Discussions with Ethiopians living abroad successful: Ministry

Addis Ababa, April 21, 2011 (Addis Ababa) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said discussions held with Ethiopians living abroad on issues related to development were successful.

Speaking at a press conference on current affairs here on Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Hailemariam Desalegn expressed commitment of the Ethiopians living abroad to support the ongoing development activities in their homeland.

Hailemariam said the Ethiopians are ready to contribute the necessary assistance to bring about rapid development in the country.

He said in particular the Ethiopians vowed to provide support for construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam Project.

Hailemariam said readiness of those with political differences to work closely with the Ethiopian government on national affairs and development issues is encouraging.

In general the discussions held with the Ethiopians living in the USA and different European countries were fruitful.

Hailemariam said the Council of Ministers has made a decision to establish a National Council in charge of coordinating public participation for construction of the Dam.

The National Council controls appropriate utilization of the finance contributed by the public for construction of the Dam.

Regarding the US State Department’s ‘Human Rights Report 2010’ he said that the report is baseless and dubious.

The report has no credibility as 80 per cent of its content is based on compilation of fabricated stories and misleading judgments repeatedly appeared during the past years.

Responding to questions raised by journalists Hailemariam said that Ethiopia has no plan to invade Eritrea but it will give appropriate response to the destructive acts of the Eritrean government.

He said besides diplomatic efforts Ethiopia supports efforts Eritrean opposition forces in their efforts to change the government.