Govt committed to transform governance tradition in Ethiopia- FM

Sept 23, 2005 (UNITED NATIONS) — Ethiopian Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin said the recent elections in Ethiopia, despite all the complications and the absence of a tradition of loyal opposition, has demonstrated the depth of commitment the government has to transform the governance tradition in Ethiopia.

In a statement he delivered at the 60th Session of the UN General Assembly on Friday, Seyoum said, the Ethiopian election stand out as a milestone in the process of democratization of the State and the society at large.

Ethiopia has entered into a new era of vibrant multi-party political system, Seyoum noted.

Speaking of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Seyoum noted that the achievement of the MDGs by those vulnerable to being thrown off track is critical to all, and not just to those directly affected.

He said it would be regrettable if targets that have so much meaning for the well-being of all are to be missed in the course of the following 10 years due to failure on the part of those directly affected or because of lack of solidarity at the international level.

Seyoum said the Ethiopian government strongly believes that the targets are neither unrealistic nor unduly ambitious.

It cannot be emphasized enough that at the end of the day those who have primary responsibility for prevailing upon extreme poverty are those that are directly affected, Seyoum said.

But, he added, Those that suffer from extreme poverty require the support of the international community to be on track to achieve the MDGs.

This would mean in concrete terms that Official Development Assistance (ODA), measures in debt relief and in the areas of trade would need to be aligned with the realization of the MDGs.

Seyoum went on to say that the Ethiopian government is encouraged by the progress made at the Gleneagles Summit of the G8 and also by the expression of commitment by some leaders at the High-level Summit, to address the current distortions on international trade including through the elimination of agricultural subsidies.

There is nothing more important for the low-income countries than a partnership which is predictable, consistent and which is based on mutual obligations defined in advance, Seyoum said.

Seyoum also noted that no amount of international cooperation would do the trick in terms of achieving the MDGs unless the domestic conditions are fulfilled in all the relevant areas.

We in Ethiopia have been doing our level best in this regard, Seyoum said, adding, We have spared no effort to change the economic situation in our country for the better.

Seyoum said its primary focus being the rural sector, Ethiopia has made relentless effort to implement the MDGs.

In the area of peace, Seyoum said, Ethiopia along with those like minded partners, will continue to be pillars for peace and stability.

On the fight against terrorism, Seyoum said, Ethiopia will continue to discharge her responsibility in cooperation with other peace loving countries.

Ethiopia rejects terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, Seyoum said, adding Ethiopia is determined to work with the international community to implement the counter-terrorism strategy.

(ENA/ST)