News Items
Political Ethiopia
10th IGAD Summit begins in Kampala
KAMPALA (ENA) - Leaders of various countries and
international organizations said the
Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has
been instrumental in bringing about durable peace and
stability in the region that has been married by
conflicts and periodical drought, among others.
The outgoing chairman of IGAD Sudanese President Omar
Hassan AlBashir said at the 10th summit of the
regional organization in Kampala, Uganda yesterday,
the strenuous efforts exerted by the regional grouping
to bring about peace and stability in Somalia and the
Sudan have registered encouraging results.
IGAD in cooperation with other international
organizations has helped the Sudan Liberation Army
(SPLA) to sign a peace deal with the government, he
said.
The achievement reflected the commitment and
determination to overcome challenges and difficulties
that are facing the countries in the region, the
president said.
This sends a clear message to those who have laughed
when the IGAD was formed saying what can those hungry
and impoverished people achieve in a region marred by
drought, desertification, conflicts and killing
diseases," he said.
IGAD paid a great attention to the plight of the
internally displaced persons by convening the first
conference of its kind last September in Khartoum in
collaboration with the UN and other international
organizations.
He noted that the Sudan and Somalia peace processes
are at the crossroads and there are positive signals
indicating that this year could become the year of
peace.
AL-Bashir said the Sudan peace process, under the
auspices of Kenya, continues to progress steadily
towards a comprehensive and just peace that doesn't
isolate a person or a group of the citizens of one
country inside or outside the Sudan.
The peace talks achieved last month, commendable
progress and a (10th P.2)
Official reaffirms Ethiopia's resolve to meeting MDGs
as UN Day marked
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - An official of the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs said Ethiopia is firmly committed to
meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and
counts on the increased support of its development
partners.
Ministry International Organizations and Economic
Cooperation Acting Director, Mihretab Mulugeta said
that Ethiopia believes that tackling poverty must be
the cornerstone of its development.
Speaking at an event organized at the UN Centre to
mark UN Day yesterday, he said that developing
countries are facing formidable challenges of poverty,
environmental degradation, the spread of HIV/AIDS
pandemic, malaria and other infectious diseases.
"It is in response to such demands that the leaders of
the world adopted the Millennium Development Goals
with the central aim of tackling poverty and other
maladies that keep ravaging the world," he said.
"Nonetheless," the acting director said, "promises
made towards the successful achievement of the
Millennium Goals are rather far from satisfactory."
As stated clearly in the recent Human Development
Report, the situation in the Least Developed Countries
is as grim as ever, he said.
Mihretab said it was in light of this that the
Ethiopian Government attaches great importance to the
theme of the week that focuses on Poverty alleviation,
HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis.
A message sent by UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan and
read by his representative said that UN would continue
its efforts aimed at tackling poverty, disease,
climate changes and the spread of small arms.
The message said: "The UN would work together with the
International Community to fight terrorism and spread
of weapons of mass destruction.
Senior government officials, resident ambassadors and
representatives of local and international
organizations attended the event.
Global Fund releases 23.4 mln. USD for AIDS, TB,
malaria intervention
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopia has received 23.4 million
USD from Global Fund in support of its prevention
activities launched against Tuberculosis (TB) malaria
and HIV/AIDS, Health Vice-Minister announced.
Dr. Demissie Tadesse said the purpose of the fund is
to attract, manage and disburse resources through a
new public private foundation that would make a
sustainable and significant contribution to the
reduction of infections, illness and death aimed at
mitigating the impact caused by the stated diseases.
He made the announcement in his opening remark at a
day-long workshop of Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and
malaria that got under way at the UN Conference Centre
here yesterday.
He said AIDS; TB and malaria are the major causes of
suffering, discomfort and death for millions of
Ethiopians.
According to the current data, the number of AIDS
cases is estimated to be 107,500 while there are four
to five million clinical cases of malaria.
Dr. Demissie said malaria transmission is seasonal and
unstable in character and epidemics were now occurring
in previously non-malaria areas.
Some 109,346 new cases of malaria were registered in
1995 E.C. alone.
The first Country Coordinated Proposal for AIDS, TB
and malaria has been submitted to Global Fund
Secretariat, the vice-minister said, adding that the
TB proposal was approved and first grant agreement of
10.9 million USD was signed on 17 March 2003 for two
years.
He said the resubmitted proposals for malaria and AIDS
were also approved and the second grant agreement of
37.9 million USD for malaria control programme was
signed in August 2003.
For the HIV/AIDS component grant agreement worth 55.3
million USD was signed on October 2,2003, Dr. Demisie
said.
The burden of AIDS, TB and malaria is 30 times greater
in developing countries, resulting in substantial
economic loss, social disintegration and political
instability, the vice-minister said.
The Global Fund was created in 2002 to fight this
formidable challenge.
The main objective of the workshop is to familiarize
all stakeholders about the Global Fund and approved
plans of action on HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria and reach
consensus on the future tasks at the level of the
country coordinating mechanism, principal recipients,
sub recipients and communities.
Businesspersons urged to be law-abiding
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Law abiding entrepreneurs can
benefit for themselves and the country by closely
working with the government in the implementation of
the industrial development strategy, Ministry of
Information said.
According to a statement the ministry sent to ENA
yesterday, it is absolutely rational for the
government to levy and collect taxed to carry out its
duties, which include building the competitive
capacity of the private entrepreneurs.
The coming into force of the Value Added Tax (VAT) is
one of a series of measures taken to reform the
taxation system, it said.
APAP inaugurated free legal service rendering centre
by Getahun Amogne
ADDIS ABABA- Action Professionals Association for the
people (APAP) in collaboration with the Alumni
Association of the Law Faculty of Addis Ababa
University launched the second free legal service
providing centre yesterday on the premises of the
Arada Bench of the Federal First Instance Court.
The establishment of the centre was meant to help
needy people, who could not afford to hire lawyers for
their cases, have easy access to legal services.
Inaugurating the centre, President of the Federal
First Instance Court, Desalegn Berhe said in countries
like Ethiopia where there are few legal professionals
and most of the population lives in abject poverty,
courts would remain inaccessible unless free legal aid
initiatives are encouraged.
The launching of the centre by the two associations
would greatly help alleviate problems in this regard,
he said, adding that the government would provide
every assistance to the associations.
Acting Executive Director of APAP, Abera Haile-Mariam,
said on his part that voluntary law students and
members of the Alumni Association of AAU Law Faculty
would provide the free legal services.
APAP and The Ethiopian Bar Association established the
first free legal service-rendering centre in December
12002 on the premises of the Federal High Court.
The Centre has provided free legal services for 713
people in nine months time by rendering advisory
services, preparing litigation cases and by serving as
advocates at courts, according to Abera.
October 26, 2003
IGAD Summit communiqué eyes at bringing about lasting
peace, stability
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The tenth Summit of the
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in
Kampala Uganda ended Friday by issuing a communiqué
aimed at helping bring about peace and stability in
the sub-region.
It said the progress so far made in the Sudan Peace
Process, notably: the Machakos Protocol of 20 July
2002; the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on
cessation of hostilities of 15 October 2002 and its
addendum of 4th February 2003, the agreed aspects in
both Power and Wealth sharing of 6th February 2003,
and the Agreement on Security Arrangement during the
interim period of 25th September 2003.
Following the Naivasha Declaration of 22 October 2003,
the Summit welcomed and urged the parties to conclude
the final peace agreement by the end of this year,
according to the communiqué.
The Summit welcomed and encouraged all the parties
involved in the Sudan peace process to continue with
the process of dialogue in order to resolve the
remaining outstanding issues as agreed.
The Summit committed itself to support the
reconstruction and peace building effort in the Sudan
and urged the IGAD secretariat to formulate in
collaboration with international organizations and
development partners, a work plan to that effect.
Following discussions and exchange of views on the
current complications encountered in the peace process
between Ethiopia and Eritrea, the Summit decided that
the current IGAD Chairman and the current Chairman of
the African Union be engaged in the implementation of
the Algiers Agreement.
The Summit endorsed the resolution of the 22nd Session
of the IGAD Council of Ministers on the IGAD future
vision for integration and security.
On Somali Peace Process, the Summit recommended to
expand the technical committee now renamed as the
Facilitation Committee now renamed as the Facilitation
Committee on the Somali Peace Process led by Kenya to
include Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Uganda and Sudan.
The Summit requested the current Chairman of the
Summit to evaluate the peace process on Somalia in
order to decide on measures that would remove any
obstacles to the process.
The Summit also noted other challenges faced by the
IGAD region such as terrorism, which was observed as a
crime against humanity.
Heads of State and Government observed the serious
harm travel advisories inflict on the economies of
member states of IGAD, particularly in the tourism
sector and investment. They emphasized that IGAD
region was safe for tourists and other investors,
according to the communiqué.
It endorsed the implementation plan of the conference
on the prevention and combating of terrorism, which
took place on June 24-27,2003 in Addis Ababa.
The Summit also noted the threat t peace and security
arising from the flow of illicit small arms and light
weapons in the region and made commitment to take
concerted action against these challenges, and urged
the international community to extend necessary
assistance to complement their efforts.
It also endorsed the new IGAD strategy and the
five-year implementation plan and direct IGAD
Secretariat to apply it to improve its performance in
order to achieve the aims and objectives contained in
the establishing agreement of IGAD.
On the election of the IGAD executive, the Summit
endorsed the recommendation of the Council of
Ministers to either renew the term of the incumbent
executive secretary or appoint a new one.
On the assessed contribution of member states and
arrears of contribution to the regular IGAD budget,
the Summit agreed that member states fulfil their
obligation by paying their contributions.
The Summit welcomed the offer made by Kenya to host
the next summit on the 28th October 2004.
It also exchanged views on regional, continental and
international issues, such as the ongoing negotiations
on commodities under the WTO, and agreed to coordinate
position and take concerted action on these issues,
particularly those of direct interest to or impact on
the IGAD member states.
Prime Minister Meles Zenawi returned home yesterday
after attending the Summit
194 Ethiopian civilians repatriated
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Some 194 Ethiopian civilians were
repatriated on Friday from Eritrea under the auspices
of the International Committee of the Red Cross
(ICRC).
According to a press release the ICRC sent to ENA, the
group crossed the bridge over the Mereb River between
the towns of Rama in Ethiopia and Adi Quala, on the
Eritrea side.
ICRC delegates based in Eritrea accompanied the
Ethiopian civilians on the first leg of their journey,
it said.
At the crossing point the group was welcomed by ICRC
staff based in Ethiopia, before being placed in the
care of Ethiopian authorities.
======================
Pol.Ethiopia
October 29, 2003
=============
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Political Ethiopia
House endorses judges' appointment, three bills
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The House of Peoples'
Representatives has endorsed the appointment of seven
judges for the First Instance Federal Court and three
bills as well.
In its 3rd Regular Conference yesterday, the House
endorsed the appointment of the judges and the bills
with unanimous vote.
The bill providing for the preservation of relics
during war, which was issued in May 1962, was one of
the proclamations approved by the House. A bill that
would enable to protect antiquities from being
smuggled in and outside of the country and prohibits
the transfer of ownership, which was promulgated in
1977, was the other proclamation endorsed by the
House.
The proclamation will help prevent the smuggling
abroad and the return of looted relics into the
country.
The House has also approved proclamation providing for
the amendment of the services being provided by the
Ethiopian Investment Authority.
According to Industrial Affairs Standing Committee,
the proclamation would help ensure rapid development
growth.
Former Ethiopian students of Romania to establish
association
by a Staff Reporter
ADDIS ABABA - 16 former Ethiopian, students of Romania
are making preparations to establish an association, a
press release issued by the Romanian Embassy said here
yesterday.
According to the release, economists, engineers,
agronomists, doctors, lawyers, among others, who are
serving in various governmental offices and private
organizations gathered on 24 October 2003 upon the
invitation made by the Romania Embassy.
Charge D'Affaiers of Romanian Embassy, on the occasion
underlined that establishing the association is not
only the desire of the Embassy but the initiative got
the support of the Ethiopian authorities in creating a
band between the two nations, the release said.
The participants show interest in opening business
relationship with Romanian counterparts for which they
planned to make monthly meetings and discuss possible
projects in consultation with the Embassy.
The participants at the meeting discussed the
association and formed a committee of three members to
draw out the constitution in order to legally
establish the association of the Former Ethiopian
Students in Romania (AFESR) in about a month time, the
release further said.
The Romanian Embassy recognizes the potential of the
participation with a diversified level of
professionals that are capable of establishing the
AFESR and proposed to celebrate the event at the
National Day of Romania on 1st December 2003.
National UN Volunteer Scheme launched
by Getachew Dibaba
ADDIS ABABA - The Ministry of Finance and Economic
Development in collaboration with the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) officially launched the
National UN Volunteer (NUNV) Scheme in Ethiopia.
Speaking at the launching of the NUNV Scheme
yesterday, State Minister of Finance and Economic
Development, Dr. Mulu Ketsela said the implementation
of the National NUNV Scheme would contribute to the
enhancement of the overall institutional performance
in terms of effective and efficient delivery of
programmes on the ground.
Dr. Mulu said that the Scheme would assist the
government's policy on decentralization and capacity
development at all levels. "The scheme is designed
with the principle that the volunteers are willing to
provide the required service at the community and
grass roots level," Dr. Mulu said.
Enhancing human resource development by strengthening
the pool of expertise and knowledge which remains in
the country is also one of the major benefits NUNV
offers, according to Dr. Mulu.
The State Minister also remarked that the NUN
Volunteers, in general, would promote national
volunteerism and harness the use of qualified
Ethiopians to serve as volunteers in Ethiopia,
strengthening national development efforts of the
government.
Resident Representative of UNDP, Samuel Nyambi on his
part indicated that over the past several years,
volunteerism has emerged as an increasingly potent
unifying force. "Volunteers from all walks of life
are playing a significant role in the development
process."
The NUNV Scheme provides "an expanded opportunity for
individuals to devote a period of their professional
life to serve others, which is a key principle of
volunteering," Nyambi said, adding the Scheme offers
opportunity to combine the knowledge and skills of
National UN volunteers with those of international UN
volunteers and other development workers.
The State Minister and the UNDP Resident
Representative on the occasion also signed new NUNV
contracts.
The Scheme will be operated on the basis of
demand-driven recruitment responding to the needs of
diverse partner institutions including the UN
agencies, government ministries, NGOs and the private
sector. Some 100-200 NUNVs will be in place by the
end of 2004.
Senior government officials, heads of the different UN
agencies NGOs, international volunteer organizations,
educational institutions and the private sector
attended the launching of the NUNV held at the Ghion
Hotel.
==================
Pol.Ethiopia
October 30,2003
=========
Political Ethiopia
EU to provide 3.8 bln. birr in dev't assistance
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - State Minister of Finance,
Economic Development said that the European Union (EU)
has allocated 3.8 billion birr for undertaking various
development projects in Ethiopia over the next five
ears.
Dr. Mulu Ketsela said the fund, secured in accordance
with the Cotonou Agreement, would be spent on food
security, transport and economic development
activities, among others.
Opening a two-day seminar on the role of parliaments
in the Cotonou Agreement organized for members of the
House of Peoples' Representatives yesterday, Dr. Mulu
said that part of the fund would be spent on building
the capacity of non-governmental organizations and
improving of the judiciary.
According to Dr. Mulu, the EU has also granted 1.5
billion birr in aid to debt service and relief aid.
The government and the legislative body should work
closely more than ever before in utilizing the fund
appropriately, as the money would be released based on
the efficiency of the performance.
The Cotonou Agreement is a Development and Trade
accord signed between African, Caribbean and Pacific
Countries (ACP) and the European Union.
The main objective of the agreement endorsed by the
House in June 2001 is to help 77 ACP countries reduce
poverty and maintain their partnership in the global
economy and trade.
Speaking on his part, Deputy Head of
Mission/Delegation of the European Commission to
Ethiopia, Jean-Pierre Pierard expressed his belief
that development cooperation and partnership between
Europe and the ACP countries need a broad foundation
to be successful and sustainable.
According to him, the European Commission provides to
Ethiopia through the European Development Fund
substantial amounts in direct budgetary support.
The Cotonou Agreement talks about the involvement of
civil societies in the Cotonou Agreement, which he
said, is indeed a crucial element.
Speaking earlier, Deputy Speaker of the House, Dr.
Petros Olango, announced that Ethiopia would host the
Parliamentary Conference of ACP countries next
February.
Commission urges public to denounce copyright
infringement
by Getachew Dibaba
ADDIS ABABA - The Ethiopian Science and Technology
Commission urged the general public to condemn
infringement of copyright as theft.
Opening a national seminar on Copyright and Collective
Management of Copyright and Neighboring Rights
yesterday, Commission Representative Gizachew Woldeyes
said the infringement of copyright should not be the
exclusive concern of a small segment of the society.
Gizachew said apart from authors, artistes, composers,
performers and their business associates, the general
public should actively engage in combating the
infringement so as to ensure the protection of
intellectual property rights which is one of the key
factors of the country's economic growth.
"The copyright system is a vital part of modern
society's infrastructure, serving the entire
community. It is the foundation on which the world's
publishing industry rests carrying knowledge, ideas,
understanding and entertainment to every person in the
community," Gizachew said.
The absence of a separately adopted law on copyright
and neighbouring rights and lack of awareness on the
part the right holders of the property are major
factors that contribute to the expansion of the
infringement of copyright in the country, according to
Gizachew.
Gizachew also noted that copyright is protected on the
basis of the 1960's Civil Code of Ethiopia, which
consists of provisions on literary and artistic works.
The existing provisions, however, are not exhaustive
and sufficient to deal with the whole issues regarding
copyright and neighbouring rights.
Representative of World Intellectual Property
Organization (WIPO) Neema Nyerere-Darga on the
occasion indicated that protecting the rights of and
financially rewarding and encouraging inventors and
creators is the driving force behind technological,
scientific, industrial and, eventually overall
economic and social development.
"The rich, fascinating and diverse cultural and music
heritage of Africa has great potential to stand up and
become an important generator of wealth; one of the
answers lies in utilizing intellectual property
systems to tap on these resources," Nyerere said.
Acting Director General of the Ethiopian Intellectual
Property Office (EIPO), Getachew Mengiste on his part
told reporters that his office, though established
recently, is making efforts to promote intellectual
property's potential as a vehicle for socio-economic
and cultural development.
The two-day seminar co-organized by WIPO and EIPO,
primarily aims at raising awareness among members of
the general public, literary and artistic community
and decision-makers on issues relating to copyright
and neighbouring rights.
Some 60 participants drawn from relevant government
ministries, the Supreme Court, custom, professional
associations, chamber of commerce, intellectual
property attorneys as well as individual artistes and
creators are attending the seminar underway at the
commission hall.
Packard Foundation runs 40 mln. USD reproductive
health programme
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - David and Lucile Packard
Foundation President says that the Foundation is
carrying out reproductive health and other services in
Ethiopia with 40 million USD.
During talks with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi here
yesterday, Richard T.Schlosberg said that encouraging
results have been achieved from the reproductive
health activities and services being provided by the
foundation.
Schlosberg told journalists after the talks that the
Foundation is providing reproductive health, family
planning, mother and child care services.
He also expressed the Foundation's commitment to
continue with its assistance in the health sector.
During the talks, Prime Minister Meles called upon the
Foundation to increase its assistance to help Ethiopia
expand the services being provided in the sector,
according to a spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs.
He also assured Mr. Schlosberg that his government
would give unreserved support for Foundation to help
it realize its objectives.
The President told Meles that his organization plans
to launch a capacity building programme in Ethiopia in
the near future.
==================================
Pol.ethiopia
October 30,2003
===========================
Political Ethiopia
President calls on Packard Foundation to back
environmental protection programme
ADDIS ABABA (ENA/EH) - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis
called upon David and Lucile Packard Foundation to
extend support to environmental protection programme
being carried out in Ethiopia.
During talks he held with Foundation President,
Richard T. Scholosberg at the national Palace
yesterday, Girma urged the Foundation to support
efforts under way to train scouts who will be engaged
in environmental protection activities.
The Foundation president told Girma that he would
discuss with Foundation Board members possibilities of
providing support to environmental protection
activities being carried out in Ethiopia.
He said the reproductive health programme being run by
the foundation by itself contributes towards the
environmental protection programme.
Packard Foundation is currently running a 40 million
USD reproductive health programme in Ethiopia.
Meanwhile, in a press conference has held with
journalists at the conclusion of his visit to
Ethiopia, Richard T.Schlosberg said that his visit was
informative and rewarding.
The discussions made with top government officials
have helped reinforce shared areas of commitment and
laid common ground to addressing population growth as
an important component of fighting poverty as well as
for improving health and education for women and
girls, he said.
Schlosberg told journalists that the visit has also
created opportunities to assess the activities of NGOs
being supported by the Foundation, which he explained
are in a good position of demonstrating their
responsibilities in their respective areas.
Furthermore, the team has met with other donor
agencies working in Ethiopia and shared experiences on
future collaboration.
According to Schlosberg, the Foundation has decided to
expand programmes in Tigray and Southern Nations,
Nationalities and Peoples states in addition to
continuing commitments on Oromia and Amhara states.
Besides, apart from supporting youth organizations,
efforts in family planning mainly for rural regions
will be strengthened.
At the press conference held at the Hilton Hotel,
Packard Foundation president further said, "Given the
importance of reproductive health issues to women in
Ethiopia, we will encourage the leadership development
of women at all levels to play more prominent roles in
programmes we support here."
University creates Chair for Women's Affairs, plans to
undertake research
ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - The Makalle University announced
that it has created a Chair for Women's Affairs as
part of its ever-expanding ventures in the field of
development studies. "The drive made in creating the
sector entitled: "Women in Development", will help the
university pursue the most neglected area of
research," Dr. Mitiku, President of the university
told WIC. He said, "We now have a nucleus for women's
affairs department in the university."
According to Dr. Mitiku, his university is pressing
ahead to do more in the areas of administration of
justice, agriculture and natural resources. The
creation of the Chair for Women's Affairs was made
possible through Professor Horst Seidler, President of
the Vienna based Austrian-Ethiopian Friendship Society
who applied for a grant at the City Government of
Vienna.
The grant for the launching of the venture was handed
to Dr. Mitiku Haile by Dr. Oskar Wawra, representative
of the City Government of Vienna at a ceremony held in
the campus. Present on the occasion were Ambassador
Dr. Erwin Kubesch of the Austrian Ministry of Culture,
Science and Education as well as Professor Horst
Seidler.
Believed to be the first of its kind in Ethiopia, the
initiative aims to promote women's studies in the
country.
Meanwhile, the Institute of Pale Environment, Human
Evolution and Cultural Anthropology of the Makalle
University has secured a research permit in
pre-history from the Authority for Research and
Conservation of Cultural Heritage (ARCCH), Ministry of
Youth, Sport and Culture. The permit will now allow
the institute scientists to explore the red beds, Afar
State, in the areas of palaeoenvi-ronment and human
evolution. Sources say this is the first time that an
Ethiopian university (research institution) is poised
to launch its own research in prehistory.
Established in February 2003, the institute (idea
initiated by Dr. Mitiku Haile and Professor Horst
Seidler of the University of Vienna), is the first of
its kind in the country as a home based research
institution in pre-history related studies managing it
own research in the area in collaboration with other
scientists. It is to be noted that, thus far, only
foreign institutions re having access to the country's
potential in prehistory /human origins studies. In
the next few years, the institute plans to develop a
new curriculum to train Ethiopians in the field. The
institute has launched with the support of the
Austrian Government, particularly the Minister of
Education, Science and Culture Elisabeth Gehrer.
Activities are underway to make the institute a robust
research and training establishment, it was learnt.
New Polio laboratory opens
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - A new polio diagnosis laboratory,
built on the premises of the Ethiopian Health and
Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI) began service,
the Japanese Embassy said.
Embassy press release sent to ENA yesterday, said that
the Japanese government through the Japan
International Cooperation Agency (JICA) covered the
installation and laboratory equipment cost of the
laboratory estimated at 170,000 USD.
The release said that the construction of the
laboratory is part of the Japanese support for Polio
Eradication Project in Ethiopia.
JICA has so far given over 14 million birr to support
the project, the statement said.
Seminar discusses Ethiopia-China relations
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethio-China bilateral
cooperation has further been consolidated ever since
China begun to involve in the socio-economic
development activities being carried out in Ethiopia,
the Ethiopian International Institute for Peace and
Development (EIIPD) said.
EIIPD President Prof. Kinfe Abrha said the
participation of China in the construction of the
Addis Ababa City ring road and other development
activities has further strengthened the ties between
the two nations.
Opening a seminar organized to discuss Ethio-China
relations yesterday, Prof. Kinfe said that the
government of China has also been participating in the
development of trade, health and training of skilled
manpower.
Member countries of the African Union including
Ethiopia can draw lessons from China's economic and
trade development achievements. He said a conference
on Sino-African Relations to convene here in Addis
Ababa in the coming December has a significant
importance to African countries.
The discussion between the delegation of the China
International Institute of Strategic Studies (CIIS)
led by Major General Cao Penling would focus, among
others, on security situations in the Horn of Africa
and issues of Intergovernmental Authority on
Development (IGAD), African Union, NEPAD and bilateral
cooperation.
Senior government officials and parliamentary members
as well as the Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia and
invited guests are in attendance at the two-day
seminar organized by EIIPD.
==============================
Pol.ethiopia
October 31,2003
Political Ethiopia
UNDP's training seminar on project formulation,
management opens
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - A training seminar on project
formulation and management, and resource mobilization
organized by United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP) opened here at the UN Conference Centre.
The six-day training seminar is part of UNDP's
Programme to strengthen Africa's Regional Capacities
for Peace Building.
The seminar seeks to strengthen the capacities of the
programme's collaborating partners, the Economic
Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the
Southern African Development Community (SADC) and
other relevant stakeholders to exercise authorship and
ownership with respect to planning, programming and
implementing peace-building initiatives.
In his opening remark, Patrick Mazimhaka,
Vice-Chairperson of the African Union Council, said
through this programme of support to Africa's regional
capacities for peace building, UNDP was making a very
important contribution to the policy of enhancing
continental peace and security as enunciated by the
African Union.
Ethiopia secures over 1.3 bln. euro from EC
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopia is one of the largest
beneficiaries among the African, Caribbean and Pacific
(ACP) countries of the European Community's assistance
through the Cotonou Agreement.
According to a paper presented in a day-long forum
organized to discuss the Cotonou Agreement, Ethiopia
has obtained large amount of assistance amounting to
1.397 billion euro since 1975.
The paper indicates that 40 percent of the assistance
was allocated to support the food security programme
of the country.
Ethiopia secured an over 100 million euro in support
of the execution of development projects undertaken
from 1990-2000 in accordance with the agreement it
signed with the European Investment Bank.
European Community's annual assistance to Ethiopia
amounts to four million euro.
The meeting organized by Inter-Africa Group was aimed
at heightening awareness of NGOs on the Cotonou
Agreement and help them work together with other
pertinent government organizations.
European Centre for Development Policy Management
Programme officer, Gwenaelle Corre said on the
occasion that NGOs should formulate various projects
in line with the Cotonou Agreement.
The centre has been organizing awareness raising
forums to help ACP states work in unison in accordance
with the Cotonou Agreement.
Various awareness raising trainings on the Cotonou
Agreement have so far been given to pertinent
personnel in Senegal, Benin, Mali, Rwanda, South
Africa and Ethiopia, she said.
Representatives of NGOs and members of the business
community were in attendance at the daylong meeting.
Sana'a Forum for Cooperation concludes
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The 3rd session of the Foreign
Affairs ministers of Ethiopia, Yemen, and the Sudan
concluded on Sunday the ministerial meeting of Sana'a
Forum for Cooperation issuing a joint communiqué and
recommending to hold the next consultations in the
second half of December 2003 in Addis Ababa.
According to the joint communiqué, Ethiopian Foreign
Minister Seyoum Mesfin, the Yemeni Dr. Abubaker
Abdullah and the Sudanese Dr. Mustefa Osman Ismail
held extensive talks on ways and means to promote
political, economic, trade and security cooperation of
the common interests between their respective
countries.
The ministers further stressed the need for
intensifying border control to combat smuggling and
illegal trade and agreed to hold the trilateral
private sector conference in Sana'a in 2004.
They have also expressed their appreciation regarding
the ongoing Sudanese peace process in Kenya and hoped
that the desired peace agreement would result in the
final settlement to the problem of southern Sudan.
On the Somalia reconciliation process, the ministers
welcomed the results achieved so far in the on going
negotiations in Kenya and called upon the different
Somalia factions to return to the negotiation table
and to continue the peace process.
The ministers reiterated their resolve to combat
terrorism and agreed to enhance security cooperation
and coordination between their respective countries.
With regard to the Middle East, the ministers urged
for the implementation of the Road Map and the
establishment of the independent Palestinian State.
They said the Sana'a Forum for Cooperation is open to
incorporate new members, who share the same objectives
and vision, furthering regional political, security,
economic, social, and cultural integration and
cooperation.
November 5, 2003
Japan committed to support reconstruction of Abay
Bridge
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Government of Japan has
expressed its readiness to support the activities
underway to reconstruct the bridge across the Abay
River, the newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to
Ethiopia said.
Kenjiro Izumi said the Japanese experts team was
engaged currently in studying ways of reconstructing
the bridge and the road after Gohatsion.
He made the remark while presenting his letter of
credence to President Girma Wolde-Giorgis here
yesterday at the National Palace.
Though the study might take time, Japan is committed
to extend support to the reconstruction of the bridge,
Izumi said.
The Ambassador said the Addis Ababa-Gohatsion Road was
being renovated with a financial aid obtained from the
Japanese Government.
He said Ethiopia is one of the developing countries in
the world that receive substantial amount of Japanese
development assistance.
While expressing his appreciation to Ethiopia's
efforts to bring about rapid development, the
Ambassador said his government would continue to
extend its support to the country's food security and
poverty reduction programmes.
President Girma on his part said the people and
Government of Ethiopia appreciate Japan for its
generous aid being provided for the construction of
roads and undertaking other various developments
projects.
The support the Japanese Government provides to the
construction of the bridge would further strengthen
the bilateral cooperation existing between the two
countries, Girma said.
He expressed hope that the Japanese Government would
continue its assistance to Ethiopia.
Ministry refutes IRIN's news report as baseless
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
refuted as baseless the news article posted on the
Integrated Regional Information Network (IRIN)
alleging that a group of 40 people wearing the
Ethiopian military uniforms crossed into Kenya on
Saturday 1 November 2003 and attacked a village known
as Nana in Moyale Woreda.
There is no armed force what so-ever that crosses into
the Kenyan border from the Ethiopian territory, the
ministry said confuting the suggestions of the news
article posted on the Internet on 3 November 2003.
According to a statement the Press, Information and
Documentation General Directorate with the ministry
sent to ENA yesterday, the allegation that the bandits
fled back into Ethiopia after launching the attack was
totally unfounded.
Ethiopia and Kenya have been enjoying a longstanding,
friendly and amicable relationship that could be seen
as exemplary in the region, it said, adding there is
no reason that the Ethiopian armed forces could cross
into the sovereign Kenyan territory.
Ethiopia gains credibility to host ACP-EU meet:
Speaker
by Getachew Dibaba
ADDIS ABABA - The recent decision passed by the
members of African Caribbean Pacific European Union
(ACP-EU) to elect Ethiopia to host the ACP -EU meeting
due to be held in February, 2004 has clearly
demonstrated Ethiopia's acceptance in the
international community Speaker of the House of
Peoples' Representatives said.
Members of the ACP-EU also strongly challenged the
Eritrean Government's futile attempts to reverse the
decision for security reasons, Dawit Yohannes said.
In a press conference held yesterday at the auditorium
of the House, the Speaker and Chairperson of Foreign,
Defence and Security Affairs Standing Committee with
the House Haile-Kiros Gesesse told journalists that
the Ethiopian parliamentarian meetings in September
and October.
The parliament took part in Inter-Parliamentary Union
(IPU), African Caribbean Pacific European Union
(ACP-EU) and African Parliamentary Union (APU) held in
Geneva, Rome and Accra respectively.
According to Dawit, in the Inter-parliamentary Union,
African countries reacted in unison refusing the
British Government decision to suspend executives of
Zimbabwe Government from attending the next meeting of
IPU, which was to be held in London. The meeting,
accordingly, was decided to be hosted in Malaysia,
Dawit said.
The IPU meeting has also urged the Eritrean Government
to provide information on the present conditions of
its former executives detained without due process of
the law, Dawit and Haile-Kiros said.
==================================
November 5,2003
Pol.ethiopia
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