Ethiopia’s MPs hail discussion of 5 years development plan
May 8, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) — Ethiopian MPs from the opposition and ruling party say the discussions and debate being held on the draft Ethiopia’s Five-year Development Plan was encouraging.
The parliamentarians in their opinions published in the Sunday issue of the daily Addis Zemen, have also indicated the need for both the opposition and ruling parties to work in cooperation in the efforts to end poverty and bring about growth.
Member of the opposition Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) Bereded Zewdneh described the move to table the draft plan for discussions and debates by the parliamentarians as encouraging, and called on the Government to give attention to incorporating the suggestions being made.
According to the parliamentarian, the manner of discussions was maturing, which he said would open up the doors for better performances. “Having contributed to the richness of the plan, we can also follow its implementation as is expected from any elected member of parliament,” he said.
Member of the opposition Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement (OFDM) Mesfin Nemera said he sees strength in the fact that the supreme authority of the land was given the opportunity to debate on the development plan. He described the draft plan as sound, well-designed and practicable.
Opposition CUD member Bekele Woldemichael on his part said the discussion and debate brought forth a common issue. He said it was the first time ever in Ethiopia’s history that parliament saw such an active participation on such an important document.
According to Woldemichael, it was of immense importance to work in cooperation for the nation through free discussions.
Member of the Amhara National Democratic Movement ANDM , a member of the ruling EPRDF, Rukiya Seid Yimer on her part said that opposition members of parliament were heard saying their comments and suggestions would not be regarded. However, she said, the Government would not have initiated the forum had it not wanted to enrich the document through discussions and debates.
She expressed expectation that the opposition would carry on with their active participation in the discussions and debate and that it would be endorsed to be materialized under a common vision.
Another ANDM/EPRDF member Hassen Muhiye said anybody who can look objectively at things cannot deny that the plan is practicable to end poverty. UEDF member Gebru Gebremariam on his part said a political solution should be sought leaving differences as they are.
(ST)