Ethiopian ruling EPRDF, opposition hold constructive talks – statement

Oct 5, 2005 (ADDIS ABABA) — Talks between the Ethiopian ruling party EPRDF and the two main opposition parties, CUD and UEDF was done in a constructive spirit, the respective parties said in a joint statement issued here on Wednesday.

In a brief statement read out by Bereket Simon, representative of EPRDF, Berhanu Nega of CUD and Beyene Petros of UEDF, it was pointed out that the parties have discussed two issues.

They said the first is related to the rules of engagement in which the parties said we all (the three parties) have contributed positively and agreed up on.

The three parties have also identified eight agenda items to be discussed, they said.

The discussion was done in a constructive spirit and it will continue tomorrow, they added.

(ENA/ST)