City Administration have been making preparations to take over the Administration, while there are also strong indications which signal that several members of the party elected for the federal parliament would take up their seats, the weekly Amharic newspaper Iftin disclosed. The Coalition has established nine committees, each comprising 15 members of the new City Council, it said. Committees in charge of justice and administration, municipal affairs, trade and industry, culture and information, capacity building and education, economy and budgetary affairs as well as social and civil affairs and HIV/AIDS affairs were formed, according to the paper. UEDP-MEDHIN, a member party of CUD, held a meeting with its 120 members to discuss the establishment and responsibilities of the committees, the paper added. The members, however, insisted that all elected members of the City Council should have permanent jobs and salaries. It would be impossible to curb the problems of Addis Ababa if the Council members were to be left without incomes and their responsibilities limited to submitting periodic reports to the leadership, Iftin quoted the members as saying. Meanwhile, several members of the CUD, including its Chairman Hailu Shawel who has reportedly been promised the same position in the new party to be formed following the merger of CUD member parties, have decided to join the next parliament, sources told Iftin. Those members have been making preparations to take up their seats in the federal parliament that would convene in early October, the newspaper said quoting observers informed about the party’s recent meetings. Meles refutes claims of election fraud Addis Ababa, September 13,2005 Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said the findings of the Body that probed into alleged irregularities in the third Ethiopian National Election show that in the overwhelming majority of cases, there were no serious irregularities. In an interview he gave to CNN television network on Saturday, Meles said some people had alleged there were fiddling in the elections and the answer to that was to have a transparent investigation into these alleged fiddling. "We have had such very transparent investigations in the presence of international observers." Meles said the National Election Board has already started reporting on its findings, and added that in some cases, the investigation teams have found some irregularities and in those cases, they have decided that there should be reruns. The Prime Minister noted that the majority of those cases have been seats won by the opposition. Asked if the violence that followed the election was necessary, Prime Minister Meles said, it was not necessary for us to face a quasi insurrectionary movement in parts of this town. "...Everybody agrees that until Polling Day, the conduct of the elections were exemplary by any standard," Meles said, and added that some had concerns about the counting. "We had by then made it abundantly clear that those concerns will be addressed through investigations in a transparent manner in the presence of foreign observers. And therefore, there was no cause for insurrectionary activity," Meles said. Meles said there are those friends who criticize or allege that there was excessive use of force, adding, that has to be established by an independent investigation which is going to put in place. Meles said, "...people have to understand that this is a country that has never had democracy in its history. This is an emerging democracy. ... We cant be surprised when we have such rough stretches. The issue is how we overcome them and that is the main point." ( ENA) ======================= pol.ethiopia September 14,2005 =============== __________________________________ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Fri Sep 16 12:21:45 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Fri, 16 Sep 2005 05:21:45 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050916122146.95522.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> May 15 Election demonstrate significant advances in Ethiopia’s democratization process: Carter Center Addis Ababa, September 15, 2005 The Carter Center said the May 15 election demonstrated significant advances in Ethiopias democratization process, including most importantly the introduction of a more competitive electoral process, which could potentially result in a pluralistic, multi-party political system. Depending on developments in the coming months and years, the 2005 elections could potentially represent a historic sea change in attitudes toward political power and competition in Ethiopia. In a press conference he gave at the Sheraton Addis on Thursday for local print media and international journalists, former US President Jimmy Carter said the May 15 election demonstrated significant advances in Ethiopia's democratization process. Carter also said the election could potentially result in a pluralistic, multi party political system. "Ethiopians saw and understood that public policy appropriately receives debate, that public media cover multiple points of view, that voters choices can result in the election of opposition members of parliament, and that local administration may be in the hands of a party other than the ruling party," he said. Magnifying the positive contributions of the election, Carter said depending on developments in the coming months and years, the 2005 elections could potentially represent a historic sea change in attitudes toward political power and competition in Ethiopia. The election observation statement of the Carter Center touches the election campaigns during the pre-election period, the Election Day and post-election activities. Accordingly, the Center listed out positive experiences to be drawn from the pre-election period. The Center went on to say that the environment throughout most of the country on May 15 was calm and peaceful, and voter turnout was overwhelming, and added that there were almost no reports of problems from party agents present in the stations, although opposition party headquarters did submit a list of problems and allegations to the Center. According to the Center's observation, the statement said, results based on the May 15 polling and tabulation are credible and reflect competitive conditions, and added, complaints submitted on the election lacked sufficient evidence to warrant challenging the result. "It is important to note that the Complaint Review Boards (CRB) and the Complaint Investigation Panels (CIPs) were ad hoc mechanisms to review electoral complaints, and that the prescribed legal recourse to challenge these decisions is via an appeal to the high court" it said. The Center said that all parties should accept decisions of the Electoral Board and it is incumbent upon dissatisfied political parties to file appeals to the high court in an expeditious manner in those cases where they feel there is credible evidence. If parties decide not to file court appeals, the NEBEs announced results should be accepted as final and legitimate, it added. The NEBE is to be commended for its electoral preparations and successes in implementing the May 15 voting process, the Center said. "The increased transparency and responsiveness of the NEBE was an improvement over previous elections. The NEBE showed remarkable flexibility and responded in an inclusive and timely fashion to the demands to replace the complaints process that had proved inadequate" the Center said. The Center says, "It has observed intentional delays on the part of opposition parties," and "withdrawals from the process by the opposition parties resulting in decisions being taken in their absence." "Given the complicated task," the Center says, "another factor undermining the process was the time pressure facing the CIPs to complete their work," and added, "this was exacerbated by delaying tactics and withdrawals by the opposition." "In several constituencies observed by the Center, opposition complainants halted work of the panel in order to subpoena an incarcerated witness," The Center says. The Center added, "It only observed one case where a detained person was not subpoenaed and thus not able to participate in the hearing." "However, the Center observed two cases in which the NEBE chair issued subpoenas to call detained witnesses (both for opposition complainants), but where the complainant indicated they no longer desired the testimony of the subpoenaed individuals. "The efforts to locate these people delayed the panels for a considerable amount of time," the center said, adding, "Most instances of intentional delays observed by the Center were caused by opposition parties." The Center added that "In the majority of cases, witnesses could give testimony without fear of retribution." The Center noted that "Early in the process opposition advocates and panelists withdrew from the proceedings in some constituencies to protest what they viewed as biased decisions by the CIPs. According to the terms of reference, the Center says, the panel is to proceed if the party absent is the provisional seat holder, but should drop the case if the party absent is the complainant." As a result, unfortunately, the deliberative purpose of the panel was not possible in the instances of withdrawals. The Carter Center acknowledges the challenging conditions under which the CIP process was implemented, and that the negotiations and agreements to undertake the CIPs provided a cooling off period in the wake of the early June unrest. The Center says, "The process relied heavily on the good faith effort of all parties involved to stay engaged in and committed to the conclusion of the process." The Center says "It is important of notinge that the NEBE provided multiple opportunities for dissatisfied parties to bring forward additional evidence." The Center observed that "The sheer volume of complaints clogged the system and distracted the NEBE from other operational duties." "Looking forward," the Center says, "It is incumbent upon the NEBE to clarify electoral complaint procedures early in the election process, and for parties to create internal mechanisms for presenting credible evidence in a timely manner within the established parameters." (ENA) Ministry cancels tax arrears, drops customs-related court cases Addis Ababa, September 15,2005 The Ministry of Revenue announced that it has cancelled tax arrears until July 7, 2004 as well as droped customs related cases brought to court until September 25, 2005. In its annual consultative meeting with the business community held at the national Lottery hall, Minister of Revenue, Getachew Belay said abandoning the customs related cases will benefit both the government and the tax payer. The Customs authority, according to Getachew, can provide efficient service only through avoiding pending duties and resolving complaints. Resolving pending duties also encourages importers who want to work with the authority keeping its rules and regulations, he added. The Minister also said as the decision was made as the final measure, he urged all customers to work in accordance with the rules and regulations of the authority. Discussions were also made on ways of improving services of the Customs Authority by avoiding obstacles faced during implementation of service reforms. Over 400 participants attended the meeting. Source: ENA Meles reiterates Ethiopia’s commitment to achieving MDGs Addis Ababa, September 15,2005 Prime Minister Meles Zenawi reiterated Ethiopias commitment to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and to doing whatever is necessary to contribute to a successful reform of the United Nations. The premier made the remark in a statement he delivered at the High Level Plenary Meeting of the 60th Session of the UN General Assembly on Thursday. Prime Minister Meles said it will be impossible for low-income and least developed countries such as Ethiopia to achieve the MDGs without additional joint effort on the part of all. On the other hand, Meles said, the past five years have demonstrated that even for countries such as Ethiopia, most of the MDGs are demonstrably achievable. Our experience over the last five years have indeed demonstrated that with optimum mobilization of domestic resources and the requisite support internationally, in conformity with commitments made, countries such as Ethiopia can, with little doubt, realize the MDGs, the premier said. However, Meles added, there is no doubt that it is indispensable that countries such as Ethiopia require effective international cooperation consistent with commitment made in the millennium declaration and at Monterrey, to be able to be on track to achieve the MDGs. While it is obvious that the [primary responsibility for achieving the MDGs belongs to the concerned countries, it is also the obligation of partners to make it possible for the low-income countries that have demonstrated the readiness to discharge their responsibilities to overcome the poverty trap. In this regard, Meles noted, the Report of the Millennium Project contains valuable proposals whose implementation would no doubt ensure the achievement of the MDGs long before 2015. Meles underlined the need for Official Development Assistance (ODA), debt relief and issues related to trade to be aligned with MDGs for low-income countries to achieve the MDG-based targets. More than 170 Heads of State and Government are attending the Summit, the largest ever gathering of world leaders. The Full Text of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's Address to the UN General Assembly Statement by H.E. Mr Meles Zenawi Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia At the High Level Plenary Meeting of The 60th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations New York, 14-16 September 2005 Mr. President, Excellencies Heads of State and Government, Excellency the Secretary General of the United Nations, Distinguished Heads of Delegation and Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very pleased to be here for the important event which has enormous meaning in terms of the challenges we face in development, peace and ensuring good governance and in fostering respect for human rights. Coming as it does five years after the historic commitment we jointly made when we adopted the Millennium Declaration, this gathering affords us an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the achievement of the MDGs. I would like to take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation to Mr. Kofi Annan, our Secretary General, for the historic initiative he took five years ago and for the follow up work that has been done. We are very grateful also for the very dedicated and invaluable work that has been carried out by Professor Jeffery Sachs and his colleagues at the Millennium Project. Let me also take this opportunity to thank the Secretary-General and, through him, the High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change for a path-breaking report that they had submitted which has served as a basis for the Secretary-General’s “In Larger Freedom: Towards Development, Security and Human Rights for all” which I find to be a very commendable Report with vital suggestions for reform of the United Nations. I should also pay tribute to Foreign Minister Jean Ping, President of the 59th Session of the General Assembly, for all the effort he has made in the course of this important period in the life of the United Nations and for the draft outcome document which I have no doubt will facilitate businesslike deliberation at this High-level Plenary Meeting. Mr. President, Five years ago we embarked on a 15 years historic journey with reasonably high hopes. With one third of the journey completed, it has become clear that without additional joint effort on the part of all, it will be impossible for low-income and least developed countries such as Ethiopia to achieve the MDGs, most particularly to defeat extreme poverty, poverty that kills. But on the other hand, the past five years have in fact demonstrated that even for countries such as Ethiopia, most of the MDGs are demonstrably achievable. The MDGs are emphatically not unattainable goals with unrealistic targets. In fact, in our particular case, for example, the fight against poverty in all its dimensions with clear commitment and on the basis of a clearly defined strategy antedates the articulation of the MDGs. As such, what was needed in our case was to align our strategy for combating poverty and for realizing sustainable development with the MDGs, which we are convinced are far from being excessively ambitious goals. Our experience over the last five years have indeed demonstrated that with optimum mobilization of domestic resources and the requisite support internationally, in conformity with commitments made, countries such as Ethiopia can, with little doubt, realize the MDGs. There is no doubt, however, Mr. President, that it is indispensable that countries such as Ethiopia require effective international cooperation consistent with the commitment made in the Millennium Declaration and at Monterrey, to be able to be on track to achieve the MDGs. While it is obvious that the primary responsibility for achieving the MDGs belongs to the concerned countries, it is also the obligation of partners to make it possible for the low-income countries that have demonstrated the readiness to discharge their responsibilities to overcome the poverty trap. In this regard, the Report of the Millennium Project contains valuable proposals whose implementation would no doubt ensure the achievement of the MDGs long before 2015. Official Development Assistance, debt relief and issues related to trade need to be aligned with MDGs for low-income countries to achieve the MDG-based targets. I am very pleased with the progress made at the Gleneagles Summit of the G8. I am also pleased with the progress made on building consensus in the fight against poverty here at the United Nations Summit. I am deeply concerned that we sometimes seem to move backward on our commitment as appears to be happening on the full cancellation of debt of highly indebted poor countries. I believe we have to avoid backtracking and move beyond the reiteration of consensus position and start acting on them in earnest. I am disappointed that we have not made more progress on the other issues before us but, like other speakers before me, I am reassured that we have made some progress and have charted a clear course for making additional progress. Mr. President, Let me close by reiterating Ethiopia’s commitment to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and to doing whatever is necessary to contribute to a successful reform of the United Nations. I Thank You. (ENA) __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Mon Sep 19 14:17:27 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2005 07:17:27 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050919141728.72104.qmail@web53315.mail.yahoo.com> September 16,2005 Program of merging party described as unconstitutional, lacking clarity Addis Ababa, (WIC) - The draft program of the new party expected to be formed after the merger of the four member parties of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) lacks clarity and contains provisions contradictory to the country’s constitution, close sources told Iftin, an Amharic weekly newspaper. The draft program provides for the establishment of a presidential system of government against the parliamentary one stipulated in the constitution, the sources said, adding that the program insists on the election of deputies for the House of Federation directly by the public as opposed to the constitutional provision, which states that members of the House of the Federation are elected by the regional councils. The program states that there would be one national working language, but would also consider another additional language without specifying the language, except excluding Oromiffa. It does not specify again whether this language would replace the existing regional working languages, the newspaper reported. Sources told Iftin that as most of the provisions in the party’s program are contrary to the constitution, they could not be materialized unless the constitution is changed. May 15 Election demonstrate significant advances in Ethiopia’s democratization process: Carter Center Addis Ababa, (ENA) The Carter Center said the May 15 election demonstrated significant advances in Ethiopias democratization process, including most importantly the introduction of a more competitive electoral process, which could potentially result in a pluralistic, multi-party political system. Depending on developments in the coming months and years, the 2005 elections could potentially represent a historic sea change in attitudes toward political power and competition in Ethiopia. In a press conference he gave at the Sheraton Addis on Thursday for local print media and international journalists, former US President Jimmy Carter said the May 15 election demonstrated significant advances in Ethiopia's democratization process. Carter also said the election could potentially result in a pluralistic, multi party political system. "Ethiopians saw and understood that public policy appropriately receives debate, that public media cover multiple points of view, that voters choices can result in the election of opposition members of parliament, and that local administration may be in the hands of a party other than the ruling party," he said. Magnifying the positive contributions of the election, Carter said depending on developments in the coming months and years, the 2005 elections could potentially represent a historic sea change in attitudes toward political power and competition in Ethiopia. The election observation statement of the Carter Center touches the election campaigns during the pre-election period, the Election Day and post-election activities. Accordingly, the Center listed out positive experiences to be drawn from the pre-election period. The Center went on to say that the environment throughout most of the country on May 15 was calm and peaceful, and voter turnout was overwhelming, and added that there were almost no reports of problems from party agents present in the stations, although opposition party headquarters did submit a list of problems and allegations to the Center. According to the Center's observation, the statement said, results based on the May 15 polling and tabulation are credible and reflect competitive conditions, and added, complaints submitted on the election lacked sufficient evidence to warrant challenging the result. "It is important to note that the Complaint Review Boards (CRB) and the Complaint Investigation Panels (CIPs) were ad hoc mechanisms to review electoral complaints, and that the prescribed legal recourse to challenge these decisions is via an appeal to the high court" it said. The Center said that all parties should accept decisions of the Electoral Board and it is incumbent upon dissatisfied political parties to file appeals to the high court in an expeditious manner in those cases where they feel there is credible evidence. If parties decide not to file court appeals, the NEBEs announced results should be accepted as final and legitimate, it added. The NEBE is to be commended for its electoral preparations and successes in implementing the May 15 voting process, the Center said. "The increased transparency and responsiveness of the NEBE was an improvement over previous elections. The NEBE showed remarkable flexibility and responded in an inclusive and timely fashion to the demands to replace the complaints process that had proved inadequate" the Center said. The Center says, "It has observed intentional delays on the part of opposition parties," and "withdrawals from the process by the opposition parties resulting in decisions being taken in their absence." "Given the complicated task," the Center says, "another factor undermining the process was the time pressure facing the CIPs to complete their work," and added, "this was exacerbated by delaying tactics and withdrawals by the opposition." "In several constituencies observed by the Center, opposition complainants halted work of the panel in order to subpoena an incarcerated witness," The Center says. The Center added, "It only observed one case where a detained person was not subpoenaed and thus not able to participate in the hearing." "However, the Center observed two cases in which the NEBE chair issued subpoenas to call detained witnesses (both for opposition complainants), but where the complainant indicated they no longer desired the testimony of the subpoenaed individuals. "The efforts to locate these people delayed the panels for a considerable amount of time," the center said, adding, "Most instances of intentional delays observed by the Center were caused by opposition parties." The Center added that "In the majority of cases, witnesses could give testimony without fear of retribution." The Center noted that "Early in the process opposition advocates and panelists withdrew from the proceedings in some constituencies to protest what they viewed as biased decisions by the CIPs. According to the terms of reference, the Center says, the panel is to proceed if the party absent is the provisional seat holder, but should drop the case if the party absent is the complainant." As a result, unfortunately, the deliberative purpose of the panel was not possible in the instances of withdrawals. The Carter Center acknowledges the challenging conditions under which the CIP process was implemented, and that the negotiations and agreements to undertake the CIPs provided a cooling off period in the wake of the early June unrest. The Center says, "The process relied heavily on the good faith effort of all parties involved to stay engaged in and committed to the conclusion of the process." The Center says "It is important of notinge that the NEBE provided multiple opportunities for dissatisfied parties to bring forward additional evidence." The Center observed that "The sheer volume of complaints clogged the system and distracted the NEBE from other operational duties." "Looking forward," the Center says, "It is incumbent upon the NEBE to clarify electoral complaint procedures early in the election process, and for parties to create internal mechanisms for presenting credible evidence in a timely manner within the established parameters." September 17,2005 US urges opposition Mps to take up seats Addis Ababa, (WIC) - The United States called on all Ethiopian political parties yesterday to take up their seats in parliament. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack, who described the election as “a milestone in creating a new, more competitive multi-party political system in one of Africa's largest and most important counties,” said his government “strongly urges all the political parties in the political process to play responsible roles as the elected representatives of the Ethiopian people.” He further stated that “the governing Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) has the responsibility to reach out to the opposition parties to ensure their full involvement in governance.” The spokesman in his statement also said the US will work with the international community and the Ethiopian government as well as parties to strengthen the electoral process. McCormack finally urged all parties to avoid violence and cooperate in advancing democracy in the country. Democratic system transformed to higher level, says MoI Addis Ababa, (WIC)- The Ministry of Information said the assessments of Ethiopia's 2005 national elections announced by both the African Union and the Carter Center have proved that the country's democratic system has ushered in a new era. In its weekly statement the ministry also said, this transformation is a great victory for the nation and all the peoples, adding that the victory would have never been achieved without the relentless efforts of the Ethiopian people. The statement further said the government, extending its gratitude to all those who contributed for this success and victory, requests all stakeholders to continue making unlimited efforts to safeguard this great victory for democracy, peace and development. ======================================== Polethiopia Sept. 19,2005 ================================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Wed Sep 21 08:04:53 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed, 21 Sep 2005 01:04:53 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050921080453.12289.qmail@web53306.mail.yahoo.com> September 20 Carter Centre’s election observation report professional, non-partisan: NEBE Addis Ababa, (ENA)– The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) says the final report released by the Carter Centre regarding the third national election is indicative of the fact that the election holds a historic significance in the democratization of the country and thus is acceptable by the Board. In a press conference he gave yesterday concerning the Report, NEBE Deputy Head Tesfaye Mengesha said the Centre’s report indicated that the May 2005 Ethiopian election demonstrated significant advances in Ethiopia’s democratization process. The report, according to Tesfaye, has clearly indicated the significance of the election to the democratization process in Ethiopia, and that minor irregularities could not shadow the greatest victory. The report has indicated that pre- and post-election period activities had been carried out in the right manner except minor irregularities on the Polling Day. The Deputy Head said the report indicated some problems observed during the post-election period. However, Tesfaye added, the Board has resolved the problems through setting up a Complaints Review Bodies (CRB) and the Complaint Investigation Panels (CIPs). The report listed out both the strong and weak points of the election, Tesfaye recalled, adding the report has indicated that Ethiopians vote for their representatives through a democratic and competitive election than ever before. According to the Deputy Head, the report has also indicated that the government had created favourable condition to enhance participation of opposition political parties by amending the electoral law. While listing the weak points of the election, the Carter Centre has said that the Board had banned local observers, Tesfaye said. However, he added, the ban was lifted by a court decision. The report also indicated that opposition parties did submit a list of problems and allegations to the Centre, however the provisional election results were approved as the allegations lacked sufficient evidence, Tesfaye said. Tesfaye pointed out that the tension that surfaced after the election, delay in declaring provisional results and the complaints investigation process due to high number of complaints are listed as negative features of the election. The stated problems were observed during the election, Tesfaye said. However, he said, the causes for the stated problems were few opposition political parties. The Deputy Head cited the report as saying that complaints lodged by opposition parties, particularly during early period lacked sufficient evidences, adding, their witnesses also failed to support the complaints. Concerning presentation of evidences, there were facts that the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU-EOM) was unable to hide, Tesfaye said, adding the Board shares the undeniable fact. CUD Chairman’s statement creates confusion among leadership Addis Ababa, (WIC)- The statement of the Chairman of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), Hailu Shawel, declaring that CUD would boycott Parliament has created confusion among the leadership of the party, Iftin, a weekly Amharic newspaper disclosed. The leadership thus called an extraordinary meeting yesterday to deliberate on the confusions that followed the Chairman’s statement, sources told Iftin. Hailu’s justification for boycotting Parliament on the ground that ''CUD was declared the loser, while it has won the elections'' was rejected by some members of the committee, the paper said. “We have won only in Addis Ababa. Observers have also said that we have not won at national level. Boycotting Parliament on the assumption that we have won is creating confusion among the pubic,” Lidetu Ayalew, one of CUD’s executive committee members was quoted as saying. Lidetu also said Hailu Shawel’s statement came at a time when CUD has not finalized public discussions and reached consensus on the matter. “How could he [Hailu] say that? Or has the CUD become a private property of Hailu Shawel?” sources quoted Lidetu as saying. Many other officials of the party aired similar views supporting Lidetu’s position. But the paper quoted Dr. Berhanu Nega, another executive committee member of the party, as saying, “We should not say that we have not won even if that was the case.” Responding to journalists on the position of the Chairman, Dr. Berhanu said he did not know why the Chairman gave such a statement. “What I know is we have not yet taken a common position on the matter,” he told reporters. The leadership has not concluded its meeting, and was scheduled to continue its discussion at a different venue today, the paper said. Meanwhile, in an interview with the VOA- Amharic service, Hailu Shawel said the position of boycotting Parliament was that of his party, All Ethiopian Unity Party. Other member parties of CUD could decide by their own, he said. ======================================= Pol.ethiopia Sept.21,2005 ============================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Fri Sep 23 14:03:08 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Fri, 23 Sep 2005 07:03:08 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050923140309.93362.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> September 22,2005 CUD, UEDF say gov’t responsible for possible damages on October 2 demonstration Addis Ababa, (ENA) - The Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) and the United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) said the government would be responsible for damages that may occur on demonstration to be held on October 2, 2005. The Addis Ababa Police Commission on its part announced that any political party engaged in destabilizing peace and stability of the public by calling unconstitutional demonstration would be responsible for any problems. Deputy Commissioner of the Addis Ababa Police Commission, Tesfaye Meresa told ENA that any body that organizes demonstrations with the objective of instigating violence and riot and without fulfilling legal procedures would be undoubtedly held liable for any damages. The Deputy Commissioner further said anybody permitted to organize public rallies would also be liable if found engaged in other activities out of the theme of the demonstration. Accordingly, the Commissioner urged the CUD and UEDF to refrain from organizing violence and riot on October 2, 2005, knowing that they would be responsible for any casualties and damages that may occur on property. Meanwhile, senior executive member of CUD said the Coalition did not pass any decision to either boycott or join the next parliament at Council level. The executive member, Dr. Berhanu Nega also indicated that the government would be at any rate responsible for any damages that may be incurred during the demonstration to be called by the CUD and UEDF. In a joint press conference they gave on Wednesday, CUD executive member, Dr. Berhanu Nega and UEDF President, Dr. Merara Gudina said joining the next Parliament is ++not primary agenda at the moment. Concerning the interview CUD Chairman, Engineer Hailu Shawl gave recently to the “Ethiopian Review” saying the Coalition’s Council had unanimously decided to boycott the parliament, Dr. Berhanu said the Chairman had said so based on the current reality, not on the Council’s decision. According to Dr. Berhanu, the Chairman had said so based on the decision reached by the All Ethiopian Unity Party (AEUP), one of the members of the Coalition, and taking other problems into consideration. The Coalition gives priority for the respect of human and democratic rights of citizens than joining or boycotting the parliament, he said. Asked why CUD members receive the winner candidate ID if they are not going to join the parliament, Dr. Berhanu replied receiving winner candidate ID has nothing to do with joining or refusing to join the parliament. By mobilizing the public, the parties will continue their struggle until good governance and democracy are ensured in the country, he added. The CUD and UEDF also said in place of trying to oppress the public with power, the government should vigilantly watch the peaceful and legal struggle being pursued by opposition political parties. The parties called upon the government to discharge its responsibility by accepting the peace proposal forwarded by opposition political parties in a bid to peacefully resolve the existing political impasse. However, they said, if the government pursue on oppressing the public, the public should cautiously wait for the peaceful call of the political parties to show government that it is on the wrong truck. Professor slams Ambassadors’ Donor Group statement Addis Ababa, (ENA) - An executive member of Rainbow Ethiopia: Movement for Democracy and Social Justice condemned the statement recently issued by the Ambassadors’ Donor Group (ADG) concerning the final results of Ethiopia’s 2005 elections. In an article published on the Amharic weekly Addis Zena, Professor Mesfin Wolde-Mariam said reading through the statement issued by the ADG, one would think that the group which comprises Ambassadors of the US and other European countries have formed a new pro-EPRDF political party. The Professor said it is not surprising that they (the group) have issued such a statement. Professor Mesfin’s party, Rainbow Ethiopia, is a member party of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD). The Professor was belittling at the ADG statement which stated that the final results of the election issued by the National Electoral Board, including the results of re-votes and the Somali State elections, confirm the EPRDF’s majority in Parliament. In his article published on the Sept. 20 issue of the paper, Professor Mesfin said the statement of the ADG might have been issued in disregard to the Ethiopian people, and for that “we wouldn’t blame them [the ADG].” In exploring the identities of the members of the ADG, the Professor wondered about the identity of the Italian Ambassador, and tried to associate his lineage to the fascist Italy, by way of searching for the latter’s Great Grand fathers. “Though the Ethiopian people have been preoccupied with the things of today, and chose to live in the spirit of reconciliation, they haven’t completely forgotten what had happened to them in the past,” the Professor said. The Professor also wondered why the U.S. and Britain, who are the vanguards of Liberty, Democracy, Justice and ‘Fairness, join hands to always become unjust and unfair on some matters related to Ethiopia. The Ambassadors have heard what Madam Ana Gomes, the true diplomat, had to say about the Ethiopian election, Professor Mesfin said, adding, the Ambassadors have also read how [Prime Minister] Meles had abused Madam Gomes when he reacted to her report. Thus, the Professor said, it is likely that the ADG were taking a pre-emptive measure to prevent themselves against such abusive words. By so doing, the Professor said, the ADG have failed to stand on the side of democracy, legality and due process. By so doing, the Professor added, the ADG have lost the spiritual strength to defend democracy. The Professor went on to say that what US President Bush and British Prime Minister Blair say at the United Nations is not in conformity with what the ADG are advocating here. “Well,” the Professor said, “the ADG might have concluded saying, we don’t give a damn about what our leaders say!” They might have resorted to distorting the truth considering that their bosses are not around, and that they didn’t want to create a rivalry with the one would not hesitate to abuse them, and opted to make peace with the latter by issuing a statement to please the latter. It is to be recalled that the Ambassadors’ Donor Group called upon all parties to take their seats in the National Assembly with good will and mutual respect, to express the interests and views of all Ethiopians in a vibrant multi-party parliament. In a statement it issued Tuesday last week, the Group said “As Ethiopia’s partners, we stand ready to support the development of Ethiopian democracy.” The ADG said the final results of Ethiopia’s historic 2005 elections issued by the NEBE, including the results of revotes and the Somali State elections, confirm the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front’s majority in Parliament. September 23, 2005 Minister points out glaring differences of EU-EOM, Carter Center reports Addis Ababa, (WIC)- Information Minister Bereket Simon said the Carter Center has lauded the elections in Ethiopia and its report does not have any similarity with the European Union-Election Observation Mission's (EU-EOM) provisional report. Bereket Simon, who is also EPRDF’s Executive Committee member and the party's public relations head, said recently the claim by some that Carter Center's report is similar with EU-EOM's is totally erroneous. He said the report by EU-EOM, which was full of accusations, described the elections as not up to international standards and in so doing tried to assert that the process was futile, whereas Carter's report stated that the election was democratic and a leap forward in Ethiopia's democratization efforts. According to him, though the Center's report has indicated the occurrence of some minor irregularities, it also has reached the conclusion that the elections have enabled Ethiopia to attain victory in the democratization process. Bereket said, contrary to the existing realities of the elections' process, the EU-EOM's report was based on hatred and totally unable to indicate the problems on the part of the opposition, holding instead only the government and the NEBE accountable to all the problems, adding that these have put the credibility of the report under question. Nevertheless, the report by the Carter Center has revealed that the opposition leaders have pursued various methods to delay the process, especially in the post-election period, by lodging baseless complaints, Bereket said. The report has further stated that in elections to come, the NEBE would be able to handle all election related matters effectively, while Ethiopia would be transformed to a new democratic future if the concerned bodies strive to further strengthen the already gained victory in this respect, he added. The election has opened a new chapter in the history of our country; Bereket declared and noted that EPRDF has made all the necessary preparations for the establishment of regional governments in areas where it has won. The opposition, on the contrary have not yet taken clear stands on their roles in the federal parliament and the Addis Ababa City Administration, said Bereket ,adding that they instead are making preparations to create havoc through what they called the "earth- shattering demonstration.'' However; said the Minister, they should understand that such wishes cannot be realized in Ethiopia, the opposition and pursue peaceful courses. Ambassador Legwaila describes dialogue between Ethiopia, Eritrea as intimate accompaniment for peace process Addis Ababa (WIC) - Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) of the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) ,Ambassador Legwaila Joseph Legwaila , said dialogue is an intimate accompaniment for the peace process between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Speaking at a gathering held on Wednesday to mark the International Day of Peace, Ambassador Legwaila said it is abnormal that the two countries signed a document called peace agreement and still not be able to engage in dialogue. He said “…when two countries go to war and they decide to make peace and they think they can make peace without engaging in dialogue they were wasting time”. Ambassador Legwaila cited, among others, his experiences with the former South African Government-the ANC and Inkattha, as well as Bosnia and other parties in which there had been fruitful dialogue for peace while there were serious violations of agreements and bloodshed. Describing the situation between the two countries as ''No war no peace'', the SRSG said there is interminable transitional period between war and peace. He said, however, there is no ceasefire violation both by Ethiopia and Eritrea. “The ceasefire between Ethiopia and Eritrea is unusual in the sense that not even once in the five , three months and three days have we ever convened a meeting of Military Commission to discuss the violation of the ceasefire by other side”, he said On the occasion, he called on the international community to do its utmost to encourage the two countries to get into the implementation of the Algiers Peace agreement signed in 2000 through dialogue. ======================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept. 23,2005 ============================= __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Mon Sep 26 12:37:43 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Mon, 26 Sep 2005 05:37:43 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050926123743.25321.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> September 24,2005 ONC expels Chairman, executive committee members Addis Ababa, (WIC) -The extraordinary session of the General assembly of the Oromo National Congress (ONC) has dismissed Dr. Merera Gudina, the Chairman of the party, and 11 Executive Committee members for allegedly misguiding the party. According to Iftin, an Amharic bi-weekly, the meeting has also elected replacements and 65 Central Committee members. The paper quoted the newly elected Chairman, Tolossa Tesfaye, as saying that the copies of the resolutions of the general assembly and the Central Committee were also sent to the National Electoral Board. The party is making preparations to sue the former Chairman to return the seal of the ONC, its funds and other properties in his hands since the establishment of ONC ten years ago. The former Chairman has recently told private papers that there was no rift in the party, except the dissatisfaction of two individuals, Iftin recalled September 25,2005 Meles urges opposition political parties to enter into peaceful direction Addis Ababa (ENA)- Prime Minister Meles said the revenue sources of the Addis Ababa City Administration have not been, and will not be, changed, and there is nothing reduced or to be reduced, adding the decisions in relation to revenue sources in the city were taken for the sake of the people, and not for the administration. He said measures related to the revision on taxes have been implemented not only in Addis Ababa, but allover the country. The Prime Minister said the right to freedom of expression is a right respected in all democratic nations including Ethiopia. Meles said people who say that they are not satisfied with the results of the election have the right to hold and express their ideas. But, he said, they have no rights to spark violence. Meles said the goals of opposition parties are to dismantle the constitutional order, depose the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) by force as well as to change the institutions set up under the Constitution by intimidation and force. He added that conceiving, plotting, propagating and agitating to realize this goal is in itself a crime. Prime Minister Meles said the demonstration opposition political parties are contemplating to hold is part of a serious crime. He added that the government will not allow the perpetration of any action that would endanger the lives, property and peace of the public, and if such actions are perpetrated the government will not hesitate to take the necessary legal measures. There should be no doubt that the government will take the necessary measures not only to prevent the danger, but also to make sure that it shall never happen again, Meles said. The Prime Minister described the idea of opposition parties to administer the Addis Ababa City without joining the Parliament as “childish”. The law of the nation will not allow oppositions to use the Addis Ababa Administration for the purpose of instigating riot and violence, even for a minute. EPRDF also will not allow that to happen, he added. Meles said the next task of EPRDF is to establish the two Councils as well as to form the new government. Melees also pointed out that a new bill has been prepared so as to be able to make some amendments before the new Cabinet is formed. CUD Chairman calls AU ''club of dictators'' Addis Ababa, September 24,2005 (WIC) - The Chairman of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) declared that the African Union (AU) has no capacity to observe elections and termed it ''a club of dictators.'' In an interview he gave yesterday to Tensa’e radio, a US-based station, Chairman of the CUD, Engineer Hailu Shawel ,said the AU observer mission were ill-equipped, unpunctual and failures who did not fulfill their duty. The AU from the very outset did not assign sufficient number of observers, he said, adding that as a result the observers were only seen shuttling from poll to poll without seriously undertaking their mission. He described the report of the team as having ''no value’’ and irrelevant to the process but prepared to appease a friend. According to Engineer Hailu the result of the observation testified that AU is a ‘‘club of dictators '' who stand for their personal interests and have no concern for the establishment of a democratic system. Genuine election observation would be conducted when the continent is liberated and led by the right leaders. Asked about his boycotting parliament, Engineer Hailu said, even if it has not been decided by the central committee of the CUD the position of boycotting the parliament is evident for all. ‘’The decision of the committee could not be different from this and I think no member of the party would accept a different view,’’ he underlined. Clarifying the statement he previously gave saying that “individual members of the party can join parliament without the decision of the party”, he said, “Every party member could not be bound by the decision. Since our party is democratic, individuals have every right to defy the decision of the party." The Chairman said his party would take part in the planned mass demonstration on October 2 not to embarrass ''our brothers'' the AEUP. Member parties of CUD announce merger Addis Ababa (ENA) - The four political parties that have been under the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) announced their merger yesterday to be led under a single leadership. The party says it has not yet made a decision to enter parliament or not. At a merger conference held at the Global Hotel here in the metropolis, the four parties—namely the All Ethiopia Unity Party (AEUP), the Union of Ethiopian Democratic Party Medhin (UEDP-MEDHIN), Rainbow Ethiopia: Movement for Democracy and Social Justice (Rainbow - Ethiopia) and the Ethiopian Democratic League (EDL) — announced their unification as one party. The now unified parties have elected new executive members to lead the party for the coming two years. Accordingly, Hailu Shawl is elected to continue as Chairperson of the Coalition, while Birtukan Mideksa is elected as first Vice-Chairperson of the Coalition. Lidetu Ayalew was elected as Vice- Chairperson of the Coalition, and Muluneh Eyuel is elected as Secretary General of the party. It was indicated on the occasion that the merged party will have 20 executive committee members and 60 council members. It was also indicated on the occasion that the Coalition has not reached a final decision as to whether it would join the parliament or not. The party said the matter would be decided at the Council meeting to be held shortly. ======================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept. 26,2005 =========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Wed Sep 28 13:52:45 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed, 28 Sep 2005 06:52:45 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050928135246.18599.qmail@web53302.mail.yahoo.com> September 27,2005 President describes PRAXIS Ethiopia Alliance as World Bank of ideas, innovations Addis Ababa, (WIC)- Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said PRAXIS Ethiopia Alliance, an Alliance initiated by scientists and academics outside Ethiopia in January 2002 at the ''Ethio-Forum 2002'', would significantly contribute to the development and poverty reduction endeavors underway in Ethiopia. In his keynote address at the PRAXIS Ethiopia Alliance Inaugural Meeting here today, the premier also said the transfer of technology the Alliance makes possible could enable Ethiopia make faster progress in a variety of areas. Stating that modernization of the agricultural sector and creation of the capacity for food security in Ethiopia is an obvious top priority for the peoples and government of Ethiopia, Meles said the partnership of the Alliance can be crucial with respect to various areas of the Agricultural Development-led Industrialization program the government follows. While opening the meeting, President Girma Woldegiorgis said PRAXIS Ethiopia Alliance, which he referred to as the World Bank of ideas and innovations, is a commitment to promote innovative, knowledge-based and community-driven poverty reduction as well as restorative development in Ethiopia. PRAXIS Ethiopia Alliance is an autonomous international coalition of educators, scientists, entrepreneurs and technical advisors dedicated to fighting extreme poverty, first in Ethiopia and ultimately in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on four major areas of development, it was learnt. The Alliance, initiated at the ''Ethio-Forum 2002'' - a forum organized by the Ethiopian Social Rehabilitation and Development Fund (ESRDF) - is said to focus on food security, health care, education and technology transfer. Demera celebrated, attempted violence put under control Addis Ababa, (ENA) - Demera, the religious bone-fire ceremony on the eve of the Finding of the True Cross "Meskel" was held here at the Meskel Square in the presence of thousands of the faithful. President Girma Woldegiorgis, Mayor Arkebe Equbay, Secretary General of the World Council of Churches Samuel Kobi were present at the celebration. Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) His Holiness Abune Paulos, archbishops, ambassadors, diplomats and representatives of various other religions attended the annual celebration. The patriarch lit a torch and gave it to the president to light the grand bone fire. Various religious songs were sung by cantors clad in the colourful religious attires. But as the celebration was underway, some individuals’ wreacked havoc by throwing stones, from which the windows of a nearby Mobil filling station were battered and decorative light bulbs at the square were also broken, the federal police commission said. The attempted violence was quickly put under control. Workers of the filling station told ENA's reporter on the spot that the damage could have been much worse, if they had not put off the electric valves of the station quickly. Police said they know the identities of the perpetrators and their motives. They said appropriate legal measures would be taken against them. September 28,2005 Police arrest 32 alleged violence perpetrators, participants Addis Ababa, (ENA) -The Addis Ababa Police Commission says it has put under arrest those forces that have attempted to incite violence at the Demera celebration here at the Meskel Square on Monday. The Addis Ababa Police Deputy Commissioner Tesfaye Meresa told ENA on Tuesday that Police have put under custody those individuals alleged to have orchestrated and involved in the havoc. The Deputy Commissioner said Police have handled the attempted violence at the Demera celebration with extreme patience so as to enable the successful celebration of the event. But, later, Police have launched extensive investigation that resulted in the arrest of some 32 main operators and participants in the violence. The Deputy Commissioner said two of the detained have been found in possession of daggers, while efforts have continued to arrest similar other culprits. The Commissioner commended the coordinated efforts of the Addis Ababa and Federal Police Commissions to jointly thwart the attempted violence perpetrated by a few individuals who, police said, tried to turn the religious festival to a political tool. He said residents of the city arrived at the Masqal Square for the celebration with absolute calmness since early hours and the celebration was being held colorfully as scheduled. However, he said, towards the end of the program, some groups tried to disturb the ceremony by shouting insults and clapping. He said the clash was between those groups who attempted to stir violence on one side and the faithful, who wanted the calm not to be violated, on the other. The Deputy Commissioner said seven police members and other civilians were struck by the stones thrown. The windows of a nearby Mobile oil filling station were battered and some 35 decorative lamps at the Masqal square were also broken. The Commissioner said the violence on Monday was orchestrated as a spring board for the illegal demonstration summoned by the opposition parties for October 2. Although the government respects the rights of citizens and political parties to hold a demonstration, the Commissioner said, any activity aimed at dismantling the constitutional order by the use of force and rebellion cannot be tolerated. He underlined that political parties and individuals engaged in such illegal actions will be bear the responsibility for any undesired outcome. He called on citizens not to take part in any activity bent on undermining the constitutional order. According to the Commissioner, the capacity of the Addis Ababa Police to safeguard the peace and security of residents is now better than ever before. He also called on the public to cooperate with the police in identifying individuals engaged in instigating riot and violence. Ismael Ali Sero re-elected as Chief of Afar State Addis Ababa, (ENA) - The Founding Conference of the Afar Regional State Council has elected Ismael Ali Sero as the State's President. The conference also elected Speakers of the Council and endorsed the appointment of the President of the State's Supreme Court and Auditor General. The 87-member new State Council has unanimously elected Ismael Ali Sero, presented by the Afar National Democratic Party (ANDP), to the post of Chief Administrator. The State's President-elect has vowed to honestly and diligently work for the supremacy of the Federal Constitution and the maintenance of peace, democracy and development in the Regional State. The founding conference has also elected Mohammed Kedir and Merriam Hussein as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the State Council, respectively. Kedir Hussein and Hanfire Mohammed have been appointed as President of the State's Supreme Court and Auditor General, respectively. More over 12 members of the Cabinet presented by the Chief Administrator have been endorsed by the Council. The Council also delegated Habib Mohammed and Mohammed Yusuf to represent the region in the House of Federation. The conference will continue tomorrow and discuss bills and program of action to be implemented for the coming five years. ================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.28,2005 ========================== __________________________________ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Fri Sep 30 12:50:21 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Fri, 30 Sep 2005 05:50:21 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050930125021.21788.qmail@web53315.mail.yahoo.com> September 30, 2005 UEDF, CUD say Sunday's demonstration postponed for another time Addis Ababa, (ENA) - The United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) and the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) announced on Thursday that they have postponed for unspecified time the demonstration they had scheduled for this Sunday. At a joint press conference they gave on Thursday, executive members of the CUD and UEDF pointed out that the political tension has mounted high and they have decided to postpone the October 2 demonstration saying the government and EPRDF have not allowed them to do so. The executive members said they have not been able to gather their supporters from various regional states, and added that the government demanded them to present a guarantee that they would hold the demonstration in the spirit of the Constitution and accepting the results of the election. The parties said EPRDF and the government have unlawfully denied their legal rights and urged the public to await for another round of call which, they said, they would make in the future. They said they would announce their alternative options other than the demonstration for the public. The parties also said they would hold consultations and issue statements addressing their members and supporters on October 3, 2005 concerning the demonstration and other related matters. Justice and Legal Affairs Head with the Addis Ababa City Administration, Woldetensae Woldemelak said the parties were asked to provide guarantee to abide by Article 9 of the Constitution. However, he added, the parties have not responded to the demand. The Administration has made the demand based on various newspaper reports suggesting that the demonstration may not be peaceful and with a view to making sure that it would not be against the Constitutional system. Meles holds talks with Secretary General of World Council of Churches Addis Ababa, (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi held talks with Secretary General of the World Council of Churches Dr. Samuel Kobi here on Wednesday. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi on the occasion expressed that he felt honored to confer with the delegation led by Dr. Kobi. Prime Minister Meles briefed the delegation about current regional issues as well as about the recently held national elections in Ethiopia. Dr. Kobi on his part expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Meles for having been playing significant roles for Africa. Dr. Kobi appreciated Meles for his significant roles in the Sudan peace process through IGAD as well as in his efforts as one of the Commissioners of the Commission for Africa to alleviate poverty in Africa. Dr. Kobi told journalists that he took it upon himself to visit Ethiopia to get a first-hand knowledge and experience of Ethiopia, the only African country as founding member of the World Council of Churches. He said during his visit he have seen a wide-range of development activities being carried out in the country. Commenting on election-related issues, Dr. Kobi said the oppositions boycotting parliament might lead the country to clashes and indicated the need for the government and religious institutions to make employ all options to prevent this looming danger. Dr. Kobi said he was informed by Prime Minister Meles that the government had held discussions with the oppositions and will carry on with its efforts to safeguard the constitution and the peace and security of citizens. Dr. Kobi pledged that the World Council of Churches will do everything possible to help diffuse tension. EOC Holy Synod deplores attempted violence at Demera celebration Addis Ababa, ENA - Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) has strongly denounced the attempted violence amidst Demera celebrations on September 26, dubbing the act as un-religious and unethical. Office of EOC's Holy Synod, in a statement it gave on Wednesday in connection with the attempted violence at the Meskel Square, said the violence was targetted against all Christians. The attempted violence came about to the vexation of the Church and such an act could not go without tarnishing Ethiopia's good image in this age-long and unique religious tradition of the Church, the statement said. The annual celebration is Ethiopia's unique tradition acclaimed worldwide, but which, along with the people of the country known for their strong sense of descipline, is exposed to redicule due to such blatant acts committed by ndividuals taken by wickedness, the statement said. The Church advised the faithful to maintain their religious tradition and laws, to stand firm for peace and to keep from sacrelige. It said, the attempted violence was orchestrated in a bid to advance hidden agenda by making use of religion as a pretext. It said all citizens should recognize this and keep from involvement in such acts. It said the Church deplores all those who, in their bid to solicit the Church's partisanship for themselves, so wrongly and deliberately paints it as partisan. This it said should be known by all Ethiopians living inside or outside the country. It urged the government to discharge its responsibility of preventing any such acts in the Church's Holy Days. The Patriarch His Holiness Abune Paulos on his part said he lamented what he saw and heard - an act of sacrelige which has never been encountered in the country. He said the act was targetted against the faithful, and it will be the faithful themselves who will remonstrate against such evil. ================================== Pol.ethiopia Sep.30,2005 ========================== __________________________________ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Sep 5 11:40:18 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:40 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050905094019.26438.qmail@web53315.mail.yahoo.com> September 5, 2005 17 elected representatives of ONC decide to join parliament Addis Ababa, September 02,2005 (WIC) - Seventeen elected representatives of the Oromo National Congress (ONC) to the House of Peoples? Representatives have announced their decision to take up their seats in the next parliament, Iftin, a weekly Amharic newspaper reported. In a statement issued on 29th August bearing the emblem and seal of the party, the elected candidates said, ?We will honour the responsibilities entrusted to us by the Oromo people, and struggle for the respect of the constitutional rights of our people by joining the new parliament.? In their statement, they have denounced the undemocratic moves by some members of the ONC leadership, which they said were against the fundamental objectives ONC stands for. ?These members of the leadership have aligned themselves with chauvinistic forces to declare war against the Oromo people,? today's publication of the newspaper quoted the elected candidates as saying. They have also called upon all members and supporters of ONC to condemn the anti-peace moves by the leadership, whom they said ?have become instruments of chauvinists leaving aside the interests of the Oromo people.? Seventeen of the 41 ONC?s elected candidates issued the statement, according to the newspaper. Sources close to Iftin also reported physical confrontation among ONC members yesterday at the party?s head office in Addis Ababa, which called for the intervention of the City Police. A political science scholar at the Addis Ababa University and senior executive member of ONC told Iftin that the ONC leadership has recently been taking illegal actions which contravene the party?s statute. ?The undemocratic and illegal measures being taken by the top leadership to silence dissenting voices in the party are indicative that ONC is transforming itself into an autocratic party,? the paper quoted the scholar as saying. Chairman of ONC, Merera Gudina, has recently sacked Almaz Seifu, a senior executive member and founder of ONC as well as leader of the party?s youth wing, Iftin recalled. CUD disagrees on composition of Executive Committee during merger Addis Ababa, September 02,2005 (WIC)-The leadership of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, which met on 30th August 2005 to determine the composition of the new party to be formed on the merger of the existing four parties, has reached a deadlock, Iftin, a private weekly Amharic newspaper disclosed. According to the newspaper issued on September 2, 2005, the leaders have agreed to create a 400-member founding congress,150 people from each party. Despite a lengthy debate on the composition of the Executive Committee members, however, the leaders have failed to reach agreement as the All Ethiopia Unity Party sought upper hand in the committee, the paper added. The leaders will meet on September 6,2005 to resolve the deadlock, it was learnt. Oblivious of this, the leaders have formed a three-man committee to finalize the merger of the parties on September 24, 2005,the paper added. The major hurdles of agreeing on a program and party regulations are serious issues relegated by the leaders and yet be tackled before the merger, the newspaper stated quoting insiders. Ethiopia beyond the third democratic election Posted Date Sept. 05,2005 Emerging from long dark periods of rule under a rotten monarch, military junta and decades of civil war, Ethiopia has been on path of democracy for more than a decade. Since EPRDF ousted the military junta in 1991, the country has been transformed into multi-party democracy and has conducted two previous elections successfully. Today, in Ethiopia there is a conducive environment for citizens to express themselves freely; and to organize in a political, civic, social, religious organization. Following these freedom a number of political parties that covers a wide spectrum of view are operating freely in the country. Because of the freedom of expression that is guaranteed in the constitution, in today?s Ethiopia there are more than dozen of private papers in print and circulation every week. The last fourteen years under EPRDF can be characterized as the most peaceful and stable times Ethiopia has ever witnessed. The economy of the country is growing steadily than before. It was with these political and economic achievements and backdrops that Ethiopia has conducted the 3rd National and regional election. In the May 15, 2005 Ethiopian election 25 million courageous Ethiopians (at 90% of voter turnout) participated and cast their vote in a peaceful manner. Unlike the country?s lack of long democratic experience, during the election there were no incidents to undermine the integrity of the whole processes. The election was hailed by both international and local observers as the most open, competitive, free and fair by any standard and can be considered as a landmark in the country?s political history. Therefore, the whole election process, from its inception to the completion can be summed as a success. First and foremost, the success of the election belongs to the Ethiopian people from North to South and from East to West, irrespective of whom they cast their vote to. By actively participating in the election the Ethiopian people once again demonstrated their commitment to preserve and enhance the durable peace and stability the country has enjoyed for the last fourteen years. The whole election process also demonstrates the commitment of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and his government towards a true multi-party political system in Ethiopia. In this regard, the government of PM Meles should be credited for the courage it took to hang its future at balance, for allowing itself to public judgment and for its paramount contribution to the democratization of Ethiopia. The oppositions also deserve the appreciation of the Ethiopian people for their strong contest before and during the election. However, the post-election conduct of the oppositions and their handful supporters in Diaspora, their childish like nagging and unconstitutional demand for power all but should be denounced. The final and official result of the historic election was declared by the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) after long delay, thorough and transparent complaint investigation. As we understand now from independent foreign observers ? the delays were not anybody?s fault, except that the opposition kept demanding to clarify things, to investigate things and the government and the electoral board were patient, so were the supporters?. Based on official results from 492 constituencies, the composition of the Ethiopian House of People Representative looks like as follows: EPRDF =296 , CUD=109 , UEDF=52 , OFDM=11 , BGPDUF=8 , ANDP= 8 , GPDM =3 , SMPDUO=1 , SPDP=1, HNL=1 , ANDO=1 and Independent=1. As the total numbers of seats in the parliament are 547, NEBE has to announce the remaining results as soon as completed. However, the additional coming results will not affect outcome of the election. The official results announced so far indicate EPRDF as the clear winner of the election. Though the 3rd Ethiopian election was the most open, competitive, free and fair election, it was also became a venue where different defunct and morbid ideas made a comeback. In this election more than the previous ones, we have witnessed a futile struggle to bring back the era of chauvinism, hegemonic rule, anti-federalism and to abolish of multi- culturalism and instill similar rules as the military junta and the rotten monarch. More than the previous two elections, in this one we have noticed people played the race cared, hate politics, singling out one ethnic group as responsible and the sole carrier of the burden of the problem of Ethiopia. In fact the election can be characterized as the tug-of-war between those who were nostalgic about the military junta and rotten monarch and those who were defending the multi-culturalism and federalism of the country. Even if in the 3rd election we have witnessed the defeat of the idea of chauvinism and hegemonic rule, it is our hope as we look beyond to the 4th election these morbid and defunct ideas will be buried once and for all. The election is now completed, paving the way for the formation of the new legitimate Ethiopian government. It is our hope and confidence that EPRDF will soon form and announce the composition of the cabinet of the next government and the policies that it will follow in the next five years. It is also our hope that all elected parliamentarians will take their seats and work day and night for the interest of the electorate voted for them and in the best interest of the country. We urge all political parties and politicians to follow similar suite as the Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement (OFDM) and take their seats in the federal and regional parliament. As the election is successfully completed, all rhetoric must now give way to a genuine commitment of all political parties to work together for the common good of the country. In addition, every Ethiopian citizen must work together with the new Ethiopian government and Parliament to strengthen the country?s democratic system, value and institution. Each and every individual who consider ourselves Ethiopian, generation and reality challenges us to support the country?s struggle to become self-sufficient in food supply. By working in a group or as an individual we are challenged to explore all means that are at our disposal to create more jobs for our fellow countrymen. We should support our men and women in uniform who are always vigilant to defend our land from foreign aggression and terrorists. Now more than ever history presents us a noble opportunity to contribute in building of a democratic, stable and prosperous country. Violence and mob should give way to peace and prosperity. It is not time for rhetoric, to pose a threat to disrupt the peace and security of the public. It is not time for warning and threat against the well being of the Ethiopian people. It is time to be genuine parliamentarian and statesman who work for the interest of the Ethiopian people. From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue Sep 13 10:22:19 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:40 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050913082219.48195.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> September 13, 2005 President Girma calls on public to strive to register more victories in Ethiopian New Year Addis Ababa, September 11,2005-President Girma Woldegiorgis called on the public to register new victories in the political, economic, social and diplomatic spheres during the Ethiopian New Year. In a New Year message he conveyed to the nation, the President said the public should exert utmost efforts to achieve the goals of the on-going development activities during the New Year. President Girma said agriculture, industry and urban development activities should be intensified in both rural and urban settings across the nation. The President said the private sector and the educated members of the society need to actively participate in the efforts to speed up development and build democracy. President Girma also said the government to be established should shoulder the responsibility of intensifying the on-going development activities and the building up of peace and democracy. The President said the public should provide the necessary support to the efforts of the government, whose power is emanating from the people in a democratic manner. The President said the country has built a dependable defense force that could maintain the nations peace as well as safeguard against any external attack. He said the country has also carried out successful diplomatic efforts to maintain its peace. He said the five-point peace proposal forwarded by Ethiopia to peacefully resolve the Ethio-Eritrea dispute enabled the country to achieve a victory in the diplomatic arena. He pointed out that a national council is being set up with a view to coordinating the Ethiopian Millennium ceremony, which would be marked after two years. Ghanaian professor says Amhara State conducive for silk production Bahirdar, September 12,2005 (WIC) - The Amhara State has a conducive climate favorable situation for the production of silk, a Ghanaian professor in the field disclosed. Professor Joseph Matika told WIC recently that the perfect climatic condition, the availability of plants used as food for silk worms as well as the investment incentives provided by the State?s government make the Amhara State an ideal place for the production of quality silk. Encouraging results have been achieved in 34 pilot woredas of the State where production was launched in the past nine months, he said, adding that farmers and investors engaged in the sector have obtained a good deal of income. Professor Matika said the beneficiaries have sold over 15 quintals of raw silk in Bahirdar, Gondar, Dessie and Kombolcha towns during the stated period. A kilo of raw silk was sold for 45 birr, he added. The production of silk in better quantity and quality would help the country generate hard currency, besides reducing unemployment and increasing farmers? incomes, he noted. According to the professor, a five-year strategic plan has been designed to expand the silk production technology in all woredas of the Amhara State Enterprise to introduce plasma television programs to 168 schools Jijjiga, September 12,2005 (WIC) - The Educational Media Enterprise has reportedly earmarked 160 million birr to launch plasma television programs in 168 schools across the country in the coming academic year, import satellite receivers and introduce additional channels. pol.Ethiopia Sept. 2005 ========== Enterprise Manager Demisew Bekele told WIC that 461 schools were connected to the satellite education service owing to the efforts made to ensure fair access to secondary education in the country during the past academic year. Realizing the significant contribution of the plasma vision program in improving the quality of education, the Ministry of Capacity Building has given it due attention by allocating 160 million birr to further strengthen the program. Accordingly, he said one satellite dish and 8 receivers will be distributed to each of the 168 schools, adding that the six channels in schools where satellite services are available would be upgraded to nine. Thus, in addition to the existing English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Civics channels, he said Business, Economics and Technical Drawing channels would be introduced next academic year. He finally stated that the plasma program would enable students all over the country to have access to quality education fairly __________________________________ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Sep 14 13:44:30 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:40 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050914114430.44418.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> September 14, 2005 Paper says CUD elect members making preparations to take over City Administration, join parliament Addis Ababa, September 13,2005 (WIC)-Members of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) elected for the Addis Ababa City Administration have been making preparations to take over the Administration, while there are also strong indications which signal that several members of the party elected for the federal parliament would take up their seats, the weekly Amharic newspaper Iftin disclosed. The Coalition has established nine committees, each comprising 15 members of the new City Council, it said. Committees in charge of justice and administration, municipal affairs, trade and industry, culture and information, capacity building and education, economy and budgetary affairs as well as social and civil affairs and HIV/AIDS affairs were formed, according to the paper. UEDP-MEDHIN, a member party of CUD, held a meeting with its 120 members to discuss the establishment and responsibilities of the committees, the paper added. The members, however, insisted that all elected members of the City Council should have permanent jobs and salaries. It would be impossible to curb the problems of Addis Ababa if the Council members were to be left without incomes and their responsibilities limited to submitting periodic reports to the leadership, Iftin quoted the members as saying. Meanwhile, several members of the CUD, including its Chairman Hailu Shawel who has reportedly been promised the same position in the new party to be formed following the merger of CUD member parties, have decided to join the next parliament, sources told Iftin. Those members have been making preparations to take up their seats in the federal parliament that would convene in early October, the newspaper said quoting observers informed about the party?s recent meetings. Meles refutes claims of election fraud Addis Ababa, September 13,2005 Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said the findings of the Body that probed into alleged irregularities in the third Ethiopian National Election show that in the overwhelming majority of cases, there were no serious irregularities. In an interview he gave to CNN television network on Saturday, Meles said some people had alleged there were fiddling in the elections and the answer to that was to have a transparent investigation into these alleged fiddling. "We have had such very transparent investigations in the presence of international observers." Meles said the National Election Board has already started reporting on its findings, and added that in some cases, the investigation teams have found some irregularities and in those cases, they have decided that there should be reruns. The Prime Minister noted that the majority of those cases have been seats won by the opposition. Asked if the violence that followed the election was necessary, Prime Minister Meles said, it was not necessary for us to face a quasi insurrectionary movement in parts of this town. "...Everybody agrees that until Polling Day, the conduct of the elections were exemplary by any standard," Meles said, and added that some had concerns about the counting. "We had by then made it abundantly clear that those concerns will be addressed through investigations in a transparent manner in the presence of foreign observers. And therefore, there was no cause for insurrectionary activity," Meles said. Meles said there are those friends who criticize or allege that there was excessive use of force, adding, that has to be established by an independent investigation which is going to put in place. Meles said, "...people have to understand that this is a country that has never had democracy in its history. This is an emerging democracy. ... We cant be surprised when we have such rough stretches. The issue is how we overcome them and that is the main point." ( ENA) ======================= pol.ethiopia September 14,2005 =============== __________________________________ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri Sep 16 14:21:45 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:40 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050916122146.95522.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> May 15 Election demonstrate significant advances in Ethiopia?s democratization process: Carter Center Addis Ababa, September 15, 2005 The Carter Center said the May 15 election demonstrated significant advances in Ethiopias democratization process, including most importantly the introduction of a more competitive electoral process, which could potentially result in a pluralistic, multi-party political system. Depending on developments in the coming months and years, the 2005 elections could potentially represent a historic sea change in attitudes toward political power and competition in Ethiopia. In a press conference he gave at the Sheraton Addis on Thursday for local print media and international journalists, former US President Jimmy Carter said the May 15 election demonstrated significant advances in Ethiopia's democratization process. Carter also said the election could potentially result in a pluralistic, multi party political system. "Ethiopians saw and understood that public policy appropriately receives debate, that public media cover multiple points of view, that voters choices can result in the election of opposition members of parliament, and that local administration may be in the hands of a party other than the ruling party," he said. Magnifying the positive contributions of the election, Carter said depending on developments in the coming months and years, the 2005 elections could potentially represent a historic sea change in attitudes toward political power and competition in Ethiopia. The election observation statement of the Carter Center touches the election campaigns during the pre-election period, the Election Day and post-election activities. Accordingly, the Center listed out positive experiences to be drawn from the pre-election period. The Center went on to say that the environment throughout most of the country on May 15 was calm and peaceful, and voter turnout was overwhelming, and added that there were almost no reports of problems from party agents present in the stations, although opposition party headquarters did submit a list of problems and allegations to the Center. According to the Center's observation, the statement said, results based on the May 15 polling and tabulation are credible and reflect competitive conditions, and added, complaints submitted on the election lacked sufficient evidence to warrant challenging the result. "It is important to note that the Complaint Review Boards (CRB) and the Complaint Investigation Panels (CIPs) were ad hoc mechanisms to review electoral complaints, and that the prescribed legal recourse to challenge these decisions is via an appeal to the high court" it said. The Center said that all parties should accept decisions of the Electoral Board and it is incumbent upon dissatisfied political parties to file appeals to the high court in an expeditious manner in those cases where they feel there is credible evidence. If parties decide not to file court appeals, the NEBEs announced results should be accepted as final and legitimate, it added. The NEBE is to be commended for its electoral preparations and successes in implementing the May 15 voting process, the Center said. "The increased transparency and responsiveness of the NEBE was an improvement over previous elections. The NEBE showed remarkable flexibility and responded in an inclusive and timely fashion to the demands to replace the complaints process that had proved inadequate" the Center said. The Center says, "It has observed intentional delays on the part of opposition parties," and "withdrawals from the process by the opposition parties resulting in decisions being taken in their absence." "Given the complicated task," the Center says, "another factor undermining the process was the time pressure facing the CIPs to complete their work," and added, "this was exacerbated by delaying tactics and withdrawals by the opposition." "In several constituencies observed by the Center, opposition complainants halted work of the panel in order to subpoena an incarcerated witness," The Center says. The Center added, "It only observed one case where a detained person was not subpoenaed and thus not able to participate in the hearing." "However, the Center observed two cases in which the NEBE chair issued subpoenas to call detained witnesses (both for opposition complainants), but where the complainant indicated they no longer desired the testimony of the subpoenaed individuals. "The efforts to locate these people delayed the panels for a considerable amount of time," the center said, adding, "Most instances of intentional delays observed by the Center were caused by opposition parties." The Center added that "In the majority of cases, witnesses could give testimony without fear of retribution." The Center noted that "Early in the process opposition advocates and panelists withdrew from the proceedings in some constituencies to protest what they viewed as biased decisions by the CIPs. According to the terms of reference, the Center says, the panel is to proceed if the party absent is the provisional seat holder, but should drop the case if the party absent is the complainant." As a result, unfortunately, the deliberative purpose of the panel was not possible in the instances of withdrawals. The Carter Center acknowledges the challenging conditions under which the CIP process was implemented, and that the negotiations and agreements to undertake the CIPs provided a cooling off period in the wake of the early June unrest. The Center says, "The process relied heavily on the good faith effort of all parties involved to stay engaged in and committed to the conclusion of the process." The Center says "It is important of notinge that the NEBE provided multiple opportunities for dissatisfied parties to bring forward additional evidence." The Center observed that "The sheer volume of complaints clogged the system and distracted the NEBE from other operational duties." "Looking forward," the Center says, "It is incumbent upon the NEBE to clarify electoral complaint procedures early in the election process, and for parties to create internal mechanisms for presenting credible evidence in a timely manner within the established parameters." (ENA) Ministry cancels tax arrears, drops customs-related court cases Addis Ababa, September 15,2005 The Ministry of Revenue announced that it has cancelled tax arrears until July 7, 2004 as well as droped customs related cases brought to court until September 25, 2005. In its annual consultative meeting with the business community held at the national Lottery hall, Minister of Revenue, Getachew Belay said abandoning the customs related cases will benefit both the government and the tax payer. The Customs authority, according to Getachew, can provide efficient service only through avoiding pending duties and resolving complaints. Resolving pending duties also encourages importers who want to work with the authority keeping its rules and regulations, he added. The Minister also said as the decision was made as the final measure, he urged all customers to work in accordance with the rules and regulations of the authority. Discussions were also made on ways of improving services of the Customs Authority by avoiding obstacles faced during implementation of service reforms. Over 400 participants attended the meeting. Source: ENA Meles reiterates Ethiopia?s commitment to achieving MDGs Addis Ababa, September 15,2005 Prime Minister Meles Zenawi reiterated Ethiopias commitment to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and to doing whatever is necessary to contribute to a successful reform of the United Nations. The premier made the remark in a statement he delivered at the High Level Plenary Meeting of the 60th Session of the UN General Assembly on Thursday. Prime Minister Meles said it will be impossible for low-income and least developed countries such as Ethiopia to achieve the MDGs without additional joint effort on the part of all. On the other hand, Meles said, the past five years have demonstrated that even for countries such as Ethiopia, most of the MDGs are demonstrably achievable. Our experience over the last five years have indeed demonstrated that with optimum mobilization of domestic resources and the requisite support internationally, in conformity with commitments made, countries such as Ethiopia can, with little doubt, realize the MDGs, the premier said. However, Meles added, there is no doubt that it is indispensable that countries such as Ethiopia require effective international cooperation consistent with commitment made in the millennium declaration and at Monterrey, to be able to be on track to achieve the MDGs. While it is obvious that the [primary responsibility for achieving the MDGs belongs to the concerned countries, it is also the obligation of partners to make it possible for the low-income countries that have demonstrated the readiness to discharge their responsibilities to overcome the poverty trap. In this regard, Meles noted, the Report of the Millennium Project contains valuable proposals whose implementation would no doubt ensure the achievement of the MDGs long before 2015. Meles underlined the need for Official Development Assistance (ODA), debt relief and issues related to trade to be aligned with MDGs for low-income countries to achieve the MDG-based targets. More than 170 Heads of State and Government are attending the Summit, the largest ever gathering of world leaders. The Full Text of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's Address to the UN General Assembly Statement by H.E. Mr Meles Zenawi Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia At the High Level Plenary Meeting of The 60th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations New York, 14-16 September 2005 Mr. President, Excellencies Heads of State and Government, Excellency the Secretary General of the United Nations, Distinguished Heads of Delegation and Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very pleased to be here for the important event which has enormous meaning in terms of the challenges we face in development, peace and ensuring good governance and in fostering respect for human rights. Coming as it does five years after the historic commitment we jointly made when we adopted the Millennium Declaration, this gathering affords us an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the achievement of the MDGs. I would like to take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation to Mr. Kofi Annan, our Secretary General, for the historic initiative he took five years ago and for the follow up work that has been done. We are very grateful also for the very dedicated and invaluable work that has been carried out by Professor Jeffery Sachs and his colleagues at the Millennium Project. Let me also take this opportunity to thank the Secretary-General and, through him, the High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change for a path-breaking report that they had submitted which has served as a basis for the Secretary-General?s ?In Larger Freedom: Towards Development, Security and Human Rights for all? which I find to be a very commendable Report with vital suggestions for reform of the United Nations. I should also pay tribute to Foreign Minister Jean Ping, President of the 59th Session of the General Assembly, for all the effort he has made in the course of this important period in the life of the United Nations and for the draft outcome document which I have no doubt will facilitate businesslike deliberation at this High-level Plenary Meeting. Mr. President, Five years ago we embarked on a 15 years historic journey with reasonably high hopes. With one third of the journey completed, it has become clear that without additional joint effort on the part of all, it will be impossible for low-income and least developed countries such as Ethiopia to achieve the MDGs, most particularly to defeat extreme poverty, poverty that kills. But on the other hand, the past five years have in fact demonstrated that even for countries such as Ethiopia, most of the MDGs are demonstrably achievable. The MDGs are emphatically not unattainable goals with unrealistic targets. In fact, in our particular case, for example, the fight against poverty in all its dimensions with clear commitment and on the basis of a clearly defined strategy antedates the articulation of the MDGs. As such, what was needed in our case was to align our strategy for combating poverty and for realizing sustainable development with the MDGs, which we are convinced are far from being excessively ambitious goals. Our experience over the last five years have indeed demonstrated that with optimum mobilization of domestic resources and the requisite support internationally, in conformity with commitments made, countries such as Ethiopia can, with little doubt, realize the MDGs. There is no doubt, however, Mr. President, that it is indispensable that countries such as Ethiopia require effective international cooperation consistent with the commitment made in the Millennium Declaration and at Monterrey, to be able to be on track to achieve the MDGs. While it is obvious that the primary responsibility for achieving the MDGs belongs to the concerned countries, it is also the obligation of partners to make it possible for the low-income countries that have demonstrated the readiness to discharge their responsibilities to overcome the poverty trap. In this regard, the Report of the Millennium Project contains valuable proposals whose implementation would no doubt ensure the achievement of the MDGs long before 2015. Official Development Assistance, debt relief and issues related to trade need to be aligned with MDGs for low-income countries to achieve the MDG-based targets. I am very pleased with the progress made at the Gleneagles Summit of the G8. I am also pleased with the progress made on building consensus in the fight against poverty here at the United Nations Summit. I am deeply concerned that we sometimes seem to move backward on our commitment as appears to be happening on the full cancellation of debt of highly indebted poor countries. I believe we have to avoid backtracking and move beyond the reiteration of consensus position and start acting on them in earnest. I am disappointed that we have not made more progress on the other issues before us but, like other speakers before me, I am reassured that we have made some progress and have charted a clear course for making additional progress. Mr. President, Let me close by reiterating Ethiopia?s commitment to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and to doing whatever is necessary to contribute to a successful reform of the United Nations. I Thank You. (ENA) __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Sep 19 16:17:27 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:40 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050919141728.72104.qmail@web53315.mail.yahoo.com> September 16,2005 Program of merging party described as unconstitutional, lacking clarity Addis Ababa, (WIC) - The draft program of the new party expected to be formed after the merger of the four member parties of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) lacks clarity and contains provisions contradictory to the country?s constitution, close sources told Iftin, an Amharic weekly newspaper. The draft program provides for the establishment of a presidential system of government against the parliamentary one stipulated in the constitution, the sources said, adding that the program insists on the election of deputies for the House of Federation directly by the public as opposed to the constitutional provision, which states that members of the House of the Federation are elected by the regional councils. The program states that there would be one national working language, but would also consider another additional language without specifying the language, except excluding Oromiffa. It does not specify again whether this language would replace the existing regional working languages, the newspaper reported. Sources told Iftin that as most of the provisions in the party?s program are contrary to the constitution, they could not be materialized unless the constitution is changed. May 15 Election demonstrate significant advances in Ethiopia?s democratization process: Carter Center Addis Ababa, (ENA) The Carter Center said the May 15 election demonstrated significant advances in Ethiopias democratization process, including most importantly the introduction of a more competitive electoral process, which could potentially result in a pluralistic, multi-party political system. Depending on developments in the coming months and years, the 2005 elections could potentially represent a historic sea change in attitudes toward political power and competition in Ethiopia. In a press conference he gave at the Sheraton Addis on Thursday for local print media and international journalists, former US President Jimmy Carter said the May 15 election demonstrated significant advances in Ethiopia's democratization process. Carter also said the election could potentially result in a pluralistic, multi party political system. "Ethiopians saw and understood that public policy appropriately receives debate, that public media cover multiple points of view, that voters choices can result in the election of opposition members of parliament, and that local administration may be in the hands of a party other than the ruling party," he said. Magnifying the positive contributions of the election, Carter said depending on developments in the coming months and years, the 2005 elections could potentially represent a historic sea change in attitudes toward political power and competition in Ethiopia. The election observation statement of the Carter Center touches the election campaigns during the pre-election period, the Election Day and post-election activities. Accordingly, the Center listed out positive experiences to be drawn from the pre-election period. The Center went on to say that the environment throughout most of the country on May 15 was calm and peaceful, and voter turnout was overwhelming, and added that there were almost no reports of problems from party agents present in the stations, although opposition party headquarters did submit a list of problems and allegations to the Center. According to the Center's observation, the statement said, results based on the May 15 polling and tabulation are credible and reflect competitive conditions, and added, complaints submitted on the election lacked sufficient evidence to warrant challenging the result. "It is important to note that the Complaint Review Boards (CRB) and the Complaint Investigation Panels (CIPs) were ad hoc mechanisms to review electoral complaints, and that the prescribed legal recourse to challenge these decisions is via an appeal to the high court" it said. The Center said that all parties should accept decisions of the Electoral Board and it is incumbent upon dissatisfied political parties to file appeals to the high court in an expeditious manner in those cases where they feel there is credible evidence. If parties decide not to file court appeals, the NEBEs announced results should be accepted as final and legitimate, it added. The NEBE is to be commended for its electoral preparations and successes in implementing the May 15 voting process, the Center said. "The increased transparency and responsiveness of the NEBE was an improvement over previous elections. The NEBE showed remarkable flexibility and responded in an inclusive and timely fashion to the demands to replace the complaints process that had proved inadequate" the Center said. The Center says, "It has observed intentional delays on the part of opposition parties," and "withdrawals from the process by the opposition parties resulting in decisions being taken in their absence." "Given the complicated task," the Center says, "another factor undermining the process was the time pressure facing the CIPs to complete their work," and added, "this was exacerbated by delaying tactics and withdrawals by the opposition." "In several constituencies observed by the Center, opposition complainants halted work of the panel in order to subpoena an incarcerated witness," The Center says. The Center added, "It only observed one case where a detained person was not subpoenaed and thus not able to participate in the hearing." "However, the Center observed two cases in which the NEBE chair issued subpoenas to call detained witnesses (both for opposition complainants), but where the complainant indicated they no longer desired the testimony of the subpoenaed individuals. "The efforts to locate these people delayed the panels for a considerable amount of time," the center said, adding, "Most instances of intentional delays observed by the Center were caused by opposition parties." The Center added that "In the majority of cases, witnesses could give testimony without fear of retribution." The Center noted that "Early in the process opposition advocates and panelists withdrew from the proceedings in some constituencies to protest what they viewed as biased decisions by the CIPs. According to the terms of reference, the Center says, the panel is to proceed if the party absent is the provisional seat holder, but should drop the case if the party absent is the complainant." As a result, unfortunately, the deliberative purpose of the panel was not possible in the instances of withdrawals. The Carter Center acknowledges the challenging conditions under which the CIP process was implemented, and that the negotiations and agreements to undertake the CIPs provided a cooling off period in the wake of the early June unrest. The Center says, "The process relied heavily on the good faith effort of all parties involved to stay engaged in and committed to the conclusion of the process." The Center says "It is important of notinge that the NEBE provided multiple opportunities for dissatisfied parties to bring forward additional evidence." The Center observed that "The sheer volume of complaints clogged the system and distracted the NEBE from other operational duties." "Looking forward," the Center says, "It is incumbent upon the NEBE to clarify electoral complaint procedures early in the election process, and for parties to create internal mechanisms for presenting credible evidence in a timely manner within the established parameters." September 17,2005 US urges opposition Mps to take up seats Addis Ababa, (WIC) - The United States called on all Ethiopian political parties yesterday to take up their seats in parliament. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack, who described the election as ?a milestone in creating a new, more competitive multi-party political system in one of Africa's largest and most important counties,? said his government ?strongly urges all the political parties in the political process to play responsible roles as the elected representatives of the Ethiopian people.? He further stated that ?the governing Ethiopian People?s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) has the responsibility to reach out to the opposition parties to ensure their full involvement in governance.? The spokesman in his statement also said the US will work with the international community and the Ethiopian government as well as parties to strengthen the electoral process. McCormack finally urged all parties to avoid violence and cooperate in advancing democracy in the country. Democratic system transformed to higher level, says MoI Addis Ababa, (WIC)- The Ministry of Information said the assessments of Ethiopia's 2005 national elections announced by both the African Union and the Carter Center have proved that the country's democratic system has ushered in a new era. In its weekly statement the ministry also said, this transformation is a great victory for the nation and all the peoples, adding that the victory would have never been achieved without the relentless efforts of the Ethiopian people. The statement further said the government, extending its gratitude to all those who contributed for this success and victory, requests all stakeholders to continue making unlimited efforts to safeguard this great victory for democracy, peace and development. ======================================== Polethiopia Sept. 19,2005 ================================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Sep 21 10:04:53 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:40 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050921080453.12289.qmail@web53306.mail.yahoo.com> September 20 Carter Centre?s election observation report professional, non-partisan: NEBE Addis Ababa, (ENA)? The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) says the final report released by the Carter Centre regarding the third national election is indicative of the fact that the election holds a historic significance in the democratization of the country and thus is acceptable by the Board. In a press conference he gave yesterday concerning the Report, NEBE Deputy Head Tesfaye Mengesha said the Centre?s report indicated that the May 2005 Ethiopian election demonstrated significant advances in Ethiopia?s democratization process. The report, according to Tesfaye, has clearly indicated the significance of the election to the democratization process in Ethiopia, and that minor irregularities could not shadow the greatest victory. The report has indicated that pre- and post-election period activities had been carried out in the right manner except minor irregularities on the Polling Day. The Deputy Head said the report indicated some problems observed during the post-election period. However, Tesfaye added, the Board has resolved the problems through setting up a Complaints Review Bodies (CRB) and the Complaint Investigation Panels (CIPs). The report listed out both the strong and weak points of the election, Tesfaye recalled, adding the report has indicated that Ethiopians vote for their representatives through a democratic and competitive election than ever before. According to the Deputy Head, the report has also indicated that the government had created favourable condition to enhance participation of opposition political parties by amending the electoral law. While listing the weak points of the election, the Carter Centre has said that the Board had banned local observers, Tesfaye said. However, he added, the ban was lifted by a court decision. The report also indicated that opposition parties did submit a list of problems and allegations to the Centre, however the provisional election results were approved as the allegations lacked sufficient evidence, Tesfaye said. Tesfaye pointed out that the tension that surfaced after the election, delay in declaring provisional results and the complaints investigation process due to high number of complaints are listed as negative features of the election. The stated problems were observed during the election, Tesfaye said. However, he said, the causes for the stated problems were few opposition political parties. The Deputy Head cited the report as saying that complaints lodged by opposition parties, particularly during early period lacked sufficient evidences, adding, their witnesses also failed to support the complaints. Concerning presentation of evidences, there were facts that the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU-EOM) was unable to hide, Tesfaye said, adding the Board shares the undeniable fact. CUD Chairman?s statement creates confusion among leadership Addis Ababa, (WIC)- The statement of the Chairman of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), Hailu Shawel, declaring that CUD would boycott Parliament has created confusion among the leadership of the party, Iftin, a weekly Amharic newspaper disclosed. The leadership thus called an extraordinary meeting yesterday to deliberate on the confusions that followed the Chairman?s statement, sources told Iftin. Hailu?s justification for boycotting Parliament on the ground that ''CUD was declared the loser, while it has won the elections'' was rejected by some members of the committee, the paper said. ?We have won only in Addis Ababa. Observers have also said that we have not won at national level. Boycotting Parliament on the assumption that we have won is creating confusion among the pubic,? Lidetu Ayalew, one of CUD?s executive committee members was quoted as saying. Lidetu also said Hailu Shawel?s statement came at a time when CUD has not finalized public discussions and reached consensus on the matter. ?How could he [Hailu] say that? Or has the CUD become a private property of Hailu Shawel?? sources quoted Lidetu as saying. Many other officials of the party aired similar views supporting Lidetu?s position. But the paper quoted Dr. Berhanu Nega, another executive committee member of the party, as saying, ?We should not say that we have not won even if that was the case.? Responding to journalists on the position of the Chairman, Dr. Berhanu said he did not know why the Chairman gave such a statement. ?What I know is we have not yet taken a common position on the matter,? he told reporters. The leadership has not concluded its meeting, and was scheduled to continue its discussion at a different venue today, the paper said. Meanwhile, in an interview with the VOA- Amharic service, Hailu Shawel said the position of boycotting Parliament was that of his party, All Ethiopian Unity Party. Other member parties of CUD could decide by their own, he said. ======================================= Pol.ethiopia Sept.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 Fri Sep 23 16:03:08 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:40 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050923140309.93362.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> September 22,2005 CUD, UEDF say gov?t responsible for possible damages on October 2 demonstration Addis Ababa, (ENA) - The Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) and the United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) said the government would be responsible for damages that may occur on demonstration to be held on October 2, 2005. The Addis Ababa Police Commission on its part announced that any political party engaged in destabilizing peace and stability of the public by calling unconstitutional demonstration would be responsible for any problems. Deputy Commissioner of the Addis Ababa Police Commission, Tesfaye Meresa told ENA that any body that organizes demonstrations with the objective of instigating violence and riot and without fulfilling legal procedures would be undoubtedly held liable for any damages. The Deputy Commissioner further said anybody permitted to organize public rallies would also be liable if found engaged in other activities out of the theme of the demonstration. Accordingly, the Commissioner urged the CUD and UEDF to refrain from organizing violence and riot on October 2, 2005, knowing that they would be responsible for any casualties and damages that may occur on property. Meanwhile, senior executive member of CUD said the Coalition did not pass any decision to either boycott or join the next parliament at Council level. The executive member, Dr. Berhanu Nega also indicated that the government would be at any rate responsible for any damages that may be incurred during the demonstration to be called by the CUD and UEDF. In a joint press conference they gave on Wednesday, CUD executive member, Dr. Berhanu Nega and UEDF President, Dr. Merara Gudina said joining the next Parliament is ++not primary agenda at the moment. Concerning the interview CUD Chairman, Engineer Hailu Shawl gave recently to the ?Ethiopian Review? saying the Coalition?s Council had unanimously decided to boycott the parliament, Dr. Berhanu said the Chairman had said so based on the current reality, not on the Council?s decision. According to Dr. Berhanu, the Chairman had said so based on the decision reached by the All Ethiopian Unity Party (AEUP), one of the members of the Coalition, and taking other problems into consideration. The Coalition gives priority for the respect of human and democratic rights of citizens than joining or boycotting the parliament, he said. Asked why CUD members receive the winner candidate ID if they are not going to join the parliament, Dr. Berhanu replied receiving winner candidate ID has nothing to do with joining or refusing to join the parliament. By mobilizing the public, the parties will continue their struggle until good governance and democracy are ensured in the country, he added. The CUD and UEDF also said in place of trying to oppress the public with power, the government should vigilantly watch the peaceful and legal struggle being pursued by opposition political parties. The parties called upon the government to discharge its responsibility by accepting the peace proposal forwarded by opposition political parties in a bid to peacefully resolve the existing political impasse. However, they said, if the government pursue on oppressing the public, the public should cautiously wait for the peaceful call of the political parties to show government that it is on the wrong truck. Professor slams Ambassadors? Donor Group statement Addis Ababa, (ENA) - An executive member of Rainbow Ethiopia: Movement for Democracy and Social Justice condemned the statement recently issued by the Ambassadors? Donor Group (ADG) concerning the final results of Ethiopia?s 2005 elections. In an article published on the Amharic weekly Addis Zena, Professor Mesfin Wolde-Mariam said reading through the statement issued by the ADG, one would think that the group which comprises Ambassadors of the US and other European countries have formed a new pro-EPRDF political party. The Professor said it is not surprising that they (the group) have issued such a statement. Professor Mesfin?s party, Rainbow Ethiopia, is a member party of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD). The Professor was belittling at the ADG statement which stated that the final results of the election issued by the National Electoral Board, including the results of re-votes and the Somali State elections, confirm the EPRDF?s majority in Parliament. In his article published on the Sept. 20 issue of the paper, Professor Mesfin said the statement of the ADG might have been issued in disregard to the Ethiopian people, and for that ?we wouldn?t blame them [the ADG].? In exploring the identities of the members of the ADG, the Professor wondered about the identity of the Italian Ambassador, and tried to associate his lineage to the fascist Italy, by way of searching for the latter?s Great Grand fathers. ?Though the Ethiopian people have been preoccupied with the things of today, and chose to live in the spirit of reconciliation, they haven?t completely forgotten what had happened to them in the past,? the Professor said. The Professor also wondered why the U.S. and Britain, who are the vanguards of Liberty, Democracy, Justice and ?Fairness, join hands to always become unjust and unfair on some matters related to Ethiopia. The Ambassadors have heard what Madam Ana Gomes, the true diplomat, had to say about the Ethiopian election, Professor Mesfin said, adding, the Ambassadors have also read how [Prime Minister] Meles had abused Madam Gomes when he reacted to her report. Thus, the Professor said, it is likely that the ADG were taking a pre-emptive measure to prevent themselves against such abusive words. By so doing, the Professor said, the ADG have failed to stand on the side of democracy, legality and due process. By so doing, the Professor added, the ADG have lost the spiritual strength to defend democracy. The Professor went on to say that what US President Bush and British Prime Minister Blair say at the United Nations is not in conformity with what the ADG are advocating here. ?Well,? the Professor said, ?the ADG might have concluded saying, we don?t give a damn about what our leaders say!? They might have resorted to distorting the truth considering that their bosses are not around, and that they didn?t want to create a rivalry with the one would not hesitate to abuse them, and opted to make peace with the latter by issuing a statement to please the latter. It is to be recalled that the Ambassadors? Donor Group called upon all parties to take their seats in the National Assembly with good will and mutual respect, to express the interests and views of all Ethiopians in a vibrant multi-party parliament. In a statement it issued Tuesday last week, the Group said ?As Ethiopia?s partners, we stand ready to support the development of Ethiopian democracy.? The ADG said the final results of Ethiopia?s historic 2005 elections issued by the NEBE, including the results of revotes and the Somali State elections, confirm the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front?s majority in Parliament. September 23, 2005 Minister points out glaring differences of EU-EOM, Carter Center reports Addis Ababa, (WIC)- Information Minister Bereket Simon said the Carter Center has lauded the elections in Ethiopia and its report does not have any similarity with the European Union-Election Observation Mission's (EU-EOM) provisional report. Bereket Simon, who is also EPRDF?s Executive Committee member and the party's public relations head, said recently the claim by some that Carter Center's report is similar with EU-EOM's is totally erroneous. He said the report by EU-EOM, which was full of accusations, described the elections as not up to international standards and in so doing tried to assert that the process was futile, whereas Carter's report stated that the election was democratic and a leap forward in Ethiopia's democratization efforts. According to him, though the Center's report has indicated the occurrence of some minor irregularities, it also has reached the conclusion that the elections have enabled Ethiopia to attain victory in the democratization process. Bereket said, contrary to the existing realities of the elections' process, the EU-EOM's report was based on hatred and totally unable to indicate the problems on the part of the opposition, holding instead only the government and the NEBE accountable to all the problems, adding that these have put the credibility of the report under question. Nevertheless, the report by the Carter Center has revealed that the opposition leaders have pursued various methods to delay the process, especially in the post-election period, by lodging baseless complaints, Bereket said. The report has further stated that in elections to come, the NEBE would be able to handle all election related matters effectively, while Ethiopia would be transformed to a new democratic future if the concerned bodies strive to further strengthen the already gained victory in this respect, he added. The election has opened a new chapter in the history of our country; Bereket declared and noted that EPRDF has made all the necessary preparations for the establishment of regional governments in areas where it has won. The opposition, on the contrary have not yet taken clear stands on their roles in the federal parliament and the Addis Ababa City Administration, said Bereket ,adding that they instead are making preparations to create havoc through what they called the "earth- shattering demonstration.'' However; said the Minister, they should understand that such wishes cannot be realized in Ethiopia, the opposition and pursue peaceful courses. Ambassador Legwaila describes dialogue between Ethiopia, Eritrea as intimate accompaniment for peace process Addis Ababa (WIC) - Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) of the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) ,Ambassador Legwaila Joseph Legwaila , said dialogue is an intimate accompaniment for the peace process between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Speaking at a gathering held on Wednesday to mark the International Day of Peace, Ambassador Legwaila said it is abnormal that the two countries signed a document called peace agreement and still not be able to engage in dialogue. He said ? when two countries go to war and they decide to make peace and they think they can make peace without engaging in dialogue they were wasting time?. Ambassador Legwaila cited, among others, his experiences with the former South African Government-the ANC and Inkattha, as well as Bosnia and other parties in which there had been fruitful dialogue for peace while there were serious violations of agreements and bloodshed. Describing the situation between the two countries as ''No war no peace'', the SRSG said there is interminable transitional period between war and peace. He said, however, there is no ceasefire violation both by Ethiopia and Eritrea. ?The ceasefire between Ethiopia and Eritrea is unusual in the sense that not even once in the five , three months and three days have we ever convened a meeting of Military Commission to discuss the violation of the ceasefire by other side?, he said On the occasion, he called on the international community to do its utmost to encourage the two countries to get into the implementation of the Algiers Peace agreement signed in 2000 through dialogue. ======================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept. 23,2005 ============================= __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Sep 26 14:37:43 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:40 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050926123743.25321.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> September 24,2005 ONC expels Chairman, executive committee members Addis Ababa, (WIC) -The extraordinary session of the General assembly of the Oromo National Congress (ONC) has dismissed Dr. Merera Gudina, the Chairman of the party, and 11 Executive Committee members for allegedly misguiding the party. According to Iftin, an Amharic bi-weekly, the meeting has also elected replacements and 65 Central Committee members. The paper quoted the newly elected Chairman, Tolossa Tesfaye, as saying that the copies of the resolutions of the general assembly and the Central Committee were also sent to the National Electoral Board. The party is making preparations to sue the former Chairman to return the seal of the ONC, its funds and other properties in his hands since the establishment of ONC ten years ago. The former Chairman has recently told private papers that there was no rift in the party, except the dissatisfaction of two individuals, Iftin recalled September 25,2005 Meles urges opposition political parties to enter into peaceful direction Addis Ababa (ENA)- Prime Minister Meles said the revenue sources of the Addis Ababa City Administration have not been, and will not be, changed, and there is nothing reduced or to be reduced, adding the decisions in relation to revenue sources in the city were taken for the sake of the people, and not for the administration. He said measures related to the revision on taxes have been implemented not only in Addis Ababa, but allover the country. The Prime Minister said the right to freedom of expression is a right respected in all democratic nations including Ethiopia. Meles said people who say that they are not satisfied with the results of the election have the right to hold and express their ideas. But, he said, they have no rights to spark violence. Meles said the goals of opposition parties are to dismantle the constitutional order, depose the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) by force as well as to change the institutions set up under the Constitution by intimidation and force. He added that conceiving, plotting, propagating and agitating to realize this goal is in itself a crime. Prime Minister Meles said the demonstration opposition political parties are contemplating to hold is part of a serious crime. He added that the government will not allow the perpetration of any action that would endanger the lives, property and peace of the public, and if such actions are perpetrated the government will not hesitate to take the necessary legal measures. There should be no doubt that the government will take the necessary measures not only to prevent the danger, but also to make sure that it shall never happen again, Meles said. The Prime Minister described the idea of opposition parties to administer the Addis Ababa City without joining the Parliament as ?childish?. The law of the nation will not allow oppositions to use the Addis Ababa Administration for the purpose of instigating riot and violence, even for a minute. EPRDF also will not allow that to happen, he added. Meles said the next task of EPRDF is to establish the two Councils as well as to form the new government. Melees also pointed out that a new bill has been prepared so as to be able to make some amendments before the new Cabinet is formed. CUD Chairman calls AU ''club of dictators'' Addis Ababa, September 24,2005 (WIC) - The Chairman of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) declared that the African Union (AU) has no capacity to observe elections and termed it ''a club of dictators.'' In an interview he gave yesterday to Tensa?e radio, a US-based station, Chairman of the CUD, Engineer Hailu Shawel ,said the AU observer mission were ill-equipped, unpunctual and failures who did not fulfill their duty. The AU from the very outset did not assign sufficient number of observers, he said, adding that as a result the observers were only seen shuttling from poll to poll without seriously undertaking their mission. He described the report of the team as having ''no value?? and irrelevant to the process but prepared to appease a friend. According to Engineer Hailu the result of the observation testified that AU is a ??club of dictators '' who stand for their personal interests and have no concern for the establishment of a democratic system. Genuine election observation would be conducted when the continent is liberated and led by the right leaders. Asked about his boycotting parliament, Engineer Hailu said, even if it has not been decided by the central committee of the CUD the position of boycotting the parliament is evident for all. ??The decision of the committee could not be different from this and I think no member of the party would accept a different view,?? he underlined. Clarifying the statement he previously gave saying that ?individual members of the party can join parliament without the decision of the party?, he said, ?Every party member could not be bound by the decision. Since our party is democratic, individuals have every right to defy the decision of the party." The Chairman said his party would take part in the planned mass demonstration on October 2 not to embarrass ''our brothers'' the AEUP. Member parties of CUD announce merger Addis Ababa (ENA) - The four political parties that have been under the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) announced their merger yesterday to be led under a single leadership. The party says it has not yet made a decision to enter parliament or not. At a merger conference held at the Global Hotel here in the metropolis, the four parties?namely the All Ethiopia Unity Party (AEUP), the Union of Ethiopian Democratic Party Medhin (UEDP-MEDHIN), Rainbow Ethiopia: Movement for Democracy and Social Justice (Rainbow - Ethiopia) and the Ethiopian Democratic League (EDL) ? announced their unification as one party. The now unified parties have elected new executive members to lead the party for the coming two years. Accordingly, Hailu Shawl is elected to continue as Chairperson of the Coalition, while Birtukan Mideksa is elected as first Vice-Chairperson of the Coalition. Lidetu Ayalew was elected as Vice- Chairperson of the Coalition, and Muluneh Eyuel is elected as Secretary General of the party. It was indicated on the occasion that the merged party will have 20 executive committee members and 60 council members. It was also indicated on the occasion that the Coalition has not reached a final decision as to whether it would join the parliament or not. The party said the matter would be decided at the Council meeting to be held shortly. ======================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept. 26,2005 =========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Sep 28 15:52:45 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:40 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050928135246.18599.qmail@web53302.mail.yahoo.com> September 27,2005 President describes PRAXIS Ethiopia Alliance as World Bank of ideas, innovations Addis Ababa, (WIC)- Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said PRAXIS Ethiopia Alliance, an Alliance initiated by scientists and academics outside Ethiopia in January 2002 at the ''Ethio-Forum 2002'', would significantly contribute to the development and poverty reduction endeavors underway in Ethiopia. In his keynote address at the PRAXIS Ethiopia Alliance Inaugural Meeting here today, the premier also said the transfer of technology the Alliance makes possible could enable Ethiopia make faster progress in a variety of areas. Stating that modernization of the agricultural sector and creation of the capacity for food security in Ethiopia is an obvious top priority for the peoples and government of Ethiopia, Meles said the partnership of the Alliance can be crucial with respect to various areas of the Agricultural Development-led Industrialization program the government follows. While opening the meeting, President Girma Woldegiorgis said PRAXIS Ethiopia Alliance, which he referred to as the World Bank of ideas and innovations, is a commitment to promote innovative, knowledge-based and community-driven poverty reduction as well as restorative development in Ethiopia. PRAXIS Ethiopia Alliance is an autonomous international coalition of educators, scientists, entrepreneurs and technical advisors dedicated to fighting extreme poverty, first in Ethiopia and ultimately in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on four major areas of development, it was learnt. The Alliance, initiated at the ''Ethio-Forum 2002'' - a forum organized by the Ethiopian Social Rehabilitation and Development Fund (ESRDF) - is said to focus on food security, health care, education and technology transfer. Demera celebrated, attempted violence put under control Addis Ababa, (ENA) - Demera, the religious bone-fire ceremony on the eve of the Finding of the True Cross "Meskel" was held here at the Meskel Square in the presence of thousands of the faithful. President Girma Woldegiorgis, Mayor Arkebe Equbay, Secretary General of the World Council of Churches Samuel Kobi were present at the celebration. Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) His Holiness Abune Paulos, archbishops, ambassadors, diplomats and representatives of various other religions attended the annual celebration. The patriarch lit a torch and gave it to the president to light the grand bone fire. Various religious songs were sung by cantors clad in the colourful religious attires. But as the celebration was underway, some individuals? wreacked havoc by throwing stones, from which the windows of a nearby Mobil filling station were battered and decorative light bulbs at the square were also broken, the federal police commission said. The attempted violence was quickly put under control. Workers of the filling station told ENA's reporter on the spot that the damage could have been much worse, if they had not put off the electric valves of the station quickly. Police said they know the identities of the perpetrators and their motives. They said appropriate legal measures would be taken against them. September 28,2005 Police arrest 32 alleged violence perpetrators, participants Addis Ababa, (ENA) -The Addis Ababa Police Commission says it has put under arrest those forces that have attempted to incite violence at the Demera celebration here at the Meskel Square on Monday. The Addis Ababa Police Deputy Commissioner Tesfaye Meresa told ENA on Tuesday that Police have put under custody those individuals alleged to have orchestrated and involved in the havoc. The Deputy Commissioner said Police have handled the attempted violence at the Demera celebration with extreme patience so as to enable the successful celebration of the event. But, later, Police have launched extensive investigation that resulted in the arrest of some 32 main operators and participants in the violence. The Deputy Commissioner said two of the detained have been found in possession of daggers, while efforts have continued to arrest similar other culprits. The Commissioner commended the coordinated efforts of the Addis Ababa and Federal Police Commissions to jointly thwart the attempted violence perpetrated by a few individuals who, police said, tried to turn the religious festival to a political tool. He said residents of the city arrived at the Masqal Square for the celebration with absolute calmness since early hours and the celebration was being held colorfully as scheduled. However, he said, towards the end of the program, some groups tried to disturb the ceremony by shouting insults and clapping. He said the clash was between those groups who attempted to stir violence on one side and the faithful, who wanted the calm not to be violated, on the other. The Deputy Commissioner said seven police members and other civilians were struck by the stones thrown. The windows of a nearby Mobile oil filling station were battered and some 35 decorative lamps at the Masqal square were also broken. The Commissioner said the violence on Monday was orchestrated as a spring board for the illegal demonstration summoned by the opposition parties for October 2. Although the government respects the rights of citizens and political parties to hold a demonstration, the Commissioner said, any activity aimed at dismantling the constitutional order by the use of force and rebellion cannot be tolerated. He underlined that political parties and individuals engaged in such illegal actions will be bear the responsibility for any undesired outcome. He called on citizens not to take part in any activity bent on undermining the constitutional order. According to the Commissioner, the capacity of the Addis Ababa Police to safeguard the peace and security of residents is now better than ever before. He also called on the public to cooperate with the police in identifying individuals engaged in instigating riot and violence. Ismael Ali Sero re-elected as Chief of Afar State Addis Ababa, (ENA) - The Founding Conference of the Afar Regional State Council has elected Ismael Ali Sero as the State's President. The conference also elected Speakers of the Council and endorsed the appointment of the President of the State's Supreme Court and Auditor General. The 87-member new State Council has unanimously elected Ismael Ali Sero, presented by the Afar National Democratic Party (ANDP), to the post of Chief Administrator. The State's President-elect has vowed to honestly and diligently work for the supremacy of the Federal Constitution and the maintenance of peace, democracy and development in the Regional State. The founding conference has also elected Mohammed Kedir and Merriam Hussein as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the State Council, respectively. Kedir Hussein and Hanfire Mohammed have been appointed as President of the State's Supreme Court and Auditor General, respectively. More over 12 members of the Cabinet presented by the Chief Administrator have been endorsed by the Council. The Council also delegated Habib Mohammed and Mohammed Yusuf to represent the region in the House of Federation. The conference will continue tomorrow and discuss bills and program of action to be implemented for the coming five years. ================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.28,2005 ========================== __________________________________ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri Sep 30 14:50:21 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:40 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050930125021.21788.qmail@web53315.mail.yahoo.com> September 30, 2005 UEDF, CUD say Sunday's demonstration postponed for another time Addis Ababa, (ENA) - The United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) and the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) announced on Thursday that they have postponed for unspecified time the demonstration they had scheduled for this Sunday. At a joint press conference they gave on Thursday, executive members of the CUD and UEDF pointed out that the political tension has mounted high and they have decided to postpone the October 2 demonstration saying the government and EPRDF have not allowed them to do so. The executive members said they have not been able to gather their supporters from various regional states, and added that the government demanded them to present a guarantee that they would hold the demonstration in the spirit of the Constitution and accepting the results of the election. The parties said EPRDF and the government have unlawfully denied their legal rights and urged the public to await for another round of call which, they said, they would make in the future. They said they would announce their alternative options other than the demonstration for the public. The parties also said they would hold consultations and issue statements addressing their members and supporters on October 3, 2005 concerning the demonstration and other related matters. Justice and Legal Affairs Head with the Addis Ababa City Administration, Woldetensae Woldemelak said the parties were asked to provide guarantee to abide by Article 9 of the Constitution. However, he added, the parties have not responded to the demand. The Administration has made the demand based on various newspaper reports suggesting that the demonstration may not be peaceful and with a view to making sure that it would not be against the Constitutional system. Meles holds talks with Secretary General of World Council of Churches Addis Ababa, (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi held talks with Secretary General of the World Council of Churches Dr. Samuel Kobi here on Wednesday. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi on the occasion expressed that he felt honored to confer with the delegation led by Dr. Kobi. Prime Minister Meles briefed the delegation about current regional issues as well as about the recently held national elections in Ethiopia. Dr. Kobi on his part expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Meles for having been playing significant roles for Africa. Dr. Kobi appreciated Meles for his significant roles in the Sudan peace process through IGAD as well as in his efforts as one of the Commissioners of the Commission for Africa to alleviate poverty in Africa. Dr. Kobi told journalists that he took it upon himself to visit Ethiopia to get a first-hand knowledge and experience of Ethiopia, the only African country as founding member of the World Council of Churches. He said during his visit he have seen a wide-range of development activities being carried out in the country. Commenting on election-related issues, Dr. Kobi said the oppositions boycotting parliament might lead the country to clashes and indicated the need for the government and religious institutions to make employ all options to prevent this looming danger. Dr. Kobi said he was informed by Prime Minister Meles that the government had held discussions with the oppositions and will carry on with its efforts to safeguard the constitution and the peace and security of citizens. Dr. Kobi pledged that the World Council of Churches will do everything possible to help diffuse tension. EOC Holy Synod deplores attempted violence at Demera celebration Addis Ababa, ENA - Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) has strongly denounced the attempted violence amidst Demera celebrations on September 26, dubbing the act as un-religious and unethical. Office of EOC's Holy Synod, in a statement it gave on Wednesday in connection with the attempted violence at the Meskel Square, said the violence was targetted against all Christians. The attempted violence came about to the vexation of the Church and such an act could not go without tarnishing Ethiopia's good image in this age-long and unique religious tradition of the Church, the statement said. The annual celebration is Ethiopia's unique tradition acclaimed worldwide, but which, along with the people of the country known for their strong sense of descipline, is exposed to redicule due to such blatant acts committed by ndividuals taken by wickedness, the statement said. The Church advised the faithful to maintain their religious tradition and laws, to stand firm for peace and to keep from sacrelige. It said, the attempted violence was orchestrated in a bid to advance hidden agenda by making use of religion as a pretext. It said all citizens should recognize this and keep from involvement in such acts. It said the Church deplores all those who, in their bid to solicit the Church's partisanship for themselves, so wrongly and deliberately paints it as partisan. This it said should be known by all Ethiopians living inside or outside the country. It urged the government to discharge its responsibility of preventing any such acts in the Church's Holy Days. The Patriarch His Holiness Abune Paulos on his part said he lamented what he saw and heard - an act of sacrelige which has never been encountered in the country. He said the act was targetted against the faithful, and it will be the faithful themselves who will remonstrate against such evil. ================================== Pol.ethiopia Sep.30,2005 ========================== __________________________________ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Sep 5 11:40:18 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:43 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050905094019.26438.qmail@web53315.mail.yahoo.com> September 5, 2005 17 elected representatives of ONC decide to join parliament Addis Ababa, September 02,2005 (WIC) - Seventeen elected representatives of the Oromo National Congress (ONC) to the House of Peoples? Representatives have announced their decision to take up their seats in the next parliament, Iftin, a weekly Amharic newspaper reported. In a statement issued on 29th August bearing the emblem and seal of the party, the elected candidates said, ?We will honour the responsibilities entrusted to us by the Oromo people, and struggle for the respect of the constitutional rights of our people by joining the new parliament.? In their statement, they have denounced the undemocratic moves by some members of the ONC leadership, which they said were against the fundamental objectives ONC stands for. ?These members of the leadership have aligned themselves with chauvinistic forces to declare war against the Oromo people,? today's publication of the newspaper quoted the elected candidates as saying. They have also called upon all members and supporters of ONC to condemn the anti-peace moves by the leadership, whom they said ?have become instruments of chauvinists leaving aside the interests of the Oromo people.? Seventeen of the 41 ONC?s elected candidates issued the statement, according to the newspaper. Sources close to Iftin also reported physical confrontation among ONC members yesterday at the party?s head office in Addis Ababa, which called for the intervention of the City Police. A political science scholar at the Addis Ababa University and senior executive member of ONC told Iftin that the ONC leadership has recently been taking illegal actions which contravene the party?s statute. ?The undemocratic and illegal measures being taken by the top leadership to silence dissenting voices in the party are indicative that ONC is transforming itself into an autocratic party,? the paper quoted the scholar as saying. Chairman of ONC, Merera Gudina, has recently sacked Almaz Seifu, a senior executive member and founder of ONC as well as leader of the party?s youth wing, Iftin recalled. CUD disagrees on composition of Executive Committee during merger Addis Ababa, September 02,2005 (WIC)-The leadership of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, which met on 30th August 2005 to determine the composition of the new party to be formed on the merger of the existing four parties, has reached a deadlock, Iftin, a private weekly Amharic newspaper disclosed. According to the newspaper issued on September 2, 2005, the leaders have agreed to create a 400-member founding congress,150 people from each party. Despite a lengthy debate on the composition of the Executive Committee members, however, the leaders have failed to reach agreement as the All Ethiopia Unity Party sought upper hand in the committee, the paper added. The leaders will meet on September 6,2005 to resolve the deadlock, it was learnt. Oblivious of this, the leaders have formed a three-man committee to finalize the merger of the parties on September 24, 2005,the paper added. The major hurdles of agreeing on a program and party regulations are serious issues relegated by the leaders and yet be tackled before the merger, the newspaper stated quoting insiders. Ethiopia beyond the third democratic election Posted Date Sept. 05,2005 Emerging from long dark periods of rule under a rotten monarch, military junta and decades of civil war, Ethiopia has been on path of democracy for more than a decade. Since EPRDF ousted the military junta in 1991, the country has been transformed into multi-party democracy and has conducted two previous elections successfully. Today, in Ethiopia there is a conducive environment for citizens to express themselves freely; and to organize in a political, civic, social, religious organization. Following these freedom a number of political parties that covers a wide spectrum of view are operating freely in the country. Because of the freedom of expression that is guaranteed in the constitution, in today?s Ethiopia there are more than dozen of private papers in print and circulation every week. The last fourteen years under EPRDF can be characterized as the most peaceful and stable times Ethiopia has ever witnessed. The economy of the country is growing steadily than before. It was with these political and economic achievements and backdrops that Ethiopia has conducted the 3rd National and regional election. In the May 15, 2005 Ethiopian election 25 million courageous Ethiopians (at 90% of voter turnout) participated and cast their vote in a peaceful manner. Unlike the country?s lack of long democratic experience, during the election there were no incidents to undermine the integrity of the whole processes. The election was hailed by both international and local observers as the most open, competitive, free and fair by any standard and can be considered as a landmark in the country?s political history. Therefore, the whole election process, from its inception to the completion can be summed as a success. First and foremost, the success of the election belongs to the Ethiopian people from North to South and from East to West, irrespective of whom they cast their vote to. By actively participating in the election the Ethiopian people once again demonstrated their commitment to preserve and enhance the durable peace and stability the country has enjoyed for the last fourteen years. The whole election process also demonstrates the commitment of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and his government towards a true multi-party political system in Ethiopia. In this regard, the government of PM Meles should be credited for the courage it took to hang its future at balance, for allowing itself to public judgment and for its paramount contribution to the democratization of Ethiopia. The oppositions also deserve the appreciation of the Ethiopian people for their strong contest before and during the election. However, the post-election conduct of the oppositions and their handful supporters in Diaspora, their childish like nagging and unconstitutional demand for power all but should be denounced. The final and official result of the historic election was declared by the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) after long delay, thorough and transparent complaint investigation. As we understand now from independent foreign observers ? the delays were not anybody?s fault, except that the opposition kept demanding to clarify things, to investigate things and the government and the electoral board were patient, so were the supporters?. Based on official results from 492 constituencies, the composition of the Ethiopian House of People Representative looks like as follows: EPRDF =296 , CUD=109 , UEDF=52 , OFDM=11 , BGPDUF=8 , ANDP= 8 , GPDM =3 , SMPDUO=1 , SPDP=1, HNL=1 , ANDO=1 and Independent=1. As the total numbers of seats in the parliament are 547, NEBE has to announce the remaining results as soon as completed. However, the additional coming results will not affect outcome of the election. The official results announced so far indicate EPRDF as the clear winner of the election. Though the 3rd Ethiopian election was the most open, competitive, free and fair election, it was also became a venue where different defunct and morbid ideas made a comeback. In this election more than the previous ones, we have witnessed a futile struggle to bring back the era of chauvinism, hegemonic rule, anti-federalism and to abolish of multi- culturalism and instill similar rules as the military junta and the rotten monarch. More than the previous two elections, in this one we have noticed people played the race cared, hate politics, singling out one ethnic group as responsible and the sole carrier of the burden of the problem of Ethiopia. In fact the election can be characterized as the tug-of-war between those who were nostalgic about the military junta and rotten monarch and those who were defending the multi-culturalism and federalism of the country. Even if in the 3rd election we have witnessed the defeat of the idea of chauvinism and hegemonic rule, it is our hope as we look beyond to the 4th election these morbid and defunct ideas will be buried once and for all. The election is now completed, paving the way for the formation of the new legitimate Ethiopian government. It is our hope and confidence that EPRDF will soon form and announce the composition of the cabinet of the next government and the policies that it will follow in the next five years. It is also our hope that all elected parliamentarians will take their seats and work day and night for the interest of the electorate voted for them and in the best interest of the country. We urge all political parties and politicians to follow similar suite as the Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement (OFDM) and take their seats in the federal and regional parliament. As the election is successfully completed, all rhetoric must now give way to a genuine commitment of all political parties to work together for the common good of the country. In addition, every Ethiopian citizen must work together with the new Ethiopian government and Parliament to strengthen the country?s democratic system, value and institution. Each and every individual who consider ourselves Ethiopian, generation and reality challenges us to support the country?s struggle to become self-sufficient in food supply. By working in a group or as an individual we are challenged to explore all means that are at our disposal to create more jobs for our fellow countrymen. We should support our men and women in uniform who are always vigilant to defend our land from foreign aggression and terrorists. Now more than ever history presents us a noble opportunity to contribute in building of a democratic, stable and prosperous country. Violence and mob should give way to peace and prosperity. It is not time for rhetoric, to pose a threat to disrupt the peace and security of the public. It is not time for warning and threat against the well being of the Ethiopian people. It is time to be genuine parliamentarian and statesman who work for the interest of the Ethiopian people. From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue Sep 13 10:22:19 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:43 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050913082219.48195.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> September 13, 2005 President Girma calls on public to strive to register more victories in Ethiopian New Year Addis Ababa, September 11,2005-President Girma Woldegiorgis called on the public to register new victories in the political, economic, social and diplomatic spheres during the Ethiopian New Year. In a New Year message he conveyed to the nation, the President said the public should exert utmost efforts to achieve the goals of the on-going development activities during the New Year. President Girma said agriculture, industry and urban development activities should be intensified in both rural and urban settings across the nation. The President said the private sector and the educated members of the society need to actively participate in the efforts to speed up development and build democracy. President Girma also said the government to be established should shoulder the responsibility of intensifying the on-going development activities and the building up of peace and democracy. The President said the public should provide the necessary support to the efforts of the government, whose power is emanating from the people in a democratic manner. The President said the country has built a dependable defense force that could maintain the nations peace as well as safeguard against any external attack. He said the country has also carried out successful diplomatic efforts to maintain its peace. He said the five-point peace proposal forwarded by Ethiopia to peacefully resolve the Ethio-Eritrea dispute enabled the country to achieve a victory in the diplomatic arena. He pointed out that a national council is being set up with a view to coordinating the Ethiopian Millennium ceremony, which would be marked after two years. Ghanaian professor says Amhara State conducive for silk production Bahirdar, September 12,2005 (WIC) - The Amhara State has a conducive climate favorable situation for the production of silk, a Ghanaian professor in the field disclosed. Professor Joseph Matika told WIC recently that the perfect climatic condition, the availability of plants used as food for silk worms as well as the investment incentives provided by the State?s government make the Amhara State an ideal place for the production of quality silk. Encouraging results have been achieved in 34 pilot woredas of the State where production was launched in the past nine months, he said, adding that farmers and investors engaged in the sector have obtained a good deal of income. Professor Matika said the beneficiaries have sold over 15 quintals of raw silk in Bahirdar, Gondar, Dessie and Kombolcha towns during the stated period. A kilo of raw silk was sold for 45 birr, he added. The production of silk in better quantity and quality would help the country generate hard currency, besides reducing unemployment and increasing farmers? incomes, he noted. According to the professor, a five-year strategic plan has been designed to expand the silk production technology in all woredas of the Amhara State Enterprise to introduce plasma television programs to 168 schools Jijjiga, September 12,2005 (WIC) - The Educational Media Enterprise has reportedly earmarked 160 million birr to launch plasma television programs in 168 schools across the country in the coming academic year, import satellite receivers and introduce additional channels. pol.Ethiopia Sept. 2005 ========== Enterprise Manager Demisew Bekele told WIC that 461 schools were connected to the satellite education service owing to the efforts made to ensure fair access to secondary education in the country during the past academic year. Realizing the significant contribution of the plasma vision program in improving the quality of education, the Ministry of Capacity Building has given it due attention by allocating 160 million birr to further strengthen the program. Accordingly, he said one satellite dish and 8 receivers will be distributed to each of the 168 schools, adding that the six channels in schools where satellite services are available would be upgraded to nine. Thus, in addition to the existing English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Civics channels, he said Business, Economics and Technical Drawing channels would be introduced next academic year. He finally stated that the plasma program would enable students all over the country to have access to quality education fairly __________________________________ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Sep 14 13:44:30 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:43 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050914114430.44418.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> September 14, 2005 Paper says CUD elect members making preparations to take over City Administration, join parliament Addis Ababa, September 13,2005 (WIC)-Members of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) elected for the Addis Ababa City Administration have been making preparations to take over the Administration, while there are also strong indications which signal that several members of the party elected for the federal parliament would take up their seats, the weekly Amharic newspaper Iftin disclosed. The Coalition has established nine committees, each comprising 15 members of the new City Council, it said. Committees in charge of justice and administration, municipal affairs, trade and industry, culture and information, capacity building and education, economy and budgetary affairs as well as social and civil affairs and HIV/AIDS affairs were formed, according to the paper. UEDP-MEDHIN, a member party of CUD, held a meeting with its 120 members to discuss the establishment and responsibilities of the committees, the paper added. The members, however, insisted that all elected members of the City Council should have permanent jobs and salaries. It would be impossible to curb the problems of Addis Ababa if the Council members were to be left without incomes and their responsibilities limited to submitting periodic reports to the leadership, Iftin quoted the members as saying. Meanwhile, several members of the CUD, including its Chairman Hailu Shawel who has reportedly been promised the same position in the new party to be formed following the merger of CUD member parties, have decided to join the next parliament, sources told Iftin. Those members have been making preparations to take up their seats in the federal parliament that would convene in early October, the newspaper said quoting observers informed about the party?s recent meetings. Meles refutes claims of election fraud Addis Ababa, September 13,2005 Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said the findings of the Body that probed into alleged irregularities in the third Ethiopian National Election show that in the overwhelming majority of cases, there were no serious irregularities. In an interview he gave to CNN television network on Saturday, Meles said some people had alleged there were fiddling in the elections and the answer to that was to have a transparent investigation into these alleged fiddling. "We have had such very transparent investigations in the presence of international observers." Meles said the National Election Board has already started reporting on its findings, and added that in some cases, the investigation teams have found some irregularities and in those cases, they have decided that there should be reruns. The Prime Minister noted that the majority of those cases have been seats won by the opposition. Asked if the violence that followed the election was necessary, Prime Minister Meles said, it was not necessary for us to face a quasi insurrectionary movement in parts of this town. "...Everybody agrees that until Polling Day, the conduct of the elections were exemplary by any standard," Meles said, and added that some had concerns about the counting. "We had by then made it abundantly clear that those concerns will be addressed through investigations in a transparent manner in the presence of foreign observers. And therefore, there was no cause for insurrectionary activity," Meles said. Meles said there are those friends who criticize or allege that there was excessive use of force, adding, that has to be established by an independent investigation which is going to put in place. Meles said, "...people have to understand that this is a country that has never had democracy in its history. This is an emerging democracy. ... We cant be surprised when we have such rough stretches. The issue is how we overcome them and that is the main point." ( ENA) ======================= pol.ethiopia September 14,2005 =============== __________________________________ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri Sep 16 14:21:45 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:43 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050916122146.95522.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> May 15 Election demonstrate significant advances in Ethiopia?s democratization process: Carter Center Addis Ababa, September 15, 2005 The Carter Center said the May 15 election demonstrated significant advances in Ethiopias democratization process, including most importantly the introduction of a more competitive electoral process, which could potentially result in a pluralistic, multi-party political system. Depending on developments in the coming months and years, the 2005 elections could potentially represent a historic sea change in attitudes toward political power and competition in Ethiopia. In a press conference he gave at the Sheraton Addis on Thursday for local print media and international journalists, former US President Jimmy Carter said the May 15 election demonstrated significant advances in Ethiopia's democratization process. Carter also said the election could potentially result in a pluralistic, multi party political system. "Ethiopians saw and understood that public policy appropriately receives debate, that public media cover multiple points of view, that voters choices can result in the election of opposition members of parliament, and that local administration may be in the hands of a party other than the ruling party," he said. Magnifying the positive contributions of the election, Carter said depending on developments in the coming months and years, the 2005 elections could potentially represent a historic sea change in attitudes toward political power and competition in Ethiopia. The election observation statement of the Carter Center touches the election campaigns during the pre-election period, the Election Day and post-election activities. Accordingly, the Center listed out positive experiences to be drawn from the pre-election period. The Center went on to say that the environment throughout most of the country on May 15 was calm and peaceful, and voter turnout was overwhelming, and added that there were almost no reports of problems from party agents present in the stations, although opposition party headquarters did submit a list of problems and allegations to the Center. According to the Center's observation, the statement said, results based on the May 15 polling and tabulation are credible and reflect competitive conditions, and added, complaints submitted on the election lacked sufficient evidence to warrant challenging the result. "It is important to note that the Complaint Review Boards (CRB) and the Complaint Investigation Panels (CIPs) were ad hoc mechanisms to review electoral complaints, and that the prescribed legal recourse to challenge these decisions is via an appeal to the high court" it said. The Center said that all parties should accept decisions of the Electoral Board and it is incumbent upon dissatisfied political parties to file appeals to the high court in an expeditious manner in those cases where they feel there is credible evidence. If parties decide not to file court appeals, the NEBEs announced results should be accepted as final and legitimate, it added. The NEBE is to be commended for its electoral preparations and successes in implementing the May 15 voting process, the Center said. "The increased transparency and responsiveness of the NEBE was an improvement over previous elections. The NEBE showed remarkable flexibility and responded in an inclusive and timely fashion to the demands to replace the complaints process that had proved inadequate" the Center said. The Center says, "It has observed intentional delays on the part of opposition parties," and "withdrawals from the process by the opposition parties resulting in decisions being taken in their absence." "Given the complicated task," the Center says, "another factor undermining the process was the time pressure facing the CIPs to complete their work," and added, "this was exacerbated by delaying tactics and withdrawals by the opposition." "In several constituencies observed by the Center, opposition complainants halted work of the panel in order to subpoena an incarcerated witness," The Center says. The Center added, "It only observed one case where a detained person was not subpoenaed and thus not able to participate in the hearing." "However, the Center observed two cases in which the NEBE chair issued subpoenas to call detained witnesses (both for opposition complainants), but where the complainant indicated they no longer desired the testimony of the subpoenaed individuals. "The efforts to locate these people delayed the panels for a considerable amount of time," the center said, adding, "Most instances of intentional delays observed by the Center were caused by opposition parties." The Center added that "In the majority of cases, witnesses could give testimony without fear of retribution." The Center noted that "Early in the process opposition advocates and panelists withdrew from the proceedings in some constituencies to protest what they viewed as biased decisions by the CIPs. According to the terms of reference, the Center says, the panel is to proceed if the party absent is the provisional seat holder, but should drop the case if the party absent is the complainant." As a result, unfortunately, the deliberative purpose of the panel was not possible in the instances of withdrawals. The Carter Center acknowledges the challenging conditions under which the CIP process was implemented, and that the negotiations and agreements to undertake the CIPs provided a cooling off period in the wake of the early June unrest. The Center says, "The process relied heavily on the good faith effort of all parties involved to stay engaged in and committed to the conclusion of the process." The Center says "It is important of notinge that the NEBE provided multiple opportunities for dissatisfied parties to bring forward additional evidence." The Center observed that "The sheer volume of complaints clogged the system and distracted the NEBE from other operational duties." "Looking forward," the Center says, "It is incumbent upon the NEBE to clarify electoral complaint procedures early in the election process, and for parties to create internal mechanisms for presenting credible evidence in a timely manner within the established parameters." (ENA) Ministry cancels tax arrears, drops customs-related court cases Addis Ababa, September 15,2005 The Ministry of Revenue announced that it has cancelled tax arrears until July 7, 2004 as well as droped customs related cases brought to court until September 25, 2005. In its annual consultative meeting with the business community held at the national Lottery hall, Minister of Revenue, Getachew Belay said abandoning the customs related cases will benefit both the government and the tax payer. The Customs authority, according to Getachew, can provide efficient service only through avoiding pending duties and resolving complaints. Resolving pending duties also encourages importers who want to work with the authority keeping its rules and regulations, he added. The Minister also said as the decision was made as the final measure, he urged all customers to work in accordance with the rules and regulations of the authority. Discussions were also made on ways of improving services of the Customs Authority by avoiding obstacles faced during implementation of service reforms. Over 400 participants attended the meeting. Source: ENA Meles reiterates Ethiopia?s commitment to achieving MDGs Addis Ababa, September 15,2005 Prime Minister Meles Zenawi reiterated Ethiopias commitment to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and to doing whatever is necessary to contribute to a successful reform of the United Nations. The premier made the remark in a statement he delivered at the High Level Plenary Meeting of the 60th Session of the UN General Assembly on Thursday. Prime Minister Meles said it will be impossible for low-income and least developed countries such as Ethiopia to achieve the MDGs without additional joint effort on the part of all. On the other hand, Meles said, the past five years have demonstrated that even for countries such as Ethiopia, most of the MDGs are demonstrably achievable. Our experience over the last five years have indeed demonstrated that with optimum mobilization of domestic resources and the requisite support internationally, in conformity with commitments made, countries such as Ethiopia can, with little doubt, realize the MDGs, the premier said. However, Meles added, there is no doubt that it is indispensable that countries such as Ethiopia require effective international cooperation consistent with commitment made in the millennium declaration and at Monterrey, to be able to be on track to achieve the MDGs. While it is obvious that the [primary responsibility for achieving the MDGs belongs to the concerned countries, it is also the obligation of partners to make it possible for the low-income countries that have demonstrated the readiness to discharge their responsibilities to overcome the poverty trap. In this regard, Meles noted, the Report of the Millennium Project contains valuable proposals whose implementation would no doubt ensure the achievement of the MDGs long before 2015. Meles underlined the need for Official Development Assistance (ODA), debt relief and issues related to trade to be aligned with MDGs for low-income countries to achieve the MDG-based targets. More than 170 Heads of State and Government are attending the Summit, the largest ever gathering of world leaders. The Full Text of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's Address to the UN General Assembly Statement by H.E. Mr Meles Zenawi Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia At the High Level Plenary Meeting of The 60th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations New York, 14-16 September 2005 Mr. President, Excellencies Heads of State and Government, Excellency the Secretary General of the United Nations, Distinguished Heads of Delegation and Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very pleased to be here for the important event which has enormous meaning in terms of the challenges we face in development, peace and ensuring good governance and in fostering respect for human rights. Coming as it does five years after the historic commitment we jointly made when we adopted the Millennium Declaration, this gathering affords us an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the achievement of the MDGs. I would like to take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation to Mr. Kofi Annan, our Secretary General, for the historic initiative he took five years ago and for the follow up work that has been done. We are very grateful also for the very dedicated and invaluable work that has been carried out by Professor Jeffery Sachs and his colleagues at the Millennium Project. Let me also take this opportunity to thank the Secretary-General and, through him, the High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change for a path-breaking report that they had submitted which has served as a basis for the Secretary-General?s ?In Larger Freedom: Towards Development, Security and Human Rights for all? which I find to be a very commendable Report with vital suggestions for reform of the United Nations. I should also pay tribute to Foreign Minister Jean Ping, President of the 59th Session of the General Assembly, for all the effort he has made in the course of this important period in the life of the United Nations and for the draft outcome document which I have no doubt will facilitate businesslike deliberation at this High-level Plenary Meeting. Mr. President, Five years ago we embarked on a 15 years historic journey with reasonably high hopes. With one third of the journey completed, it has become clear that without additional joint effort on the part of all, it will be impossible for low-income and least developed countries such as Ethiopia to achieve the MDGs, most particularly to defeat extreme poverty, poverty that kills. But on the other hand, the past five years have in fact demonstrated that even for countries such as Ethiopia, most of the MDGs are demonstrably achievable. The MDGs are emphatically not unattainable goals with unrealistic targets. In fact, in our particular case, for example, the fight against poverty in all its dimensions with clear commitment and on the basis of a clearly defined strategy antedates the articulation of the MDGs. As such, what was needed in our case was to align our strategy for combating poverty and for realizing sustainable development with the MDGs, which we are convinced are far from being excessively ambitious goals. Our experience over the last five years have indeed demonstrated that with optimum mobilization of domestic resources and the requisite support internationally, in conformity with commitments made, countries such as Ethiopia can, with little doubt, realize the MDGs. There is no doubt, however, Mr. President, that it is indispensable that countries such as Ethiopia require effective international cooperation consistent with the commitment made in the Millennium Declaration and at Monterrey, to be able to be on track to achieve the MDGs. While it is obvious that the primary responsibility for achieving the MDGs belongs to the concerned countries, it is also the obligation of partners to make it possible for the low-income countries that have demonstrated the readiness to discharge their responsibilities to overcome the poverty trap. In this regard, the Report of the Millennium Project contains valuable proposals whose implementation would no doubt ensure the achievement of the MDGs long before 2015. Official Development Assistance, debt relief and issues related to trade need to be aligned with MDGs for low-income countries to achieve the MDG-based targets. I am very pleased with the progress made at the Gleneagles Summit of the G8. I am also pleased with the progress made on building consensus in the fight against poverty here at the United Nations Summit. I am deeply concerned that we sometimes seem to move backward on our commitment as appears to be happening on the full cancellation of debt of highly indebted poor countries. I believe we have to avoid backtracking and move beyond the reiteration of consensus position and start acting on them in earnest. I am disappointed that we have not made more progress on the other issues before us but, like other speakers before me, I am reassured that we have made some progress and have charted a clear course for making additional progress. Mr. President, Let me close by reiterating Ethiopia?s commitment to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and to doing whatever is necessary to contribute to a successful reform of the United Nations. I Thank You. (ENA) __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Sep 19 16:17:27 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:43 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050919141728.72104.qmail@web53315.mail.yahoo.com> September 16,2005 Program of merging party described as unconstitutional, lacking clarity Addis Ababa, (WIC) - The draft program of the new party expected to be formed after the merger of the four member parties of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) lacks clarity and contains provisions contradictory to the country?s constitution, close sources told Iftin, an Amharic weekly newspaper. The draft program provides for the establishment of a presidential system of government against the parliamentary one stipulated in the constitution, the sources said, adding that the program insists on the election of deputies for the House of Federation directly by the public as opposed to the constitutional provision, which states that members of the House of the Federation are elected by the regional councils. The program states that there would be one national working language, but would also consider another additional language without specifying the language, except excluding Oromiffa. It does not specify again whether this language would replace the existing regional working languages, the newspaper reported. Sources told Iftin that as most of the provisions in the party?s program are contrary to the constitution, they could not be materialized unless the constitution is changed. May 15 Election demonstrate significant advances in Ethiopia?s democratization process: Carter Center Addis Ababa, (ENA) The Carter Center said the May 15 election demonstrated significant advances in Ethiopias democratization process, including most importantly the introduction of a more competitive electoral process, which could potentially result in a pluralistic, multi-party political system. Depending on developments in the coming months and years, the 2005 elections could potentially represent a historic sea change in attitudes toward political power and competition in Ethiopia. In a press conference he gave at the Sheraton Addis on Thursday for local print media and international journalists, former US President Jimmy Carter said the May 15 election demonstrated significant advances in Ethiopia's democratization process. Carter also said the election could potentially result in a pluralistic, multi party political system. "Ethiopians saw and understood that public policy appropriately receives debate, that public media cover multiple points of view, that voters choices can result in the election of opposition members of parliament, and that local administration may be in the hands of a party other than the ruling party," he said. Magnifying the positive contributions of the election, Carter said depending on developments in the coming months and years, the 2005 elections could potentially represent a historic sea change in attitudes toward political power and competition in Ethiopia. The election observation statement of the Carter Center touches the election campaigns during the pre-election period, the Election Day and post-election activities. Accordingly, the Center listed out positive experiences to be drawn from the pre-election period. The Center went on to say that the environment throughout most of the country on May 15 was calm and peaceful, and voter turnout was overwhelming, and added that there were almost no reports of problems from party agents present in the stations, although opposition party headquarters did submit a list of problems and allegations to the Center. According to the Center's observation, the statement said, results based on the May 15 polling and tabulation are credible and reflect competitive conditions, and added, complaints submitted on the election lacked sufficient evidence to warrant challenging the result. "It is important to note that the Complaint Review Boards (CRB) and the Complaint Investigation Panels (CIPs) were ad hoc mechanisms to review electoral complaints, and that the prescribed legal recourse to challenge these decisions is via an appeal to the high court" it said. The Center said that all parties should accept decisions of the Electoral Board and it is incumbent upon dissatisfied political parties to file appeals to the high court in an expeditious manner in those cases where they feel there is credible evidence. If parties decide not to file court appeals, the NEBEs announced results should be accepted as final and legitimate, it added. The NEBE is to be commended for its electoral preparations and successes in implementing the May 15 voting process, the Center said. "The increased transparency and responsiveness of the NEBE was an improvement over previous elections. The NEBE showed remarkable flexibility and responded in an inclusive and timely fashion to the demands to replace the complaints process that had proved inadequate" the Center said. The Center says, "It has observed intentional delays on the part of opposition parties," and "withdrawals from the process by the opposition parties resulting in decisions being taken in their absence." "Given the complicated task," the Center says, "another factor undermining the process was the time pressure facing the CIPs to complete their work," and added, "this was exacerbated by delaying tactics and withdrawals by the opposition." "In several constituencies observed by the Center, opposition complainants halted work of the panel in order to subpoena an incarcerated witness," The Center says. The Center added, "It only observed one case where a detained person was not subpoenaed and thus not able to participate in the hearing." "However, the Center observed two cases in which the NEBE chair issued subpoenas to call detained witnesses (both for opposition complainants), but where the complainant indicated they no longer desired the testimony of the subpoenaed individuals. "The efforts to locate these people delayed the panels for a considerable amount of time," the center said, adding, "Most instances of intentional delays observed by the Center were caused by opposition parties." The Center added that "In the majority of cases, witnesses could give testimony without fear of retribution." The Center noted that "Early in the process opposition advocates and panelists withdrew from the proceedings in some constituencies to protest what they viewed as biased decisions by the CIPs. According to the terms of reference, the Center says, the panel is to proceed if the party absent is the provisional seat holder, but should drop the case if the party absent is the complainant." As a result, unfortunately, the deliberative purpose of the panel was not possible in the instances of withdrawals. The Carter Center acknowledges the challenging conditions under which the CIP process was implemented, and that the negotiations and agreements to undertake the CIPs provided a cooling off period in the wake of the early June unrest. The Center says, "The process relied heavily on the good faith effort of all parties involved to stay engaged in and committed to the conclusion of the process." The Center says "It is important of notinge that the NEBE provided multiple opportunities for dissatisfied parties to bring forward additional evidence." The Center observed that "The sheer volume of complaints clogged the system and distracted the NEBE from other operational duties." "Looking forward," the Center says, "It is incumbent upon the NEBE to clarify electoral complaint procedures early in the election process, and for parties to create internal mechanisms for presenting credible evidence in a timely manner within the established parameters." September 17,2005 US urges opposition Mps to take up seats Addis Ababa, (WIC) - The United States called on all Ethiopian political parties yesterday to take up their seats in parliament. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack, who described the election as ?a milestone in creating a new, more competitive multi-party political system in one of Africa's largest and most important counties,? said his government ?strongly urges all the political parties in the political process to play responsible roles as the elected representatives of the Ethiopian people.? He further stated that ?the governing Ethiopian People?s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) has the responsibility to reach out to the opposition parties to ensure their full involvement in governance.? The spokesman in his statement also said the US will work with the international community and the Ethiopian government as well as parties to strengthen the electoral process. McCormack finally urged all parties to avoid violence and cooperate in advancing democracy in the country. Democratic system transformed to higher level, says MoI Addis Ababa, (WIC)- The Ministry of Information said the assessments of Ethiopia's 2005 national elections announced by both the African Union and the Carter Center have proved that the country's democratic system has ushered in a new era. In its weekly statement the ministry also said, this transformation is a great victory for the nation and all the peoples, adding that the victory would have never been achieved without the relentless efforts of the Ethiopian people. The statement further said the government, extending its gratitude to all those who contributed for this success and victory, requests all stakeholders to continue making unlimited efforts to safeguard this great victory for democracy, peace and development. ======================================== Polethiopia Sept. 19,2005 ================================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Sep 21 10:04:53 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:43 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050921080453.12289.qmail@web53306.mail.yahoo.com> September 20 Carter Centre?s election observation report professional, non-partisan: NEBE Addis Ababa, (ENA)? The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) says the final report released by the Carter Centre regarding the third national election is indicative of the fact that the election holds a historic significance in the democratization of the country and thus is acceptable by the Board. In a press conference he gave yesterday concerning the Report, NEBE Deputy Head Tesfaye Mengesha said the Centre?s report indicated that the May 2005 Ethiopian election demonstrated significant advances in Ethiopia?s democratization process. The report, according to Tesfaye, has clearly indicated the significance of the election to the democratization process in Ethiopia, and that minor irregularities could not shadow the greatest victory. The report has indicated that pre- and post-election period activities had been carried out in the right manner except minor irregularities on the Polling Day. The Deputy Head said the report indicated some problems observed during the post-election period. However, Tesfaye added, the Board has resolved the problems through setting up a Complaints Review Bodies (CRB) and the Complaint Investigation Panels (CIPs). The report listed out both the strong and weak points of the election, Tesfaye recalled, adding the report has indicated that Ethiopians vote for their representatives through a democratic and competitive election than ever before. According to the Deputy Head, the report has also indicated that the government had created favourable condition to enhance participation of opposition political parties by amending the electoral law. While listing the weak points of the election, the Carter Centre has said that the Board had banned local observers, Tesfaye said. However, he added, the ban was lifted by a court decision. The report also indicated that opposition parties did submit a list of problems and allegations to the Centre, however the provisional election results were approved as the allegations lacked sufficient evidence, Tesfaye said. Tesfaye pointed out that the tension that surfaced after the election, delay in declaring provisional results and the complaints investigation process due to high number of complaints are listed as negative features of the election. The stated problems were observed during the election, Tesfaye said. However, he said, the causes for the stated problems were few opposition political parties. The Deputy Head cited the report as saying that complaints lodged by opposition parties, particularly during early period lacked sufficient evidences, adding, their witnesses also failed to support the complaints. Concerning presentation of evidences, there were facts that the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU-EOM) was unable to hide, Tesfaye said, adding the Board shares the undeniable fact. CUD Chairman?s statement creates confusion among leadership Addis Ababa, (WIC)- The statement of the Chairman of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), Hailu Shawel, declaring that CUD would boycott Parliament has created confusion among the leadership of the party, Iftin, a weekly Amharic newspaper disclosed. The leadership thus called an extraordinary meeting yesterday to deliberate on the confusions that followed the Chairman?s statement, sources told Iftin. Hailu?s justification for boycotting Parliament on the ground that ''CUD was declared the loser, while it has won the elections'' was rejected by some members of the committee, the paper said. ?We have won only in Addis Ababa. Observers have also said that we have not won at national level. Boycotting Parliament on the assumption that we have won is creating confusion among the pubic,? Lidetu Ayalew, one of CUD?s executive committee members was quoted as saying. Lidetu also said Hailu Shawel?s statement came at a time when CUD has not finalized public discussions and reached consensus on the matter. ?How could he [Hailu] say that? Or has the CUD become a private property of Hailu Shawel?? sources quoted Lidetu as saying. Many other officials of the party aired similar views supporting Lidetu?s position. But the paper quoted Dr. Berhanu Nega, another executive committee member of the party, as saying, ?We should not say that we have not won even if that was the case.? Responding to journalists on the position of the Chairman, Dr. Berhanu said he did not know why the Chairman gave such a statement. ?What I know is we have not yet taken a common position on the matter,? he told reporters. The leadership has not concluded its meeting, and was scheduled to continue its discussion at a different venue today, the paper said. Meanwhile, in an interview with the VOA- Amharic service, Hailu Shawel said the position of boycotting Parliament was that of his party, All Ethiopian Unity Party. Other member parties of CUD could decide by their own, he said. ======================================= Pol.ethiopia Sept.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 Fri Sep 23 16:03:08 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:43 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050923140309.93362.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> September 22,2005 CUD, UEDF say gov?t responsible for possible damages on October 2 demonstration Addis Ababa, (ENA) - The Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) and the United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) said the government would be responsible for damages that may occur on demonstration to be held on October 2, 2005. The Addis Ababa Police Commission on its part announced that any political party engaged in destabilizing peace and stability of the public by calling unconstitutional demonstration would be responsible for any problems. Deputy Commissioner of the Addis Ababa Police Commission, Tesfaye Meresa told ENA that any body that organizes demonstrations with the objective of instigating violence and riot and without fulfilling legal procedures would be undoubtedly held liable for any damages. The Deputy Commissioner further said anybody permitted to organize public rallies would also be liable if found engaged in other activities out of the theme of the demonstration. Accordingly, the Commissioner urged the CUD and UEDF to refrain from organizing violence and riot on October 2, 2005, knowing that they would be responsible for any casualties and damages that may occur on property. Meanwhile, senior executive member of CUD said the Coalition did not pass any decision to either boycott or join the next parliament at Council level. The executive member, Dr. Berhanu Nega also indicated that the government would be at any rate responsible for any damages that may be incurred during the demonstration to be called by the CUD and UEDF. In a joint press conference they gave on Wednesday, CUD executive member, Dr. Berhanu Nega and UEDF President, Dr. Merara Gudina said joining the next Parliament is ++not primary agenda at the moment. Concerning the interview CUD Chairman, Engineer Hailu Shawl gave recently to the ?Ethiopian Review? saying the Coalition?s Council had unanimously decided to boycott the parliament, Dr. Berhanu said the Chairman had said so based on the current reality, not on the Council?s decision. According to Dr. Berhanu, the Chairman had said so based on the decision reached by the All Ethiopian Unity Party (AEUP), one of the members of the Coalition, and taking other problems into consideration. The Coalition gives priority for the respect of human and democratic rights of citizens than joining or boycotting the parliament, he said. Asked why CUD members receive the winner candidate ID if they are not going to join the parliament, Dr. Berhanu replied receiving winner candidate ID has nothing to do with joining or refusing to join the parliament. By mobilizing the public, the parties will continue their struggle until good governance and democracy are ensured in the country, he added. The CUD and UEDF also said in place of trying to oppress the public with power, the government should vigilantly watch the peaceful and legal struggle being pursued by opposition political parties. The parties called upon the government to discharge its responsibility by accepting the peace proposal forwarded by opposition political parties in a bid to peacefully resolve the existing political impasse. However, they said, if the government pursue on oppressing the public, the public should cautiously wait for the peaceful call of the political parties to show government that it is on the wrong truck. Professor slams Ambassadors? Donor Group statement Addis Ababa, (ENA) - An executive member of Rainbow Ethiopia: Movement for Democracy and Social Justice condemned the statement recently issued by the Ambassadors? Donor Group (ADG) concerning the final results of Ethiopia?s 2005 elections. In an article published on the Amharic weekly Addis Zena, Professor Mesfin Wolde-Mariam said reading through the statement issued by the ADG, one would think that the group which comprises Ambassadors of the US and other European countries have formed a new pro-EPRDF political party. The Professor said it is not surprising that they (the group) have issued such a statement. Professor Mesfin?s party, Rainbow Ethiopia, is a member party of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD). The Professor was belittling at the ADG statement which stated that the final results of the election issued by the National Electoral Board, including the results of re-votes and the Somali State elections, confirm the EPRDF?s majority in Parliament. In his article published on the Sept. 20 issue of the paper, Professor Mesfin said the statement of the ADG might have been issued in disregard to the Ethiopian people, and for that ?we wouldn?t blame them [the ADG].? In exploring the identities of the members of the ADG, the Professor wondered about the identity of the Italian Ambassador, and tried to associate his lineage to the fascist Italy, by way of searching for the latter?s Great Grand fathers. ?Though the Ethiopian people have been preoccupied with the things of today, and chose to live in the spirit of reconciliation, they haven?t completely forgotten what had happened to them in the past,? the Professor said. The Professor also wondered why the U.S. and Britain, who are the vanguards of Liberty, Democracy, Justice and ?Fairness, join hands to always become unjust and unfair on some matters related to Ethiopia. The Ambassadors have heard what Madam Ana Gomes, the true diplomat, had to say about the Ethiopian election, Professor Mesfin said, adding, the Ambassadors have also read how [Prime Minister] Meles had abused Madam Gomes when he reacted to her report. Thus, the Professor said, it is likely that the ADG were taking a pre-emptive measure to prevent themselves against such abusive words. By so doing, the Professor said, the ADG have failed to stand on the side of democracy, legality and due process. By so doing, the Professor added, the ADG have lost the spiritual strength to defend democracy. The Professor went on to say that what US President Bush and British Prime Minister Blair say at the United Nations is not in conformity with what the ADG are advocating here. ?Well,? the Professor said, ?the ADG might have concluded saying, we don?t give a damn about what our leaders say!? They might have resorted to distorting the truth considering that their bosses are not around, and that they didn?t want to create a rivalry with the one would not hesitate to abuse them, and opted to make peace with the latter by issuing a statement to please the latter. It is to be recalled that the Ambassadors? Donor Group called upon all parties to take their seats in the National Assembly with good will and mutual respect, to express the interests and views of all Ethiopians in a vibrant multi-party parliament. In a statement it issued Tuesday last week, the Group said ?As Ethiopia?s partners, we stand ready to support the development of Ethiopian democracy.? The ADG said the final results of Ethiopia?s historic 2005 elections issued by the NEBE, including the results of revotes and the Somali State elections, confirm the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front?s majority in Parliament. September 23, 2005 Minister points out glaring differences of EU-EOM, Carter Center reports Addis Ababa, (WIC)- Information Minister Bereket Simon said the Carter Center has lauded the elections in Ethiopia and its report does not have any similarity with the European Union-Election Observation Mission's (EU-EOM) provisional report. Bereket Simon, who is also EPRDF?s Executive Committee member and the party's public relations head, said recently the claim by some that Carter Center's report is similar with EU-EOM's is totally erroneous. He said the report by EU-EOM, which was full of accusations, described the elections as not up to international standards and in so doing tried to assert that the process was futile, whereas Carter's report stated that the election was democratic and a leap forward in Ethiopia's democratization efforts. According to him, though the Center's report has indicated the occurrence of some minor irregularities, it also has reached the conclusion that the elections have enabled Ethiopia to attain victory in the democratization process. Bereket said, contrary to the existing realities of the elections' process, the EU-EOM's report was based on hatred and totally unable to indicate the problems on the part of the opposition, holding instead only the government and the NEBE accountable to all the problems, adding that these have put the credibility of the report under question. Nevertheless, the report by the Carter Center has revealed that the opposition leaders have pursued various methods to delay the process, especially in the post-election period, by lodging baseless complaints, Bereket said. The report has further stated that in elections to come, the NEBE would be able to handle all election related matters effectively, while Ethiopia would be transformed to a new democratic future if the concerned bodies strive to further strengthen the already gained victory in this respect, he added. The election has opened a new chapter in the history of our country; Bereket declared and noted that EPRDF has made all the necessary preparations for the establishment of regional governments in areas where it has won. The opposition, on the contrary have not yet taken clear stands on their roles in the federal parliament and the Addis Ababa City Administration, said Bereket ,adding that they instead are making preparations to create havoc through what they called the "earth- shattering demonstration.'' However; said the Minister, they should understand that such wishes cannot be realized in Ethiopia, the opposition and pursue peaceful courses. Ambassador Legwaila describes dialogue between Ethiopia, Eritrea as intimate accompaniment for peace process Addis Ababa (WIC) - Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) of the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) ,Ambassador Legwaila Joseph Legwaila , said dialogue is an intimate accompaniment for the peace process between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Speaking at a gathering held on Wednesday to mark the International Day of Peace, Ambassador Legwaila said it is abnormal that the two countries signed a document called peace agreement and still not be able to engage in dialogue. He said ? when two countries go to war and they decide to make peace and they think they can make peace without engaging in dialogue they were wasting time?. Ambassador Legwaila cited, among others, his experiences with the former South African Government-the ANC and Inkattha, as well as Bosnia and other parties in which there had been fruitful dialogue for peace while there were serious violations of agreements and bloodshed. Describing the situation between the two countries as ''No war no peace'', the SRSG said there is interminable transitional period between war and peace. He said, however, there is no ceasefire violation both by Ethiopia and Eritrea. ?The ceasefire between Ethiopia and Eritrea is unusual in the sense that not even once in the five , three months and three days have we ever convened a meeting of Military Commission to discuss the violation of the ceasefire by other side?, he said On the occasion, he called on the international community to do its utmost to encourage the two countries to get into the implementation of the Algiers Peace agreement signed in 2000 through dialogue. ======================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept. 23,2005 ============================= __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Sep 26 14:37:43 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:43 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050926123743.25321.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> September 24,2005 ONC expels Chairman, executive committee members Addis Ababa, (WIC) -The extraordinary session of the General assembly of the Oromo National Congress (ONC) has dismissed Dr. Merera Gudina, the Chairman of the party, and 11 Executive Committee members for allegedly misguiding the party. According to Iftin, an Amharic bi-weekly, the meeting has also elected replacements and 65 Central Committee members. The paper quoted the newly elected Chairman, Tolossa Tesfaye, as saying that the copies of the resolutions of the general assembly and the Central Committee were also sent to the National Electoral Board. The party is making preparations to sue the former Chairman to return the seal of the ONC, its funds and other properties in his hands since the establishment of ONC ten years ago. The former Chairman has recently told private papers that there was no rift in the party, except the dissatisfaction of two individuals, Iftin recalled September 25,2005 Meles urges opposition political parties to enter into peaceful direction Addis Ababa (ENA)- Prime Minister Meles said the revenue sources of the Addis Ababa City Administration have not been, and will not be, changed, and there is nothing reduced or to be reduced, adding the decisions in relation to revenue sources in the city were taken for the sake of the people, and not for the administration. He said measures related to the revision on taxes have been implemented not only in Addis Ababa, but allover the country. The Prime Minister said the right to freedom of expression is a right respected in all democratic nations including Ethiopia. Meles said people who say that they are not satisfied with the results of the election have the right to hold and express their ideas. But, he said, they have no rights to spark violence. Meles said the goals of opposition parties are to dismantle the constitutional order, depose the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) by force as well as to change the institutions set up under the Constitution by intimidation and force. He added that conceiving, plotting, propagating and agitating to realize this goal is in itself a crime. Prime Minister Meles said the demonstration opposition political parties are contemplating to hold is part of a serious crime. He added that the government will not allow the perpetration of any action that would endanger the lives, property and peace of the public, and if such actions are perpetrated the government will not hesitate to take the necessary legal measures. There should be no doubt that the government will take the necessary measures not only to prevent the danger, but also to make sure that it shall never happen again, Meles said. The Prime Minister described the idea of opposition parties to administer the Addis Ababa City without joining the Parliament as ?childish?. The law of the nation will not allow oppositions to use the Addis Ababa Administration for the purpose of instigating riot and violence, even for a minute. EPRDF also will not allow that to happen, he added. Meles said the next task of EPRDF is to establish the two Councils as well as to form the new government. Melees also pointed out that a new bill has been prepared so as to be able to make some amendments before the new Cabinet is formed. CUD Chairman calls AU ''club of dictators'' Addis Ababa, September 24,2005 (WIC) - The Chairman of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) declared that the African Union (AU) has no capacity to observe elections and termed it ''a club of dictators.'' In an interview he gave yesterday to Tensa?e radio, a US-based station, Chairman of the CUD, Engineer Hailu Shawel ,said the AU observer mission were ill-equipped, unpunctual and failures who did not fulfill their duty. The AU from the very outset did not assign sufficient number of observers, he said, adding that as a result the observers were only seen shuttling from poll to poll without seriously undertaking their mission. He described the report of the team as having ''no value?? and irrelevant to the process but prepared to appease a friend. According to Engineer Hailu the result of the observation testified that AU is a ??club of dictators '' who stand for their personal interests and have no concern for the establishment of a democratic system. Genuine election observation would be conducted when the continent is liberated and led by the right leaders. Asked about his boycotting parliament, Engineer Hailu said, even if it has not been decided by the central committee of the CUD the position of boycotting the parliament is evident for all. ??The decision of the committee could not be different from this and I think no member of the party would accept a different view,?? he underlined. Clarifying the statement he previously gave saying that ?individual members of the party can join parliament without the decision of the party?, he said, ?Every party member could not be bound by the decision. Since our party is democratic, individuals have every right to defy the decision of the party." The Chairman said his party would take part in the planned mass demonstration on October 2 not to embarrass ''our brothers'' the AEUP. Member parties of CUD announce merger Addis Ababa (ENA) - The four political parties that have been under the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) announced their merger yesterday to be led under a single leadership. The party says it has not yet made a decision to enter parliament or not. At a merger conference held at the Global Hotel here in the metropolis, the four parties?namely the All Ethiopia Unity Party (AEUP), the Union of Ethiopian Democratic Party Medhin (UEDP-MEDHIN), Rainbow Ethiopia: Movement for Democracy and Social Justice (Rainbow - Ethiopia) and the Ethiopian Democratic League (EDL) ? announced their unification as one party. The now unified parties have elected new executive members to lead the party for the coming two years. Accordingly, Hailu Shawl is elected to continue as Chairperson of the Coalition, while Birtukan Mideksa is elected as first Vice-Chairperson of the Coalition. Lidetu Ayalew was elected as Vice- Chairperson of the Coalition, and Muluneh Eyuel is elected as Secretary General of the party. It was indicated on the occasion that the merged party will have 20 executive committee members and 60 council members. It was also indicated on the occasion that the Coalition has not reached a final decision as to whether it would join the parliament or not. The party said the matter would be decided at the Council meeting to be held shortly. ======================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept. 26,2005 =========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Sep 28 15:52:45 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:43 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050928135246.18599.qmail@web53302.mail.yahoo.com> September 27,2005 President describes PRAXIS Ethiopia Alliance as World Bank of ideas, innovations Addis Ababa, (WIC)- Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said PRAXIS Ethiopia Alliance, an Alliance initiated by scientists and academics outside Ethiopia in January 2002 at the ''Ethio-Forum 2002'', would significantly contribute to the development and poverty reduction endeavors underway in Ethiopia. In his keynote address at the PRAXIS Ethiopia Alliance Inaugural Meeting here today, the premier also said the transfer of technology the Alliance makes possible could enable Ethiopia make faster progress in a variety of areas. Stating that modernization of the agricultural sector and creation of the capacity for food security in Ethiopia is an obvious top priority for the peoples and government of Ethiopia, Meles said the partnership of the Alliance can be crucial with respect to various areas of the Agricultural Development-led Industrialization program the government follows. While opening the meeting, President Girma Woldegiorgis said PRAXIS Ethiopia Alliance, which he referred to as the World Bank of ideas and innovations, is a commitment to promote innovative, knowledge-based and community-driven poverty reduction as well as restorative development in Ethiopia. PRAXIS Ethiopia Alliance is an autonomous international coalition of educators, scientists, entrepreneurs and technical advisors dedicated to fighting extreme poverty, first in Ethiopia and ultimately in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on four major areas of development, it was learnt. The Alliance, initiated at the ''Ethio-Forum 2002'' - a forum organized by the Ethiopian Social Rehabilitation and Development Fund (ESRDF) - is said to focus on food security, health care, education and technology transfer. Demera celebrated, attempted violence put under control Addis Ababa, (ENA) - Demera, the religious bone-fire ceremony on the eve of the Finding of the True Cross "Meskel" was held here at the Meskel Square in the presence of thousands of the faithful. President Girma Woldegiorgis, Mayor Arkebe Equbay, Secretary General of the World Council of Churches Samuel Kobi were present at the celebration. Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) His Holiness Abune Paulos, archbishops, ambassadors, diplomats and representatives of various other religions attended the annual celebration. The patriarch lit a torch and gave it to the president to light the grand bone fire. Various religious songs were sung by cantors clad in the colourful religious attires. But as the celebration was underway, some individuals? wreacked havoc by throwing stones, from which the windows of a nearby Mobil filling station were battered and decorative light bulbs at the square were also broken, the federal police commission said. The attempted violence was quickly put under control. Workers of the filling station told ENA's reporter on the spot that the damage could have been much worse, if they had not put off the electric valves of the station quickly. Police said they know the identities of the perpetrators and their motives. They said appropriate legal measures would be taken against them. September 28,2005 Police arrest 32 alleged violence perpetrators, participants Addis Ababa, (ENA) -The Addis Ababa Police Commission says it has put under arrest those forces that have attempted to incite violence at the Demera celebration here at the Meskel Square on Monday. The Addis Ababa Police Deputy Commissioner Tesfaye Meresa told ENA on Tuesday that Police have put under custody those individuals alleged to have orchestrated and involved in the havoc. The Deputy Commissioner said Police have handled the attempted violence at the Demera celebration with extreme patience so as to enable the successful celebration of the event. But, later, Police have launched extensive investigation that resulted in the arrest of some 32 main operators and participants in the violence. The Deputy Commissioner said two of the detained have been found in possession of daggers, while efforts have continued to arrest similar other culprits. The Commissioner commended the coordinated efforts of the Addis Ababa and Federal Police Commissions to jointly thwart the attempted violence perpetrated by a few individuals who, police said, tried to turn the religious festival to a political tool. He said residents of the city arrived at the Masqal Square for the celebration with absolute calmness since early hours and the celebration was being held colorfully as scheduled. However, he said, towards the end of the program, some groups tried to disturb the ceremony by shouting insults and clapping. He said the clash was between those groups who attempted to stir violence on one side and the faithful, who wanted the calm not to be violated, on the other. The Deputy Commissioner said seven police members and other civilians were struck by the stones thrown. The windows of a nearby Mobile oil filling station were battered and some 35 decorative lamps at the Masqal square were also broken. The Commissioner said the violence on Monday was orchestrated as a spring board for the illegal demonstration summoned by the opposition parties for October 2. Although the government respects the rights of citizens and political parties to hold a demonstration, the Commissioner said, any activity aimed at dismantling the constitutional order by the use of force and rebellion cannot be tolerated. He underlined that political parties and individuals engaged in such illegal actions will be bear the responsibility for any undesired outcome. He called on citizens not to take part in any activity bent on undermining the constitutional order. According to the Commissioner, the capacity of the Addis Ababa Police to safeguard the peace and security of residents is now better than ever before. He also called on the public to cooperate with the police in identifying individuals engaged in instigating riot and violence. Ismael Ali Sero re-elected as Chief of Afar State Addis Ababa, (ENA) - The Founding Conference of the Afar Regional State Council has elected Ismael Ali Sero as the State's President. The conference also elected Speakers of the Council and endorsed the appointment of the President of the State's Supreme Court and Auditor General. The 87-member new State Council has unanimously elected Ismael Ali Sero, presented by the Afar National Democratic Party (ANDP), to the post of Chief Administrator. The State's President-elect has vowed to honestly and diligently work for the supremacy of the Federal Constitution and the maintenance of peace, democracy and development in the Regional State. The founding conference has also elected Mohammed Kedir and Merriam Hussein as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the State Council, respectively. Kedir Hussein and Hanfire Mohammed have been appointed as President of the State's Supreme Court and Auditor General, respectively. More over 12 members of the Cabinet presented by the Chief Administrator have been endorsed by the Council. The Council also delegated Habib Mohammed and Mohammed Yusuf to represent the region in the House of Federation. The conference will continue tomorrow and discuss bills and program of action to be implemented for the coming five years. ================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.28,2005 ========================== __________________________________ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri Sep 30 14:50:21 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:43 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050930125021.21788.qmail@web53315.mail.yahoo.com> September 30, 2005 UEDF, CUD say Sunday's demonstration postponed for another time Addis Ababa, (ENA) - The United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) and the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) announced on Thursday that they have postponed for unspecified time the demonstration they had scheduled for this Sunday. At a joint press conference they gave on Thursday, executive members of the CUD and UEDF pointed out that the political tension has mounted high and they have decided to postpone the October 2 demonstration saying the government and EPRDF have not allowed them to do so. The executive members said they have not been able to gather their supporters from various regional states, and added that the government demanded them to present a guarantee that they would hold the demonstration in the spirit of the Constitution and accepting the results of the election. The parties said EPRDF and the government have unlawfully denied their legal rights and urged the public to await for another round of call which, they said, they would make in the future. They said they would announce their alternative options other than the demonstration for the public. The parties also said they would hold consultations and issue statements addressing their members and supporters on October 3, 2005 concerning the demonstration and other related matters. Justice and Legal Affairs Head with the Addis Ababa City Administration, Woldetensae Woldemelak said the parties were asked to provide guarantee to abide by Article 9 of the Constitution. However, he added, the parties have not responded to the demand. The Administration has made the demand based on various newspaper reports suggesting that the demonstration may not be peaceful and with a view to making sure that it would not be against the Constitutional system. Meles holds talks with Secretary General of World Council of Churches Addis Ababa, (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi held talks with Secretary General of the World Council of Churches Dr. Samuel Kobi here on Wednesday. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi on the occasion expressed that he felt honored to confer with the delegation led by Dr. Kobi. Prime Minister Meles briefed the delegation about current regional issues as well as about the recently held national elections in Ethiopia. Dr. Kobi on his part expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Meles for having been playing significant roles for Africa. Dr. Kobi appreciated Meles for his significant roles in the Sudan peace process through IGAD as well as in his efforts as one of the Commissioners of the Commission for Africa to alleviate poverty in Africa. Dr. Kobi told journalists that he took it upon himself to visit Ethiopia to get a first-hand knowledge and experience of Ethiopia, the only African country as founding member of the World Council of Churches. He said during his visit he have seen a wide-range of development activities being carried out in the country. Commenting on election-related issues, Dr. Kobi said the oppositions boycotting parliament might lead the country to clashes and indicated the need for the government and religious institutions to make employ all options to prevent this looming danger. Dr. Kobi said he was informed by Prime Minister Meles that the government had held discussions with the oppositions and will carry on with its efforts to safeguard the constitution and the peace and security of citizens. Dr. Kobi pledged that the World Council of Churches will do everything possible to help diffuse tension. EOC Holy Synod deplores attempted violence at Demera celebration Addis Ababa, ENA - Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) has strongly denounced the attempted violence amidst Demera celebrations on September 26, dubbing the act as un-religious and unethical. Office of EOC's Holy Synod, in a statement it gave on Wednesday in connection with the attempted violence at the Meskel Square, said the violence was targetted against all Christians. The attempted violence came about to the vexation of the Church and such an act could not go without tarnishing Ethiopia's good image in this age-long and unique religious tradition of the Church, the statement said. The annual celebration is Ethiopia's unique tradition acclaimed worldwide, but which, along with the people of the country known for their strong sense of descipline, is exposed to redicule due to such blatant acts committed by ndividuals taken by wickedness, the statement said. The Church advised the faithful to maintain their religious tradition and laws, to stand firm for peace and to keep from sacrelige. It said, the attempted violence was orchestrated in a bid to advance hidden agenda by making use of religion as a pretext. It said all citizens should recognize this and keep from involvement in such acts. It said the Church deplores all those who, in their bid to solicit the Church's partisanship for themselves, so wrongly and deliberately paints it as partisan. This it said should be known by all Ethiopians living inside or outside the country. It urged the government to discharge its responsibility of preventing any such acts in the Church's Holy Days. The Patriarch His Holiness Abune Paulos on his part said he lamented what he saw and heard - an act of sacrelige which has never been encountered in the country. He said the act was targetted against the faithful, and it will be the faithful themselves who will remonstrate against such evil. ================================== Pol.ethiopia Sep.30,2005 ========================== __________________________________ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Sep 5 11:40:18 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:16 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050905094019.26438.qmail@web53315.mail.yahoo.com> September 5, 2005 17 elected representatives of ONC decide to join parliament Addis Ababa, September 02,2005 (WIC) - Seventeen elected representatives of the Oromo National Congress (ONC) to the House of Peoples? Representatives have announced their decision to take up their seats in the next parliament, Iftin, a weekly Amharic newspaper reported. In a statement issued on 29th August bearing the emblem and seal of the party, the elected candidates said, ?We will honour the responsibilities entrusted to us by the Oromo people, and struggle for the respect of the constitutional rights of our people by joining the new parliament.? In their statement, they have denounced the undemocratic moves by some members of the ONC leadership, which they said were against the fundamental objectives ONC stands for. ?These members of the leadership have aligned themselves with chauvinistic forces to declare war against the Oromo people,? today's publication of the newspaper quoted the elected candidates as saying. They have also called upon all members and supporters of ONC to condemn the anti-peace moves by the leadership, whom they said ?have become instruments of chauvinists leaving aside the interests of the Oromo people.? Seventeen of the 41 ONC?s elected candidates issued the statement, according to the newspaper. Sources close to Iftin also reported physical confrontation among ONC members yesterday at the party?s head office in Addis Ababa, which called for the intervention of the City Police. A political science scholar at the Addis Ababa University and senior executive member of ONC told Iftin that the ONC leadership has recently been taking illegal actions which contravene the party?s statute. ?The undemocratic and illegal measures being taken by the top leadership to silence dissenting voices in the party are indicative that ONC is transforming itself into an autocratic party,? the paper quoted the scholar as saying. Chairman of ONC, Merera Gudina, has recently sacked Almaz Seifu, a senior executive member and founder of ONC as well as leader of the party?s youth wing, Iftin recalled. CUD disagrees on composition of Executive Committee during merger Addis Ababa, September 02,2005 (WIC)-The leadership of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, which met on 30th August 2005 to determine the composition of the new party to be formed on the merger of the existing four parties, has reached a deadlock, Iftin, a private weekly Amharic newspaper disclosed. According to the newspaper issued on September 2, 2005, the leaders have agreed to create a 400-member founding congress,150 people from each party. Despite a lengthy debate on the composition of the Executive Committee members, however, the leaders have failed to reach agreement as the All Ethiopia Unity Party sought upper hand in the committee, the paper added. The leaders will meet on September 6,2005 to resolve the deadlock, it was learnt. Oblivious of this, the leaders have formed a three-man committee to finalize the merger of the parties on September 24, 2005,the paper added. The major hurdles of agreeing on a program and party regulations are serious issues relegated by the leaders and yet be tackled before the merger, the newspaper stated quoting insiders. Ethiopia beyond the third democratic election Posted Date Sept. 05,2005 Emerging from long dark periods of rule under a rotten monarch, military junta and decades of civil war, Ethiopia has been on path of democracy for more than a decade. Since EPRDF ousted the military junta in 1991, the country has been transformed into multi-party democracy and has conducted two previous elections successfully. Today, in Ethiopia there is a conducive environment for citizens to express themselves freely; and to organize in a political, civic, social, religious organization. Following these freedom a number of political parties that covers a wide spectrum of view are operating freely in the country. Because of the freedom of expression that is guaranteed in the constitution, in today?s Ethiopia there are more than dozen of private papers in print and circulation every week. The last fourteen years under EPRDF can be characterized as the most peaceful and stable times Ethiopia has ever witnessed. The economy of the country is growing steadily than before. It was with these political and economic achievements and backdrops that Ethiopia has conducted the 3rd National and regional election. In the May 15, 2005 Ethiopian election 25 million courageous Ethiopians (at 90% of voter turnout) participated and cast their vote in a peaceful manner. Unlike the country?s lack of long democratic experience, during the election there were no incidents to undermine the integrity of the whole processes. The election was hailed by both international and local observers as the most open, competitive, free and fair by any standard and can be considered as a landmark in the country?s political history. Therefore, the whole election process, from its inception to the completion can be summed as a success. First and foremost, the success of the election belongs to the Ethiopian people from North to South and from East to West, irrespective of whom they cast their vote to. By actively participating in the election the Ethiopian people once again demonstrated their commitment to preserve and enhance the durable peace and stability the country has enjoyed for the last fourteen years. The whole election process also demonstrates the commitment of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and his government towards a true multi-party political system in Ethiopia. In this regard, the government of PM Meles should be credited for the courage it took to hang its future at balance, for allowing itself to public judgment and for its paramount contribution to the democratization of Ethiopia. The oppositions also deserve the appreciation of the Ethiopian people for their strong contest before and during the election. However, the post-election conduct of the oppositions and their handful supporters in Diaspora, their childish like nagging and unconstitutional demand for power all but should be denounced. The final and official result of the historic election was declared by the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) after long delay, thorough and transparent complaint investigation. As we understand now from independent foreign observers ? the delays were not anybody?s fault, except that the opposition kept demanding to clarify things, to investigate things and the government and the electoral board were patient, so were the supporters?. Based on official results from 492 constituencies, the composition of the Ethiopian House of People Representative looks like as follows: EPRDF =296 , CUD=109 , UEDF=52 , OFDM=11 , BGPDUF=8 , ANDP= 8 , GPDM =3 , SMPDUO=1 , SPDP=1, HNL=1 , ANDO=1 and Independent=1. As the total numbers of seats in the parliament are 547, NEBE has to announce the remaining results as soon as completed. However, the additional coming results will not affect outcome of the election. The official results announced so far indicate EPRDF as the clear winner of the election. Though the 3rd Ethiopian election was the most open, competitive, free and fair election, it was also became a venue where different defunct and morbid ideas made a comeback. In this election more than the previous ones, we have witnessed a futile struggle to bring back the era of chauvinism, hegemonic rule, anti-federalism and to abolish of multi- culturalism and instill similar rules as the military junta and the rotten monarch. More than the previous two elections, in this one we have noticed people played the race cared, hate politics, singling out one ethnic group as responsible and the sole carrier of the burden of the problem of Ethiopia. In fact the election can be characterized as the tug-of-war between those who were nostalgic about the military junta and rotten monarch and those who were defending the multi-culturalism and federalism of the country. Even if in the 3rd election we have witnessed the defeat of the idea of chauvinism and hegemonic rule, it is our hope as we look beyond to the 4th election these morbid and defunct ideas will be buried once and for all. The election is now completed, paving the way for the formation of the new legitimate Ethiopian government. It is our hope and confidence that EPRDF will soon form and announce the composition of the cabinet of the next government and the policies that it will follow in the next five years. It is also our hope that all elected parliamentarians will take their seats and work day and night for the interest of the electorate voted for them and in the best interest of the country. We urge all political parties and politicians to follow similar suite as the Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement (OFDM) and take their seats in the federal and regional parliament. As the election is successfully completed, all rhetoric must now give way to a genuine commitment of all political parties to work together for the common good of the country. In addition, every Ethiopian citizen must work together with the new Ethiopian government and Parliament to strengthen the country?s democratic system, value and institution. Each and every individual who consider ourselves Ethiopian, generation and reality challenges us to support the country?s struggle to become self-sufficient in food supply. By working in a group or as an individual we are challenged to explore all means that are at our disposal to create more jobs for our fellow countrymen. We should support our men and women in uniform who are always vigilant to defend our land from foreign aggression and terrorists. Now more than ever history presents us a noble opportunity to contribute in building of a democratic, stable and prosperous country. Violence and mob should give way to peace and prosperity. It is not time for rhetoric, to pose a threat to disrupt the peace and security of the public. It is not time for warning and threat against the well being of the Ethiopian people. It is time to be genuine parliamentarian and statesman who work for the interest of the Ethiopian people. From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue Sep 13 10:22:19 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:16 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050913082219.48195.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> September 13, 2005 President Girma calls on public to strive to register more victories in Ethiopian New Year Addis Ababa, September 11,2005-President Girma Woldegiorgis called on the public to register new victories in the political, economic, social and diplomatic spheres during the Ethiopian New Year. In a New Year message he conveyed to the nation, the President said the public should exert utmost efforts to achieve the goals of the on-going development activities during the New Year. President Girma said agriculture, industry and urban development activities should be intensified in both rural and urban settings across the nation. The President said the private sector and the educated members of the society need to actively participate in the efforts to speed up development and build democracy. President Girma also said the government to be established should shoulder the responsibility of intensifying the on-going development activities and the building up of peace and democracy. The President said the public should provide the necessary support to the efforts of the government, whose power is emanating from the people in a democratic manner. The President said the country has built a dependable defense force that could maintain the nations peace as well as safeguard against any external attack. He said the country has also carried out successful diplomatic efforts to maintain its peace. He said the five-point peace proposal forwarded by Ethiopia to peacefully resolve the Ethio-Eritrea dispute enabled the country to achieve a victory in the diplomatic arena. He pointed out that a national council is being set up with a view to coordinating the Ethiopian Millennium ceremony, which would be marked after two years. Ghanaian professor says Amhara State conducive for silk production Bahirdar, September 12,2005 (WIC) - The Amhara State has a conducive climate favorable situation for the production of silk, a Ghanaian professor in the field disclosed. Professor Joseph Matika told WIC recently that the perfect climatic condition, the availability of plants used as food for silk worms as well as the investment incentives provided by the State?s government make the Amhara State an ideal place for the production of quality silk. Encouraging results have been achieved in 34 pilot woredas of the State where production was launched in the past nine months, he said, adding that farmers and investors engaged in the sector have obtained a good deal of income. Professor Matika said the beneficiaries have sold over 15 quintals of raw silk in Bahirdar, Gondar, Dessie and Kombolcha towns during the stated period. A kilo of raw silk was sold for 45 birr, he added. The production of silk in better quantity and quality would help the country generate hard currency, besides reducing unemployment and increasing farmers? incomes, he noted. According to the professor, a five-year strategic plan has been designed to expand the silk production technology in all woredas of the Amhara State Enterprise to introduce plasma television programs to 168 schools Jijjiga, September 12,2005 (WIC) - The Educational Media Enterprise has reportedly earmarked 160 million birr to launch plasma television programs in 168 schools across the country in the coming academic year, import satellite receivers and introduce additional channels. pol.Ethiopia Sept. 2005 ========== Enterprise Manager Demisew Bekele told WIC that 461 schools were connected to the satellite education service owing to the efforts made to ensure fair access to secondary education in the country during the past academic year. Realizing the significant contribution of the plasma vision program in improving the quality of education, the Ministry of Capacity Building has given it due attention by allocating 160 million birr to further strengthen the program. Accordingly, he said one satellite dish and 8 receivers will be distributed to each of the 168 schools, adding that the six channels in schools where satellite services are available would be upgraded to nine. Thus, in addition to the existing English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Civics channels, he said Business, Economics and Technical Drawing channels would be introduced next academic year. He finally stated that the plasma program would enable students all over the country to have access to quality education fairly __________________________________ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Sep 14 13:44:30 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:16 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050914114430.44418.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> September 14, 2005 Paper says CUD elect members making preparations to take over City Administration, join parliament Addis Ababa, September 13,2005 (WIC)-Members of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) elected for the Addis Ababa City Administration have been making preparations to take over the Administration, while there are also strong indications which signal that several members of the party elected for the federal parliament would take up their seats, the weekly Amharic newspaper Iftin disclosed. The Coalition has established nine committees, each comprising 15 members of the new City Council, it said. Committees in charge of justice and administration, municipal affairs, trade and industry, culture and information, capacity building and education, economy and budgetary affairs as well as social and civil affairs and HIV/AIDS affairs were formed, according to the paper. UEDP-MEDHIN, a member party of CUD, held a meeting with its 120 members to discuss the establishment and responsibilities of the committees, the paper added. The members, however, insisted that all elected members of the City Council should have permanent jobs and salaries. It would be impossible to curb the problems of Addis Ababa if the Council members were to be left without incomes and their responsibilities limited to submitting periodic reports to the leadership, Iftin quoted the members as saying. Meanwhile, several members of the CUD, including its Chairman Hailu Shawel who has reportedly been promised the same position in the new party to be formed following the merger of CUD member parties, have decided to join the next parliament, sources told Iftin. Those members have been making preparations to take up their seats in the federal parliament that would convene in early October, the newspaper said quoting observers informed about the party?s recent meetings. Meles refutes claims of election fraud Addis Ababa, September 13,2005 Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said the findings of the Body that probed into alleged irregularities in the third Ethiopian National Election show that in the overwhelming majority of cases, there were no serious irregularities. In an interview he gave to CNN television network on Saturday, Meles said some people had alleged there were fiddling in the elections and the answer to that was to have a transparent investigation into these alleged fiddling. "We have had such very transparent investigations in the presence of international observers." Meles said the National Election Board has already started reporting on its findings, and added that in some cases, the investigation teams have found some irregularities and in those cases, they have decided that there should be reruns. The Prime Minister noted that the majority of those cases have been seats won by the opposition. Asked if the violence that followed the election was necessary, Prime Minister Meles said, it was not necessary for us to face a quasi insurrectionary movement in parts of this town. "...Everybody agrees that until Polling Day, the conduct of the elections were exemplary by any standard," Meles said, and added that some had concerns about the counting. "We had by then made it abundantly clear that those concerns will be addressed through investigations in a transparent manner in the presence of foreign observers. And therefore, there was no cause for insurrectionary activity," Meles said. Meles said there are those friends who criticize or allege that there was excessive use of force, adding, that has to be established by an independent investigation which is going to put in place. Meles said, "...people have to understand that this is a country that has never had democracy in its history. This is an emerging democracy. ... We cant be surprised when we have such rough stretches. The issue is how we overcome them and that is the main point." ( ENA) ======================= pol.ethiopia September 14,2005 =============== __________________________________ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri Sep 16 14:21:45 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:16 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050916122146.95522.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> May 15 Election demonstrate significant advances in Ethiopia?s democratization process: Carter Center Addis Ababa, September 15, 2005 The Carter Center said the May 15 election demonstrated significant advances in Ethiopias democratization process, including most importantly the introduction of a more competitive electoral process, which could potentially result in a pluralistic, multi-party political system. Depending on developments in the coming months and years, the 2005 elections could potentially represent a historic sea change in attitudes toward political power and competition in Ethiopia. In a press conference he gave at the Sheraton Addis on Thursday for local print media and international journalists, former US President Jimmy Carter said the May 15 election demonstrated significant advances in Ethiopia's democratization process. Carter also said the election could potentially result in a pluralistic, multi party political system. "Ethiopians saw and understood that public policy appropriately receives debate, that public media cover multiple points of view, that voters choices can result in the election of opposition members of parliament, and that local administration may be in the hands of a party other than the ruling party," he said. Magnifying the positive contributions of the election, Carter said depending on developments in the coming months and years, the 2005 elections could potentially represent a historic sea change in attitudes toward political power and competition in Ethiopia. The election observation statement of the Carter Center touches the election campaigns during the pre-election period, the Election Day and post-election activities. Accordingly, the Center listed out positive experiences to be drawn from the pre-election period. The Center went on to say that the environment throughout most of the country on May 15 was calm and peaceful, and voter turnout was overwhelming, and added that there were almost no reports of problems from party agents present in the stations, although opposition party headquarters did submit a list of problems and allegations to the Center. According to the Center's observation, the statement said, results based on the May 15 polling and tabulation are credible and reflect competitive conditions, and added, complaints submitted on the election lacked sufficient evidence to warrant challenging the result. "It is important to note that the Complaint Review Boards (CRB) and the Complaint Investigation Panels (CIPs) were ad hoc mechanisms to review electoral complaints, and that the prescribed legal recourse to challenge these decisions is via an appeal to the high court" it said. The Center said that all parties should accept decisions of the Electoral Board and it is incumbent upon dissatisfied political parties to file appeals to the high court in an expeditious manner in those cases where they feel there is credible evidence. If parties decide not to file court appeals, the NEBEs announced results should be accepted as final and legitimate, it added. The NEBE is to be commended for its electoral preparations and successes in implementing the May 15 voting process, the Center said. "The increased transparency and responsiveness of the NEBE was an improvement over previous elections. The NEBE showed remarkable flexibility and responded in an inclusive and timely fashion to the demands to replace the complaints process that had proved inadequate" the Center said. The Center says, "It has observed intentional delays on the part of opposition parties," and "withdrawals from the process by the opposition parties resulting in decisions being taken in their absence." "Given the complicated task," the Center says, "another factor undermining the process was the time pressure facing the CIPs to complete their work," and added, "this was exacerbated by delaying tactics and withdrawals by the opposition." "In several constituencies observed by the Center, opposition complainants halted work of the panel in order to subpoena an incarcerated witness," The Center says. The Center added, "It only observed one case where a detained person was not subpoenaed and thus not able to participate in the hearing." "However, the Center observed two cases in which the NEBE chair issued subpoenas to call detained witnesses (both for opposition complainants), but where the complainant indicated they no longer desired the testimony of the subpoenaed individuals. "The efforts to locate these people delayed the panels for a considerable amount of time," the center said, adding, "Most instances of intentional delays observed by the Center were caused by opposition parties." The Center added that "In the majority of cases, witnesses could give testimony without fear of retribution." The Center noted that "Early in the process opposition advocates and panelists withdrew from the proceedings in some constituencies to protest what they viewed as biased decisions by the CIPs. According to the terms of reference, the Center says, the panel is to proceed if the party absent is the provisional seat holder, but should drop the case if the party absent is the complainant." As a result, unfortunately, the deliberative purpose of the panel was not possible in the instances of withdrawals. The Carter Center acknowledges the challenging conditions under which the CIP process was implemented, and that the negotiations and agreements to undertake the CIPs provided a cooling off period in the wake of the early June unrest. The Center says, "The process relied heavily on the good faith effort of all parties involved to stay engaged in and committed to the conclusion of the process." The Center says "It is important of notinge that the NEBE provided multiple opportunities for dissatisfied parties to bring forward additional evidence." The Center observed that "The sheer volume of complaints clogged the system and distracted the NEBE from other operational duties." "Looking forward," the Center says, "It is incumbent upon the NEBE to clarify electoral complaint procedures early in the election process, and for parties to create internal mechanisms for presenting credible evidence in a timely manner within the established parameters." (ENA) Ministry cancels tax arrears, drops customs-related court cases Addis Ababa, September 15,2005 The Ministry of Revenue announced that it has cancelled tax arrears until July 7, 2004 as well as droped customs related cases brought to court until September 25, 2005. In its annual consultative meeting with the business community held at the national Lottery hall, Minister of Revenue, Getachew Belay said abandoning the customs related cases will benefit both the government and the tax payer. The Customs authority, according to Getachew, can provide efficient service only through avoiding pending duties and resolving complaints. Resolving pending duties also encourages importers who want to work with the authority keeping its rules and regulations, he added. The Minister also said as the decision was made as the final measure, he urged all customers to work in accordance with the rules and regulations of the authority. Discussions were also made on ways of improving services of the Customs Authority by avoiding obstacles faced during implementation of service reforms. Over 400 participants attended the meeting. Source: ENA Meles reiterates Ethiopia?s commitment to achieving MDGs Addis Ababa, September 15,2005 Prime Minister Meles Zenawi reiterated Ethiopias commitment to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and to doing whatever is necessary to contribute to a successful reform of the United Nations. The premier made the remark in a statement he delivered at the High Level Plenary Meeting of the 60th Session of the UN General Assembly on Thursday. Prime Minister Meles said it will be impossible for low-income and least developed countries such as Ethiopia to achieve the MDGs without additional joint effort on the part of all. On the other hand, Meles said, the past five years have demonstrated that even for countries such as Ethiopia, most of the MDGs are demonstrably achievable. Our experience over the last five years have indeed demonstrated that with optimum mobilization of domestic resources and the requisite support internationally, in conformity with commitments made, countries such as Ethiopia can, with little doubt, realize the MDGs, the premier said. However, Meles added, there is no doubt that it is indispensable that countries such as Ethiopia require effective international cooperation consistent with commitment made in the millennium declaration and at Monterrey, to be able to be on track to achieve the MDGs. While it is obvious that the [primary responsibility for achieving the MDGs belongs to the concerned countries, it is also the obligation of partners to make it possible for the low-income countries that have demonstrated the readiness to discharge their responsibilities to overcome the poverty trap. In this regard, Meles noted, the Report of the Millennium Project contains valuable proposals whose implementation would no doubt ensure the achievement of the MDGs long before 2015. Meles underlined the need for Official Development Assistance (ODA), debt relief and issues related to trade to be aligned with MDGs for low-income countries to achieve the MDG-based targets. More than 170 Heads of State and Government are attending the Summit, the largest ever gathering of world leaders. The Full Text of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's Address to the UN General Assembly Statement by H.E. Mr Meles Zenawi Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia At the High Level Plenary Meeting of The 60th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations New York, 14-16 September 2005 Mr. President, Excellencies Heads of State and Government, Excellency the Secretary General of the United Nations, Distinguished Heads of Delegation and Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very pleased to be here for the important event which has enormous meaning in terms of the challenges we face in development, peace and ensuring good governance and in fostering respect for human rights. Coming as it does five years after the historic commitment we jointly made when we adopted the Millennium Declaration, this gathering affords us an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the achievement of the MDGs. I would like to take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation to Mr. Kofi Annan, our Secretary General, for the historic initiative he took five years ago and for the follow up work that has been done. We are very grateful also for the very dedicated and invaluable work that has been carried out by Professor Jeffery Sachs and his colleagues at the Millennium Project. Let me also take this opportunity to thank the Secretary-General and, through him, the High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change for a path-breaking report that they had submitted which has served as a basis for the Secretary-General?s ?In Larger Freedom: Towards Development, Security and Human Rights for all? which I find to be a very commendable Report with vital suggestions for reform of the United Nations. I should also pay tribute to Foreign Minister Jean Ping, President of the 59th Session of the General Assembly, for all the effort he has made in the course of this important period in the life of the United Nations and for the draft outcome document which I have no doubt will facilitate businesslike deliberation at this High-level Plenary Meeting. Mr. President, Five years ago we embarked on a 15 years historic journey with reasonably high hopes. With one third of the journey completed, it has become clear that without additional joint effort on the part of all, it will be impossible for low-income and least developed countries such as Ethiopia to achieve the MDGs, most particularly to defeat extreme poverty, poverty that kills. But on the other hand, the past five years have in fact demonstrated that even for countries such as Ethiopia, most of the MDGs are demonstrably achievable. The MDGs are emphatically not unattainable goals with unrealistic targets. In fact, in our particular case, for example, the fight against poverty in all its dimensions with clear commitment and on the basis of a clearly defined strategy antedates the articulation of the MDGs. As such, what was needed in our case was to align our strategy for combating poverty and for realizing sustainable development with the MDGs, which we are convinced are far from being excessively ambitious goals. Our experience over the last five years have indeed demonstrated that with optimum mobilization of domestic resources and the requisite support internationally, in conformity with commitments made, countries such as Ethiopia can, with little doubt, realize the MDGs. There is no doubt, however, Mr. President, that it is indispensable that countries such as Ethiopia require effective international cooperation consistent with the commitment made in the Millennium Declaration and at Monterrey, to be able to be on track to achieve the MDGs. While it is obvious that the primary responsibility for achieving the MDGs belongs to the concerned countries, it is also the obligation of partners to make it possible for the low-income countries that have demonstrated the readiness to discharge their responsibilities to overcome the poverty trap. In this regard, the Report of the Millennium Project contains valuable proposals whose implementation would no doubt ensure the achievement of the MDGs long before 2015. Official Development Assistance, debt relief and issues related to trade need to be aligned with MDGs for low-income countries to achieve the MDG-based targets. I am very pleased with the progress made at the Gleneagles Summit of the G8. I am also pleased with the progress made on building consensus in the fight against poverty here at the United Nations Summit. I am deeply concerned that we sometimes seem to move backward on our commitment as appears to be happening on the full cancellation of debt of highly indebted poor countries. I believe we have to avoid backtracking and move beyond the reiteration of consensus position and start acting on them in earnest. I am disappointed that we have not made more progress on the other issues before us but, like other speakers before me, I am reassured that we have made some progress and have charted a clear course for making additional progress. Mr. President, Let me close by reiterating Ethiopia?s commitment to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and to doing whatever is necessary to contribute to a successful reform of the United Nations. I Thank You. (ENA) __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Sep 19 16:17:27 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:16 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050919141728.72104.qmail@web53315.mail.yahoo.com> September 16,2005 Program of merging party described as unconstitutional, lacking clarity Addis Ababa, (WIC) - The draft program of the new party expected to be formed after the merger of the four member parties of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) lacks clarity and contains provisions contradictory to the country?s constitution, close sources told Iftin, an Amharic weekly newspaper. The draft program provides for the establishment of a presidential system of government against the parliamentary one stipulated in the constitution, the sources said, adding that the program insists on the election of deputies for the House of Federation directly by the public as opposed to the constitutional provision, which states that members of the House of the Federation are elected by the regional councils. The program states that there would be one national working language, but would also consider another additional language without specifying the language, except excluding Oromiffa. It does not specify again whether this language would replace the existing regional working languages, the newspaper reported. Sources told Iftin that as most of the provisions in the party?s program are contrary to the constitution, they could not be materialized unless the constitution is changed. May 15 Election demonstrate significant advances in Ethiopia?s democratization process: Carter Center Addis Ababa, (ENA) The Carter Center said the May 15 election demonstrated significant advances in Ethiopias democratization process, including most importantly the introduction of a more competitive electoral process, which could potentially result in a pluralistic, multi-party political system. Depending on developments in the coming months and years, the 2005 elections could potentially represent a historic sea change in attitudes toward political power and competition in Ethiopia. In a press conference he gave at the Sheraton Addis on Thursday for local print media and international journalists, former US President Jimmy Carter said the May 15 election demonstrated significant advances in Ethiopia's democratization process. Carter also said the election could potentially result in a pluralistic, multi party political system. "Ethiopians saw and understood that public policy appropriately receives debate, that public media cover multiple points of view, that voters choices can result in the election of opposition members of parliament, and that local administration may be in the hands of a party other than the ruling party," he said. Magnifying the positive contributions of the election, Carter said depending on developments in the coming months and years, the 2005 elections could potentially represent a historic sea change in attitudes toward political power and competition in Ethiopia. The election observation statement of the Carter Center touches the election campaigns during the pre-election period, the Election Day and post-election activities. Accordingly, the Center listed out positive experiences to be drawn from the pre-election period. The Center went on to say that the environment throughout most of the country on May 15 was calm and peaceful, and voter turnout was overwhelming, and added that there were almost no reports of problems from party agents present in the stations, although opposition party headquarters did submit a list of problems and allegations to the Center. According to the Center's observation, the statement said, results based on the May 15 polling and tabulation are credible and reflect competitive conditions, and added, complaints submitted on the election lacked sufficient evidence to warrant challenging the result. "It is important to note that the Complaint Review Boards (CRB) and the Complaint Investigation Panels (CIPs) were ad hoc mechanisms to review electoral complaints, and that the prescribed legal recourse to challenge these decisions is via an appeal to the high court" it said. The Center said that all parties should accept decisions of the Electoral Board and it is incumbent upon dissatisfied political parties to file appeals to the high court in an expeditious manner in those cases where they feel there is credible evidence. If parties decide not to file court appeals, the NEBEs announced results should be accepted as final and legitimate, it added. The NEBE is to be commended for its electoral preparations and successes in implementing the May 15 voting process, the Center said. "The increased transparency and responsiveness of the NEBE was an improvement over previous elections. The NEBE showed remarkable flexibility and responded in an inclusive and timely fashion to the demands to replace the complaints process that had proved inadequate" the Center said. The Center says, "It has observed intentional delays on the part of opposition parties," and "withdrawals from the process by the opposition parties resulting in decisions being taken in their absence." "Given the complicated task," the Center says, "another factor undermining the process was the time pressure facing the CIPs to complete their work," and added, "this was exacerbated by delaying tactics and withdrawals by the opposition." "In several constituencies observed by the Center, opposition complainants halted work of the panel in order to subpoena an incarcerated witness," The Center says. The Center added, "It only observed one case where a detained person was not subpoenaed and thus not able to participate in the hearing." "However, the Center observed two cases in which the NEBE chair issued subpoenas to call detained witnesses (both for opposition complainants), but where the complainant indicated they no longer desired the testimony of the subpoenaed individuals. "The efforts to locate these people delayed the panels for a considerable amount of time," the center said, adding, "Most instances of intentional delays observed by the Center were caused by opposition parties." The Center added that "In the majority of cases, witnesses could give testimony without fear of retribution." The Center noted that "Early in the process opposition advocates and panelists withdrew from the proceedings in some constituencies to protest what they viewed as biased decisions by the CIPs. According to the terms of reference, the Center says, the panel is to proceed if the party absent is the provisional seat holder, but should drop the case if the party absent is the complainant." As a result, unfortunately, the deliberative purpose of the panel was not possible in the instances of withdrawals. The Carter Center acknowledges the challenging conditions under which the CIP process was implemented, and that the negotiations and agreements to undertake the CIPs provided a cooling off period in the wake of the early June unrest. The Center says, "The process relied heavily on the good faith effort of all parties involved to stay engaged in and committed to the conclusion of the process." The Center says "It is important of notinge that the NEBE provided multiple opportunities for dissatisfied parties to bring forward additional evidence." The Center observed that "The sheer volume of complaints clogged the system and distracted the NEBE from other operational duties." "Looking forward," the Center says, "It is incumbent upon the NEBE to clarify electoral complaint procedures early in the election process, and for parties to create internal mechanisms for presenting credible evidence in a timely manner within the established parameters." September 17,2005 US urges opposition Mps to take up seats Addis Ababa, (WIC) - The United States called on all Ethiopian political parties yesterday to take up their seats in parliament. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack, who described the election as ?a milestone in creating a new, more competitive multi-party political system in one of Africa's largest and most important counties,? said his government ?strongly urges all the political parties in the political process to play responsible roles as the elected representatives of the Ethiopian people.? He further stated that ?the governing Ethiopian People?s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) has the responsibility to reach out to the opposition parties to ensure their full involvement in governance.? The spokesman in his statement also said the US will work with the international community and the Ethiopian government as well as parties to strengthen the electoral process. McCormack finally urged all parties to avoid violence and cooperate in advancing democracy in the country. Democratic system transformed to higher level, says MoI Addis Ababa, (WIC)- The Ministry of Information said the assessments of Ethiopia's 2005 national elections announced by both the African Union and the Carter Center have proved that the country's democratic system has ushered in a new era. In its weekly statement the ministry also said, this transformation is a great victory for the nation and all the peoples, adding that the victory would have never been achieved without the relentless efforts of the Ethiopian people. The statement further said the government, extending its gratitude to all those who contributed for this success and victory, requests all stakeholders to continue making unlimited efforts to safeguard this great victory for democracy, peace and development. ======================================== Polethiopia Sept. 19,2005 ================================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Sep 21 10:04:53 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:16 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050921080453.12289.qmail@web53306.mail.yahoo.com> September 20 Carter Centre?s election observation report professional, non-partisan: NEBE Addis Ababa, (ENA)? The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) says the final report released by the Carter Centre regarding the third national election is indicative of the fact that the election holds a historic significance in the democratization of the country and thus is acceptable by the Board. In a press conference he gave yesterday concerning the Report, NEBE Deputy Head Tesfaye Mengesha said the Centre?s report indicated that the May 2005 Ethiopian election demonstrated significant advances in Ethiopia?s democratization process. The report, according to Tesfaye, has clearly indicated the significance of the election to the democratization process in Ethiopia, and that minor irregularities could not shadow the greatest victory. The report has indicated that pre- and post-election period activities had been carried out in the right manner except minor irregularities on the Polling Day. The Deputy Head said the report indicated some problems observed during the post-election period. However, Tesfaye added, the Board has resolved the problems through setting up a Complaints Review Bodies (CRB) and the Complaint Investigation Panels (CIPs). The report listed out both the strong and weak points of the election, Tesfaye recalled, adding the report has indicated that Ethiopians vote for their representatives through a democratic and competitive election than ever before. According to the Deputy Head, the report has also indicated that the government had created favourable condition to enhance participation of opposition political parties by amending the electoral law. While listing the weak points of the election, the Carter Centre has said that the Board had banned local observers, Tesfaye said. However, he added, the ban was lifted by a court decision. The report also indicated that opposition parties did submit a list of problems and allegations to the Centre, however the provisional election results were approved as the allegations lacked sufficient evidence, Tesfaye said. Tesfaye pointed out that the tension that surfaced after the election, delay in declaring provisional results and the complaints investigation process due to high number of complaints are listed as negative features of the election. The stated problems were observed during the election, Tesfaye said. However, he said, the causes for the stated problems were few opposition political parties. The Deputy Head cited the report as saying that complaints lodged by opposition parties, particularly during early period lacked sufficient evidences, adding, their witnesses also failed to support the complaints. Concerning presentation of evidences, there were facts that the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU-EOM) was unable to hide, Tesfaye said, adding the Board shares the undeniable fact. CUD Chairman?s statement creates confusion among leadership Addis Ababa, (WIC)- The statement of the Chairman of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), Hailu Shawel, declaring that CUD would boycott Parliament has created confusion among the leadership of the party, Iftin, a weekly Amharic newspaper disclosed. The leadership thus called an extraordinary meeting yesterday to deliberate on the confusions that followed the Chairman?s statement, sources told Iftin. Hailu?s justification for boycotting Parliament on the ground that ''CUD was declared the loser, while it has won the elections'' was rejected by some members of the committee, the paper said. ?We have won only in Addis Ababa. Observers have also said that we have not won at national level. Boycotting Parliament on the assumption that we have won is creating confusion among the pubic,? Lidetu Ayalew, one of CUD?s executive committee members was quoted as saying. Lidetu also said Hailu Shawel?s statement came at a time when CUD has not finalized public discussions and reached consensus on the matter. ?How could he [Hailu] say that? Or has the CUD become a private property of Hailu Shawel?? sources quoted Lidetu as saying. Many other officials of the party aired similar views supporting Lidetu?s position. But the paper quoted Dr. Berhanu Nega, another executive committee member of the party, as saying, ?We should not say that we have not won even if that was the case.? Responding to journalists on the position of the Chairman, Dr. Berhanu said he did not know why the Chairman gave such a statement. ?What I know is we have not yet taken a common position on the matter,? he told reporters. The leadership has not concluded its meeting, and was scheduled to continue its discussion at a different venue today, the paper said. Meanwhile, in an interview with the VOA- Amharic service, Hailu Shawel said the position of boycotting Parliament was that of his party, All Ethiopian Unity Party. Other member parties of CUD could decide by their own, he said. ======================================= Pol.ethiopia Sept.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 Fri Sep 23 16:03:08 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:16 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050923140309.93362.qmail@web53303.mail.yahoo.com> September 22,2005 CUD, UEDF say gov?t responsible for possible damages on October 2 demonstration Addis Ababa, (ENA) - The Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) and the United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) said the government would be responsible for damages that may occur on demonstration to be held on October 2, 2005. The Addis Ababa Police Commission on its part announced that any political party engaged in destabilizing peace and stability of the public by calling unconstitutional demonstration would be responsible for any problems. Deputy Commissioner of the Addis Ababa Police Commission, Tesfaye Meresa told ENA that any body that organizes demonstrations with the objective of instigating violence and riot and without fulfilling legal procedures would be undoubtedly held liable for any damages. The Deputy Commissioner further said anybody permitted to organize public rallies would also be liable if found engaged in other activities out of the theme of the demonstration. Accordingly, the Commissioner urged the CUD and UEDF to refrain from organizing violence and riot on October 2, 2005, knowing that they would be responsible for any casualties and damages that may occur on property. Meanwhile, senior executive member of CUD said the Coalition did not pass any decision to either boycott or join the next parliament at Council level. The executive member, Dr. Berhanu Nega also indicated that the government would be at any rate responsible for any damages that may be incurred during the demonstration to be called by the CUD and UEDF. In a joint press conference they gave on Wednesday, CUD executive member, Dr. Berhanu Nega and UEDF President, Dr. Merara Gudina said joining the next Parliament is ++not primary agenda at the moment. Concerning the interview CUD Chairman, Engineer Hailu Shawl gave recently to the ?Ethiopian Review? saying the Coalition?s Council had unanimously decided to boycott the parliament, Dr. Berhanu said the Chairman had said so based on the current reality, not on the Council?s decision. According to Dr. Berhanu, the Chairman had said so based on the decision reached by the All Ethiopian Unity Party (AEUP), one of the members of the Coalition, and taking other problems into consideration. The Coalition gives priority for the respect of human and democratic rights of citizens than joining or boycotting the parliament, he said. Asked why CUD members receive the winner candidate ID if they are not going to join the parliament, Dr. Berhanu replied receiving winner candidate ID has nothing to do with joining or refusing to join the parliament. By mobilizing the public, the parties will continue their struggle until good governance and democracy are ensured in the country, he added. The CUD and UEDF also said in place of trying to oppress the public with power, the government should vigilantly watch the peaceful and legal struggle being pursued by opposition political parties. The parties called upon the government to discharge its responsibility by accepting the peace proposal forwarded by opposition political parties in a bid to peacefully resolve the existing political impasse. However, they said, if the government pursue on oppressing the public, the public should cautiously wait for the peaceful call of the political parties to show government that it is on the wrong truck. Professor slams Ambassadors? Donor Group statement Addis Ababa, (ENA) - An executive member of Rainbow Ethiopia: Movement for Democracy and Social Justice condemned the statement recently issued by the Ambassadors? Donor Group (ADG) concerning the final results of Ethiopia?s 2005 elections. In an article published on the Amharic weekly Addis Zena, Professor Mesfin Wolde-Mariam said reading through the statement issued by the ADG, one would think that the group which comprises Ambassadors of the US and other European countries have formed a new pro-EPRDF political party. The Professor said it is not surprising that they (the group) have issued such a statement. Professor Mesfin?s party, Rainbow Ethiopia, is a member party of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD). The Professor was belittling at the ADG statement which stated that the final results of the election issued by the National Electoral Board, including the results of re-votes and the Somali State elections, confirm the EPRDF?s majority in Parliament. In his article published on the Sept. 20 issue of the paper, Professor Mesfin said the statement of the ADG might have been issued in disregard to the Ethiopian people, and for that ?we wouldn?t blame them [the ADG].? In exploring the identities of the members of the ADG, the Professor wondered about the identity of the Italian Ambassador, and tried to associate his lineage to the fascist Italy, by way of searching for the latter?s Great Grand fathers. ?Though the Ethiopian people have been preoccupied with the things of today, and chose to live in the spirit of reconciliation, they haven?t completely forgotten what had happened to them in the past,? the Professor said. The Professor also wondered why the U.S. and Britain, who are the vanguards of Liberty, Democracy, Justice and ?Fairness, join hands to always become unjust and unfair on some matters related to Ethiopia. The Ambassadors have heard what Madam Ana Gomes, the true diplomat, had to say about the Ethiopian election, Professor Mesfin said, adding, the Ambassadors have also read how [Prime Minister] Meles had abused Madam Gomes when he reacted to her report. Thus, the Professor said, it is likely that the ADG were taking a pre-emptive measure to prevent themselves against such abusive words. By so doing, the Professor said, the ADG have failed to stand on the side of democracy, legality and due process. By so doing, the Professor added, the ADG have lost the spiritual strength to defend democracy. The Professor went on to say that what US President Bush and British Prime Minister Blair say at the United Nations is not in conformity with what the ADG are advocating here. ?Well,? the Professor said, ?the ADG might have concluded saying, we don?t give a damn about what our leaders say!? They might have resorted to distorting the truth considering that their bosses are not around, and that they didn?t want to create a rivalry with the one would not hesitate to abuse them, and opted to make peace with the latter by issuing a statement to please the latter. It is to be recalled that the Ambassadors? Donor Group called upon all parties to take their seats in the National Assembly with good will and mutual respect, to express the interests and views of all Ethiopians in a vibrant multi-party parliament. In a statement it issued Tuesday last week, the Group said ?As Ethiopia?s partners, we stand ready to support the development of Ethiopian democracy.? The ADG said the final results of Ethiopia?s historic 2005 elections issued by the NEBE, including the results of revotes and the Somali State elections, confirm the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front?s majority in Parliament. September 23, 2005 Minister points out glaring differences of EU-EOM, Carter Center reports Addis Ababa, (WIC)- Information Minister Bereket Simon said the Carter Center has lauded the elections in Ethiopia and its report does not have any similarity with the European Union-Election Observation Mission's (EU-EOM) provisional report. Bereket Simon, who is also EPRDF?s Executive Committee member and the party's public relations head, said recently the claim by some that Carter Center's report is similar with EU-EOM's is totally erroneous. He said the report by EU-EOM, which was full of accusations, described the elections as not up to international standards and in so doing tried to assert that the process was futile, whereas Carter's report stated that the election was democratic and a leap forward in Ethiopia's democratization efforts. According to him, though the Center's report has indicated the occurrence of some minor irregularities, it also has reached the conclusion that the elections have enabled Ethiopia to attain victory in the democratization process. Bereket said, contrary to the existing realities of the elections' process, the EU-EOM's report was based on hatred and totally unable to indicate the problems on the part of the opposition, holding instead only the government and the NEBE accountable to all the problems, adding that these have put the credibility of the report under question. Nevertheless, the report by the Carter Center has revealed that the opposition leaders have pursued various methods to delay the process, especially in the post-election period, by lodging baseless complaints, Bereket said. The report has further stated that in elections to come, the NEBE would be able to handle all election related matters effectively, while Ethiopia would be transformed to a new democratic future if the concerned bodies strive to further strengthen the already gained victory in this respect, he added. The election has opened a new chapter in the history of our country; Bereket declared and noted that EPRDF has made all the necessary preparations for the establishment of regional governments in areas where it has won. The opposition, on the contrary have not yet taken clear stands on their roles in the federal parliament and the Addis Ababa City Administration, said Bereket ,adding that they instead are making preparations to create havoc through what they called the "earth- shattering demonstration.'' However; said the Minister, they should understand that such wishes cannot be realized in Ethiopia, the opposition and pursue peaceful courses. Ambassador Legwaila describes dialogue between Ethiopia, Eritrea as intimate accompaniment for peace process Addis Ababa (WIC) - Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) of the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) ,Ambassador Legwaila Joseph Legwaila , said dialogue is an intimate accompaniment for the peace process between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Speaking at a gathering held on Wednesday to mark the International Day of Peace, Ambassador Legwaila said it is abnormal that the two countries signed a document called peace agreement and still not be able to engage in dialogue. He said ? when two countries go to war and they decide to make peace and they think they can make peace without engaging in dialogue they were wasting time?. Ambassador Legwaila cited, among others, his experiences with the former South African Government-the ANC and Inkattha, as well as Bosnia and other parties in which there had been fruitful dialogue for peace while there were serious violations of agreements and bloodshed. Describing the situation between the two countries as ''No war no peace'', the SRSG said there is interminable transitional period between war and peace. He said, however, there is no ceasefire violation both by Ethiopia and Eritrea. ?The ceasefire between Ethiopia and Eritrea is unusual in the sense that not even once in the five , three months and three days have we ever convened a meeting of Military Commission to discuss the violation of the ceasefire by other side?, he said On the occasion, he called on the international community to do its utmost to encourage the two countries to get into the implementation of the Algiers Peace agreement signed in 2000 through dialogue. ======================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept. 23,2005 ============================= __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon Sep 26 14:37:43 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:16 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050926123743.25321.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> September 24,2005 ONC expels Chairman, executive committee members Addis Ababa, (WIC) -The extraordinary session of the General assembly of the Oromo National Congress (ONC) has dismissed Dr. Merera Gudina, the Chairman of the party, and 11 Executive Committee members for allegedly misguiding the party. According to Iftin, an Amharic bi-weekly, the meeting has also elected replacements and 65 Central Committee members. The paper quoted the newly elected Chairman, Tolossa Tesfaye, as saying that the copies of the resolutions of the general assembly and the Central Committee were also sent to the National Electoral Board. The party is making preparations to sue the former Chairman to return the seal of the ONC, its funds and other properties in his hands since the establishment of ONC ten years ago. The former Chairman has recently told private papers that there was no rift in the party, except the dissatisfaction of two individuals, Iftin recalled September 25,2005 Meles urges opposition political parties to enter into peaceful direction Addis Ababa (ENA)- Prime Minister Meles said the revenue sources of the Addis Ababa City Administration have not been, and will not be, changed, and there is nothing reduced or to be reduced, adding the decisions in relation to revenue sources in the city were taken for the sake of the people, and not for the administration. He said measures related to the revision on taxes have been implemented not only in Addis Ababa, but allover the country. The Prime Minister said the right to freedom of expression is a right respected in all democratic nations including Ethiopia. Meles said people who say that they are not satisfied with the results of the election have the right to hold and express their ideas. But, he said, they have no rights to spark violence. Meles said the goals of opposition parties are to dismantle the constitutional order, depose the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) by force as well as to change the institutions set up under the Constitution by intimidation and force. He added that conceiving, plotting, propagating and agitating to realize this goal is in itself a crime. Prime Minister Meles said the demonstration opposition political parties are contemplating to hold is part of a serious crime. He added that the government will not allow the perpetration of any action that would endanger the lives, property and peace of the public, and if such actions are perpetrated the government will not hesitate to take the necessary legal measures. There should be no doubt that the government will take the necessary measures not only to prevent the danger, but also to make sure that it shall never happen again, Meles said. The Prime Minister described the idea of opposition parties to administer the Addis Ababa City without joining the Parliament as ?childish?. The law of the nation will not allow oppositions to use the Addis Ababa Administration for the purpose of instigating riot and violence, even for a minute. EPRDF also will not allow that to happen, he added. Meles said the next task of EPRDF is to establish the two Councils as well as to form the new government. Melees also pointed out that a new bill has been prepared so as to be able to make some amendments before the new Cabinet is formed. CUD Chairman calls AU ''club of dictators'' Addis Ababa, September 24,2005 (WIC) - The Chairman of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) declared that the African Union (AU) has no capacity to observe elections and termed it ''a club of dictators.'' In an interview he gave yesterday to Tensa?e radio, a US-based station, Chairman of the CUD, Engineer Hailu Shawel ,said the AU observer mission were ill-equipped, unpunctual and failures who did not fulfill their duty. The AU from the very outset did not assign sufficient number of observers, he said, adding that as a result the observers were only seen shuttling from poll to poll without seriously undertaking their mission. He described the report of the team as having ''no value?? and irrelevant to the process but prepared to appease a friend. According to Engineer Hailu the result of the observation testified that AU is a ??club of dictators '' who stand for their personal interests and have no concern for the establishment of a democratic system. Genuine election observation would be conducted when the continent is liberated and led by the right leaders. Asked about his boycotting parliament, Engineer Hailu said, even if it has not been decided by the central committee of the CUD the position of boycotting the parliament is evident for all. ??The decision of the committee could not be different from this and I think no member of the party would accept a different view,?? he underlined. Clarifying the statement he previously gave saying that ?individual members of the party can join parliament without the decision of the party?, he said, ?Every party member could not be bound by the decision. Since our party is democratic, individuals have every right to defy the decision of the party." The Chairman said his party would take part in the planned mass demonstration on October 2 not to embarrass ''our brothers'' the AEUP. Member parties of CUD announce merger Addis Ababa (ENA) - The four political parties that have been under the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) announced their merger yesterday to be led under a single leadership. The party says it has not yet made a decision to enter parliament or not. At a merger conference held at the Global Hotel here in the metropolis, the four parties?namely the All Ethiopia Unity Party (AEUP), the Union of Ethiopian Democratic Party Medhin (UEDP-MEDHIN), Rainbow Ethiopia: Movement for Democracy and Social Justice (Rainbow - Ethiopia) and the Ethiopian Democratic League (EDL) ? announced their unification as one party. The now unified parties have elected new executive members to lead the party for the coming two years. Accordingly, Hailu Shawl is elected to continue as Chairperson of the Coalition, while Birtukan Mideksa is elected as first Vice-Chairperson of the Coalition. Lidetu Ayalew was elected as Vice- Chairperson of the Coalition, and Muluneh Eyuel is elected as Secretary General of the party. It was indicated on the occasion that the merged party will have 20 executive committee members and 60 council members. It was also indicated on the occasion that the Coalition has not reached a final decision as to whether it would join the parliament or not. The party said the matter would be decided at the Council meeting to be held shortly. ======================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept. 26,2005 =========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Wed Sep 28 15:52:45 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:16 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050928135246.18599.qmail@web53302.mail.yahoo.com> September 27,2005 President describes PRAXIS Ethiopia Alliance as World Bank of ideas, innovations Addis Ababa, (WIC)- Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said PRAXIS Ethiopia Alliance, an Alliance initiated by scientists and academics outside Ethiopia in January 2002 at the ''Ethio-Forum 2002'', would significantly contribute to the development and poverty reduction endeavors underway in Ethiopia. In his keynote address at the PRAXIS Ethiopia Alliance Inaugural Meeting here today, the premier also said the transfer of technology the Alliance makes possible could enable Ethiopia make faster progress in a variety of areas. Stating that modernization of the agricultural sector and creation of the capacity for food security in Ethiopia is an obvious top priority for the peoples and government of Ethiopia, Meles said the partnership of the Alliance can be crucial with respect to various areas of the Agricultural Development-led Industrialization program the government follows. While opening the meeting, President Girma Woldegiorgis said PRAXIS Ethiopia Alliance, which he referred to as the World Bank of ideas and innovations, is a commitment to promote innovative, knowledge-based and community-driven poverty reduction as well as restorative development in Ethiopia. PRAXIS Ethiopia Alliance is an autonomous international coalition of educators, scientists, entrepreneurs and technical advisors dedicated to fighting extreme poverty, first in Ethiopia and ultimately in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on four major areas of development, it was learnt. The Alliance, initiated at the ''Ethio-Forum 2002'' - a forum organized by the Ethiopian Social Rehabilitation and Development Fund (ESRDF) - is said to focus on food security, health care, education and technology transfer. Demera celebrated, attempted violence put under control Addis Ababa, (ENA) - Demera, the religious bone-fire ceremony on the eve of the Finding of the True Cross "Meskel" was held here at the Meskel Square in the presence of thousands of the faithful. President Girma Woldegiorgis, Mayor Arkebe Equbay, Secretary General of the World Council of Churches Samuel Kobi were present at the celebration. Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) His Holiness Abune Paulos, archbishops, ambassadors, diplomats and representatives of various other religions attended the annual celebration. The patriarch lit a torch and gave it to the president to light the grand bone fire. Various religious songs were sung by cantors clad in the colourful religious attires. But as the celebration was underway, some individuals? wreacked havoc by throwing stones, from which the windows of a nearby Mobil filling station were battered and decorative light bulbs at the square were also broken, the federal police commission said. The attempted violence was quickly put under control. Workers of the filling station told ENA's reporter on the spot that the damage could have been much worse, if they had not put off the electric valves of the station quickly. Police said they know the identities of the perpetrators and their motives. They said appropriate legal measures would be taken against them. September 28,2005 Police arrest 32 alleged violence perpetrators, participants Addis Ababa, (ENA) -The Addis Ababa Police Commission says it has put under arrest those forces that have attempted to incite violence at the Demera celebration here at the Meskel Square on Monday. The Addis Ababa Police Deputy Commissioner Tesfaye Meresa told ENA on Tuesday that Police have put under custody those individuals alleged to have orchestrated and involved in the havoc. The Deputy Commissioner said Police have handled the attempted violence at the Demera celebration with extreme patience so as to enable the successful celebration of the event. But, later, Police have launched extensive investigation that resulted in the arrest of some 32 main operators and participants in the violence. The Deputy Commissioner said two of the detained have been found in possession of daggers, while efforts have continued to arrest similar other culprits. The Commissioner commended the coordinated efforts of the Addis Ababa and Federal Police Commissions to jointly thwart the attempted violence perpetrated by a few individuals who, police said, tried to turn the religious festival to a political tool. He said residents of the city arrived at the Masqal Square for the celebration with absolute calmness since early hours and the celebration was being held colorfully as scheduled. However, he said, towards the end of the program, some groups tried to disturb the ceremony by shouting insults and clapping. He said the clash was between those groups who attempted to stir violence on one side and the faithful, who wanted the calm not to be violated, on the other. The Deputy Commissioner said seven police members and other civilians were struck by the stones thrown. The windows of a nearby Mobile oil filling station were battered and some 35 decorative lamps at the Masqal square were also broken. The Commissioner said the violence on Monday was orchestrated as a spring board for the illegal demonstration summoned by the opposition parties for October 2. Although the government respects the rights of citizens and political parties to hold a demonstration, the Commissioner said, any activity aimed at dismantling the constitutional order by the use of force and rebellion cannot be tolerated. He underlined that political parties and individuals engaged in such illegal actions will be bear the responsibility for any undesired outcome. He called on citizens not to take part in any activity bent on undermining the constitutional order. According to the Commissioner, the capacity of the Addis Ababa Police to safeguard the peace and security of residents is now better than ever before. He also called on the public to cooperate with the police in identifying individuals engaged in instigating riot and violence. Ismael Ali Sero re-elected as Chief of Afar State Addis Ababa, (ENA) - The Founding Conference of the Afar Regional State Council has elected Ismael Ali Sero as the State's President. The conference also elected Speakers of the Council and endorsed the appointment of the President of the State's Supreme Court and Auditor General. The 87-member new State Council has unanimously elected Ismael Ali Sero, presented by the Afar National Democratic Party (ANDP), to the post of Chief Administrator. The State's President-elect has vowed to honestly and diligently work for the supremacy of the Federal Constitution and the maintenance of peace, democracy and development in the Regional State. The founding conference has also elected Mohammed Kedir and Merriam Hussein as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the State Council, respectively. Kedir Hussein and Hanfire Mohammed have been appointed as President of the State's Supreme Court and Auditor General, respectively. More over 12 members of the Cabinet presented by the Chief Administrator have been endorsed by the Council. The Council also delegated Habib Mohammed and Mohammed Yusuf to represent the region in the House of Federation. The conference will continue tomorrow and discuss bills and program of action to be implemented for the coming five years. ================================== Pol.ethiopia Sept.28,2005 ========================== __________________________________ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri Sep 30 14:50:21 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:16 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050930125021.21788.qmail@web53315.mail.yahoo.com> September 30, 2005 UEDF, CUD say Sunday's demonstration postponed for another time Addis Ababa, (ENA) - The United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) and the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) announced on Thursday that they have postponed for unspecified time the demonstration they had scheduled for this Sunday. At a joint press conference they gave on Thursday, executive members of the CUD and UEDF pointed out that the political tension has mounted high and they have decided to postpone the October 2 demonstration saying the government and EPRDF have not allowed them to do so. The executive members said they have not been able to gather their supporters from various regional states, and added that the government demanded them to present a guarantee that they would hold the demonstration in the spirit of the Constitution and accepting the results of the election. The parties said EPRDF and the government have unlawfully denied their legal rights and urged the public to await for another round of call which, they said, they would make in the future. They said they would announce their alternative options other than the demonstration for the public. The parties also said they would hold consultations and issue statements addressing their members and supporters on October 3, 2005 concerning the demonstration and other related matters. Justice and Legal Affairs Head with the Addis Ababa City Administration, Woldetensae Woldemelak said the parties were asked to provide guarantee to abide by Article 9 of the Constitution. However, he added, the parties have not responded to the demand. The Administration has made the demand based on various newspaper reports suggesting that the demonstration may not be peaceful and with a view to making sure that it would not be against the Constitutional system. Meles holds talks with Secretary General of World Council of Churches Addis Ababa, (ENA) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi held talks with Secretary General of the World Council of Churches Dr. Samuel Kobi here on Wednesday. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi on the occasion expressed that he felt honored to confer with the delegation led by Dr. Kobi. Prime Minister Meles briefed the delegation about current regional issues as well as about the recently held national elections in Ethiopia. Dr. Kobi on his part expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Meles for having been playing significant roles for Africa. Dr. Kobi appreciated Meles for his significant roles in the Sudan peace process through IGAD as well as in his efforts as one of the Commissioners of the Commission for Africa to alleviate poverty in Africa. Dr. Kobi told journalists that he took it upon himself to visit Ethiopia to get a first-hand knowledge and experience of Ethiopia, the only African country as founding member of the World Council of Churches. He said during his visit he have seen a wide-range of development activities being carried out in the country. Commenting on election-related issues, Dr. Kobi said the oppositions boycotting parliament might lead the country to clashes and indicated the need for the government and religious institutions to make employ all options to prevent this looming danger. Dr. Kobi said he was informed by Prime Minister Meles that the government had held discussions with the oppositions and will carry on with its efforts to safeguard the constitution and the peace and security of citizens. Dr. Kobi pledged that the World Council of Churches will do everything possible to help diffuse tension. EOC Holy Synod deplores attempted violence at Demera celebration Addis Ababa, ENA - Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) has strongly denounced the attempted violence amidst Demera celebrations on September 26, dubbing the act as un-religious and unethical. Office of EOC's Holy Synod, in a statement it gave on Wednesday in connection with the attempted violence at the Meskel Square, said the violence was targetted against all Christians. The attempted violence came about to the vexation of the Church and such an act could not go without tarnishing Ethiopia's good image in this age-long and unique religious tradition of the Church, the statement said. The annual celebration is Ethiopia's unique tradition acclaimed worldwide, but which, along with the people of the country known for their strong sense of descipline, is exposed to redicule due to such blatant acts committed by ndividuals taken by wickedness, the statement said. The Church advised the faithful to maintain their religious tradition and laws, to stand firm for peace and to keep from sacrelige. It said, the attempted violence was orchestrated in a bid to advance hidden agenda by making use of religion as a pretext. It said all citizens should recognize this and keep from involvement in such acts. It said the Church deplores all those who, in their bid to solicit the Church's partisanship for themselves, so wrongly and deliberately paints it as partisan. This it said should be known by all Ethiopians living inside or outside the country. It urged the government to discharge its responsibility of preventing any such acts in the Church's Holy Days. The Patriarch His Holiness Abune Paulos on his part said he lamented what he saw and heard - an act of sacrelige which has never been encountered in the country. He said the act was targetted against the faithful, and it will be the faithful themselves who will remonstrate against such evil. ================================== Pol.ethiopia Sep.30,2005 ========================== __________________________________ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 http://mail.yahoo.com