Ethiopian PM in talks with US Congressman Smith on row with Eritrea

ADDIS ABABA, Aug 15, 2005 (ENA) — American Congressman Chris Smith expressed hope that opposition parties will play a constructive role in building the nation using the seats they got in the Federal Parliament.

Briefing journalists after talks he held with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi here on Monday 15 August, Smith, who is Chairman-Africa, Global Human Rights, and International Operations, said opposition parties can play a positive role by actively participating in debates and other mutual concerns of the country peacefully.

“That is where the multi-party or two party systems is so good, Smith said.

He said he had also held discussion with the representatives of opposition parties.

During his talks with the primer, Smith said Meles had told him that the Ethio-Eritrean border dispute needs to be resolved through peaceful means.

Smith said it would be appropriate to remind the Eritrean government that the border dispute should only be resolved through discussion.

He also said the international community needs to further enhance the support it is providing to resolution of the dispute between the two countries.

Smith also pointed out that he had discussion with Meles about human rights issues.

He also said the US government gives high regard to Ethiopia.

Speaking on his part Meles told Smith that opposition parties were told that they need to accomplish their duties through legal and peaceful means.

The delegation led by Smith will visit Fistula Hospital in Addis Ababa on Tuesday 16 August.