Ethiopian billionaire wins libel action in UK

London, 7-30-2011 An Ethiopian-born billionaire has won £175,000 in libel damages over allegations he had hunted his daughter down so she could be stoned to death.
Mohammed Hussein Al-Amoudi was born in Ethiopia, but now spends his time at homes in central London, Surrey and Saudi Arabia.The article was published on the online news website Ethiopian Review.Judge Richard Parkes QC said it was difficult to imagine more serious allegations.The site's publisher and editor-in-chief, Elias Kifle, had denied liability.The judge said that instead of apologising Mr Kifle had repeated the libel and abused Mr al-Amoudi and his lawyers.The High Court in London heard Mr Kifle's response to the initial complaint was: "Here is my formal statement: Screw yourself".The court heard Mr Kifle then went on to describe Mr al-Amoudi as a "scumbag bloodsucker" who was "funding al-Qaeda".Mr al-Amoudi, 65, gave evidence during the libel trial that he was completely opposed to all forms of terrorism.
The judge said the site alleged that Mr al-Amoudi had "disgracefully and callously" married off his daughter Sarah, then 13, to an elderly member of the Saudi royal family as a gift. 'Wholly untrue' The article went on to claim that Mr al-Amoudi was probably responsible for murdering his daughter's lover in Iraq and had hunted his daughter and granddaughter across London in an attempt to ensure they were stoned to death in Saudi Arabia. Mr al-Amoudi told the court he was horrified by the "wholly untrue" article which could be seen by visitors to the website between January and August 2010, when it was finally taken down.Mr al-Amoudi, who has a son and seven daughters, said he had a normal relationship with Sarah, who was not married.
e said she had completed a business administration degree in the UK. Assessing damages, the judge said: "The claimant is not, I judge, a man who wears his heart on his sleeve."But his distress as he described the effect of the article on himself and on his family was evident to me, and the more so because, as it seemed to me, he was doing his best to preserve his composure."Mr al-Amoudi, who was in the top 50 of Forbes magazine's 2009 rich list, is believed to have made his money in construction, oil refineries and mining.Mr al-Amoudi, who is of mixed Ethiopian and Arab heritage, is sometimes described as the world's richest black man.He was recently reported to be financing the building of Saudi Arabia's first car factory.(bbc news)

Exclusive: Eritrea behind AU summit attack plot, U.N. says

NAIROBI July 28, 2011- Eritrea was behind a plot to attack an African Union summit in Ethiopia in January and is bankrolling al Qaeda-linked Somali rebels through its embassy in Kenya, according to a U.N. report.

A U.N. Monitoring Group report on Somalia and Eritrea said the Red Sea state's intelligence personnel were active in Uganda, South Sudan, Kenya and Somalia, and that the country's actions posed a threat to security and peace in the region.

"Whereas Eritrean support to foreign armed opposition groups has in the past been limited to conventional military operations, the plot to disrupt the African Union summit in Addis Ababa in January 2011, which envisaged mass casualty attacks against civilian targets and the strategic use of explosives to create a climate of fear, represents a qualitative shift in Eritrean tactics," the report obtained by Reuters said.

The plan was to attack the AU headquarters with a car bomb as African leaders took breaks, to blow up Africa's largest market to "kill many people" and attack the area between the Prime Minister's office and the Sheraton Hotel -- where most heads of state stay during AU summits.

The U.N. said while past Eritrean support for rebel groups in both Somalia and Ethiopia had to be seen in the context of an unresolved border dispute with Addis Ababa, the new approach was a threat to the whole of the Horn and east Africa.

"The fact that the same Eritrean officers responsible for the planning and direction of this operation are also involved, both in supervisory and operational roles, in external operations in Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda, Somalia and Sudan implies an enhanced level of threat to the region as a whole."

Asmara has repeatedly denied any involvement in funding rebel groups in the region. In June, it rejected claims it had anything to do with the Addis Ababa bomb plot as "nonsensical remarks" with no legal basis.

No official comment was immediately available from the Eritrea government on the U.N. report.

The U.N. has slapped an arms embargo on the Red Sea state, as well as a travel ban and an assets freeze on Eritrean political and military leaders who it says are violating an arms embargo on Somalia.

"MAKE ADDIS ABABA LIKE BAGHDAD"

Ethiopian intelligence officials uncovered the plot to set off multiple bombs in Addis Ababa at the AU summit, an event typically attended by more than 30 African leaders, in January this year.

The U.N. report said all but one of the people arrested received all their training and orders directly from Eritrean officers. The other detainee was also in regular contact with an Ethiopian rebel group, the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF).

"Although ostensibly an OLF operation, it was conceived, planned, supported and directed by the external operations directorate of the Government of Eritrea, under the leadership of General Te'ame," the report said.

The equipment seized included C4 plastic explosives in food sacks, gas cylinders, detonators and a sniper rifle.

General Te'ame told one of the plotters that the plan was to make "Addis Ababa like Baghdad," according to the report.

However, in an interview with U.N. investigators, one of the men arrested, Omar Idriss Mohamed, said the aim was not to kill African leaders but to show them that Ethiopia was not safe.

"By so doing, some people may start to listen to what Eritrea is saying about Ethiopia. Some Arab States will be sympathetic to this view," he was quoted as saying.

According to the U.N. report, Omar is an OLF member who was approached by the Eritrean security services though Colonel Gemachew. Omar, who visited Eritrea in 2009 and 2010, became the Addis team leader for the plot.

The U.N. report included a letter from Romania confirming a sniper rifle found in the possession of one of the bomb plotters had been sold to Eritrea in 2004.

The report included slips showing payments to the plotters in Addis Ababa through money transfers. The plotters told the U.N. that an Eritrean colonel had arranged for the transfers via intermediaries in Sudan and Kenya.

Ethiopia routinely accuses Asmara of supporting rebel groups. In a shift of policy, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi declared in April it would support Eritrean guerrillas fighting to overthrow President Isaias Afewerki.

The report also included copies of payments slips from Eritrean officials in Kenya's capital Nairobi to known members of Somali rebel group al Shabaab. It said the payments were to the tune of $80,000 a month.

"The Monitoring Group has obtained documentary evidence of Eritrean payments to a number of individuals with links to al Shabaab," the report said.

"The documents obtained were received directly from the embassy of Eritrea in Nairobi, including payment vouchers marked 'State of Eritrea'," the report said.

"The embassy of Eritrea in Nairobi continues to maintain and exploit a wide network of Somali contacts, intelligence assets and agents of influence in Kenya." (Reuters)

Indian enterprise to set up $30 mn cancer centre in Ethiopia

Ethiopia, 7-25-2011 An Indian healthcare enterprise plans to construct a cancer care centre in Ethiopia at a cost of over $30 million. Dinesh Madhavan, marketing director of HealthCare Global Enterprises (HCG), an Asian cancer care network which is headquartered in India's Bangalore city, said the construction of the centre will help cancer patients in Ethiopia to get better treatment.

Madhavan said the enterprise will train and educate doctors, nurses and paramedical staff in the latest advances in treatment and management of cancer. HCG focuses exclusively on cancer in India.

HCG's vision is to make high quality cancer care accessible by adopting global innovations to all segments of the society, he said.

An agreement was reached between HCG and the African Union to start cancer care treatment through video conferencing in all member states two years ago, said Madhavan who added that the enterprise has started providing cancer care through videoconferencing in the Black Lion Specialized Hospital in Ethiopia.

Not just in healthcare, India is a leading private sector investor in Ethiopia with investments of $4.35 billion. Over 450 Indian companies are currently operating in Ethiopia.

Indian investors are now being engaged in various sectors, from flower market and agriculture sectors they have moved to manufacturing, agro processing, information technology (IT) and other sectors.

Sridhar P.S., an Indian doctor from HCG who is on a mission to help treat cancer patients in the country, said that Ethiopia has a huge number of breast cancer patients.

"We are here to treat cancer patients with new technology that can scan the entire body. We can detect cancer in its early stages which increases the chance for a cure," Sridhar said.

Sridhar, who is on his second visit to Ethiopia, told IANS: "The reason we came here is that cancer patients should not go from place to place for treatment unless special medication is required. Cancer is very painful. Traveling abroad for people traumatised by cancer is a double burden. It is good if the specialist comes to them."

"Brain tumors and prostate cancer in men above the age of 55 and uterus cervical cancers in women are common in Ethiopia. The cure is possible if identified in the early stage. For this we need to educate the people to get checked time and again," he added.

Cervical cancer ranks as the most common cancer among women in East Africa. It also causes a higher mortality rate in the region.

Explaining how HCG treats people regardless of their ability to pay, Sridhar said: "In India we don't let people go back untreated if they don't have the money. Primarily all patients are patients regardless of their income. They must get the treatment at any cost. There is the credit system in which people pay in an installment basis. So we have to establish that kind of arrangement for patients."

HCG's vision here is to provide use of new technologies like installing radiation treatment and establishing Intensity Modulated Radio Therapy (AMRT). With targeted treatment, radiation and targeted therapy, it is possible to make cancer a controllable disease.

WHO figures indicates that cancer causes about 12.5 percent of all deaths worldwide, this is more than the productive life lost from HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined. New cases are expected to double within the next 20 years.

Sridhar says cancer can be tackled in Africa. The establishments of cancer centres provide affordable treatment and follow up will help alleviate the problem.

The doctor's advice: Please get screened for cancer now. If something is detected, it is better to find it in the early age rather than later.(http://www.hindustantimes.com)

Over 43 Eritrean afar youths defect to Yemen

Addis Ababa, Wednesday, 20 July 2011) – More than 43 Eritrean youths have reportedly defected to Yemen on July 14, 2011, Red Sea Afar Democratic Organization (RSADO) said. According to a statement RSADO sent to WIC, 13 of the youths are from the Eritrean navy forces while military members and civilians make up the remaining. The individuals were detained by the Eritrean government and defected upon their release on bail, the statement sent to WIC disclosed. “They were forced to take boats to cross the Red Sea fearing persecution and killing by the Eritrean government,” the statement issued by RSADO said. The organization accuses the Eritrean government for what it claims as a wide range of persecutions, tortures and killings of its own citizens forcing many to flee the country. RSADO alleged that the Eritrean government is negotiating with the Yemeni counterpart for the return of the defectors. “We appeal to the international human rights activists to intervene and save their lives,” the statement pleaded. “If the refuges stationed in Yemen are to return, they will face killings, torture by the government of Eritrea”. Due to intensified persecutions by the Eritrean government more than 80 Eritrean afar nationals had fled to Yemen between June and July 2011, RSADO disclosed. The statement, which included the names of 31 individuals between the ages of 20 to 25, called upon the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to assist Eritreans in Yemen.(waltainfo.com) 

Petroleum exploration in Ethiopia on the rise: Study

Addis Ababa, Tuesday, 19 July 2011 – A study conducted by the Ministry of Mines (MoM) revealed that natural gas and oil exploration in the country is on the rise in recent times.   The study was presented during a symposium organized by the ministry at the conclusion of a three day exhibition that showcased Ethiopia’s mining development potentials. A 4,000 km seismic study and 100,000 Km airborne gravity and magnetic survey have been conducted so far, according to the study presented by Ketsela Tadesse (PhD), petroleum licensing and administration core process owner at MoM.nIncluding earlier natural gas discoveries in Kalub (2.7 trillion cubic feet (tcf)) and Hilala (1.3 tcf) in the eastern part of the country, a 0.766 tcf natural gas is discovered around Genale, the study revealed. Since 2005, the Mom has signed 11 petroleum profit sharing agreements and one joint survey agreement with eight international companies. Africa Oil Corporation, Calvalley petroleum Inc, South West Energy, Pexco Exploration, Tullow Oil, Epsilon Energy Ltd, Falcon Petroleum and Afar Exploration Company are engaged in exploration in the country. There are six sedimentary basins in Ethiopia, including the biggest and most explored basin of Ogaden (350,000 sqm), Abay basin (100,000 sqm), Southern Rift basin (30,000 sqm), Gambella basin (16,000 sqm), Mekele and Metema basins (10,000 sqm each). Several research papers on the country’s mining potential and investment opportunities were presented during the half day symposium held at Intercontinental Hotel, which was attended by Sinkinesh Ejigu, Minister of Mines.
 According to the minister the research papers have been presented to the international audience on different occasion but it was the first time when presented to the national audience.(waltainfo.com)

Ethiopia earns 175 Mln USD from gold, tantalum export

Addis Ababa, Monday, 18 July 2011 - Ethiopia earned 175 million dollars from the export of 3.6 tonnes of gold (153 million dollars) and 187 tonnes of tantalum (22.5 million dollars) in the fiscal year to 7 July 2011.  All the gold was exported by MIDROC Gold, a subsidiary company of MIDROC Ethiopia, Gebregzabher Mekonnen, mining licensing and supervision core process owner with the Ministry of Mines, said. According to Gebregzabher, the Ministry of Mines collected 104 million birr in royalty fees 98 million birr of which was paid by MIDROC Gold. The ministry granted this year 54 licences for mineral exploration. Three quarters of the licences are for the exploration of gold. The sole producer of tantalum in Ethiopia is the Ethiopian National Minerals Development Enterprise whose exploration site is at Kenticha, Borena.  Artisanal miners also produce tantalum in the Borena Zone. MIDROC Gold has discovered a new gold reserve around Metekel in the Benishangul Gumuz Regional State. In a related development, artisan miners produced and supplied about 7,000 kg of gold to the National Bank of Ethiopia in the fiscal year to 7 July 2011. The amount has increased by 144 percent from their output of 2,866kg of gold the previous fiscal year according to Sinkinesh Ejigu, Minister of Mines. (waltainfo.com)

S. Korean President hails Ethiopia’s economy as ‘model for Africa’

Addis Ababa, July 15,2011 – South Korean President Lee Myung-bak picked Ethiopia as a country that would be a model economy for other African countries in the near future.President Lee made the remark in a speech aired Wednesday through the radio and internet after returning to Seoul wrapping up visits to South Africa, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.The South Korean news agency, The Korea Times, quoted the president as saying: “The Ethiopian government and the people are anxious to achieve prosperity”.Lee cited what Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi had said during their summit talk that no advanced countries know how shameful Ethiopians feel when forced to ask for help.In order to differentiate South Korea Lee pointed out the nation was an aid recipient country, which became a donor onlytwo years ago.He hinted that Korea understands the situation of poor nations and how they can be self-reliant better than any other government.“Our strategy is that we will follow our own path to provide assistance to them,” Lee said. “As weunderstand the sense of shame they may feel when asking the outside world for help, we will be humble when lending our helping hands”.His remarks came amid Korea’s focusing on “a land of opportunity” for energy diplomacy.“Forget all the myths and preconceptions about the old Africa and prepare for the emerging continent,” President Lee said.Lee pledged that Korea will use a tailored approach to foster stronger ties with Africa which has enormous growth potential.“Africa today is not a war-torn or poor continent. It has a population of one billion with rich natural resources. I witnessed the rise of the large continent during my trip,” he said.“When it comes to the timing of forging a partnership with Africa, South Korea is a late starter, compared with China and other advanced nations,” said Lee.His remarks came against the backdrop of Africa’s heavy reliance on foreign aid, though massive economic assistance has been flowing into the continent.In the past, advanced countries have bolstered ties with resource-rich nations by providing foreign aid and economic assistance but it has not changed the economic reality in Africa. (The Korea Times)

Tigray investment office licenses 597 businesses with 14 bln br capital

Addis Ababa, Monday, 11 July 2011 – Tigray Regional State Investment office said it has issued investment license to 597 local and foreign investors with a combined capital of over 14 billion birr this budget year. Compared to the performance of last budget year, this year’s performance showed an increase of nearly 20 percent. According to Moges Mesfin, investment work process owner of the office, business projects have shown a six percent increase while capital soared by over 127 percent. Moges told WIC that the investors are especially engaged in agriculture, construction, hotel and tourism, industry and social service sectors. “The projects have created job opportunities to over 54,851 people,” Moges said.(waltainfo.com)
 

Ethiopian expects Boeing 787 jet delivery in March

Addis Ababa,Thursday, 07 July 2011 - Ethiopian Airlines expects to receive delivery of Boeing Co.'s (BA) new 787 Dreamliner passenger jets in March 2012, Fikre Degife, the carrier's regional director for China, said Thursday.Speaking at an aviation conference in Shanghai, Fikre said the delivery had been delayed from December as originally scheduled but "we expect them to come in March.”The African carrier has ordered 10 787s, of which four were expected in December, Fikre said.He said the aircraft would be used on routes to China and Europe."It will give us the capability to have direct flights into China. It is a long-range aircraft," Fikre added.
Source: Wall Street Journal

Korean president to arrive here tomorrow

Addis Ababa,Thursday, 07 July 2011 – South Korean President, Lee Myung-bak and his delegation will arrive in Addis Ababa for a three-day official visit.This will be the first visit to Ethiopia by South Korean President in nearly 30 years.President Lee will meet with Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and expected to discuss and share Korea's development experience, green growth strategies, agricultural collaboration, economic and trade cooperation as well as resources development.On July 9, 2011, the president will visit Addis Ababa University and meet with president of the university as well as plant seedlings on the university’s premises.
President Myung-bak will also deliver a speech to ministers, ambassadors and other invited guests at the Faculty of Business and Economics (FBE) Hall.One of the highlights of the event will be the conferring of honorary degree on the South Korean president by the Addis Ababa University. (waltainfo.com)

Ethiopia continued to register the fast growth as it has for the last five years

In 2010/11, Ethiopia continued to register the fast growth as it has for the last five years. Gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2010 (2009/10) remained strong at 8.8%. Growth is driven by the service sector (14.5%), followed by the industrial (10.2%) and agricultural (6%) sectors. Except for a rebound in fishing, the rest of the agricultural sub-sectors remained fundamentally unchanged from their levels in 2009. The service sector’s leading role is due to hotels and restaurants, financial intermediation, public services and real estate. The country continues to struggle with the macroeconomic challenges of high inflation and very low international reserves. The government’s five-year Growth and Transformation Plan was launched in 2010/11. If it is successful, the prospects for 2011 and 2012 are likely to be as positive as in 2010. The plan calls for the agriculture sector to become the major source of economic growth. Industrial growth will also be given particular attention. The government intends to promote industrialisation through increased exports and import substitution. The economy is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 10% in 2011. The agriculture sector is expected to grow by 8.1% while industry and services are expected to show an average annual growth of 20 and 11% respectively during the planned five-year period of the government.

In 2010, although growth remained strong, macroeconomic management was problematic because of the rising level of inflation and a sharp depreciation of the national currency. The government managed to contain inflation through a combination of monetary instruments, i.e. the contraction of credit and money supply growth. The government devalued the national currency by 20% in 2010 with the aim of boosting exports and raising the level of external reserves. The government intends to use monetary policy to keep inflation below 10% starting in 2011 and through the duration of its five-year plan.

Following a drop in merchandise exports in 2009 due mainly to the global economic crisis hitting demand for key traditional export commodities, exports began to bounce back slowly in 2010. Imports remained strong in 2010 at 27.2% of GDP. The government projects this figure will grow to between 30 and 35% of GDP per annum by 2015. The result is a large trade and balance-of-payment deficit. The current account balance is expected to worsen from about minus 6.4% of GDP in 2010/11 to minus 11.9% in 2011/12.

The private sector is confronted with a number of challenges including: i) a poor business environment; ii) a poorly performing judicial system that fails to address property rights and weak corporate governance; iii) a relatively undeveloped financial system; and iv) a challenging macroeconomic environment. The government has attempted to address some of these issues by passing a competition law, setting up a public-private partnership forum and attempting to control inflation in 2010. However, the large devaluation in 2010 and the introduction of price controls on 18 goods designated as “basic” at the beginning of 2011 have led to confusion in the market.

The election held in May 2010 was generally peaceful. The ruling EPRDF claimed to win all but two seats in parliament – thus controlling 99% of the Parliament. Many in the opposition have complained about the lack of political space and intimidation of their supporters by the government. Political tensions in the region remain high because of insecurity in Somalia and the uncertainty associated with the future relations of North and South Sudan following the secession of South Sudan, with which Ethiopia enjoys friendly relations so far. The Ethiopian-Eritrea border dispute remained unresolved in 2010.

Despite limited success in institutionalising democratic governance, the Ethiopian government demonstrated impressive achievements in social and human development as government spending on education, health, agriculture and roads grew at an exemplary rate. In 2010/11, Ethiopia has made significant progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In 2004/05, 38.7% of Ethiopians (about 30 million people) were poor. The figure has gone down to about 32.3% in 2009/10 and is expected to fall further to 31.0% in 2010/11. The decline in rural poverty since 1995/96 is substantial. Ethiopia is also on the right track in relation to education. Given the trend in the 1990s and the recent performance, conservative estimates show that this particular goal is achievable by 2015. However, this success may have come at the expense of quality in education. Ethiopia also appears to be on track to achieve gender parity in primary school enrolment by 2015. The country is also on track with regard to the health related MDGs such as maternal and child mortality, as well as HIV-AIDS and malaria prevention and treatment.(http://www.africaneconomicoutlook.org)

Ethiopia-Ashegoda to Include Larger Turbines

Ethiopia-7/4/2011 Wind farm project to use 1.67MW turbines in second, third phases, up from original plan of onemegawatt turbines
The contract design of the Ashegoda Wind Farm Project has been altered to include turbines generating more power in the second and third phases; the original plan was for 90 turbines to generate 90MW but now 54 turbines each generating 1.67MW will be used instead.The farm, located about 760km north of Addis Abeba in Tigray Regional State, is set to have a total electricity generation capacity of 120MW. The 30MW to be generated in the first phase will still be attained through the 30 wind turbines. However, only one wind turbine has been installed with the others in the process of being installed. While the initial date for the completion of the first phase was set for February 2011, it has now moved to September 2011.“The first phase of the project was delayed due to contract mobilisation issues,” Fisseha Gebremichael, project manager for wind projects at the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo), told Fortune. “The surveying, geotechnical, and design works also took longer than anticipated. In addition, Lahmeyer, the French consultant, failed to provide a product quality certificate.”The decision to increase the generation capacity of the turbines to be used in the later stages was made to conserve time, according to the project manager. The company is still on track to finish within the initial planned timeframe, he claimed.“The second and third phase each consisting of 45 MW is scheduled in the original contract to be completed within 10 months of each other but due to the contract amendment they could be finished sooner, Fisseha told Fortune. one megawatt turbines are 70 metres high with the diameter of the rotor blade 62 metres long. The 1.67MW are expected to be 80 metres long with the rotor blades’ diameter at 74 metres. The turnkey project of the farm (from the design to the commissioning) is being done by Vergnet SA, a French company, at 294 million dollars. Construction commenced in October 2009, after the project obtained a loan from the French Development Agency (AFD) for 69.8pc of the total projected cost. BNP-Paribas, syndicated with Societe General and CIC Bank, all of which are French banks, loaned 21.4pc and the EEPCo contributed the remaining almost nine per cent.The AFD loan is a soft loan to be paid over five years while the BNP-Paribas commercial loans are to be repaid in 11 years and 15 years. The feasibility study for the wind farm was initially done in 2006 by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), formerly GTZ, which is acting as an engineering advisor on the project. While electromechanical work is being done with machines imported from Europe, the civil work contractors are local firms. The first phase of civil construction work is being done by Rama General Contractor, while Hydro Plc is doing drilling work and Sitec Ethiopia is doing electromechanical work. Sigma Electric is constructing the high voltage (HV) substation to connect with the Mekelle–Alamata power transmission line to enter the national grid.“Since this is the first wind farm project of its kind in Ethiopia, local input is lower,” Fisseha said. “Future technological transfer and capacity building of local staff in these projects will cause subsequent wind projects to use predominantly local input.”Aside from Ashegoda, the government plans to construct another six wind farms over the five-year period of its GTP. Of these, Ayisha Wind Farm with a generation capacity of 300MW is the largest, with Debre Berhan Wind Farm and Asela Wind Farm each generating 100MW. The projects include Adama I Wind Farm and Adama II Wind Farm with a generation capacity of 51MW and 150MW, respectively, as well as Messebo/Harena Wind Farm with the capacity to generate 51MW.Wind power, although a bit more expensive than hydro power, can complement the power from dam reservoirs which thin out after the rainy season and winds begin to pick up at this time.As the generating power of dams decreases, wind power can fill the gap to act as a guarantor against power shortages, Fisseha explained. (addisfortune.com)

Senior Communist Party of China official vows to boost cooperation with Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, July 1, 2011 - A senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) pledged on Thursday to increase cooperation with the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF).  Wang Gang, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks while meeting with a delegation headed by Shiferaw Tekle-mariam, a member of the EPRDF executive committee. Shiferaw is also Ethiopia's federal affairs minister.Wang talked about China-Ethiopia relations, saying cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, culture, education and public health was expanding, and the two countries were working closely together on international and regional affairs coordination.
 "The China-Ethiopia relationship, under the framework of the Sino-Africa Cooperation Forum, has set an example for South-South cooperation," Wang added. The CPC and the EPRDF have forged a close partnership over the past years, he said. "We are willing to step up exchange and cooperation with the EPRDF on the basis of the four principles for party-to-party interaction, and continue seeking new means of exchange and cooperation in order to inject fresh vitality into the China-Ethiopia All-round Cooperative Partnership," Wang said.The four principles include "independence, complete equality, mutual respect, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs." (Xinhua)

Ethiopia: towards poverty eradication!

It was an unforgettable tragedy. Ethiopians had nix to eat. The number of deaths of children and women reached its peak in the 1974. How a paradox it is!
Despite the abundant natural resources of the country, Ethiopians had been suffering of hunger, disease and instability for years. It’s Incredible. The the entire scenario has now changed altogether. The past two decades witnessed Ethiopians are in the right truck to alleviate poverty. The country’s economy has registered a double digit growth rate for the past eight consecutive years. The life of millions of farmers has altered. Unseen in its history, a considerable number of farmers have become potential investors. Now Ethiopians have begun implementing the 5 year growth and transformation plan so as to scale up the best practices. They have been working day in day out towards alleviating poverty through harnessing the country’s natural resources like Hydro, gold, platinum, copper, potash and natural gas. Ethiopia’s hydropower generating potential is more than 45 thousand MW. That is why the government has been investing largely on hydroelectric power. It’s also incredible that a country that had been suffering of hunger for decades able to finance huge projects like the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. As part and parcel of of its 5 Year Growth and Transformation plan, Ethiopia has determined to raise the current 2000 MW generating capacity to 10,000 MW.
The Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which recently launched, has the greatest contribution. In this regard no Ethiopian with a healthy mind opposes efforts exerted to make poverty a history. This is the time for citizens at home and abroad to come together and work hand in hand.
All Ethiopians are expressing their readiness and capabilities to realize the historical hydroelectric project on the Nile River.
The Diaspora in Ethiopia said, there inevitably comes a time when one finds it difficult to remain silent for historical, psychological, and political and socio economic reasons. We, Ethiopians, stand together and work harder to realize the renaissance of our motherland. Successful implementation of the Renaissance Dam could meaningfully pave ways for the eradication of poverty and ensuring sustainable economic growth; thereby, opening a new chapter in the economic history of Ethiopia. (waltainfo.com)

Ethiopian Human Rights commission expands reach, opens six branch offices

Addis Ababa, July 2, 2011– In a bid to expand its reach, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) opened six new branch offices in different parts of the country.
Upon the approval of a proposal presented to the House of Peoples’ Representatives, the EHRC opened the first of its six branches in Hawassa, Bahr Dar, Mekelle, Jimma, Gambella and Jijiga towns.According to Berhanu Abadi, communication information directorate director at EHRC, the locations were selected based on a survey conducted in all the nine regions as well as in Dire Dawa city council. “Hiring of qualified personnel is finalized in many of the new branches and works have commenced as of this month,” Berhanu told WIC in an exclusive interview.
The director said the commission also plans to further expand its reach by opening another seven new branch offices starting from the next budget year. In line with its quest to expand its reach, the commission has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with law schools of 16 state run universities, six national civil societies and women’s associations of three regional states - Amhara, Tigray and SNNP. “Through these institutions the commission will place itself in a closer proximity with citizens, especially the disadvantaged,” Berhanu said. Established five years ago, EHRC focused its activities during the formative stage on creating awareness of citizens on issues of human rights and democracy. The director said that the commission is finalizing a new five year strategic plan.(waltainfo.com)

Ethiopian Diaspora investment reaches 19.4 billion birr

Addis Ababa, July 1, 2011 - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said Ethiopians in the Diaspora and foreign nationals of Ethiopian origin have invested 19.4 billion birr at home. Diaspora Information and Research Director at MoFA, Tesfaye Wolde, told WIC yesterday that over 2,235 investment projects have been registered over the past 10 years. The director indicated that the projects focused on hotels, real estates, agriculture and construction. A total of 1,141 projects are operational and the remaining 1,925 are under construction, Tesfaye said. He also added that the Diaspora’s engagement in knowledge transfer is also on the rise. “There are many Diasporas teaching in various universities of the country,” Tesfaye told WIC. Ethiopians in the Diaspora have also expressed their backing for the successful completion of the Renaissance Dam by purchasing a 100,000 USD worth bonds from the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo). Tesfaye urged Ethiopians in the Diaspora to strongly continue their participation in the country’s political, economic and social affaires. (www.waltainfo.com)