Ethiopia set to host International parliamentary summit

By Tesfa-alem Tekle

April 4, 2009(ADDIS ABABA) –The assembly of the 120th Inter-parliamentary Union (IPU) will kick off in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa on April 5, 2009.

The high profile gathering which will last till April 10 is said to be a big opportunity for Ethiopia to further promote itself to the international community.

Among others Issues of democracy, human rights, Global challenges to democratic governance will be high on the agenda.

According to a statement from office of the house of people’s representatives (HPR), over 1700 participants, including 154 house speakers, parliamentary officials and delegations will take part in the summit.

On Tuesday fifteen executive members and delegations from the union’s head quarters in Geneva (Switzerland) have arrived to the capital Addis Ababa.

A 10-member delegation led by head of Chair of the British Group IPU Dr. Roger Berry, ahead of the IPU summit has paid a visit in the Northern Tigray region and discussed with the state chief, Tsegay Berhe and state council officials.

Both sides discussed on development and working systems of the regional council.

The Inter-parliamentary Union (IPU) is an international organization of parliaments of sovereign states. It was established in 1889.

The Union is the focal point for world-wide parliamentary dialogue and works for peace and co-operation among peoples and for the firm establishment of representative democracy.

(ST)