Democracy, good governance Ethiopia top priorities
Nov 21, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) — Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said democratization and good governance are critical elements of Ethiopia’s overall program of political, social and economic development.
The Ethiopian Foreign Ministry said Prime Minister Meles made this statement during a speech to the European Development Days held from November 15 to 17, 2006 in Belgium, Brussels.
Meles also noted that democracy is the only means of peacefully accommodating, indeed embracing the very high level of diversity in Ethiopia and hence the only means of avoiding chaos and disintegration in our country.
“Democracy is our sole means of ensuring national survival,” he added.
Ethiopia has focused on building the institutions of democratic governance and second and simultaneously on building a culture of democracy including that of the respect for the rule of law and tolerance of differing perspectives, he said.
Meles further said Ethiopia needs and wants partnership with the EU to support its Programme of democratization and promotion of good governance, Meles said, and added that democracy cannot be imposed by force of arms or brought through financial inducements.
Ethiopian Embassy in Brussels indicated that some 24 African heads of States, officials from EU members countries and other invited guests have attended the conference. The European Development Days was focused on good governance.
(ST)