Summary: Ethiopia: EU Commissioner Michel encourages all parties to resume political dialogue on democratic reforms (17 February 2006: Addis Ababa)
The European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel, met Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Meles Zenawi, and representatives of the opposition, including those imprisoned at the Kalte detention centre, during a two day visit to Addis Ababa. He urged both parties to resume political dialogue, aiming at fostering the process of democratization.
Commissioner Michel held talks with Ethiopian officials, the Parliament, representatives of civil society and members of the opposition in order to exchange views on the internal political situation. Meeting with Prime Minister Meles, Louis Michel welcomed the decision to grant him access to members of the opposition and journalists held in prison. "This is a positive sign, a sign of confidence, and I consider it a significant step in the direction of constructive political dialogue", he
said.
During a three hours visit to the prison of Kalte, the Commissioner was able to meet with opposition leaders and journalists. He had an exhaustive exchange of views on the conditions of their detention, the charges against them and the prospects for a breakthrough of the current political situation in the country. He also expressed concern about the medical condition of some prisoners. The opposition leaders explained to Louis Michel that their main ambition is to resume the dialogue with
Government on the package of democratic reforms. They also reiterated that they respect the Constitution and would not support any attempt to overthrow the regime.
In response to a question by the Commissioner, Prime Minister Meles confirmed that international legal observers would be welcome at the trial against leaders of the opposition and members of the civil society and journalists, and that he was confident that this would be speedy and fair.
"All the people I met here realise that there is no alternative to a sincere political dialogue", the Commissioner said. In parallel to the dialogue, the Commissioner underlined "the need for other confidence building measures, quick and concrete". He stressed the importance of ensuring a proper and effective functioning of the Parliament, in which the opposition can fully play its democratic role. The Commissioner was updated on the implementation and results of recent studies on parliamentary
procedures and the media. Furthermore he expressed hope that progress will soon be made on the transfer of power in the Addis Ababa Council to the elected CUD party. The visit also included meetings with relatives and lawyers of the detainees, as well as an exchange with European ambassadors and the group of international donors.
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