Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has told the Irish delegation visiting Ethiopia, that the Federal Government would welcome observers from Ireland and other members of the international community during the 2005 Federal and Regional elections.

In a press release issued by the Irish Embassy in Addis Ababa, the delegation – which is lead by Dr Michael Woods, the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Irish Parliament – said that the invitation will be welcomed by the European Union and its member states.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Meles told the delegation that the invitation was an indication of “the government’s commitment to transparency and to consolidating the democratic process”.

The Irish delegation were in Ethiopia to view first hand how the development support from Ireland is being used, to see the political and economic structures in the country at work and to learn more of progress made in good governance and foreign relations. In particular, the delegation witnessed first hand the programmes in Tigray that receive support from Development Cooperation Ireland, through which the Irish government provides support to six African countries, including Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Lesotho and Zambia.

Dr Woods and Vice-Chairman Pat Carey, said “It is clear from what we saw happening on the ground over the past few days and the people whom we met that the work supported by Development Cooperation Ireland in Ethiopia is transforming the lives of local communities.  This is especially true in the areas of food security, watershed management, education and health.”

“What is happening in Tigray is a model which should be replicated in other regions of Ethiopia," continued the press release.

"On our return to Ireland, we will continue to urge the Irish Government to increase its overall development assistance budget, particularly the allocation for Ethiopia," pledged the parliamentary delegates.

During their visit, the delegation met Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, State Minister of Finance and Economic Development Dr. Mulu Ketsela, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Tekeda Alemu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of People's Representatives, members of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Standing Committee, representatives of opposition political parties, civil society representatives, and Irish NGOs working in Ethiopia.

ENDS