Ethiopia said keen to learn from China's successful economic dev't
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian people have a lot to learn from China's successful economic achievements registered in a relatively short period of time, Speaker of the House of the Federation said.
During talks held with the Chinese delegation led by Deputy Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Li Meng here yesterday Dr. Mulatu Teshome said Ethiopia has been taking measures to bring sustainable development.
He said Ethiopia has designed a rural development strategy aimed at improving the living standard of the people and ensuring food security.
The relations between the two countries have been consolidated mainly in the economic, political and social sectors following the visits of the high-level government officials in each others countries, he said adding tat Ethiopia was keen to share the experiences of China in its endeavours to break the cycle of the periodical drought.
Head of the Chinese delegation Li Meng said on his part that Ethiopia could easily bring growth by effectively utilizing the abundant available natural resources.
He said the farmers should be encouraged to employ modern ways of farming techniques and grow cash crops.
Li Meng also said farmers should be offered trainings and introduced with the new technologies to speed up the development of the country.
Both governmental and non-governmental organizations have played a leading role in the development of China, he said, adding the situation on the ground is fertile for Ethiopia to effectively utilize the sectors for its development.
Li Meng invited Dr. Mulatu to visit China in a day to be communicated through the established diplomatic channels.
EC signs Big Noise Campaign
by Shimelis Meressa
ADDIS ABABA - The Delegation of the European Commission (EC) has signed the Big Noise Campaign to help coffee farmers in Ethiopia expressing its readiness to provide all the necessary support in all respects.
At the singing ceremony held on the premises of the EC. yesterday, the delegation announced that it would throw its weight in a more consolidated manner to help the Big Noise Campaign which is meant to respond to the impact of the collapse in the world price on Ethiopian coffee farmers and the economy of the country as well.
Speaking on the occasion, EC Delegation Head, Timothy Clarke said that the EC has been supporting coffee farm small holders for the last 25 years and provided 130 million in support of this group.
"The coffee sector is at the heart of Ethiopian culture and its economy which the EC has long supported. But, we recognize that without change the future looks bleak and that is why we support the Big Noise Campaign," he said.
He also cited that beginning from 2002, EC has been working with farmers in coffee-growing areas to improve their standard of living by reducing the widespread poverty, supporting extension, nurseries, research, conservation and marketing.
To date, some 5 million people, including over half a million Ethiopians, have joined the Big Noise, which has been supported by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and EC Trade Commissioner, Pascal Lamy.
Oxfam International, Panos as well as the Ethiopian Coffee Unions coordinated the campaign and representatives of the same have attended the signing ceremony.
Draft National Biodiversity Strategy, Action Plan under scrutiny
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Biodiversity wealth found in the world is a key and vital resource for economic and social developments of human beings, General Manager of the Institute of Biodiversity Conservation (IBC) said here yesterday.
Dr. Girma Balcha said as a result, it is, increasingly believed that Biodiversity is relics and roaming wealth for the generations to come.
Opening a two-day 2nd National Workshop organized to discuss draft National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan yesterday, Dr. Girma said, however, the threats of genetic erosion and extinction on biological resources have become eminent at an alarming rate all over the world.
He said Ethiopia launched the preparation of National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan document some four years back.
The draft document prepared at this stage defines the current status of, pressures on, options for, and priority action to ensure the conservation, sustainable use, and equitable share of its biological resources.
Agency receives TV programmes grant
by Yemane Terefe ADDIS ABABA - The Ethiopian Television and Radio Agency received a grant consisting of 338 television programmes from the government of Japan yesterday.
The grant was handed over to Information Minister and Agency Board Chairman, Bereket Simon by Japanese Ambassador, Kenjiro Izumi.
Speaking after handing over the grant, Ambassador Izumi said that the grant consists of 338 television programmes out of which 196 are documentaries and 142 education programmes. They were made by NHK, Japan's renowned public television.
The grant, worth approximately 369,000 USD, provides equipment such as sound, lighting, musical instrument, programme software, audio learning equipment to preserve cultural heritage.
The Ambassador added that the Japanese Government considers cultural grant helps in promoting sustainable development for the people of Ethiopia. "I trust that not only economic cooperation, but also cultural relations will further strengthen the existing good relationship between the two nations," he said.
Ato Bereket on his part said that ETV runs an average of 8 hours of programmes daily covering 47 per cent of the country's territory.
Explaining the profile of Ethiopian Television, Ato Bereket added that ETV has about 67 per cent of its programming local and 33 per cent foreign. Most of the programmes are donations from international public broadcasters, or station satellite retransmissions from stations with which ETV has cultural exchange arrangements, the Board Chairman said.
According to him, the ordinary Ethiopian viewers want to see how industrialized countries like Japan embrace nature and preserve their environment. Ato Bereket assured the Japanese Ambassador that the TV programmes will be fully utilized and properly kept.
Some of the programmes particularly show how Japan managed to sustain rapid economic development and become one of the foremost economically developed countries in the world.
======================================== Pol.ethiopia June 15,2004 =============================
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Ethiopia said keen to learn from China's successful economic dev't
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian people have a lot to learn from China's successful economic achievements registered in a relatively short period of time, Speaker of the House of the Federation said.
During talks held with the Chinese delegation led by Deputy Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Li Meng here yesterday Dr. Mulatu Teshome said Ethiopia has been taking measures to bring sustainable development.
He said Ethiopia has designed a rural development strategy aimed at improving the living standard of the people and ensuring food security.
The relations between the two countries have been consolidated mainly in the economic, political and social sectors following the visits of the high-level government officials in each others countries, he said adding tat Ethiopia was keen to share the experiences of China in its endeavours to break the cycle of the periodical drought.
Head of the Chinese delegation Li Meng said on his part that Ethiopia could easily bring growth by effectively utilizing the abundant available natural resources.
He said the farmers should be encouraged to employ modern ways of farming techniques and grow cash crops.
Li Meng also said farmers should be offered trainings and introduced with the new technologies to speed up the development of the country.
Both governmental and non-governmental organizations have played a leading role in the development of China, he said, adding the situation on the ground is fertile for Ethiopia to effectively utilize the sectors for its development.
Li Meng invited Dr. Mulatu to visit China in a day to be communicated through the established diplomatic channels.
EC signs Big Noise Campaign
by Shimelis Meressa
ADDIS ABABA - The Delegation of the European Commission (EC) has signed the Big Noise Campaign to help coffee farmers in Ethiopia expressing its readiness to provide all the necessary support in all respects.
At the singing ceremony held on the premises of the EC. yesterday, the delegation announced that it would throw its weight in a more consolidated manner to help the Big Noise Campaign which is meant to respond to the impact of the collapse in the world price on Ethiopian coffee farmers and the economy of the country as well.
Speaking on the occasion, EC Delegation Head, Timothy Clarke said that the EC has been supporting coffee farm small holders for the last 25 years and provided 130 million in support of this group.
"The coffee sector is at the heart of Ethiopian culture and its economy which the EC has long supported. But, we recognize that without change the future looks bleak and that is why we support the Big Noise Campaign," he said.
He also cited that beginning from 2002, EC has been working with farmers in coffee-growing areas to improve their standard of living by reducing the widespread poverty, supporting extension, nurseries, research, conservation and marketing.
To date, some 5 million people, including over half a million Ethiopians, have joined the Big Noise, which has been supported by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and EC Trade Commissioner, Pascal Lamy.
Oxfam International, Panos as well as the Ethiopian Coffee Unions coordinated the campaign and representatives of the same have attended the signing ceremony.
Draft National Biodiversity Strategy, Action Plan under scrutiny
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Biodiversity wealth found in the world is a key and vital resource for economic and social developments of human beings, General Manager of the Institute of Biodiversity Conservation (IBC) said here yesterday.
Dr. Girma Balcha said as a result, it is, increasingly believed that Biodiversity is relics and roaming wealth for the generations to come.
Opening a two-day 2nd National Workshop organized to discuss draft National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan yesterday, Dr. Girma said, however, the threats of genetic erosion and extinction on biological resources have become eminent at an alarming rate all over the world.
He said Ethiopia launched the preparation of National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan document some four years back.
The draft document prepared at this stage defines the current status of, pressures on, options for, and priority action to ensure the conservation, sustainable use, and equitable share of its biological resources.
Agency receives TV programmes grant
by Yemane Terefe ADDIS ABABA - The Ethiopian Television and Radio Agency received a grant consisting of 338 television programmes from the government of Japan yesterday.
The grant was handed over to Information Minister and Agency Board Chairman, Bereket Simon by Japanese Ambassador, Kenjiro Izumi.
Speaking after handing over the grant, Ambassador Izumi said that the grant consists of 338 television programmes out of which 196 are documentaries and 142 education programmes. They were made by NHK, Japan's renowned public television.
The grant, worth approximately 369,000 USD, provides equipment such as sound, lighting, musical instrument, programme software, audio learning equipment to preserve cultural heritage.
The Ambassador added that the Japanese Government considers cultural grant helps in promoting sustainable development for the people of Ethiopia. "I trust that not only economic cooperation, but also cultural relations will further strengthen the existing good relationship between the two nations," he said.
Ato Bereket on his part said that ETV runs an average of 8 hours of programmes daily covering 47 per cent of the country's territory.
Explaining the profile of Ethiopian Television, Ato Bereket added that ETV has about 67 per cent of its programming local and 33 per cent foreign. Most of the programmes are donations from international public broadcasters, or station satellite retransmissions from stations with which ETV has cultural exchange arrangements, the Board Chairman said.
According to him, the ordinary Ethiopian viewers want to see how industrialized countries like Japan embrace nature and preserve their environment. Ato Bereket assured the Japanese Ambassador that the TV programmes will be fully utilized and properly kept.
Some of the programmes particularly show how Japan managed to sustain rapid economic development and become one of the foremost economically developed countries in the world.
======================================== Pol.ethiopia June 15,2004 =============================
Ethiopia said keen to learn from China's successful economic dev't
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian people have a lot to learn from China's successful economic achievements registered in a relatively short period of time, Speaker of the House of the Federation said.
During talks held with the Chinese delegation led by Deputy Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Li Meng here yesterday Dr. Mulatu Teshome said Ethiopia has been taking measures to bring sustainable development.
He said Ethiopia has designed a rural development strategy aimed at improving the living standard of the people and ensuring food security.
The relations between the two countries have been consolidated mainly in the economic, political and social sectors following the visits of the high-level government officials in each others countries, he said adding tat Ethiopia was keen to share the experiences of China in its endeavours to break the cycle of the periodical drought.
Head of the Chinese delegation Li Meng said on his part that Ethiopia could easily bring growth by effectively utilizing the abundant available natural resources.
He said the farmers should be encouraged to employ modern ways of farming techniques and grow cash crops.
Li Meng also said farmers should be offered trainings and introduced with the new technologies to speed up the development of the country.
Both governmental and non-governmental organizations have played a leading role in the development of China, he said, adding the situation on the ground is fertile for Ethiopia to effectively utilize the sectors for its development.
Li Meng invited Dr. Mulatu to visit China in a day to be communicated through the established diplomatic channels.
EC signs Big Noise Campaign
by Shimelis Meressa
ADDIS ABABA - The Delegation of the European Commission (EC) has signed the Big Noise Campaign to help coffee farmers in Ethiopia expressing its readiness to provide all the necessary support in all respects.
At the singing ceremony held on the premises of the EC. yesterday, the delegation announced that it would throw its weight in a more consolidated manner to help the Big Noise Campaign which is meant to respond to the impact of the collapse in the world price on Ethiopian coffee farmers and the economy of the country as well.
Speaking on the occasion, EC Delegation Head, Timothy Clarke said that the EC has been supporting coffee farm small holders for the last 25 years and provided 130 million in support of this group.
"The coffee sector is at the heart of Ethiopian culture and its economy which the EC has long supported. But, we recognize that without change the future looks bleak and that is why we support the Big Noise Campaign," he said.
He also cited that beginning from 2002, EC has been working with farmers in coffee-growing areas to improve their standard of living by reducing the widespread poverty, supporting extension, nurseries, research, conservation and marketing.
To date, some 5 million people, including over half a million Ethiopians, have joined the Big Noise, which has been supported by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and EC Trade Commissioner, Pascal Lamy.
Oxfam International, Panos as well as the Ethiopian Coffee Unions coordinated the campaign and representatives of the same have attended the signing ceremony.
Draft National Biodiversity Strategy, Action Plan under scrutiny
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Biodiversity wealth found in the world is a key and vital resource for economic and social developments of human beings, General Manager of the Institute of Biodiversity Conservation (IBC) said here yesterday.
Dr. Girma Balcha said as a result, it is, increasingly believed that Biodiversity is relics and roaming wealth for the generations to come.
Opening a two-day 2nd National Workshop organized to discuss draft National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan yesterday, Dr. Girma said, however, the threats of genetic erosion and extinction on biological resources have become eminent at an alarming rate all over the world.
He said Ethiopia launched the preparation of National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan document some four years back.
The draft document prepared at this stage defines the current status of, pressures on, options for, and priority action to ensure the conservation, sustainable use, and equitable share of its biological resources.
Agency receives TV programmes grant
by Yemane Terefe ADDIS ABABA - The Ethiopian Television and Radio Agency received a grant consisting of 338 television programmes from the government of Japan yesterday.
The grant was handed over to Information Minister and Agency Board Chairman, Bereket Simon by Japanese Ambassador, Kenjiro Izumi.
Speaking after handing over the grant, Ambassador Izumi said that the grant consists of 338 television programmes out of which 196 are documentaries and 142 education programmes. They were made by NHK, Japan's renowned public television.
The grant, worth approximately 369,000 USD, provides equipment such as sound, lighting, musical instrument, programme software, audio learning equipment to preserve cultural heritage.
The Ambassador added that the Japanese Government considers cultural grant helps in promoting sustainable development for the people of Ethiopia. "I trust that not only economic cooperation, but also cultural relations will further strengthen the existing good relationship between the two nations," he said.
Ato Bereket on his part said that ETV runs an average of 8 hours of programmes daily covering 47 per cent of the country's territory.
Explaining the profile of Ethiopian Television, Ato Bereket added that ETV has about 67 per cent of its programming local and 33 per cent foreign. Most of the programmes are donations from international public broadcasters, or station satellite retransmissions from stations with which ETV has cultural exchange arrangements, the Board Chairman said.
According to him, the ordinary Ethiopian viewers want to see how industrialized countries like Japan embrace nature and preserve their environment. Ato Bereket assured the Japanese Ambassador that the TV programmes will be fully utilized and properly kept.
Some of the programmes particularly show how Japan managed to sustain rapid economic development and become one of the foremost economically developed countries in the world.
==================================== Pol.ethiopia June 15,2004 ======================
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Ethiopia said keen to learn from China's successful economic dev't
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Ethiopian people have a lot to learn from China's successful economic achievements registered in a relatively short period of time, Speaker of the House of the Federation said.
During talks held with the Chinese delegation led by Deputy Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Li Meng here yesterday Dr. Mulatu Teshome said Ethiopia has been taking measures to bring sustainable development.
He said Ethiopia has designed a rural development strategy aimed at improving the living standard of the people and ensuring food security.
The relations between the two countries have been consolidated mainly in the economic, political and social sectors following the visits of the high-level government officials in each others countries, he said adding tat Ethiopia was keen to share the experiences of China in its endeavours to break the cycle of the periodical drought.
Head of the Chinese delegation Li Meng said on his part that Ethiopia could easily bring growth by effectively utilizing the abundant available natural resources.
He said the farmers should be encouraged to employ modern ways of farming techniques and grow cash crops.
Li Meng also said farmers should be offered trainings and introduced with the new technologies to speed up the development of the country.
Both governmental and non-governmental organizations have played a leading role in the development of China, he said, adding the situation on the ground is fertile for Ethiopia to effectively utilize the sectors for its development.
Li Meng invited Dr. Mulatu to visit China in a day to be communicated through the established diplomatic channels.
EC signs Big Noise Campaign
by Shimelis Meressa
ADDIS ABABA - The Delegation of the European Commission (EC) has signed the Big Noise Campaign to help coffee farmers in Ethiopia expressing its readiness to provide all the necessary support in all respects.
At the singing ceremony held on the premises of the EC. yesterday, the delegation announced that it would throw its weight in a more consolidated manner to help the Big Noise Campaign which is meant to respond to the impact of the collapse in the world price on Ethiopian coffee farmers and the economy of the country as well.
Speaking on the occasion, EC Delegation Head, Timothy Clarke said that the EC has been supporting coffee farm small holders for the last 25 years and provided 130 million in support of this group.
"The coffee sector is at the heart of Ethiopian culture and its economy which the EC has long supported. But, we recognize that without change the future looks bleak and that is why we support the Big Noise Campaign," he said.
He also cited that beginning from 2002, EC has been working with farmers in coffee-growing areas to improve their standard of living by reducing the widespread poverty, supporting extension, nurseries, research, conservation and marketing.
To date, some 5 million people, including over half a million Ethiopians, have joined the Big Noise, which has been supported by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and EC Trade Commissioner, Pascal Lamy.
Oxfam International, Panos as well as the Ethiopian Coffee Unions coordinated the campaign and representatives of the same have attended the signing ceremony.
Draft National Biodiversity Strategy, Action Plan under scrutiny
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Biodiversity wealth found in the world is a key and vital resource for economic and social developments of human beings, General Manager of the Institute of Biodiversity Conservation (IBC) said here yesterday.
Dr. Girma Balcha said as a result, it is, increasingly believed that Biodiversity is relics and roaming wealth for the generations to come.
Opening a two-day 2nd National Workshop organized to discuss draft National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan yesterday, Dr. Girma said, however, the threats of genetic erosion and extinction on biological resources have become eminent at an alarming rate all over the world.
He said Ethiopia launched the preparation of National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan document some four years back.
The draft document prepared at this stage defines the current status of, pressures on, options for, and priority action to ensure the conservation, sustainable use, and equitable share of its biological resources.
Agency receives TV programmes grant
by Yemane Terefe ADDIS ABABA - The Ethiopian Television and Radio Agency received a grant consisting of 338 television programmes from the government of Japan yesterday.
The grant was handed over to Information Minister and Agency Board Chairman, Bereket Simon by Japanese Ambassador, Kenjiro Izumi.
Speaking after handing over the grant, Ambassador Izumi said that the grant consists of 338 television programmes out of which 196 are documentaries and 142 education programmes. They were made by NHK, Japan's renowned public television.
The grant, worth approximately 369,000 USD, provides equipment such as sound, lighting, musical instrument, programme software, audio learning equipment to preserve cultural heritage.
The Ambassador added that the Japanese Government considers cultural grant helps in promoting sustainable development for the people of Ethiopia. "I trust that not only economic cooperation, but also cultural relations will further strengthen the existing good relationship between the two nations," he said.
Ato Bereket on his part said that ETV runs an average of 8 hours of programmes daily covering 47 per cent of the country's territory.
Explaining the profile of Ethiopian Television, Ato Bereket added that ETV has about 67 per cent of its programming local and 33 per cent foreign. Most of the programmes are donations from international public broadcasters, or station satellite retransmissions from stations with which ETV has cultural exchange arrangements, the Board Chairman said.
According to him, the ordinary Ethiopian viewers want to see how industrialized countries like Japan embrace nature and preserve their environment. Ato Bereket assured the Japanese Ambassador that the TV programmes will be fully utilized and properly kept.
Some of the programmes particularly show how Japan managed to sustain rapid economic development and become one of the foremost economically developed countries in the world.
================================== Pol.ethiopia June 15,2004 =====================
Dawit says stress on understanding, applying int'l laws vis-à-vis local situation
by Dagne Biazen
ADDIS ABABA - Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives that in embarking on the construction of a human society, which would respond to the development need of the country, we need to understand the basic principles and their application regarding al issues concerning human rights.
Ato Dawit Yohannes made the remark yesterday while opening a two-day seminar on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Laws organized for the Ethiopian Parliament.
He also said that understanding and applying internationally established standards to out situation is a challenge calling for examination of the existing legal environment of national laws & regulations, whether they comply or differ from the existing international human rights instrument and went on as saying: "If we are satisfied that our domestic legal structure is sufficiently sound, then the issue would be how our parliament can oversee the effective implementation of these laws and regulations."
Mr. Luis Angel Redondo, Charge d' Affaires of the Spanish Embassy on his part said that the government of Ethiopia has clearly stated its commitment to the principles of democracy and respect for human rights that are the basis of the United Nations Human Rights System and went on to state that Ethiopia has reaffirmed this commitment through its role in the African Union, as a member of the Peace and Security Council.
Redondo also said that respect for Human rights and the Humanitarian Law is an element which is inalienable in a real democratic system adding: "Therefore, training the members of the parliament, and training them to know their role in the defence and spread of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law should be one of the targets of all donors and friends of Ethiopia.
Mr. Antonius Broek, UNDP Resident Representative a.i. Also said that respect for human rights at all times and in all places is a fundamental principles on which the establishment of the United Nations grounded. He further said that development gains can easily be undermined in situations where peace and security do not prevail, the rule of law is not upheld and the dignity of human life is not respected.
He said: "One of your critical roles is oversight, meaning to ensure and facilitate that the government carries out its promises and one such promise is achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Dr. Ibrahim Wani, Regional Representative Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, also called for the commitment of the MPs towards the enforcement of Human Rights.
UNDP, UN Human rights Commission, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Spanish Embassy organized the daylong seminar.
Gov't to press ahead with rural-urban linkage policy development
by Biniyam Wubishet ADDIS ABABA - Federal Affairs State Minister Birhanu Tamirat said that Ethiopia will continue to develop policies that support positively the rural-urban linkage and interaction and reduce their negative impact by strengthening local democracy.
Opening a national workshop on "Secondary Cities: Urban Poverty Participatory Action," Birhanu said that Ethiopia would further develop policies for improved rural-urban linkages that would help strengthen local democracy and civil society, making local governments accountable, and assuring that the needs and priorities of both rural and urban poor are taken into consideration.
The formulation of national and state urban development strategies and city development plan for Addis Ababa and the five secondary cities action plans developed as an output of the Action Research Initiative was a testimony to the government's commitment, he said.
The research group leader, Dr, Mihret Ayenew told journalists that they have selected five secondary cities, Makelle, Bahir Dar, Jimma, Adama and Awassa and a research has already been conducted on five different topics for the last two-and-half years.
Speaking about the outcome of the research, Dr. Mihret said that housing is one of the major problems common in all the cities despite some efforts exerted by the municipalities, NGOs and the community. He said that though the housing problem is massive in all the cities, the initiative of the municipalities to work in partnership is a good beginning.
Unemployment is a very serious problem in all the cities that needs a timely intervention, according to him. Food insecurity and vulnerability have been on the rise in all secondary cities in recent years, said the research.
Lack of skilled manpower and budget as well as garbage tanker is the major difficulties in most cities.
The research tries to assess the status of urban governance, institutional structure and service delivery, shelter and the environment, vulner-ablility and food insecurity, gender women and urban poverty, and local economic development.
He also said that the research would help policy makers as an input to meet the MDGs.
UNDP Resident Representative, Antonius Broek said on the occasion that the rapid growth of urban poor calls for concerted actions to address the situation through accelerated investment in order to maximize the potential of urbanization and avoid the scale of urban problems.
The national workshop and the research were jointly organized and conducted by the Ministry of Federal Affairs and UNDP with a financial support from the Italian Government.
Ethiopia, Africa Day observed in San Jose
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - A remembrance day aimed at honoring Ethiopia's immense contribution to the liberation of the African continent and the black people around the world was held in San Jose town the state of California, USA on 5 June 2004.
According to a press release the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent to ENA Thursday, programme coordinator Reverend Shubert Hamilton and Reverend Dr. Barry Houston said on the occasion that Ethiopia is the cradle of mankind and the most ancient country in the world.
They said "we remember the day by recognizing the efforts of the Ethiopian leaders and peoples are exerting for the prevalence of peace, democracy and development."
Ethiopian Consulate General in the western United States of America Taye Atseke-Silassie said Ethiopia has been in the forefront in the struggle for the liberation of the African people.
He said Ethiopia would always remember the support of the African-Americans when it was invaded by fascist Italy.
Representatives of the San Jose Catholic Church, the Baptist Church and the Jewish community have delivered speech befitting the occasion.
US keen to support Ethiopia, other countries to use trade as tool for foreign earnings: Liser
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - United States Assistant Trade Representative for Africa Florizelle B. Liser says her government is committed to enable Ethiopia and other countries in Africa to use tare as a tool for foreign earnings.
Briefing journalists here yesterday, Liser said the preferential access given to African products to the US market could enable the countries to strengthen their economies.
The representative was in Addis to meet with the Ethiopian Government officials on the issues of the growing role of it increasing trade with the US and the efforts exerted to accede to the World Trade Organization (WTO)
Liser said previously African leaders viewed development assistance as a chief supporting means for their economic development.
She said, "presently the situation was changing in that leaders realized that trade was really the engine for economic growth and alleviating poverty".
The US Government would continue providing technical support to Ethiopia and other African countries to enable them actively participate in the global trading system.
The US was considering to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) until 2015 especially for Sub-Saharan African countries.
She was able to learn the efforts of the Ethiopian Government launched to establish the right kind of environment to expand trade and investment during talks held with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and the business community.
She said the overall export Ethiopia last year to the US market was 19 per cent while that of under the terms of AGOA was 38 per cent.
She said products other than apparel exported to the US market such as coffee was minimal.
The representative said gradual development of value added products would be essential than depending on exporting unprocessed products.
It was the interest of the US to help Ethiopia participate in the global system and earn more foreign currency to support its national economy.
She applauded the efforts of the Ethiopian Government launched to promote trade and investment in the country and the decision to join WTO.
Liser also met Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Alpha Oumar Konaré and the Commissioner for Trade and Where she exchanged views on ways African countries could actively participate in the global trading system.
Liser said Africa needs to strive to changing its two per cent share of the global trading system and one per cent of the foreign direct investment share.
The representative who also attended the recent COMESA summit held in Kampala, Uganda was able to witness the position the member states have taken to participate in the global trading system.
June 13, 2004
G-8 leaders resolve to assist Ethiopia ensure food security for 5 mln. People
ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - The G-8 leaders Friday endorsed a new initiative to help prevent famine by improving worldwide emergency assessment and response systems, raising agricultural productivity, and helping five million chronically food insecure people in Ethiopia attain food security by 2009.
According to a press release of the Press Secretary of the White House, millions of people face hungers in Eritrea, Somalia, the Sudan, Kenya, and Uganda. And at least five million Ethiopians are unable
...
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopia has secured 3.9 billion birr in foreign currency from the export of agricultural and industrial products over the last ten months, Minister of Trade and Industry said.
The activities launched to provide effective and efficient services to the public by the ministry were encouraging as it is one of the model government offices selected for the application of the Civil Service Reform Programme, the Trade and Industry Standing Committee of the House of Peoples' Representatives said.
In a 10-month performance report presented here yesterday to the House, the Minister, Girma Birru said the export revenue obtained during the reported period exceeds that of last year by 15 per cent in the global market were attributed for decrease in the amount obtained from the sector.
The ministry has also licensed 676 investment projects with an aggregate capital of 10 billion birr over the last nine months, Girma said.
He said 242 of the stated projects with a combined capital of 5.3 billion birr are foreign investments.
The activities the ministry has launched to improve its services to the public as encouraging, the committee said and called on the ministry to exert more efforts to reduce bureaucratic procedures to provide effective services.
College to celebrate Golden Jubilee as it transforms to university
GONDAR (WIC) - The Gondar University College said it has finalized preparations to celebrate its Golden Jubilee, the day which marks its transformation to a university level.
Public Relations Expert with the College, Mulu Alebel told WIC as it has finalized preparations of expansion and upgrading with a total cost of over 271 million birr it would officially launch its transformation to a university on June 26.
Gondar University would raise its enrolment capacity from 6,000 to 9,500 and would expand its areas of discipline to 47, including four post-graduate programmes during the coming academic year, he said.
According to the expert, the golden jubilee of the university would be celebrated together with the official upgrading of the college to a university. Anti-HIV/AIDS clubs, college students and associations and residents of the town would celebrate the anniversary by participating in a great run to be held on June 20.
A panel discussion involving students and town residents would be held during the anniversary, he said. The Gondar Chamber of Commerce has supported the panel discussion, he added.
Department lifts obligation of exit visa to leave Ethiopia
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Main Department for Immigration and Nationality Affairs announced the lifting of an exit visa obligation required to leave Ethiopia previously.
The lifting of the obligation was made by considering freedom of movement enshrined in the country's National Constitution.
The Department told ENA yesterday that any Ethiopian or a foreign citizen living in Ethiopia could leave the country without having an exit visa as of July 26, 2004
CMCs to begin services in Amhara State
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Community Multimedia Centres (CMCs) would begin providing services in Bahir Dar and Lalibela towns, Amhara State.
According to a joint press release issued by UNDP and UNESCO, the CMCs are considered as essential development told through access to information.
The release said CMCs meet basic human development needs such as information on health care, education, nutrition or income-generation.
CMCs recognize and utilize the wealth of skills, initiatives and indigenous knowledge within the community, it said.
Director and Representative of UNESCO Cluster Office Addis Ababa, Awad Elhassan and Resident Representative a.i, UNDP, Antonius Broek, said that the CMCs would be inaugurated on 15 and 17 June 2004 respectively in the towns.
They were speaking at a joint press conference held Monday in the presence of the State Minister of Information Netsanet Asfaw.
The State Minister said on the occasion that the government would provide the necessary support for the activity, which enables to strengthen the efforts being exerted to enhance women participation in development.
Netsanet said since most of the population lives in the rural parts of the country, the expansion of CMCs would help the public to get access to information.
UNDP covered the cost of equipping the CMCs amounting to 100,000 USD.
House approves appointment of judges, Addis Ababa City Charter, refers bills
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The House of Peoples' Representatives in its 35th regular session yesterday discussed the performance report of the Federal Supreme Curt. The House also approved the appointment of the Federal High Court judges and the improved Addis Ababa Charter.
Presenting the 10 month performance report of the Federal Supreme Court to the House, Vice President Menbere-Tsehay Tadesse said the constructive measures have been taken to provide effective services to the public.
He sad the new working mechanism introduced by the Federal Supreme Court could enable to provide reliable information the service seekers.
He said the new technology installed has been providing information about the activities of the courts and the cases to be handled.
The vice president said the Supreme Court has been taking measures believed to be instrumental in providing the speedy disposition of justice.
He said 2,475 of the 4,312 charge files presented to the courts have been closed, adding that the system employed has enabled to shorten the time given to handle cases.
The results achieved in the speedy disposition of justice are encouraging, he said adding that the Federal Supreme Court is determined to take additional measures in a bid to provide services to citizens.
The House also approved the appointment of six Federal High Court judges, four first instance court judges and the improved charter of Addis Ababa City.
The House referred the bills on the amendment of the executives organizational structure, on the establishment of the Privatization and Government Owned Development Enterprises Supervisory Authority, the Ethiopian Standards and Quality Authority and the Dire Dawa Administrative Charter to the Trade and Industry Affairs Standing Committee for further scrutiny.
=================================== Pol.ethiopia June 15,2004 =======================
House passes decision on new subsidy budget distribution, 1997 E.C. fiscal year budget formula
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The House of the Federation passed decision on the new subsidy budget distribution and the 1997 E.C. budget formula.
The House in its 4th year extraordinary session yesterday agreed to consider the proposal forwarded by the Budget Subsidy and Revenues Affairs Standing Committee on the distribution of the subsidy to the states.
The Committee suggested that it could be difficult to approve the new distribution of the subsidy budget as there are some points that should be addressed.
The House approved the recommendation of the Committee with a unanimous vote and agreed to consider the issue in its next sessions.
The House accepted the proposal of the Committee with seven abstentions that the subsidy budget formula be used in the transition period of the fiscal year 1997 E.C.
The Committee said the House of the Federation has revised the subsidy budget formula four ties since 1987 E.C.
The subsidy budget formula was based on population, development status, expenditure interest and the efforts exerted to collect revenues, it said.
It, however, said states have requested for a change on the indicators as they couldn't reflect some facts on the ground.
The Committee said a change was made, based on the request of the states but that has made some decision-making procedures difficult and disputable.
It said new budget subsidy formula was prepared based on the direction given by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development in 1992 E.C. and taking into account both the experiences achieved at home and abroad.
Various discussion forums have been organized in a bid to give an idea on the new subsidy budget formula to the concerned parties.
The Committee, however, said the subsidy budget formula couldn't be approved as there are some points that should be considered.
The Committee has proposed the subsidy budget formula to be used in the transition period of the fiscal year 1997 E.C. as the states have been notified the subsidy that they would receive in figures in the budget year.
Seyoum holds talks with Qatari Emir
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin met and held discussions with the Qatari Emir Sheik Hamad bin Kalif Altan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
During talks held at the Alwajibah Palace yesterday, the two sides exchanged views on ways of further consolidating the cooperation between the two countries, the ministry said.
The Qatari Emir said on the occasion his country was ready to further consolidate its ties with Ethiopia in various fields.
He said the agreements that were in the process of opening embassy offices in each others countries should be signed as soon as possible and implemented.
The Emir also disclosed his interest to visit Ethiopia in due course, the ministry said.
On the occasion, Foreign Minister Seyoum has delivered the message of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi to the Qatar Emir.
Seyoum told the Qatari Emir that Ethiopia was desirous to establish a relation based on mutual trust and the benefit of the peoples of the two countries.
He said Ethiopia was keen to strengthen cooperation with Qatar in various sectors, adding that invited the Qatari investors to take part in the development endeavour of his country.
The Qatari Assistant Foreign Minister, Mohammed Abdulah Arumahi and other government officials welcomed Seyoum Mesfin upon arrival in Doha on Tuesday.
The Qatari First Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheik Jobir bin Yusuf Jasim Altan hosted a dinner in honour of the Ethiopian official.
Seyoum said on the occasion, despite the longstanding tie existed between the two countries, there relation was not as desired.
He said his present visit to Qatar would promote the relations of the two countries to a new height.
The Qatari First vice Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Sheik Jabir Bin Yusuf Jasim Altani also said it was the interest of his country to strengthen its cooperation in the economic sector with Ethiopia.
He said the two countries should work hard to sign the agreements that were at their initial stages, adding that priority should be given to the investment protection and promotion, avoidance of double taxation, free movement of personnel, civil aviation and air transport agreements.
Accordingly, a high level Qatari government and business delegation would visit Ethiopia in the coming September, which would be followed by the first vice Prime Minister and minister of foreign affairs.
The two officials have also exchanged views on the situation in the Horn of Africa and developments in the Gulf region.
The Qatari official said Ethiopia has established durable peace and embarked on economic development after years of internecine civil war.
The measures taken by the incumbent Ethiopian government are clear indications of the importance attached to attract the flow of foreign capital, he said.
Seyoum said Ethiopia attaches importance to the peaceful policy of the Qatari Government based on tolerance and equality, adding that the two countries should work to widen the scope of their cooperation.
Similarly, the Ethiopian Foreign Affairs Minister met and held discussions with the Qatari business delegation led by the president of trade and industry council of that country.
Seyoum also held talks with the vice general manager of the Qatari Civil Aviation on ways to sign agreements on aviation and air transport.
Accordingly, the two sides agreed the Qatari delegation to visit Ethiopia and conduct a study to establish direct flights between Addis Ababa and Doha.
Foreign Minister Seyoum is expected to hold talks today with the Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Minister of Finance and Economic Cooperation.
Gambella Police resolve to expose members involved in recent violence
GAMBELLA (ENA) - Members of the Gambella Police resolved to expose and bring before the court of law those police members who were involved in the recent violence in the state.
They decided that they should expose those members of the police who were engaged in destabilizing the peace and security of the people as well as the killing of innocent civilians by siding with anti-peace and people elements during the violence in the state.
The members made the commitment at the conclusion Tuesday of a three-day Peace and Rehabilitation Conference held in Gambella town.
Pointing out that the members of the state police are responsible for absence of good governance in the state next to the members of the state administration, the members would actively participate in the evaluation.
They also expressed their readiness to ensure the supremacy of the law in the state and professional ethics by siding with the government and people.
They pointed out that there are certain members of the police forces in the state who are addict and corrupt and added that they would strive to take measures on such members.
Council to assist AAU to develop Arabic Language Department
ADDIS ABABA - In the framework of the efforts to enlarge, diversity and consolidate the relationships between Ethiopia and Arab countries, the council of Arab Ambassadors in Addis Ababa has decided to assist the Addis Ababa University in developing the department of Arabic Language.
According to Arab League Office press release, the Council considers that the development of cultural relations between Ethiopia and Arab countries is a main key in strengthening the whole relations between the two, the release said.
The modest contribution presented to the department of Arabic Language amounts 137,918.45 birr the release said. It includes in particular a personal contribution from His Excellency Mr. Amr. Moussa, the Secretary General of Arab League, the release added.
In addition, the Council had undertaken initiative towards Arab institutions working in cultural field. The latest might be able to act more significantly in order to meet the essential needs of the university, basically those related to libraries, training and education, the release said.
JICA, EARO launch Farmers Research Group Project
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The technical cooperation agreement on the project for strengthening technology development, verification, transfer and adoption through Farmers Research Groups (FRGs) was signed between Japan International cooperation Agency (JICA) and its Ethiopian counterparts here Tuesday.
According to press release JICA sent to ENA yesterday, the cooperation agreement was signed between JICA director, Naoki Saito and Dr. Abera Deressa, Director General of the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization (EARO) and Ali Hussien, Director General of Oromia Agricultural Research Institute (OARI).
According to the press release, the five-year project will be supervised by EARO and implemented by the Federal Melkasa Agricultural Research Center and Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Centre of Oromia State, both are located in the East Shoa Zone of Oromia State.
The main objective of the project is to increase the agricultural productivities through improving the linkage among researchers, development agents, and farmers of FRGs, according to the press release.
It said currently, 18 FRGs are functioning under the two research centers, dealing with cereals, vegetables, fruits, livestock, etc.
FRG activity is expected that the researchers understand farmers' needs more precisely on the ground and develop more appropriate technology for the farmers, it said.
According to the press release, the farmers as well as development agents are also expected to verify the introduced technology and feedback the results to the researchers, adding that farmer-to-farmer extension is also expected as part of FRG activities.
It said Naoki Saito, explained that the project is part of JICA's agriculture and food security programme
...
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - UNICEF disclosed desire to provide support to the health facilities built in the resettlement areas, its Executive Director said.
During talks here yesterday with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, Carol Bellamy said her organization was willing to work in cooperation with the government to improve the provision of safe drinking water and health facilities in the areas where the resettlement programmes are undertaken.
She said the UN agency has the desire to work in cooperation with the Ethiopian Government to the successful implementation of the various programmes launched in the country.
The Executive Director said UNICEF has plans to increase its support to children orphaned due to HIV/AIDS and improve the provision of water.
Prime Minister Meles said on his part that his government was ready to support the initiatives of the UN agency aimed at improving the health service facilities in the resettlement sites.
He also lauded the cooperation of UNICEF and the government as encouraging, adding that the support of the UN agency has registered satisfactory results.
The two sides have also exchanged views on ways to raise females' enrolment in the educational institutions of the country.
They also discussed about the measures taken to alleviate the sufferings of children orphaned due to HIV/AIDS.
The Prime Minister also told Bellamy that activities were underway to supply antiretroviral drugs and others services to the rural people with affordable price, according to an official with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who attended the discussion.
In a related news, during talks with the Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Commission (DPPC), Simn Mechale yesterday, Bellamy said the constructive measures taken by the incumbent government have saved the lives of citizens from the impact of the 2003 drought.
She said that measure has been exemplary for the rest of the countries in the continent to reduce the impacts of natural calamities.
The director said as mothers and Children are the most vulnerable segments of the society they should be given due attention in the provision of food supplies, adding that the preparedness of the commission should be also supported by the facilities of health, water, education and availability of nutritious food.
She said UNICEF would provide support to improvement of the provision of water and health services.
Simon on his part said the commission has been strengthening its capacity from time to time in the distribution of relief assistance.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director said developing countries need to be pragmatic to changing the promises they are making to creating favourable condition for the education of children.
Briefing reporters here yesterday Bellamy said developing countries including those in Africa need to exert efforts to educating children, especially girls.
The Executive Director said increasing the enrolment of girls in schools would have a dramatic effect for African countries in addressing the problems of poverty and health.
She said Ethiopia has been selected for UNICEF's '25 by 2005' campaign, a major initiative to eliminate gender disparities in primary and secondary education in 25 priority countries by the year 2005.
Partner organizations need to strengthen their support to protecting girls from the infection of HIV/AIDS alongside increasing their participation to 50 per cent from the existing 20 per cent, Bellamy said.
Ethiopian Long Distance Running Champion and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Berhane Adere said on her part that special attention need to be given to raising the participation of girls in education.
Education has an important role to be successful in every aspect, Berhane said.
Meanwhile, Bellamy visited students attending class in Dejazmach Wondyirad Primary School located in Kotebe area here in Addis.
School Director Kinfe Alula told Bellamy that there was an impediment in the learning and teaching process in the school established six decades ago as the classrooms were constructed with mud while desks and other school furniture of the school were also broken.
The director presented portable boards, pencils and erasers to female students after visiting the school.
Bellamy said her agency would exert efforts to provide support to the school.
UNICEF has provided 5,000 portable boards with pencils and erasers for 25 selected schools in Addis Ababa to increase the participation of female students.
Ethiopia, China sign memorandum of understanding
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopia and China has signed a memorandum of understanding that would enable the latter to transfer drought technology to the former and work in other areas of agricultural development, Chinese delegation head said.
Chinese Agriculture Vice-Minister and Head of the delegation, Liu Jian said according to the agreement the bilateral cooperation between the two countries in agricultural sector would be further strengthened.
Jian made the statement up on departure at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport concluding his five-day working visit to Ethiopia Wednesday.
The agreement would also enable Ethiopia and China to cooperate in the areas of crop protection, fishery resources development, agricultural marketing and agro-industry and investment, among others, Jian said.
He said China would transfer its technological know-how on rice, silk and horticultural development as well as biotechnology and pesticides development sectors.
According to the agreement, the government of China would train 15 Ethiopia technicians in drought technology in its country.
The two sides have also agreed to form a joint technical committee in charge of following up and evaluating the implementation of the agreement, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The Committee will hold joint meeting once in a year or every two years, according to the agreement.
While here, the eight-member Chinese delegation, which arrived here last Saturday, had talks with Agriculture and Rural Development State Minister, Belay Ejigu and visited the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization.
Ethiopia demands Italian Gov't to submit facts on two former gov't officials' death
ADDIS ABABA - The Ethiopian Government has demanded the Italian Government to submit, in the shortest time possible, facts gathered in a clear and an unambiguous manner and backed by evidence in the death of two former government officials, Ato Hailu Yimenu and Lt. General Tesfaye Gebre-Kidan who were offered sanctuary in its embassy here along with other officials before EPRDF forces took control of Addis on May 28,1991, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
In a press statement issued Wednesday, the ministry also said that to continue with the investigation initiated to fully arrive at a conclusion on what transpired on June 2,2004 within the embassy compounds, the two individuals still sheltered there Col-Berhanu Bayeh and Major Addis Tedla should be handed over to the Ethiopian Government.
The statement said: "Harbouring criminals that are to face trial on genocide and war crimes does not only contravene international conventions by is also encouraging further criminal acts to be committed."
In view of the good bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Italy and also from the point of view of international law, the Italian Government and its embassy should understand that facilitating further crimes to be committed by these people who are enjoying the sanctuary of the embassy, cannot and should not be allowed to continue, it said.
According to the statement, the Ethiopian Government would like to see this matter settled in an amicable and transparent manner reflecting the spirit of the long-standing friendship between the two countries.
Although, the Italian Government was repeatedly asked to hand over the former officials to the Ethiopian Government, it refused to do so by insisting on getting assurances from the latter that they would not be sentenced to death for they are alleged to have committed genocide and war crimes.
Zambians here to study Ethiopian federal system
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Members of the Zambian Constitutional Commission say their country was keen to learn from the experiences of the Ethiopian Federal Government.
Discussing with MPs and House Speaker, Dawit Yohannes here yesterday, they said Zambia has an interest in the federal system of government.
They said Zambia was considering learning from the experiences of a number of countries among which Ethiopia is one as it has been operating under the federal system.
The commission members who were here to learn from the experiences of constitutional process of Ethiopia briefed Dawit and MPs on the Zambian system of government.
Briefing the team about the system of government in Ethiopia after 19th century, Dawit on his part said it was alien to the rulers to think about the participation of the public in the formulation of the state prior to the assumption of power by the ruling EPRDF.
He said the people of Ethiopia have paid heavy sacrifices to bring the demise of the military government and establish a democratic system.
The constitutional expression by the nations and nationalities ensured the protection of individual and democratic rights as well as the ethnic groups to express themselves and the right to self-determination, which brought a solution to the 30 years civil war.
He said, in the early 1991 there were over 16 liberation movements which currently we don’t have even one except those elite groups in the US and Europe.
Dawit told the Zambians that a constitution should be designed to reflect the aspirations of the majority of the people and go beyond the temporary desires of the political parties.
The team met and held discussions also with government officials and opposition party leaders.
Netsanet says equal media access to women question of democracy
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ensuring equal media access to women is an issue of democracy and development, Information Ministry State Minister Netsanet Asfaw said.
Closing the two-day workshop "Improving the Participation and Access of Women to the Media here yesterday, the State Minister said that women couldn't participate fully toward development unless the media is accessible to women.
Netsanet said professionals in the field should do their level best to discharge their responsibility toward accessing the media to women.
Women living in remote areas of the country dot not have adequate access to timely information due to inequitable distribution of the media, she said.
Hence, she said, women should struggle in unison for their democratic and human rights.
The two-day workshop, jointly organized by the Ethiopian Media Women's Association and Freiderich Ebert Foundation, attracted women drawn from the mass media, governmental offices and non-governmental organizations.
Gambella State Prisons Administration Head removed
GAMBELLA (ENA) - The Cabinet of the Gambella State Council decided Thursday that head of the state's Prisons Administration Utow Uwere to be removed from his post, the state Justice and Administration Affairs Bureau said.
Bureau Head Umed Ubang said yesterday the former head has helped prisones held on suspicion of being members of anti-peace elements to escape from jail.
The role of the former head had been confirmed by participants of the ongoing conference of members of police and prison administration.
Active public participation said crucial for successfully hosting AU 3rd Regular Summit
ADDIS ABABA - The Ministry of Information said Ethiopia is engaged in various activities to successfully host the upcoming 3rd Regular Summit of the African Union (AU) to be held from 6-8 July 2004.
In its weekly statement issued yesterday the ministry said, a national committee in charge of coordinating preparatory activities to host the summit has been established and finalized most of its activities.
The responsibility vested upon our country by member states to host the summit is a source of pride and encouragement to consolidate and continue exerting persistent efforts for the success of the African Union, the released said.
It is imperative for all members of the society in general, and metropolitans in particular to intensify and continue their ongoing activities of cleaning and beatifying the city, the put security arrangements at top gear and to offer Ethiopia's renowned hospitality to our guests, it said.
The Government of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE), appreciative of the ongoing preparatory activities of the public, governmental and non-governmental organizations to receive the distinguished delegates of the summit with great joy and hospitality, is committed to strengthen and continue to extend its unreserved support to the AU, it said.
Ensuring copyrights said instrumental in improving artistes' livelihood
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ensuring copy and related rights is instrumental in improving the livelihood of people engaged in the area, Science and Technology Commissioner and Patent Right Office Director said.
Science and Technology Commissioner Mulugeta Amha, and Patent Right Director Getachew Mengiste said creative works play a significant role in the socio-economic development activities and that the rights in the stated area have to be protected legally.
Mulugeta and Getachew made the remark during a public hearing on a bill providing for the protection of copy and related rights at the House of Peoples' Representatives here yesterday.
The bill was formulated to ensure the respect of copy and related rights, they said.
They said so far copy and related rights are protected more or less by the 1950 E.C. Civil Code, which said, lacks clarity and is full of ambiguity that has resulted in the violation of the stated rights.
The violation of copy and related rights has forced many people in the area to abandon their careers the officials said.
They said the bill has been formulated taking into consideration similar international law.
The officials gave explanations to various questions raised by the members of the Information and Cultural Affairs Standing Committee of the House regarding the rights.
UNHCR calls on Africans to create better climate for refugees
ADDIS ABABA (WIC) - The United Nations High Commissioner for Reggaes (UNHCR) said that all Africans, particularly the new generation, need to salute and join the courageous efforts of the African Union increasing better climate of peace, security and tolerance in the continent.
In an exclusive interview with WIC in connection with June 20, the World Refugee Day, Iiunga Ngandu, UNHCR Regional Liaison Representative said that building peace and security in Africa is a collective responsibility of all Africans particularly of the new generation.
The World Refugee Day is all about giving a chance to people from every place to call home, he said, and went on the state that all refugees in Africa need to be given a chance to go back and work freely in their countries of origin.
There is a window of hope for repatriating about two million refugees in nine African countries in the coming two years, he said, adding that this is believed to reduce African refugees by 50 per cent.
"The Refugee problem in Africa is not the responsibility of Africans alone. If you go back to the root causes of wars in Africa, you will see that lots of responsibilities also lie outside of Africa. Both the colonial and cold war eras have had their own legacies to the present seeds of hatred and conflicts in Africa. This, however, does not mean that we should underestimate the immediate responsibility of Africans themselves," he said.
As we celebrate the World Refugee Day tomorrow we would like to call to every African's attention that repatriation, reintegration and rehabilitation of millions of refugees, internally displaced persons, and ex-combatants has a price, Gnandu said, adding that if the international community is really committed to the causes of refugees, it should provide all the necessary support meant for post-conflict reconstructions in the continent.
It is a shame that Africans, even after 40 years of independence, are still running from the hands of their own leaders, he said, and went on to state that politicians need not use by any means their power to destroy and mime their own people.
It is because of lack of tolerance, democracy and respect of human rights that we have million of refugees today in Africa, he said.
Creating a new Africa where there are no refugees is a challenge lying ahead of all of us, he added.
Stating that UNHCR is working very closely with the AU in the prevention, management and resolutions of conflict, he said that his commission has been provides early warnings to all sub regional organizations so that they could respond immediately to the causes of refugees.
Speaking of the number of refugees in Ethiopia, the representative described it as generally good as the number has drastically declined when compared to the early 1990s. "For instance there were half a million refugees from Somalia ten years ago. This has now been brought down to 28,ooo refugees, he said, and went on to state that a number of refugees from neighbouring countries have also been repatriated home. Almost 90 per cent of refugees from Somali land have been returned home, according to him.
This is quite encouraging, he said, adding that the Parliament of Ethiopia is in the process of putting together the first ever refugee law, he said.
Though Ethiopia had ratified both the 1951 Geneva and the 1969 OAU conventions on refugees, it is, however, still looking forward to adopting the law by the end of this year, he noted.
Four million refugees are believed to exist in Africa. June 20, 2004
President Girma lauds US support to Ethiopia, Africa
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - President Girma Wolde-Giorgis has lauded the support being provided by the US Government towards maintaining peace and bring about development in the African continent including Ethiopia.
President Girma also said that Ethiopia has been contributing its share to maintaining world peace, liberty of Africa and enhancing the objectives of Africa Union (AU).
Girma made the remark while delivering a speech to people attending Leon Sullivan Foundation's annual prize award ceremony held in Washington D.C. last Thursday.
He also urged the US and other developed nations to further strengthen their support to Ethiopia and Africa.
US National Security Advisor Gonzalez Susan Rice, and Senator and former US President First Lady, Hilary Clinton received the Foundation's prize for their outstanding contributions in the education and administration sectors.
Final phase of metropolis' Ring Road construction completed
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The first and the second phases of work on the construction of the city's Ring Road have fully been finalized, the Addis Ababa Roads Authority said.
Authority General Manager Fekade Haile told ENA yesterday that the road would be officially handed over by the contractor, the Chinese Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) to the Authority today.
Fekade said the road linking Megenagna and the Imperial Hotel would also be open for traffic same day.
Organizations and individuals who have outstanding contributions for the successful completion of the Ring Road would be awarded prizes and certificates.
Senior government officials, including Mayor of the Addis Ababa City, Arkebe Equbay would attend the opening ceremony of the road for traffic, Fekade said.
Over 715 million birr was spent on the construction of the 33-km Ring Road, according to Fekade.
EFJA says committed to provide better professional services to public
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - Ethiopia has designed sound macro-economic policy that could raise the country from the quagmire of poverty, Deputy Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said.
During talks held with Standing Committee members of the House of Peoples Representatives yesterday, Anupam Basu said he has seen many promising activities taking place in Ethiopia.
He said the measures taken by the country to ensure food security are moving in the right direction and would bring tangible results in due course.
The deputy director said the joint efforts of the government and the international community have enabled to withstand the ill effects of the drought of last year.
Basu said the growth of the agriculture sector in the country during the last 30 years was sluggish, adding that it has shown a marked difference in the recent years.
He said Ethiopia could ensure food security provided that the efforts exerted are sustainable and the root causes of the recurrent drought are effectively addressed.
The deputy director said he was also briefed on the measures taken in the construction of the health and educational facilities as well as in the provision of safe drinking water.
He said the efforts exerted to produce skilled manpower were really promising and could greatly contribute to the development of the country.
Basu said increasing the volume of export commodities both in quality and diversity could enable to stabilize the price and reduce the rate of inflation.
The deputy director said IMF would continue assisting Ethiopia with especial emphasis on budgetary support, small-scale and financial institutions.
He said Ethiopia has met all the requirements set by the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries initiative (HIPC) and it will not be required to meet other conditions.
IMF Country Representative Alexander Keyl said the House has been a great help for him whenever necessary.
Keyl, who completed his tenure in Ethiopia, said the bureau was always ready to strengthen its relation with the House in the years ahead.
Wabi-Shebele River Basin integrated Master Plan Study carried out
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The Wabi-Shebele River Basin Integrated Master Plan Study was carried out as part of the country's river basins study programme, a chief economist with the Ministry f Water Resources said.
Mohammed Abdul-Wehab said the implementation of the strategy has been prepared for the completed river basin master plans.
Mohammed was speaking at the opening of a two-day workshop organized to evaluate the Wabi-Shebele River Basin Integrated Master Plan Study Projects Phase III Report yesterday.
He said a legal and institutional framework for establishing Basin Development Authorities is underway.
"The basin contains vast unutilized land and considerable water resources. The livestock and wildlife resources of the basin require systematic planning and urgent intervention," he said.
Mohammed said there is an enormous potential for hydropower, irrigation and hydrocarbon energy development.
The government has spent a considerable amount of its resources from the limited available capital outlay for the preparation of the River Basin Development Master Plan, according to Mohammed.
Project Manager Mekonnen Worku said on his part that the study was aimed at preparing a master plan, which could bring about a tangible change.
The manager said the project study was conducted at a cost of over 37.5 million birr allocated by the government.
Prof. Pankhurst receives OBE title
ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The noted British historian on Ethiopia, Prof. Richard Pankhurst, received the title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours' list, for his services to advance Ethiopian studies, according to Deutsche Press Agentur.
Pankhurst, 75, was notified by the British Embassy in Addis Ababa, his residence of 60 years. The honour was in recognition of the importance of Ethiopian Studies, he told Deutsche Press-Agentur (DPA).
Pankhurst has taught at the Addis Ababa University since 1956 and helped establish the institute of Ethiopian Studies in 1960 at the Haile-Selassie I University.
In 1973, he won the Haile-Sellassie International Prize for Ethiopian Studies for a series of books on the history and economy of the country.
Pankhurst has been an activist for Ethiopian causes for decades. He is the grandson of the noted 19th and 20th century English suffragists, emmeline and Sylvia Pnakhurst, the latter an activist against Ethiopia's 1936-41 invasion and occupation by Benito Mussolini's Italian fascist forces.
In recent years, Pankhurst has been campaigning for the return of the Axum Obelisk, one of the several solid granite stelae erected as grave markets for the kings' of ancient Ethiopia in the ancient Northern city of Axum some 2000 years ago, which was taken to Rome as war booty in 1937.
Pankhurst also founded AFROMET, the Association for the Return of Ethiopian Treasures Looted from Maqdala in 1861, when British forces fought with Emperor Teowdros of Ethiopia to free British and other European arrested by the king.
Among the treasures looted are six priceless manuscripts of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church which are now kept at Windsor Castle, according to DPA.
Italian Embassy says no to Derg officials' hand-over
ADDIS ABABA - The Italian Embassy said that Italy is obliged to deny the Ethiopian Government request to hand over two Derg officials based on what it said applicable principles of international law according to Article 10 of the country's Constitution.
A press release the embassy issued Saturday, 19 June 2004, said that the European Legislation on human rights as interpreted by the Strasbourg Court, principles affirmed is sentences of the 2nd Voluntary Protocol of the International Agreement on Civil and Political Rights regarding the abolishment of the death penalty prevent the acceptance of the request.
According to the release, Lt. General Tesfaye Gebre-Kidan suddenly passed away within the embassy compound late in the evening of 2nd June 2004. It further indicated that the Embassy has provided the relevant 'Ethiopian authorities' all the available information on the circumstances of his death.
Full text of the release follows.
Late in the evening of 2nd June 2004, Tesfaye Gebre-Kidan, one of the three former officials who had taken refuge in the Italian Embassy in Addis Ababa in 1991, following the change in the Ethiopian political regime, suddenly passed away within the compound of the Italian Embassy.
>From the outset, the Italian Embassy has provided to
the relevant Ethiopian authorities all the available information on the circumstances of the death, also handing over a copy of the certificate issued by the appointed physician of the Embassy and informing the relevant authorities of what had happened.
The Italian Embassy, responding to a request of the Ethiopian authorities, has agreed - based on the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations - to allow experts of the Ethiopian Federal Police to conduct an on-the-spot investigation, with modalities to be agreed upon, in the premises where Tesfaye resided.
While there modalities were being defined, the Ethiopian authorities decided to make public declaration which had prevailed until then, reiterating in unacceptable terms, the old question of the persons who had taken refuge in the Embassy.
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs points out that the Ethiopian Authorities are well aware of the position of Italy in this issue. Italy is obliged to deny the request to handover the other two officials on the basis of applicable principles of international law according to Article 10 the Italian Constitution; European Legislation on human rights as interpreted by the Strasbourg Court; principles affirmed in sentences of the Italian Constitutional Court.
The acceptance of the Ethiopian request is also prevented by the 2nd Voluntary Protocol of the International Agreement on Civil and Political Rights regarding the abolishment of the death penalty.
The two former officials are accused in Ethiopia of crimes for which the death penalty is provided for. In the above-mentioned declaration, it has been confirmed that "the Ethiopian Government cannot guarantee the exclusion of the death penalty for persons accused of genocide and war crimes."
==================================== Pol.ethiopia June 22,2004 ==========================
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