Ethiopian premier in talks with US Congressman Honda

ADDIS ABABA, June 1, 2005 (ENA) — US Congressman Michael Honda said if 83 per cent of the electorate in Ethiopia participated in the election, the figure exceeds that of voters participation in the US election by 23 per cent.

Honda told journalists after talks he held with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi here on Wednesday that several international media had also reported about the popular participation of the people in the third national elections.

He expressed appreciation to the people of Ethiopia for their active participation in the election.

Honda had also mentioned that 90 per cent of registered voters in the country had turned out quoting the Chairman of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia.

The Congressman said had held constructive talks with Meles regarding the process of election and other bilateral and international issues.

Honda said the government of Ethiopia along with the people in the country is striving to change the livelihood of the people.

Honda said the activities being undertaken in the education and other sectors are showing improvement.

He also expressed his belief that the efforts under way to improve the livelihood of the people would be fruitful.

During the talks, Prime Minister Meles briefed the Congressman on the third national elections.

Meles and Honda had also exchanged views on prevailing peace situation in the Horn of Africa and other international issues, according to a spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.