A 1.1-billion-US-dollar debt cancellation agreement has been signed between Ethiopia and Russia, the Ministry of Finance said Wednesday.
Getachew Admassu, public relations officer with the ministry, told journalists that Russia has canceled 1.104 billion dollars of Ethiopia's 1.268-billion-dollar debt.
Ethiopian Minister of Finance Sufian Ahmed and Russian Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin signed the agreement at a ceremony held in Moscow last week, Getachew said.
People's Daily Online
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Israeli Envoy Shot Himself - Ethiopian Police
Israel's envoy to Ethiopia was found in his hotel room bleeding from a bullet wound and Ethiopian police said yesterday he appeared to have shot himself. "There was no indication that other parties were involved in the injuries suffered by the ambassador," Ethiopian police said in a statement read on state-run television.
Citing diplomatic sources, Israel Radio said Ambassador Doron Grossman was believed to have attempted suicide, distraught at the discovery he had malignant cancer. He was airlifted to Israel in critical condition, officials said. Security guards heard the shot and found Grossman in his room at the Addis Ababa Hilton, bleeding from his head with his gun lying nearby.
SABCnews.com
Citing diplomatic sources, Israel Radio said Ambassador Doron Grossman was believed to have attempted suicide, distraught at the discovery he had malignant cancer. He was airlifted to Israel in critical condition, officials said. Security guards heard the shot and found Grossman in his room at the Addis Ababa Hilton, bleeding from his head with his gun lying nearby.
SABCnews.com
Ethiopia Expels Three American Groups
Ethiopia on Wednesday ordered three private American groups that promote democracy to cease operations and gave their foreign staff 48 hours to leave, officials with two of the groups said.
Field missions from the groups — the National Democratic Institute, the International Republic Institute and IFES — were in Ethiopia helping prepare the Horn of Africa nation for May 15 general elections.
SFGate.com
Field missions from the groups — the National Democratic Institute, the International Republic Institute and IFES — were in Ethiopia helping prepare the Horn of Africa nation for May 15 general elections.
SFGate.com
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
"Whole Building" Approach to Sustainable Design
The first sustainable solar community development in South Africa was one of 15 projects worldwide selected for presentation at the UN Global Warming Conference in Kyoto, Japan. It was chosen as an example of how developing nations can grow and prosper while minimizing emissions of greenhouse gases, and is known as a "no regrets" project because it created sustainable economic growth and stable, healthy communities while costing no more to implement than a conventional development.
www.envirolink.org
www.envirolink.org
Monday, March 28, 2005
ERIS Allocates Over 1.1 million USD for Candidates Campaigning for Upcoming Election
Electoral Reform International Services (ERIS), a London-based independent and non-political institute, announced on Friday that it has set aside over 1.1 million US Dollars to help political party and independent candidates campaigning for the upcoming national elections.
While making the announcement at the Office of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), ERIS representative said the sum of money allocated for party and independent candidates is meant to be utilized for transportation, purchasing of various campaign materials as well as cover publication costs.
The representative said the allocated sum of money has been apportioned for 29 independent and political party candidates fielded by political parties, including those under the umbrella of a front, a coalition or a union.
www.ena.gov.et
While making the announcement at the Office of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), ERIS representative said the sum of money allocated for party and independent candidates is meant to be utilized for transportation, purchasing of various campaign materials as well as cover publication costs.
The representative said the allocated sum of money has been apportioned for 29 independent and political party candidates fielded by political parties, including those under the umbrella of a front, a coalition or a union.
www.ena.gov.et
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Ethiopian Furniture Has Beauty, Texture
photo courtesy: courier-journal.com
"If I were looking for Ethiopian artifacts, I would definitely target neck rests, coffee tables -- Ethiopia is about the only place with a tradition of coffee tables -- and textiles"
Doris Athineos, Features and antiques editor, Traditional Home magazine
courier-journal.com
World Marks TB Day Today - Ethiopia 2nd in Africa in TB Infection
The 'World Stop Tuberculosis Day' will be celebrated today in Ethiopia with themes Frontline TB care providers: Heroes in the fight against TB and Open windows and prevent TB.
This was disclosed at a one day workshop organized for editors and journalists by Panos Ethiopia yesterday.
The workshop organized under HIV/AIDS-TB project has the purpose of highlighting the magnitude of tuberculosis, TB/HIV co-infection and identifying the media's role in stopping TB/HIV through advocacy, publication and broadcast.
allAfrica.com
Previous Post: Supermodel Liya Kebede Named UN's Goodwill Ambassador
This was disclosed at a one day workshop organized for editors and journalists by Panos Ethiopia yesterday.
The workshop organized under HIV/AIDS-TB project has the purpose of highlighting the magnitude of tuberculosis, TB/HIV co-infection and identifying the media's role in stopping TB/HIV through advocacy, publication and broadcast.
allAfrica.com
Previous Post: Supermodel Liya Kebede Named UN's Goodwill Ambassador
UN Envoy: Ethiopia, Eritrea Risk Starting New War
Ethiopia and Eritrea run the risk of starting a new war over a long-running border dispute, with tensions being fueled by irresponsible arms sales to both impoverished African nations, a senior United Nations official said on Thursday.
"Time is running out. Both countries are acquiring additional arms, increasing the number of forces at their borders," said former Canadian foreign minister Lloyd Axworthy, the special U.N. envoy for Ethiopia and Eritrea.
"I still believe however that war can averted," he told Parliament's foreign affairs committee in Ottawa.
Ethiopia and Eritrea fought a two-year border war from 1998 to 2000 in which more than 70,000 people died.
metronews.com
"Time is running out. Both countries are acquiring additional arms, increasing the number of forces at their borders," said former Canadian foreign minister Lloyd Axworthy, the special U.N. envoy for Ethiopia and Eritrea.
"I still believe however that war can averted," he told Parliament's foreign affairs committee in Ottawa.
Ethiopia and Eritrea fought a two-year border war from 1998 to 2000 in which more than 70,000 people died.
metronews.com
African Well Fund Launches 3rd Annual “Build a Well for Bono’s Birthday” Fundraiser
The African Well Fund will launch its third annual Build a Well for Bono's Birthday fund-raiser on March 27 at the Hard Rock Cafe in San Diego — the same night and city where U2 kick off their Vertigo Tour. The AWF raises funds to build wells in African countries like Uganda and Ethiopia, where clean drinking water is scarce. Donations will be collected until March 10, Bono's birthday.
For more information, check out AfricanWellFund.org.
For more information, check out AfricanWellFund.org.
Friday, March 25, 2005
Parts of Looted Manuscripts Return to Ethiopia
Two pages ripped out of an old Ethiopian holy manuscript and looted during the British invasion in 1868 were returned to Ethiopia on Wednesday.
Though the two pages made their way home 137 years after being plundered by British soldiers, the whereabouts of the original holy manuscripts is not yet known by those working for the return of Ethiopian treasures.
The two pages were returned by a prominent member of the British legal profession who felt strongly about the cause of restitution, according to the Association for the return of the Maqdala Ethiopian Treasures (AFROMET).
Professor Richard Pankhurst, Vice Chair of AFROMET handed over the centuries old torn pages to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies Museum.
allAfrica.com
Though the two pages made their way home 137 years after being plundered by British soldiers, the whereabouts of the original holy manuscripts is not yet known by those working for the return of Ethiopian treasures.
The two pages were returned by a prominent member of the British legal profession who felt strongly about the cause of restitution, according to the Association for the return of the Maqdala Ethiopian Treasures (AFROMET).
Professor Richard Pankhurst, Vice Chair of AFROMET handed over the centuries old torn pages to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies Museum.
allAfrica.com
The Very First Pre-Election Survey Conducted in Ethiopia
The first ever pre-election survey conducted by Initiative Africa with the participation of Addis Ababa Women Entrepreneurs' Association and Build Ethiopia is said to be completed with the final version expected to be out next April 10.
The main objective of the survey, according to Initiative Africa, is to explain why voters vote the way they do and why some parties are more successful than others.
The survey was conducted in 138 enumeration areas and the samples are representative of the urban areas of the four major regions of Tigray, Oromia, Amhara, and SNNP in addition to Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa and Harar cities.
allAfrica.com
The main objective of the survey, according to Initiative Africa, is to explain why voters vote the way they do and why some parties are more successful than others.
The survey was conducted in 138 enumeration areas and the samples are representative of the urban areas of the four major regions of Tigray, Oromia, Amhara, and SNNP in addition to Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa and Harar cities.
allAfrica.com
History Lesson: The Battle Of Magdala
By Thomas Keyes
In antiquity, the name Ethiopia did not denote what is today called Ethiopia, but instead referred to Nubia or Cush, which is mentioned in the Bible in various places and corresponds more nearly to today's Sudan, or part of it. There were some few references and legends possibly referring to today's Ethiopia from about 3000 BC, including the Biblical story of the Queen of Sheba, who is variously thought to have come from either Ethiopia or Yemen. Until the 20th century, Ethiopia was called Abyssinia. Continue...
In antiquity, the name Ethiopia did not denote what is today called Ethiopia, but instead referred to Nubia or Cush, which is mentioned in the Bible in various places and corresponds more nearly to today's Sudan, or part of it. There were some few references and legends possibly referring to today's Ethiopia from about 3000 BC, including the Biblical story of the Queen of Sheba, who is variously thought to have come from either Ethiopia or Yemen. Until the 20th century, Ethiopia was called Abyssinia. Continue...
Government to Start Irrigation Project On 200,000 Hectares of Land
The Ethiopian government has announced plans to undertake irrigation projects on 200,000 hectares of land as part of the country's food security program.
The announcement was made yesterday during the second day of marking this year's 'Water Day'. Ato Shiferaw Jarso, Minister of Water Resources said that the full development of 97,000 hectares of irrigation project was well underway in the Awash and Koqa basins.
The 90,000 hectares of the total irrigation project is in construction in Awash while the 7,000 hectares is in Koqa...
Ethiopia is endowed with the potential of huge water resource, with 122 billion m3 annual surfaces runoff and 2.9 billion m3 of ground water.
However, the country's water resource has contributed little to the country's socio-economic development where the average access to clean and safe water supply stands at 34 percent, which is said to be very low even by Sub Sahara African countries standards.
allAfrica.com
UNICEF:: Majority in Ethiopia lack access to clean water
Previous post: The Destruction of the Blue Niles Falls
The announcement was made yesterday during the second day of marking this year's 'Water Day'. Ato Shiferaw Jarso, Minister of Water Resources said that the full development of 97,000 hectares of irrigation project was well underway in the Awash and Koqa basins.
The 90,000 hectares of the total irrigation project is in construction in Awash while the 7,000 hectares is in Koqa...
Ethiopia is endowed with the potential of huge water resource, with 122 billion m3 annual surfaces runoff and 2.9 billion m3 of ground water.
However, the country's water resource has contributed little to the country's socio-economic development where the average access to clean and safe water supply stands at 34 percent, which is said to be very low even by Sub Sahara African countries standards.
allAfrica.com
UNICEF:: Majority in Ethiopia lack access to clean water
Previous post: The Destruction of the Blue Niles Falls
Government Troops Committed Crimes in Gambella, Says HRW
Ethiopian troops committed widespread killings, rape and torture against the indigenous Anyuak population in an oil-rich western province, a rights group said on Thursday. Human Rights Watch (HRW) said numerous attacks by soldiers and civilians from other ethnic groups killed more than 500 people in the Gambella region in 2003 and 2004, bordering Sudan. However, the government dismissed the report. "The situation in Gambella is settled and everything is peaceful now," government spokesman, Zemedkun Teckle, told IRIN. "The people there are living peacefully right now. We are very surprised [and] do not understand why Human Rights Watch is now trying to ignite this issue."
Reuters AlertNet
Previous post: Gambella...The New Oil Rush?
Reuters AlertNet
Previous post: Gambella...The New Oil Rush?
WaterCan Runs Postcard Campaign
WaterCan@Queen’s presented students with an awareness campaign Tuesday to commemorate World Water Day.
The club, a branch of the international WaterCan organization, provided information about the challenges of obtaining clean water in third-world countries.
In 2000, the federal government pledged to give 0.7 per cent of Canada’s annual GDP to development aid, said WaterCan co-chair Salima Gilani, ArtSci ’05. However, she said only 0.2 per cent is being used.
WaterCan@Queen’s has dedicated most of their energy this year to raising money towards building a well in the village of Enseno in Ethiopia, Burnier said.
Engineers from Ethiopia will design the well—which will cost $75,000 to construct and maintain—using readily available tools and materials. When completed, the well will provide water for 3,000 people.
WaterCan@Queen’s hopes to contribute $20,000 to the project. The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) will contribute $2 for every dollar raised, for a final contribution of $60,000.
Queen's Journal
The club, a branch of the international WaterCan organization, provided information about the challenges of obtaining clean water in third-world countries.
In 2000, the federal government pledged to give 0.7 per cent of Canada’s annual GDP to development aid, said WaterCan co-chair Salima Gilani, ArtSci ’05. However, she said only 0.2 per cent is being used.
WaterCan@Queen’s has dedicated most of their energy this year to raising money towards building a well in the village of Enseno in Ethiopia, Burnier said.
Engineers from Ethiopia will design the well—which will cost $75,000 to construct and maintain—using readily available tools and materials. When completed, the well will provide water for 3,000 people.
WaterCan@Queen’s hopes to contribute $20,000 to the project. The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) will contribute $2 for every dollar raised, for a final contribution of $60,000.
Queen's Journal
Unhappy Masses and the Challenge of Political Islam in the Horn of Africa
by Professor Said S. Samatar, Rutgers
I'd like to start, if I may, with a personal confession: my friend and fellow alumnus of Northwestern University , Professor Alessandro Triulzi, has, by flying me across the Atlantic, made a considerable investment in me. Although he surely will not get his money's worth out of me, that fact does not weigh heavily on my mind. More than this, thanks to Bin Laden and Co., the ghost of political Islam has lately drawn academic attention to my professional interests and, in doing so, has turned out to be my premiere meal ticket, a manna from heaven to ensure earthly prosperity.
Somalia is once again, as indeed is the Sudan , the object of attention by the West. The once-neglected villages of Somalia are, as we speak, crawling with CIA agents, looking for the elusive specter of Bin Laden hideouts, presumably in the bushes and in the grazing grounds of camel herds. I am loath not to welcome this development, if only for the enormous employment opportunities it has opened up for us, the Somali elite, as well as expatriate fellow travelers. Who needs, from now on, to trouble with the teaching of complacent, overfed, gum-chewing American undergrads when the CIA pays better--and with far less exertion of the mind as of the body. Continue...
In The News...
Holy war threatened in Somalia
An Islamic leader on a U.S. terrorist list threatened a holy war Friday if an African peacekeeping force enters Somalia to try to install a new government and stop more than decade of clan warfare.
I'd like to start, if I may, with a personal confession: my friend and fellow alumnus of Northwestern University , Professor Alessandro Triulzi, has, by flying me across the Atlantic, made a considerable investment in me. Although he surely will not get his money's worth out of me, that fact does not weigh heavily on my mind. More than this, thanks to Bin Laden and Co., the ghost of political Islam has lately drawn academic attention to my professional interests and, in doing so, has turned out to be my premiere meal ticket, a manna from heaven to ensure earthly prosperity.
Somalia is once again, as indeed is the Sudan , the object of attention by the West. The once-neglected villages of Somalia are, as we speak, crawling with CIA agents, looking for the elusive specter of Bin Laden hideouts, presumably in the bushes and in the grazing grounds of camel herds. I am loath not to welcome this development, if only for the enormous employment opportunities it has opened up for us, the Somali elite, as well as expatriate fellow travelers. Who needs, from now on, to trouble with the teaching of complacent, overfed, gum-chewing American undergrads when the CIA pays better--and with far less exertion of the mind as of the body. Continue...
In The News...
Holy war threatened in Somalia
An Islamic leader on a U.S. terrorist list threatened a holy war Friday if an African peacekeeping force enters Somalia to try to install a new government and stop more than decade of clan warfare.
Meles Zenawi Endorses China's Anti-Secession Law
Meles Zenawi's parliament has now endorsed the People's Republic of China's anti-secession law on Taiwan. How come? The foundation of the Ethiopian constitution, to be more exact, the Meles Zenawi constitution, is based on what the prime minister has been saying is the universal right of "nations and nationalities to self-determination up to secession." Meles fought for Eritrean independence based on what is now Article 39 of the constitution, or it is said so. Those who opposed Meles were put to death. Period. (If there are lingering doubts, consult the History Book of TPLF authored by none other than Meles himself). What does endorsing China's anti-secession law mean vis-a-vis Meles Zenawi?
Ethiomedia.com
Article 39 The Right of Nations, Nationalities and Peoples:
1. Every nation, nationality or people in Ethiopia shall have the unrestricted right to self determination up to secession.
Ethiomedia.com
Article 39 The Right of Nations, Nationalities and Peoples:
1. Every nation, nationality or people in Ethiopia shall have the unrestricted right to self determination up to secession.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Ethiopian Opposition Complains That EU Election Observers Arriving Late
The European Union will be sending too few elections observers and too late to ensure free and fair elections in Ethiopia, an opposition leader said Monday, adding that the government has already taken steps to guarantee the ruling party a victory.
The first of 159 EU election observers arrived over the weekend, the first outsiders to officially monitor balloting in Ethiopia. The May 15 vote will only be the third election in the Horn of Africa nation's history.
"There are too few observers," said Brehanu Nega, the campaign manager for the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, one of the largest opposition groups. "We don't think 159 observers can effectively monitor voting in 38,000 polling stations."
Sudan Tribune
The first of 159 EU election observers arrived over the weekend, the first outsiders to officially monitor balloting in Ethiopia. The May 15 vote will only be the third election in the Horn of Africa nation's history.
"There are too few observers," said Brehanu Nega, the campaign manager for the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, one of the largest opposition groups. "We don't think 159 observers can effectively monitor voting in 38,000 polling stations."
Sudan Tribune
Ethiopian Jews Battle Poverty, Prejudice in Israel
Once a poor immigrant from Ethiopia, Mehereta Baruch has leapt to fame in Israel as a star on a reality television show.
The 30-year-old actress is one of a tiny minority of the tens of thousands of black arrivals in the past two decades to achieve even a measure of prominence in a country where Ethiopians complain of routine discrimination by fellow Jews.
Some 60 percent are considered to be living in poverty compared to 20 percent of the general population, according to figures from Meyers-JDC-Brookdale, a prominent Israeli social research institute.
Jews of Ethiopian descent, tracing their roots to the biblical King Solomon, number about 105,000 among Israel's 6 million people today.
Another 20,000 Ethiopians are expected through 2007 after a pledge to speed up immigration of the Falasha Mura, Jews whose families converted to Christianity in the past 200 years and now want to come to Israel.
Reuters.com
The 30-year-old actress is one of a tiny minority of the tens of thousands of black arrivals in the past two decades to achieve even a measure of prominence in a country where Ethiopians complain of routine discrimination by fellow Jews.
Some 60 percent are considered to be living in poverty compared to 20 percent of the general population, according to figures from Meyers-JDC-Brookdale, a prominent Israeli social research institute.
Jews of Ethiopian descent, tracing their roots to the biblical King Solomon, number about 105,000 among Israel's 6 million people today.
Another 20,000 Ethiopians are expected through 2007 after a pledge to speed up immigration of the Falasha Mura, Jews whose families converted to Christianity in the past 200 years and now want to come to Israel.
Reuters.com
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Internships Developing Leaders of Tomorrow
Avery, now a sophomore in animal science at Iowa State University, was one of 13 students who participated in the World Food Prize's internship program this past summer.
The Borlaug-Ruan Internship, named after World Food Prize (WFP) founders John Ruan and Norman Borlaug, allows students to work in research centers in Latin America, Asia or Africa during the summer.
"This is a working internship that allows them to work for eight weeks doing whatever the centers need them to do," said Lisa Fleming, WFP youth programs manager.
"It really does open their eyes and help them decide what they want to do."
Avery spent her summer in Addis Ababa, Ethopia, at the International Livestock Research Institute.
She is interested in red meat and meat consumption, and Ethiopia is the largest livestock producer in Africa. Even so, Avery found it was rare for poor farmers to have much access to meat.
Iowa Farmer Today
STATS: Ethiopia's large livestock resources include 35 million cattle, 11.4 million sheep and 9.6 million goats.
-www.ethiopiandiaspora.info
MEANWHILE, ReliefWeb reports...
Ethiopia may have underestimated the amount of food aid it will require this year, the US ambassador to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation said on Friday.
During a five-day visit to the country, Tony Hall said he believed the scale of food aid needs was "a lot more serious" than the government had estimated - it had aimed to provide help to only 2.2 million people.
"I think the issue of people that need help has probably been underestimated," he told reporters. "All I know is the food is not here yet, and I think the word will have to go out to the donors that it is probably a lot more serious than anticipated.
"[Some Ethiopians] aren't getting any food. They don't have any money. They can't buy it and they are slipping," he warned.
The Borlaug-Ruan Internship, named after World Food Prize (WFP) founders John Ruan and Norman Borlaug, allows students to work in research centers in Latin America, Asia or Africa during the summer.
"This is a working internship that allows them to work for eight weeks doing whatever the centers need them to do," said Lisa Fleming, WFP youth programs manager.
"It really does open their eyes and help them decide what they want to do."
Avery spent her summer in Addis Ababa, Ethopia, at the International Livestock Research Institute.
She is interested in red meat and meat consumption, and Ethiopia is the largest livestock producer in Africa. Even so, Avery found it was rare for poor farmers to have much access to meat.
Iowa Farmer Today
STATS: Ethiopia's large livestock resources include 35 million cattle, 11.4 million sheep and 9.6 million goats.
-www.ethiopiandiaspora.info
MEANWHILE, ReliefWeb reports...
Ethiopia may have underestimated the amount of food aid it will require this year, the US ambassador to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation said on Friday.
During a five-day visit to the country, Tony Hall said he believed the scale of food aid needs was "a lot more serious" than the government had estimated - it had aimed to provide help to only 2.2 million people.
"I think the issue of people that need help has probably been underestimated," he told reporters. "All I know is the food is not here yet, and I think the word will have to go out to the donors that it is probably a lot more serious than anticipated.
"[Some Ethiopians] aren't getting any food. They don't have any money. They can't buy it and they are slipping," he warned.
China-Ethiopia Trade Exceeds 200 Million Last Year
The Chinese ambassador to Ethiopia said Tuesday the trade volume between China and Ethiopia exceeded 200 million US dollars for the first time by the end of 2004.
Ambassador Lin Lin also said the investment climate of Ethiopia is considered favorable to Chinese entrepreneurs.
In an interview with Chinese and Ethiopian journalists, he said that with a stable political climate, a conducive macro-economic policy, a steady exchange rate and a huge local market of about 70 million people, the investment climate of Ethiopia proved favorable to Chinese entrepreneurs.
He said China imports natural gum, coffee, hides and skins, and oil seeds like sesame from Ethiopia, while it exports light industry products, machinery, chemicals, medical products, building materials, textiles, and rubber products like tyres.
The Chinese government has been providing Ethiopia with development assistance in the area of infrastructure construction, technical cooperation, humanitarian aid, education, and health, he said, adding that the Chinese government has also been dispatching medical teams to Ethiopia in the past three decades.
People's Daily
FACT
Chinese and Serbian contractors helped Ethiopia divert the Blue Niles Falls.
Ambassador Lin Lin also said the investment climate of Ethiopia is considered favorable to Chinese entrepreneurs.
In an interview with Chinese and Ethiopian journalists, he said that with a stable political climate, a conducive macro-economic policy, a steady exchange rate and a huge local market of about 70 million people, the investment climate of Ethiopia proved favorable to Chinese entrepreneurs.
He said China imports natural gum, coffee, hides and skins, and oil seeds like sesame from Ethiopia, while it exports light industry products, machinery, chemicals, medical products, building materials, textiles, and rubber products like tyres.
The Chinese government has been providing Ethiopia with development assistance in the area of infrastructure construction, technical cooperation, humanitarian aid, education, and health, he said, adding that the Chinese government has also been dispatching medical teams to Ethiopia in the past three decades.
People's Daily
FACT
Chinese and Serbian contractors helped Ethiopia divert the Blue Niles Falls.
UN Calls Time on Phone Cheats
United Nations peacekeepers enforcing a December 2000 accord between Ethiopia and Eritrea defrauded the body of more than $500,000 in telephone calls, UN auditors have reported.
The news comes as the UN finds itself under growing criticism following alleged mismanagement of its discredited UN oil-for-food programme for Iraq and for sexual abuse of minors by peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The New Zealand Herald
The news comes as the UN finds itself under growing criticism following alleged mismanagement of its discredited UN oil-for-food programme for Iraq and for sexual abuse of minors by peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The New Zealand Herald
Montrealer Sues Hospital Over Kidney Transplant
A Montreal man says his will to live is driving his lawsuit against a hospital that has refused to perform a kidney transplant on him.
"I want to save my life, I want to live, like everybody,'' Baruch Tegegne, 61, told a news conference Tuesday.
Tegegne has been waiting more than a year for a transplant. found a kidney donor, but the donor was found in India using a website called matchingdonors.com.
However, the Royal Victoria Hospital is concerned that money might change hands and that the potential donor isn't a family member.
Michael Bergman, Tegegne's lawyer, launched legal action on Tuesday to force the hospital to conduct compatibility tests on Shree Dhar, the 30-year-old donor, and if he is a suitable match, to perform the transplant.
Tegegne's kidneys are in such bad shape he must undergo four dialysis treatments per week.
While he has seven brothers, the ailing man says they aren't healthy enough themselves to help him.
The Ethiopia-born Tegegne was overjoyed when Dhar stepped forward.
www.ctv.ca
"I want to save my life, I want to live, like everybody,'' Baruch Tegegne, 61, told a news conference Tuesday.
Tegegne has been waiting more than a year for a transplant. found a kidney donor, but the donor was found in India using a website called matchingdonors.com.
However, the Royal Victoria Hospital is concerned that money might change hands and that the potential donor isn't a family member.
Michael Bergman, Tegegne's lawyer, launched legal action on Tuesday to force the hospital to conduct compatibility tests on Shree Dhar, the 30-year-old donor, and if he is a suitable match, to perform the transplant.
Tegegne's kidneys are in such bad shape he must undergo four dialysis treatments per week.
While he has seven brothers, the ailing man says they aren't healthy enough themselves to help him.
The Ethiopia-born Tegegne was overjoyed when Dhar stepped forward.
www.ctv.ca
Water Becoming More Precious Than Oil in Arab World
While one of the most pressing political and social issues facing the Arab world rarely makes headlines, it is an issue that some political analysts believe could lead to the next great confrontation in the region. Rapidly expanding Arab populations are making water far more precious than oil.
From a historic perspective, the modern Arab world was built on the back of oil.
Since the first oil well gushed in Bahrain in 1932, countries have argued over boundaries and borders in hopes of gaining a piece of land that might produce instant wealth.
But during a decades-long process, borders have been set, oil fields have been mapped, and accurate estimates have been made of oil reserves in the region. Now, many political analysts are saying the next source of possible conflict in the region will likely be water. That is because many countries in the Arab world are becoming increasingly concerned about how they will continue to supply water to rapidly expanding populations and industries, not to mention agriculture, which consumes up to 85 percent of the water in the Middle East.
For example, the greatest source of water in the region comes from the Nile River, which runs for more than 6,600 kilometers, flowing through nine Arab and African countries. But, while the amount of water produced by the Nile has remained the same for thousands of years, the populations along its path are expected to almost double over the next 20 years.
In 1955, three Middle Eastern states, including Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait were listed by international agencies as water-scarce countries. By 1990, Algeria, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Somalia, Tunisia and Israel/Palestine were added to the list. U.N. studies anticipate another seven Middle Eastern countries will be added to the list by 2025 including Egypt, Iran, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Syria, and Ethiopia.
www.iwar.org.uk
From a historic perspective, the modern Arab world was built on the back of oil.
Since the first oil well gushed in Bahrain in 1932, countries have argued over boundaries and borders in hopes of gaining a piece of land that might produce instant wealth.
But during a decades-long process, borders have been set, oil fields have been mapped, and accurate estimates have been made of oil reserves in the region. Now, many political analysts are saying the next source of possible conflict in the region will likely be water. That is because many countries in the Arab world are becoming increasingly concerned about how they will continue to supply water to rapidly expanding populations and industries, not to mention agriculture, which consumes up to 85 percent of the water in the Middle East.
For example, the greatest source of water in the region comes from the Nile River, which runs for more than 6,600 kilometers, flowing through nine Arab and African countries. But, while the amount of water produced by the Nile has remained the same for thousands of years, the populations along its path are expected to almost double over the next 20 years.
In 1955, three Middle Eastern states, including Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait were listed by international agencies as water-scarce countries. By 1990, Algeria, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Somalia, Tunisia and Israel/Palestine were added to the list. U.N. studies anticipate another seven Middle Eastern countries will be added to the list by 2025 including Egypt, Iran, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Syria, and Ethiopia.
www.iwar.org.uk
Two Imprisoned Journalists Continue to Be Detained in Run-Up to Elections
RSF has voiced concern that, with general elections due to take place in just two months, on 15 May 2005, two journalists, Shiferraw Insermu and Dhabassa Wakjira, continue to be detained. Insermu and Wakjira, journalists for the Oromo-language service of the state-owned Ethiopian Television (ETV), are accused of having links with an Oromo separatist group.
"As Ethiopians get ready to vote, two journalists continue to languish in a prison where cases of torture and mistreatment are regularly reported by international organisations," RSF said.
"Ethiopia is violating the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights just a few kilometres away from the African Union's Addis Ababa headquarters," the organisation added. "Whatever the charges against them, these two journalists have rights, which have clearly been denied by authorities who have defied the federal High Court's decisions. Under Ethiopian law, Insermu and Wakjira should be released immediately. The circumstances under which they were thrown in prison leads us to suspect that there is absolutely no basis for the charge of terrorism that has been brought against them."
Ethiopia Threatens to Grab Uganda's Flower Investments
UGANDA risks losing flower investments to Ethiopia unless the Government offers similar incentives to attract investors, Uganda Flower Exporters Association officials have warned.
A flower exporter, who recently visited Ethiopia with a group of 30 Dutch investors, said unless Uganda offered similar incentives, he would not recommend his company to expand here.
KLM to Begin Amsterdam - Addis Flight
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will start flying to Ethiopia with its first flight taking place on March 31, 2005, the airlines officials stated on Friday.
The flight service - Amsterdam-Khartoum-Addis-Amsterdam will take place twice a week - on Thursdays and Saturdays- on an extended Boeing 767 airplane.
"Starting flight services in Ethiopia has been on our minds for the past ten years, but it never happened due to duty constraint and economic downsize," Pieter de Man, General Manager of KLM Eastern Africa said.
"We believe that this new flight service will assist the blooming flower industry in Ethiopia. Our flights have the capacity to transport flowers, vegetables and fruits via its direct return route," he added.
allafrica.com
The flight service - Amsterdam-Khartoum-Addis-Amsterdam will take place twice a week - on Thursdays and Saturdays- on an extended Boeing 767 airplane.
"Starting flight services in Ethiopia has been on our minds for the past ten years, but it never happened due to duty constraint and economic downsize," Pieter de Man, General Manager of KLM Eastern Africa said.
"We believe that this new flight service will assist the blooming flower industry in Ethiopia. Our flights have the capacity to transport flowers, vegetables and fruits via its direct return route," he added.
allafrica.com
UNESCO to Assist Return Of Iconic Aksum Obelisk
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is sending an evaluation team to Ethiopia to prepare for the return of one of the country's most iconic monuments, the celebrated obelisk of Aksum, which Italian soldiers carted off to Rome during Mussolini's invasion nearly 70 years ago.
At the request of the Ethiopian and Italian Governments, UNESCO will draw up the re-installation project for the 1,700-year-old, 24-metres-high, 160-ton funeral stele and the development of the site in northern Ethiopia, which will be funded by Italy.
www.harolddoan.com
At the request of the Ethiopian and Italian Governments, UNESCO will draw up the re-installation project for the 1,700-year-old, 24-metres-high, 160-ton funeral stele and the development of the site in northern Ethiopia, which will be funded by Italy.
www.harolddoan.com
'One-Dollar U.N. Girls'
BUNIA, Congo -- She's known in the community as a "one-dollar U.N. girl." At night, she sleeps on the cracked pavement outside a storefront. In the mornings, she sashays through the dusty streets, clutching a frayed parasol against the blinding sun.
Yvette and her friends are also called kidogo usharatis, Swahili for small prostitutes. They loiter outside the camps of U.N. peacekeepers, hoping to sell their bodies for a mug of milk, a cold soda or -- best of all -- a single dollar.
"I'm sad about it. But I needed the dollars. I can't go farm because of the militias. Who will feed me?" asked Yvette. At 14, she has a round face with wide eyes beneath a cap of neatly shorn hair, and her hands rest on her hips in an older girl's pose...
The United Nations is investigating 150 instances in which 50 peacekeeping troops or civilians in the Congo mission are suspected of having sexually abused or exploited women and girls, some as young as 12.
Washingtonpost.com (subscription required)
Why and how could this happen?
Yvette and her friends are also called kidogo usharatis, Swahili for small prostitutes. They loiter outside the camps of U.N. peacekeepers, hoping to sell their bodies for a mug of milk, a cold soda or -- best of all -- a single dollar.
"I'm sad about it. But I needed the dollars. I can't go farm because of the militias. Who will feed me?" asked Yvette. At 14, she has a round face with wide eyes beneath a cap of neatly shorn hair, and her hands rest on her hips in an older girl's pose...
The United Nations is investigating 150 instances in which 50 peacekeeping troops or civilians in the Congo mission are suspected of having sexually abused or exploited women and girls, some as young as 12.
Washingtonpost.com (subscription required)
Why and how could this happen?
EU Pledges to Observe Ethiopian Elections Impartially
The European Union (EU) said Monday its observers will discharge their duty impartially and professionally in Ethiopia`s May 15 national elections.
The EU will delegate more than 160 observers in the country`s upcoming elections, said Anna Maria Gomes, the EU chief observer.
After talks here on Monday with Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, Gomes told journalists that so far nine EU observers have come to Ethiopia.
AngolaPress
The EU will delegate more than 160 observers in the country`s upcoming elections, said Anna Maria Gomes, the EU chief observer.
After talks here on Monday with Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, Gomes told journalists that so far nine EU observers have come to Ethiopia.
AngolaPress
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Cargo Plane Crashes in Lake Victoria
An Ethiopian Airlines cargo plane crashed into Lake Victoria near Uganda's Entebbe International Airport while attempting to land on Saturday, an airport official said. The five crew members suffered minor injuries.
www.iol.co.za
www.iol.co.za
A Double Win for Ethiopia
photo courtesy: IAAF.org
On a tide of emotion, Kenenisa Bekele swept to the greatest victory of his sensational career when he collected a fourth consecutive IAAF World Cross Country Championships short race title on St-Galmier Hippodrome on Saturday (19 March) infront of over 18,500 spectators.
He cast aside the burden of a broken heart, following the death of his teenage fiancee, World Youth 1500 metres champion Alem Techale, to win a breathtaking race in 26-degree heat.
"Joy comes frequently in life but grief on this level is something that you encounter very rarely," he said, "so to come here to this competition, where I first made my name, and to win after losing Alem is a very significant victory for me."
Also, Ethiopia's Tirunesh Dibaba emulated her compatriot Kenenisa Bekele in landing the world cross-country double today as she added the short title to the long one she won the day before.
UN Urges Africa Go Geothermic
As heavily indebted Africa sinks under rising oil prices, a UN-sponsored project aims to give the continent access to vast reserves of cheap, clean energy.
The African Rift Geothermal facility project aims to tap the heat trapped in rocks deep beneath the floor of the geological feature that runs from the Red Sea to Mozambique.
The Rift Valley runs through Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania and Malawi through Mozambique.
Aljazeera.Net
The African Rift Geothermal facility project aims to tap the heat trapped in rocks deep beneath the floor of the geological feature that runs from the Red Sea to Mozambique.
The Rift Valley runs through Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania and Malawi through Mozambique.
Aljazeera.Net
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Ethiopia's AIDS Hotline Ringing Off the Hook
Thousands of Ethiopians are taking advantage of a new toll-free telephone hotline to educate themselves about the dangers of HIV and Aids, how to avoid getting it and how to treat it, officials said on Thursday.
The service, known as "Wegen AIDS Talkline," has been accessible to telephone users at no charge since last week and has been receiving between 1 800 and 2 200 calls per day, the officials said.
www.iol.co.za
The service, known as "Wegen AIDS Talkline," has been accessible to telephone users at no charge since last week and has been receiving between 1 800 and 2 200 calls per day, the officials said.
www.iol.co.za
Fund Raising Launched for Cardiac Treatment Center Construction
A fund raising project for the construction of a cardiac treatment center for children was launched on Sunday at the Hilton Hotel, Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) reported.
Organizers of the fundraising through a ticket sale called "One Birr for One Heart", plan to collect 12 million birr to help children with heart diseases.
The tickets, with the theme "Let's Mend a Broken Heart", are available for sale at one, five, ten, fifty and hundred birr at the Zewditu Hospital, ENA reported.
This is interesting. This project was launched in 2003. Why is it taking so long to raise this money?
Organizers of the fundraising through a ticket sale called "One Birr for One Heart", plan to collect 12 million birr to help children with heart diseases.
The tickets, with the theme "Let's Mend a Broken Heart", are available for sale at one, five, ten, fifty and hundred birr at the Zewditu Hospital, ENA reported.
This is interesting. This project was launched in 2003. Why is it taking so long to raise this money?
Special Forum on Contemporary Ethiopia
What is the status of Ethiopia, 20 years after famine relief? Why hasn't Ethiopia progressed as predicted? Former Clinton advisor for Africa, Gayle Smith, along with leading Ethiopian scholar, Edmond Keller, lead a panel discussion focusing on the state of Ethiopia.
Where were you when "We Are the World" dominated the radio waves? Marcia Thomas of USA for Africa discusses the 1984 famine relief effort and pop culture.
ucla.edu
Where were you when "We Are the World" dominated the radio waves? Marcia Thomas of USA for Africa discusses the 1984 famine relief effort and pop culture.
ucla.edu
Sir Geldof Returns To Africa
SIR BOB GELDOF is retuning to Africa 20 years after the LIVE AID extravaganza which he organised to alleviate famine and poverty in Ethiopia.
The charismatic Irish rocker will be touring the country for a series of BBC documentaries focusing on Africa to air on TV over the summer (04).
www.contactmusic.com
The charismatic Irish rocker will be touring the country for a series of BBC documentaries focusing on Africa to air on TV over the summer (04).
www.contactmusic.com
Monday, March 14, 2005
Animal Remains as Old as 4.5 Million Years Discovered in Ethiopia
More than 400 animal remains and artifacts including a high number of primate findings estimated from 3.7 to 4.5 million years of age have been discovered in Galili area in Ethiopia, scientists said on Saturday.
At a news briefing held on Saturday, Professor Gerhard Weber of the Paleo-Anthropological Research Team, said the diverse fauna that include antelopes, giraffes, pigs, elephants, among others, would make Galili a very important paleontology and paleoanthropolgy locality in Africa.
The PAR-Team, an international consortium of research institutes, had begun work in February 2000 under principal investigators Professor Horst Seilder and Professor Gerhard Weber.
The most important finding of the season 2005 is a partial hominid thighbone which was possibly not adapted to upright walking, heavier and taller than later hominids like the almost one million years younger Lucy, the world famous humanoid fossil, according to Professor Weber.
"Apart from this unique fossil, other findings include a partial skull of a medium sized monkey, skulls and jaws of pigs and antelopes," he said.
The Galili area produced more than 1,400 catalogued specimens which are housed at the National Museum of Ethiopia since the starting of the research, Professor Weber said, adding that many localities that produce abundant faunal remains and hominids have been identified.
Angola Press
At a news briefing held on Saturday, Professor Gerhard Weber of the Paleo-Anthropological Research Team, said the diverse fauna that include antelopes, giraffes, pigs, elephants, among others, would make Galili a very important paleontology and paleoanthropolgy locality in Africa.
The PAR-Team, an international consortium of research institutes, had begun work in February 2000 under principal investigators Professor Horst Seilder and Professor Gerhard Weber.
The most important finding of the season 2005 is a partial hominid thighbone which was possibly not adapted to upright walking, heavier and taller than later hominids like the almost one million years younger Lucy, the world famous humanoid fossil, according to Professor Weber.
"Apart from this unique fossil, other findings include a partial skull of a medium sized monkey, skulls and jaws of pigs and antelopes," he said.
The Galili area produced more than 1,400 catalogued specimens which are housed at the National Museum of Ethiopia since the starting of the research, Professor Weber said, adding that many localities that produce abundant faunal remains and hominids have been identified.
Angola Press
Ethio-Jazz: Leaving a Legacy
Listen to Ethiopian music legend Mulatu Astatke, and Russ Gershon, the director of the Either/Orchestra, about Ethiopia's fascinating musical tradition on The Leonard Lopate Show.
Events:
Mulatu Astatke & the Either/Orchestra
with guest DJ Timaj Sukker
Monday, March 14th at 9:30pm & 11:30pm
Joe's Pub 425 Lafayette St, NY
Events:
Mulatu Astatke & the Either/Orchestra
with guest DJ Timaj Sukker
Monday, March 14th at 9:30pm & 11:30pm
Joe's Pub 425 Lafayette St, NY
Ethiopia Tries to Woo its Emigrants Home
According to Arizona Central, government officials said at least 1,500 emigres had returned to Addis Ababa and that they were launching an aggressive campaign to woo more, offering tax breaks on importing belongings and flexible land ownership laws. In Washington, they said, embassy officials had been going door-to-door in Ethiopian-American neighborhoods, urging patriotic entrepreneurs to move back...
Driven Away by Upheaval, Drawn Back by Success
The cigar smoke was thick at the swank Office Bar. Danny Davis, a stylish businessman raised in Washington, D.C., huddled with other Ethiopians visiting from the United States, sharing tips about the best local neighborhoods, most promising investment opportunities and best restaurants to munch a burger.
"I am so happy I am moving back," said Davis, 37, wearing a buttery leather jacket and sipping a whiskey. He's the owner of Pearl Restaurant and Lounge in Washington, but he plans to move with his wife, who is now pregnant, back home to Ethiopia next year. "There is real energy and movement in Addis. I tell my Ethiopian friends in D.C. they've got to go back and see what's going on."
A few blocks away, Woosen Ayalew, 44, a former resident of Fairfax, Va., runs the City Café, a coffeehouse that serves American-style doughnuts along with tiny cups of Ethiopian espresso.
"Ethiopia is experiencing a brain gain," Ayalew said. "Even just five years ago, no wanted to come back. Now everyone wants to come back and be a part of helping to build the country."
In many parts of the world's poorest continent, the chatter among ambitious people is usually about which Western embassy issues the fastest visa. About 20,000 skilled professionals leave Africa for Europe or the United States every year, according to the International Organization for Migration, a United Nations agency.
Among Ethiopians, however, many young emigres from the business and professional set are looking to return. This unique situation can be attributed in part to the financial success of Ethiopians in the United States, and in part to a campaign by the government to woo them back, said Kinfe Abraham, president of the African Economist magazine.
The greater Washington area has the world's largest concentration of Ethiopians outside of Africa, many of them driven away by protracted periods of famine and political instability. Last year, Ethiopians in the United States sent home $6 million in remittance money, eclipsing coffee, the country's biggest export, which earned $4 million.
But increasingly, Ethiopians who made their fortunes in the strip-mall spice stores and bakeries of Fairfax and the packed restaurants of Adams Morgan say they want to do more than send money home. All over Addis Ababa, eateries and offices are opening with such names as The Olive Garden, New York, New York, and The Boston Professional Building.
Government officials said at least 1,500 emigres had returned to Addis and that they were launching an aggressive campaign to woo more, offering tax breaks on importing belongings and flexible land ownership laws. In Washington, they said, embassy officials had been going door-to-door in Ethiopian-American neighborhoods, urging patriotic entrepreneurs to move back.
"There is the sentimental pull of home and at the same time a thriving business atmosphere," Kinfe said. "Successful people feel they owe something back to their country. Ethiopians love their culture. They want to come back. They just want to know they can also support their families here."
Despite a history of poverty and political problems, Ethiopia has long been regarded as a cultural capital of Africa. A recent celebration here, honoring the late reggae singer Bob Marley's 60th birthday, drew Africans from around the world. Many praised Ethiopia, the country Marley honored in his songs. "Babylon is falling, Ethiopia is calling," a Jamaican reggae group sang at the festival, encouraging Africans living abroad to move here.
One reason the country holds emotional resonance for Africans is because, unlike its neighbors, it was never colonized and was able to retain its cultural and religious traditions. Ethiopians have their own way of telling time and their own calendar.
Driven Away by Upheaval, Drawn Back by Success
The cigar smoke was thick at the swank Office Bar. Danny Davis, a stylish businessman raised in Washington, D.C., huddled with other Ethiopians visiting from the United States, sharing tips about the best local neighborhoods, most promising investment opportunities and best restaurants to munch a burger.
"I am so happy I am moving back," said Davis, 37, wearing a buttery leather jacket and sipping a whiskey. He's the owner of Pearl Restaurant and Lounge in Washington, but he plans to move with his wife, who is now pregnant, back home to Ethiopia next year. "There is real energy and movement in Addis. I tell my Ethiopian friends in D.C. they've got to go back and see what's going on."
A few blocks away, Woosen Ayalew, 44, a former resident of Fairfax, Va., runs the City Café, a coffeehouse that serves American-style doughnuts along with tiny cups of Ethiopian espresso.
"Ethiopia is experiencing a brain gain," Ayalew said. "Even just five years ago, no wanted to come back. Now everyone wants to come back and be a part of helping to build the country."
In many parts of the world's poorest continent, the chatter among ambitious people is usually about which Western embassy issues the fastest visa. About 20,000 skilled professionals leave Africa for Europe or the United States every year, according to the International Organization for Migration, a United Nations agency.
Among Ethiopians, however, many young emigres from the business and professional set are looking to return. This unique situation can be attributed in part to the financial success of Ethiopians in the United States, and in part to a campaign by the government to woo them back, said Kinfe Abraham, president of the African Economist magazine.
The greater Washington area has the world's largest concentration of Ethiopians outside of Africa, many of them driven away by protracted periods of famine and political instability. Last year, Ethiopians in the United States sent home $6 million in remittance money, eclipsing coffee, the country's biggest export, which earned $4 million.
But increasingly, Ethiopians who made their fortunes in the strip-mall spice stores and bakeries of Fairfax and the packed restaurants of Adams Morgan say they want to do more than send money home. All over Addis Ababa, eateries and offices are opening with such names as The Olive Garden, New York, New York, and The Boston Professional Building.
Government officials said at least 1,500 emigres had returned to Addis and that they were launching an aggressive campaign to woo more, offering tax breaks on importing belongings and flexible land ownership laws. In Washington, they said, embassy officials had been going door-to-door in Ethiopian-American neighborhoods, urging patriotic entrepreneurs to move back.
"There is the sentimental pull of home and at the same time a thriving business atmosphere," Kinfe said. "Successful people feel they owe something back to their country. Ethiopians love their culture. They want to come back. They just want to know they can also support their families here."
Despite a history of poverty and political problems, Ethiopia has long been regarded as a cultural capital of Africa. A recent celebration here, honoring the late reggae singer Bob Marley's 60th birthday, drew Africans from around the world. Many praised Ethiopia, the country Marley honored in his songs. "Babylon is falling, Ethiopia is calling," a Jamaican reggae group sang at the festival, encouraging Africans living abroad to move here.
One reason the country holds emotional resonance for Africans is because, unlike its neighbors, it was never colonized and was able to retain its cultural and religious traditions. Ethiopians have their own way of telling time and their own calendar.
Washington Post
Ethiopia Starts Broadband Internet Service
Good News!
The Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation (ETC), the country's only internet service provider, has announced it started providing broadband internet service as of March 13.
According to an ETC news release on Sunday, the corporation has transformed the narrowband service, which has so far been in, to a broadband internet service.
The project, which was launched six months ago, has cost some 7million birr (about 800,000 US dollars), the news release said.
The previous service was inefficient and it was serving not more than 15,000 clients, it said, adding that the broadband internet service can provide quality and efficient service to some 100,000 customers.
The news release said the corporation has worked out low price tariff to attract more customers and that the existing post-payment customers would be linked to the new pre-payment service to enable them get high quality services.
It also said the broadband internet service would enable watch live or recorded transmissions of television and radio programs, educational media transmissions, and attend exhibitions, meetings and forums apart from video and other services.
People's Daily Online
The Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation (ETC), the country's only internet service provider, has announced it started providing broadband internet service as of March 13.
According to an ETC news release on Sunday, the corporation has transformed the narrowband service, which has so far been in, to a broadband internet service.
The project, which was launched six months ago, has cost some 7million birr (about 800,000 US dollars), the news release said.
The previous service was inefficient and it was serving not more than 15,000 clients, it said, adding that the broadband internet service can provide quality and efficient service to some 100,000 customers.
The news release said the corporation has worked out low price tariff to attract more customers and that the existing post-payment customers would be linked to the new pre-payment service to enable them get high quality services.
It also said the broadband internet service would enable watch live or recorded transmissions of television and radio programs, educational media transmissions, and attend exhibitions, meetings and forums apart from video and other services.
People's Daily Online
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Kenyan President Due in Ethiopia for Talks on Somalia
Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki is to visit Ethiopia this week for talks with top Ethiopian and African Union officials amid controversy over the AU-authorized deployment of regional peacekeepers to lawless Somalia, officials said Tuesday.
Update
The visit broke ground for increased trade and investment interchanges between the two countries.
Acknowledging the role of trade and investment in development, the two leaders underscored the need to enhance economic ties between Kenya and Ethiopia.
Update
The visit broke ground for increased trade and investment interchanges between the two countries.
Acknowledging the role of trade and investment in development, the two leaders underscored the need to enhance economic ties between Kenya and Ethiopia.
Supermodel Liya Kebede Named UN's Goodwill Ambassador
CNN.com -- Supermodel Liya Kebede, best known as the face of cosmetics giant Estee Lauder, has been named a goodwill ambassador by the U.N. health agency.
The Ethiopian-born model said Monday she hoped her efforts for the World Health Organization would raise awareness of the difficulties mothers and children face in the developing world -- where millions die each year, often from easily preventable conditions.
Traveling to Ethiopia?
GET the latest health-related information on UNDP-ET.
Government Intervention
The government is facing a rise in heterosexual transmission of HIV/AIDS, malaria and other tropical diseases.
FIND out why tropical diseases kill more people than HIV/AIDS.
News
Officials scramble to halt the spread of polio in Ethiopia. It had been polio-free since 2002.
Humanitarian crises continue in Afar; new cases of measles are being reported.
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Ethiopian Archaeologists Make Important Fossil Find
Archaeologists studying human origins in eastern Ethiopia have discovered 12 fossils that appear to be older than the famous fossil "Lucy," the team leader said on Saturday.
"The discovery of 12 early hominid fossil specimens estimated to be between 3.8 to 4 million years old will be important in terms of understanding the early phases of human evolution before Lucy," Ethiopian archeologist Yohannes Haile Selassie told a news conference.
"It is hoped that the new discoveries will allow scientists to connect the dots, furthering our knowledge of the time period in human evolution," he added.
"This is the world's oldest biped," Bruce Latimer, director of the natural history museum in Cleveland, Ohio, told a news conference in the Ethiopian capital, adding that "it will revolutionize the way we see human evolution."
Lucy is Ethiopia's world-acclaimed archaeological find. The discovery of the almost complete hominid skeleton, estimated to be at least 3.2 million years old, in 1974 was a landmark in the search for the origins of humanity.
RECOMMENDED READING
Some Worry Public Display Could Harm Lucy's Bones
"The discovery of 12 early hominid fossil specimens estimated to be between 3.8 to 4 million years old will be important in terms of understanding the early phases of human evolution before Lucy," Ethiopian archeologist Yohannes Haile Selassie told a news conference.
"It is hoped that the new discoveries will allow scientists to connect the dots, furthering our knowledge of the time period in human evolution," he added.
"This is the world's oldest biped," Bruce Latimer, director of the natural history museum in Cleveland, Ohio, told a news conference in the Ethiopian capital, adding that "it will revolutionize the way we see human evolution."
Lucy is Ethiopia's world-acclaimed archaeological find. The discovery of the almost complete hominid skeleton, estimated to be at least 3.2 million years old, in 1974 was a landmark in the search for the origins of humanity.
RECOMMENDED READING
Some Worry Public Display Could Harm Lucy's Bones
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Turkey Will Contribute To The Economic Development Of Ethiopia
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that Turkey will strongly contribute to the economic development of Ethiopia in the upcoming months and years...
Erdogan added that both Turks and Ethiopians wish to cooperate in the areas of textiles, industrial products, defense matters and energy related sectors. ''Turkey will send engineers to Ethiopia to assist Ethiopians in building dams across the country. As water is becoming more and more important in international relations, we want to help our Ethiopian friends utilize their precious water resources effectively and in a planned way,'' said Erdogan.
RECOMMENDED READING
The Destruction of the Blue Niles Falls
Celebration
The Ethiopian government said on Monday it has cleared 16 million square meters of land from landmines since 2002....
March 1 is celebrated internationally since the ratification in 1997 of the Landmine Ban Treaty in Ottawa, Canada. Ethiopia has ratified the Landmine Ban Treaty in November 2004.
Auctions...
Ethiopia has turned to the Internet to help sell its finest beans, the agriculture ministry said on Tuesday. In the first move of its kind in the country, the ministry is to start auctioning nine of its best quality coffee brands to help boost sales and reach a wider audience, officials added.
Upcoming Election
As democratic currents flow through the nearby Middle East, Ethiopia is trying to overcome its own hurdles as a nascent democracy.
A major Human Rights Watch report issued in January charged the Ethiopian government with continuing to "deny many of its citizens' basic human rights."
According to Human Rights Watch, "The continuous intolerance of dissent on the part of many officials raises serious concerns as to whether opposition candidates will be able to contest [the May 15] poll in an environment free of fear."
Erdogan added that both Turks and Ethiopians wish to cooperate in the areas of textiles, industrial products, defense matters and energy related sectors. ''Turkey will send engineers to Ethiopia to assist Ethiopians in building dams across the country. As water is becoming more and more important in international relations, we want to help our Ethiopian friends utilize their precious water resources effectively and in a planned way,'' said Erdogan.
RECOMMENDED READING
The Destruction of the Blue Niles Falls
Celebration
The Ethiopian government said on Monday it has cleared 16 million square meters of land from landmines since 2002....
March 1 is celebrated internationally since the ratification in 1997 of the Landmine Ban Treaty in Ottawa, Canada. Ethiopia has ratified the Landmine Ban Treaty in November 2004.
Auctions...
Ethiopia has turned to the Internet to help sell its finest beans, the agriculture ministry said on Tuesday. In the first move of its kind in the country, the ministry is to start auctioning nine of its best quality coffee brands to help boost sales and reach a wider audience, officials added.
Upcoming Election
As democratic currents flow through the nearby Middle East, Ethiopia is trying to overcome its own hurdles as a nascent democracy.
A major Human Rights Watch report issued in January charged the Ethiopian government with continuing to "deny many of its citizens' basic human rights."
According to Human Rights Watch, "The continuous intolerance of dissent on the part of many officials raises serious concerns as to whether opposition candidates will be able to contest [the May 15] poll in an environment free of fear."
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Bono Makes Wish to Fight Poverty
 |  | | |
Bono targeted worldwide poverty in the wishes he was granted as a recipient of the inaugural TED Prize from the Technology, Entertainment, Design conference.
The U2 frontman and global activist said Thursday he wished for the creation of ONE, a social movement he hopes will have more than 1 million Americans fighting worldwide poverty.
He also wished to tell people of this movement 1 billion times and wants TED to help connect every hospital, health clinic and school in Ethiopia to the Internet.
CHECK out Africa's Internet usage statistic.
Sun Microsystems, Inc., today announced it will join Bono to electronically enlist legions of Americans into the ONE Campaign, a non-profit initiative launched by the singer and social activist to raise the voices of citizens to combat AIDS and poverty in Africa.
Ethiopia's Crop Production Up 24%
Ethiopia produced 14.27 million tonnes of crops in 2004, 24% higher than in 2003 and 21% more than the average of the past five years, a report says.
The increase was due mainly to better rains, increased use of fertilizer and improved seeds, especially wheat and maize, the UN agencies said.
Nevertheless, 2.2 million Ethiopians will still need emergency assistance.
Why do millions of Ethiopians go hungry even when production is high and the market is full?
The government should consider self-sufficiency programs
Less dependency on foreign aid programs
Create local, sustainable economies
News
The government encourages Qatar to invest in Ethiopia's agro-industry.
Background on the Famine
The 1984-85 famine had seriously threatened Ethiopia's reserves of landraces of traditional seeds. According to RaceandHistory.com, the famine - itself in large part a product of the economic reforms imposed to the advantage of large corporations by the IMF, World Bank and the US Government - served to undermine Ethiopia's genetic diversity to the benefit of the biotech companies.
At the very same time Ethiopia was using some of its agricultural land to produce linseed cake, cottonseed cake and rapeseed meal for export to the UK and other European nations as feed for livestock.
Meanwhile...
Millions of acres of third world land are now being used exclusively to produce feed for European livestock.
Politics
The United Nations' food agency continues to endorse biotechnology Monday as a promising way to improve farming around the world, but complained the technology is still not designed to meet the needs of poor countries.
Facts
Agriculture is the main economic activity in Ethiopia, representing 45% of gross domestic product.
About 80% of Ethiopians depend directly or indirectly on agriculture.
The 2005 Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI) was released at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, today. The study of 146 countries finds that many African countries rank "above average", with good systems in place for the management of environmental and development issues. Gabon is the highest-ranked country in Africa, which means that it is least likely to experience major environmental deterioration in the short and medium-term future, the report says. Worst of in Africa, according to the ESI, are Sudan (35.9), Ethiopia (37.9), Burundi (40.0) and Zimbabwe (41.2).
The increase was due mainly to better rains, increased use of fertilizer and improved seeds, especially wheat and maize, the UN agencies said.
Nevertheless, 2.2 million Ethiopians will still need emergency assistance.
Why do millions of Ethiopians go hungry even when production is high and the market is full?
The government should consider self-sufficiency programs
Less dependency on foreign aid programs
Create local, sustainable economies
News
The government encourages Qatar to invest in Ethiopia's agro-industry.
Background on the Famine
The 1984-85 famine had seriously threatened Ethiopia's reserves of landraces of traditional seeds. According to RaceandHistory.com, the famine - itself in large part a product of the economic reforms imposed to the advantage of large corporations by the IMF, World Bank and the US Government - served to undermine Ethiopia's genetic diversity to the benefit of the biotech companies.
At the very same time Ethiopia was using some of its agricultural land to produce linseed cake, cottonseed cake and rapeseed meal for export to the UK and other European nations as feed for livestock.
Meanwhile...
Millions of acres of third world land are now being used exclusively to produce feed for European livestock.
Politics
The United Nations' food agency continues to endorse biotechnology Monday as a promising way to improve farming around the world, but complained the technology is still not designed to meet the needs of poor countries.
Facts
Agriculture is the main economic activity in Ethiopia, representing 45% of gross domestic product.
About 80% of Ethiopians depend directly or indirectly on agriculture.
The 2005 Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI) was released at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, today. The study of 146 countries finds that many African countries rank "above average", with good systems in place for the management of environmental and development issues. Gabon is the highest-ranked country in Africa, which means that it is least likely to experience major environmental deterioration in the short and medium-term future, the report says. Worst of in Africa, according to the ESI, are Sudan (35.9), Ethiopia (37.9), Burundi (40.0) and Zimbabwe (41.2).
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Uranium Discovered in Ethiopia
According to Ethiopian Reporter, uranium, a radio-active substance used for making nuclear weapons and many other devices, was recently discovered in the Bale zone of the Oromia Regional State by a group of farmers and a businessman.
The businessman, who was not identified, and who is prospecting for precious stones in the zone, was informed of the presence of the mineral by farmers in that locality. With the help of the farmers, the businessman collected samples, which he sent to the Ministry of Mines for analysis. Geologists with the Ministry carried out scientific tests and confirmed that the substance was uranium.
Time will tell if this discovery will benefit Ethiopia for better or worse.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Iran Broader Ties Favored with Ethiopia
Iran's President Mohammad Khatami received visiting Ethiopian Minister of Finance and Economic Development Ahmed Sufian on Monday.
During the meeting, Khatami pointed to historical commonalities between the two countries and Ethiopia's social and economic conditions, praising peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims in that country, IRNA reported.
More on Iranmania.com
A Clarion Call to All Women of Ethiopia
With elections only two months away the Ethiopian Media Women's Association(EMWA), urged every woman - be it an election candidate or a voter - to stay focused in the journey to realizing gender parity in this country.
In a press statement they said that Ethiopia need not only have more women representatives in the government but also men representatives who are gender sensitive and are keen on uplifting the status and freedom of the women in this country. More on allAfrica.com
On a similar topic related to women...
Ethiopia has a 90 percent prevalence rate for female circumcision, according to the Italian-based international association, No Peace Without Justice. In 2004, however, the government criminalized female circumcision.
In a press statement they said that Ethiopia need not only have more women representatives in the government but also men representatives who are gender sensitive and are keen on uplifting the status and freedom of the women in this country. More on allAfrica.com
On a similar topic related to women...
Ethiopia has a 90 percent prevalence rate for female circumcision, according to the Italian-based international association, No Peace Without Justice. In 2004, however, the government criminalized female circumcision.
Ethiopia is Top Choice for Cradle of Homo Sapiens
According to a recent study published by Nature, two Ethiopian fossils have been crowned as the oldest known members of our species. An estimated 195,000 years old, the pair were witness to the earliest days of Homo sapiens.
Ethiopia was once a thriving cultural center, but one has to wonder why we are one of the poorest countries in Africa!
Ethiopia was once a thriving cultural center, but one has to wonder why we are one of the poorest countries in Africa!
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Ossie Davis Remembered in New York City
Actor Ossie Davis was remembered yesterday with rousing eulogies by Harry Belafonte and Bill Clinton and a musical tribute by Wynton Marsalis in a service that lasted almost four hours and was described by several speakers as a state funeral for black America.
Did You Know?
While still in high school, Davis had dreamed about joining Ethiopia's struggle against Mussolini, although he confessed he was not sure where Ethiopia was.
Benito Mussolini's Italy used mustard gas in Ethiopia and Libya.
Effects of mustard gas on a patient picked up by an Norwegian Red Cross ambulance.
Did You Know?
While still in high school, Davis had dreamed about joining Ethiopia's struggle against Mussolini, although he confessed he was not sure where Ethiopia was.
Benito Mussolini's Italy used mustard gas in Ethiopia and Libya.
Effects of mustard gas on a patient picked up by an Norwegian Red Cross ambulance.
© CICR - ref. hist-03503-19a.jpg
Ethiopia's Ruling Party Accused of Killing Opposition Members
An opposition coalition said Tuesday that five of its members were killed and 22 wounded in recent attacks by members of Ethiopia's ruling party.
The Coalition for Unity and Democracy said the attacks in the past month were meant to intimidate opposition leaders in the run-up to national elections set for May 15.
At least five members of the All Amhara Unity party -- a member of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy -- were killed in the past two weeks in the northeastern region of Eastern Gojam, the coalition said.
Reported on CNN.com
Just like Iraqis, shouldn't Ethiopians in the diaspora be given the right to vote in the upcoming elections?
The Coalition for Unity and Democracy said the attacks in the past month were meant to intimidate opposition leaders in the run-up to national elections set for May 15.
At least five members of the All Amhara Unity party -- a member of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy -- were killed in the past two weeks in the northeastern region of Eastern Gojam, the coalition said.
Reported on CNN.com
Just like Iraqis, shouldn't Ethiopians in the diaspora be given the right to vote in the upcoming elections?
Eritrea Demands Return of Artefacts from Ethiopia
Eritrea is to demand the return from Ethiopia of hundreds of archeological artefacts taken from ancient sites in the 1960s, an official said on Thursday, threatening a new row between the feuding Horn of Africa neighbours.
In addition, Asmara will petition Italy for the return of objects it says were taken by Italian nationals before Eritrea -- an Italian colony and then British protectorate annexed by Ethiopia in 1962 -- won independence in 1993.
"Today, just as Ethiopia asks Italy to hand back the Axum stele, we ask the Ethiopians to hand back the objects found in Matara which are currently in Addis Ababa," said National Museum chief Lebsekal Yosief.
Reported by Mail & Guardian.
There have been excavations in Matara. TAKE a look at one of the cosmopolitan centers from the ancient trading world. There's an extensive history lesson here on Adulis, Matara, and Axum.
Photo courtesy: Skip Dahlgren
In addition, Asmara will petition Italy for the return of objects it says were taken by Italian nationals before Eritrea -- an Italian colony and then British protectorate annexed by Ethiopia in 1962 -- won independence in 1993.
"Today, just as Ethiopia asks Italy to hand back the Axum stele, we ask the Ethiopians to hand back the objects found in Matara which are currently in Addis Ababa," said National Museum chief Lebsekal Yosief.
Reported by Mail & Guardian.
There have been excavations in Matara. TAKE a look at one of the cosmopolitan centers from the ancient trading world. There's an extensive history lesson here on Adulis, Matara, and Axum.Photo courtesy: Skip Dahlgren
Friday, February 11, 2005
Prosecutors Investigate Pushkin 'Pornography'
He is the all-time giant of Russian literature, who shaped the literary heritage of the world’s biggest country.
But now Alexander Pushkin’s legacy is in danger of being tainted by an argument over whether some of his early work is pornographic, and whether his ‘adult verses’ even came from the pen of the ‘National Poet’.
Reported in The Moscow Times
Pushkin's mother is believed to have been a descendent of Abraham Petrovich Hannibal. Was he from Ethiopia or Cameroon?
Here's a short history on Pushkin's Ethiopian great-grandfather :
Abraham Petrovich Hannibal was born in Lagano, Ethiopia in 1697, the son of the reigning prince. At the age of eight he was captured and taken to Turkey, where he was once again kidnapped and taken to Moscow. He was given to the Czar, Peter the Great. Peter grew fond of him because of his intelligence. For ten years Hannibal went everywhere with Peter.
Source: www.ipoaa.com
But now Alexander Pushkin’s legacy is in danger of being tainted by an argument over whether some of his early work is pornographic, and whether his ‘adult verses’ even came from the pen of the ‘National Poet’.
Reported in The Moscow Times
Pushkin's mother is believed to have been a descendent of Abraham Petrovich Hannibal. Was he from Ethiopia or Cameroon?
Here's a short history on Pushkin's Ethiopian great-grandfather :
Abraham Petrovich Hannibal was born in Lagano, Ethiopia in 1697, the son of the reigning prince. At the age of eight he was captured and taken to Turkey, where he was once again kidnapped and taken to Moscow. He was given to the Czar, Peter the Great. Peter grew fond of him because of his intelligence. For ten years Hannibal went everywhere with Peter.
Source: www.ipoaa.com
Friday, February 04, 2005
Ethiopian Airlines to Buy Up to Ten Boeing 787 Dreamliners
Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines today announced a preliminary agreement for up to 10 Boeing 787 Dreamliner passenger planes that will make the airline the first Africa-based operator of the super-efficient, all-new jetliner.
This is a good thing...
The airplane will use 20 percent less fuel than today's airplanes of comparable size, and provide customers with up to 45 percent more cargo revenue capacity.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Nile Restrictions Anger Ethiopia
From its origin here in the Ethiopian Highlands, the Blue Nile flows hundreds of miles north into Sudan and then Egypt before eventually flowing into the Mediterranean.
Looking out across the vastness of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, it is difficult to see why Ethiopia is known as a land plagued by horrific droughts.
Yet despite this apparent abundance of water about 2.5 million farmers, in this region of Ethiopia alone, depend on food aid to survive.
In Egypt, there's a massive irrigation system that spawns thousands of acres of fruit and vegetables at the Al-Hoda farm, one of Africa's largest organic farms. Most of the crops are bound for supermarkets in Britain and other European countries.
What is wrong with this picture?
"While Egypt is taking the Nile water to transform the Sahara Desert into something green, we in Ethiopia - who are the source of 85% of that water - are denied the possibility of using it to feed ourselves. And we are being forced to beg for food every year,"
-Ethiopia's Prime Minister Meles Zenawi
FIND out.
Looking out across the vastness of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, it is difficult to see why Ethiopia is known as a land plagued by horrific droughts.
Yet despite this apparent abundance of water about 2.5 million farmers, in this region of Ethiopia alone, depend on food aid to survive.
In Egypt, there's a massive irrigation system that spawns thousands of acres of fruit and vegetables at the Al-Hoda farm, one of Africa's largest organic farms. Most of the crops are bound for supermarkets in Britain and other European countries.
What is wrong with this picture?
"While Egypt is taking the Nile water to transform the Sahara Desert into something green, we in Ethiopia - who are the source of 85% of that water - are denied the possibility of using it to feed ourselves. And we are being forced to beg for food every year,"
-Ethiopia's Prime Minister Meles Zenawi
FIND out.
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Why 'Never Again' Is Not Enough
 Hotel Rwanda was based on former Rwandan hotelier Paul Rusesabagina |
"I feel bitter because the international community and mankind as a whole - we see, we look and we never learn from the past in order to plan for a better future for the next generation," he told the BBC's World Today programme.
He says what is happening in Darfur is exactly what happened in Rwanda in the years running up the 100-day massacre of some 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus.
More on BBC NEWS
Meanwhile... The brain drain is costing poor nations millions as they continue to lose their most skilled and experienced healthcare professionals to developed nations.
STATS: Poor nations spend $500 million a year training health workers, according to a report presented at a two-day meeting to discuss the impact of the migration of Africans.
More on TimesDispatch.com
Is the US Embassy facing heat for human right abuses in Ethiopia?
The online petition states:
We the undersigned, request that the State Department of the United States investigate and take action against human rights abuses at the US embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Continue to READ the full petition.
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Amazing Hominid Haul in Ethiopia
Fossil hunters working in Ethiopia have unearthed the remains of at least nine primitive hominids that are between 4.5 million and 4.3 million years old.
More on BBC NEWS
photo courtesy http://news.bbc.co.uk
More on BBC NEWS
photo courtesy http://news.bbc.co.uk
| |
Monday, January 17, 2005
A Marshall Plan for Africa
So British finance minister Gordon Brown tour of Africa last week was something of an epiphany. After years preaching Third World aid and co-ordinated debt forgiveness, he had never set foot on the continent he now seeks to save.
Last week he met the young and the dying, putting a face to the political ideals he has been developing for years. His tour highlighted twin tragedies: Africa is getting poorer by the day and his plan will not help.
Brown arrived in Kenya last Tuesday with the wind of public opinion behind his mission: to use Britain’s presidency of the G8 to persuade nations to double development aid to $100bn and transform Africa.
Good intentions, but what good is it to dump money into Africa's lap when "democratically elected" leaders are corrupt and don't have an interest in the people?
The Chancellor, a CAP critic - should have known that his time would be better spent in Brussels, lobbying to abolish the CAP.
More on the Scotsman.com
Last week he met the young and the dying, putting a face to the political ideals he has been developing for years. His tour highlighted twin tragedies: Africa is getting poorer by the day and his plan will not help.
Brown arrived in Kenya last Tuesday with the wind of public opinion behind his mission: to use Britain’s presidency of the G8 to persuade nations to double development aid to $100bn and transform Africa.
Good intentions, but what good is it to dump money into Africa's lap when "democratically elected" leaders are corrupt and don't have an interest in the people?
The Chancellor, a CAP critic - should have known that his time would be better spent in Brussels, lobbying to abolish the CAP.
More on the Scotsman.com
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Earth Shattering Find in Ethiopia
Ethiopia sits on a boundary where a tectonic plate is being split into two and over several million years a new ocean basin is forming. The movement of plates on the Earth's surface alone does not provide enough force to cause the rift seen in Ethiopia.
More on www.innovations-report.de
More on www.innovations-report.de
Saturday, January 08, 2005
Ethiopia, Djibouti Integrate Power Networks
The Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo) and Electricité de Djibouti (EdD) are to start their joint "Multinational Power Interconnection Project" in January 2005. The full power integration between the two neighbours is expected to be finalized by mid-2009.
As part of this project, authorities expect a large increase in electricity access in Ethiopia - from 13 percent in 2003 to 20 percent by 2012 - and in Djibouti - from 49.5 percent in 2003 to 60 percent by 2015. Power is expected to be provided at more affordable prices in the entire region as a result of the project, thus contributing to improve electricity access.
More on www.afrol.com
As part of this project, authorities expect a large increase in electricity access in Ethiopia - from 13 percent in 2003 to 20 percent by 2012 - and in Djibouti - from 49.5 percent in 2003 to 60 percent by 2015. Power is expected to be provided at more affordable prices in the entire region as a result of the project, thus contributing to improve electricity access.
More on www.afrol.com
Expedition Heading to the Erta Ale Volcano
A Canadian expedition team along with a team of Swiss volcanologists is planning a trip to the remote Erta Ale volcano. Erta Ale is a very remote and rarely visited shield volcano. It is Ethiopia's most active volcano and it has been in a state of continuous eruption since 1967.
lcano
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
New Fed Laws Lead to Arrest of Ethiopian Torture Suspect
Federal agents in Atlanta on Tuesday arrested a prominent Ethiopian human rights abuse suspect and put him in deportation proceedings, for the first time using legal powers granted under a newly-signed intelligence reform law.
The new law broadened the arrest powers of the immigration service, adding that evidence that a foreign national tortured or killed someone for political reasons is grounds for deportation.
Wow!
More on www.miami.com
The new law broadened the arrest powers of the immigration service, adding that evidence that a foreign national tortured or killed someone for political reasons is grounds for deportation.
Wow!
More on www.miami.com
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Concert to Celebrate Bob Marley's 60th Birthday
Bob Marley's 60th birthday will be celebrated with a month-long programme of events in Addis Ababa's Meskel Square in February.
"Brother Bob sang music gonna teach them a lesson'," commented Rita Marley, the singer's widow and president of "Africa Unite".
"We plan to teach the world about the power of love, unity and hope through this proud celebration."
Ethiopia was chosen as the venue because it was the home of the late Emperor Haile Selassie, the spiritual leader of the Rastafarian faith to which Marley subscribed.
Partners in "Africa Unite" include UNICEF, the World Bank and the Africa Union, an umbrella organization of 53 states. The itinerary was unveiled by the Bob Marley Foundation and the Rita Marley Foundation, the two charitable organizations dedicated to furthering the singer's legacy. READ what's coming up...
Will Bob Marley's remains be exhumed and reburied in Ethiopia?
Bob Marley - Get Up Stand Up
"Brother Bob sang music gonna teach them a lesson'," commented Rita Marley, the singer's widow and president of "Africa Unite".
"We plan to teach the world about the power of love, unity and hope through this proud celebration."
Ethiopia was chosen as the venue because it was the home of the late Emperor Haile Selassie, the spiritual leader of the Rastafarian faith to which Marley subscribed.
Partners in "Africa Unite" include UNICEF, the World Bank and the Africa Union, an umbrella organization of 53 states. The itinerary was unveiled by the Bob Marley Foundation and the Rita Marley Foundation, the two charitable organizations dedicated to furthering the singer's legacy. READ what's coming up...
Will Bob Marley's remains be exhumed and reburied in Ethiopia?
Bob Marley - Get Up Stand Up
Tsunami Donations Surpass Those for the 1984 Famine in Ethiopia
Charitable donations to aid victims of the Asian tsunami disaster have surpassed those prompted by the Ethiopian famine in 1984, Oxfam Ireland claimed yesterday.
More on the story
DONATE to oxfam.org
What About Somalia?
Over 54,000 people are reported to have been displaced and hundreds of people are known to have died while numerous others are not accounted for. The impact of the tsunamis in some inaccessible areas in central and northeastern parts of Somalia is yet to be fully determined.
It is sad to note that perhaps as a result of the continuing chaotic political situation in Somalia (despite recent hopeful steps in the right direction), there is hardly any discernible move by the international community to come to Somalia’s aid at this important moment of its need.
Finally, the Center calls upon all people of conscience throughout the world to come to Somalia’s aid recognizing that it has also suffered the ill-effects of the devastating tsunamis. Funds and other resources needed by Somalia should be channeled through aid agencies and organizations such as the United Nations.
-- The Horn of Africa Peace and Development Center
Is U2, Coldplay and Darkness Planning a Tsunami Benefit?
FIND out
Other Stories:
Ethiopia Urged Not to Harass Journalists
Reporters Without Borders Tuesday condemned the continuing judicial harassment of an independent publication in Ethiopia.
More on washingtontimes.com.
UPDATE: Wosonseged Gebrekidan, former managing editor of "Ethiop", was finally released on the evening of 31 December 2004 after the bail was paid with the help of the Ethiopia Free Press Journalists' Association (EFJA) and international NGOs. "Ethiop" is both a daily newspaper and a magazine.
More on allAfrica.com
Ethiopians Remember Alem Techale, a 'Gifted' Athlete
She dies while training...
More on cnn.com
photo courtesy iaff.org
More on the story
DONATE to oxfam.org
What About Somalia?
Over 54,000 people are reported to have been displaced and hundreds of people are known to have died while numerous others are not accounted for. The impact of the tsunamis in some inaccessible areas in central and northeastern parts of Somalia is yet to be fully determined.
It is sad to note that perhaps as a result of the continuing chaotic political situation in Somalia (despite recent hopeful steps in the right direction), there is hardly any discernible move by the international community to come to Somalia’s aid at this important moment of its need.
Finally, the Center calls upon all people of conscience throughout the world to come to Somalia’s aid recognizing that it has also suffered the ill-effects of the devastating tsunamis. Funds and other resources needed by Somalia should be channeled through aid agencies and organizations such as the United Nations.
-- The Horn of Africa Peace and Development Center
Is U2, Coldplay and Darkness Planning a Tsunami Benefit?
FIND out
Other Stories:
Ethiopia Urged Not to Harass Journalists
Reporters Without Borders Tuesday condemned the continuing judicial harassment of an independent publication in Ethiopia.
More on washingtontimes.com.
UPDATE: Wosonseged Gebrekidan, former managing editor of "Ethiop", was finally released on the evening of 31 December 2004 after the bail was paid with the help of the Ethiopia Free Press Journalists' Association (EFJA) and international NGOs. "Ethiop" is both a daily newspaper and a magazine.
More on allAfrica.com
Ethiopians Remember Alem Techale, a 'Gifted' Athlete
She dies while training...
More on cnn.com
photo courtesy iaff.org
Sunday, January 02, 2005
Grand Demonstration to Extend from Addis to Toronto
The grand demonstration extends from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Sunday January 2, 2005 at Meskel Square and will go on in some Canadian and American cities, including Washington D.C, and Toronto, other than the greatly expected Los Angeles city concurrent with the Addis Ababa March. The committee urges all Ethiopians in Los Angeles, Washington D.C and Toronto to actively participate in the demonstration and show their concern and confirm that they will not simply sit and see when their beloved country is adversely affected.
It is to be recalled that PM Meles Zenawi's government has reconsidered its objections of the decision of the Hague on Ethio-Eritrea border and called for negotiation that is likely to give up its claim on Badme. It also promised to award the Sudan with a chunk of land cut from the Ethiopian side of Humara at the north West Ethio-Sudan border.
CHECK out the story on ethiomedia.com.
Here's the deal... On January 2, more than 100,000 protesters demonstrated in Addis Ababa against PM Zenawi's current peace talks with Eritrea. Over 70,000 Ethiopians fought and died during the "Badme" border war. In November 2004, Zenawi conceded to the Hague's border decision which gives the "disputed" land to Eritrea. Who's side is PM Zenawi on?
There's an upcoming election in May 2005... Will he win?
More on the story.
It is to be recalled that PM Meles Zenawi's government has reconsidered its objections of the decision of the Hague on Ethio-Eritrea border and called for negotiation that is likely to give up its claim on Badme. It also promised to award the Sudan with a chunk of land cut from the Ethiopian side of Humara at the north West Ethio-Sudan border.
CHECK out the story on ethiomedia.com.
Here's the deal... On January 2, more than 100,000 protesters demonstrated in Addis Ababa against PM Zenawi's current peace talks with Eritrea. Over 70,000 Ethiopians fought and died during the "Badme" border war. In November 2004, Zenawi conceded to the Hague's border decision which gives the "disputed" land to Eritrea. Who's side is PM Zenawi on?
There's an upcoming election in May 2005... Will he win?
More on the story.
Thursday, December 30, 2004
US Cancels 100 Percent of Ethiopia's Debt
The United States is to write off $72.6m debt owed by Ethiopia, following an agreement signed in Addis Ababa on Thursday between the two countries, Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) reported.
One can hope that the Ethiopian government will engage in the country's poverty reduction programs and tackle the food shortage crises and lack of infrastructure.
More details on the write off.
Italy Cancels Ethiopia's Debt Too
Italy is to write off Ethiopia's debt of $462.4m following an agreement signed on Monday, January 3 in Addis Ababa between the two countries, the Italian embassy said in a statement.
More details on the write off.
Food Statistic: With the largest livestock population in Africa, Ethiopia has an ample supply base for the export of live animals and meat. Its livestock resources are estimated at 27 million cattle, 24 million sheep and 18 million goats.
Recently, the government signed the following agreement...
Cairo-Ethiopia Sign $50 million Meat Import Agreement
The agreement stipulates that Ethiopia would provide Egypt with livestock or beef meat for two years, and that Egyptian companies would build a mechanized slaughterhouse and rehabilitate another four in Ethiopia.
Mineral Statistic: Ethiopia offers excellent opportunities for mineral prospecting and development. Geological studies undertaken so far by the Ministry of Mines show the existence of rich geological environment in the country.
Trivia: Ethiopia is the world's main supplier of civet (zebade), which is used in perfumes throughout the world. LEARN more about Ethiopia's trade crops.
VIEW current mining and explorations in Ethiopia on www.trade.uktradeinvest.gov.uk.
One can hope that the Ethiopian government will engage in the country's poverty reduction programs and tackle the food shortage crises and lack of infrastructure.
More details on the write off.
Italy Cancels Ethiopia's Debt Too
Italy is to write off Ethiopia's debt of $462.4m following an agreement signed on Monday, January 3 in Addis Ababa between the two countries, the Italian embassy said in a statement.
More details on the write off.
Food Statistic: With the largest livestock population in Africa, Ethiopia has an ample supply base for the export of live animals and meat. Its livestock resources are estimated at 27 million cattle, 24 million sheep and 18 million goats.
Recently, the government signed the following agreement...
Cairo-Ethiopia Sign $50 million Meat Import Agreement
The agreement stipulates that Ethiopia would provide Egypt with livestock or beef meat for two years, and that Egyptian companies would build a mechanized slaughterhouse and rehabilitate another four in Ethiopia.
Mineral Statistic: Ethiopia offers excellent opportunities for mineral prospecting and development. Geological studies undertaken so far by the Ministry of Mines show the existence of rich geological environment in the country.
Trivia: Ethiopia is the world's main supplier of civet (zebade), which is used in perfumes throughout the world. LEARN more about Ethiopia's trade crops.
VIEW current mining and explorations in Ethiopia on www.trade.uktradeinvest.gov.uk.
Aid Group Accused of Denying Food
More on the accusation. (Log in required)
One wonders if these activities are true: Having embroidery operation in slave-labor-like conditions, threatening community members who speak out against the abuses and employing representatives who beat up people...
Other Related News...
More on the absorption of Ethiopians.
Who knew there was such an urgent need to bring this ancient community to Israel!
CHECK out the New York Times's bizarre story on the Falasha's waiting to emigrate to Israel.
What this study fails to mention is that these children have to face a language barrier, culture shock, racism and a loss of their own culture - among other things...
Sunday, December 19, 2004
Gambella... The New Oil Rush?
Oil is discovered in southwestern Ethiopia. Ethnic fighting started... The Anuaks are displaced, massacred by rebels. The Gambella Petroleum Corporation expects to produce more than 50,000 barrels of oil daily in the Gambella area. Could this be another Darfur?
A report from www.genocidewatch.org
LEARN more about the big rush and the Anuaks.
A report from www.genocidewatch.org
LEARN more about the big rush and the Anuaks.
Oprah, Danny Glover and Brad Pitt Visit Ethiopia
-- Oprah during her visit in Ethiopia to inaugurate an extension center to the Fistula Hospital.
LEARN more about Oprah's trip and her plans for the school.
"After talking to children I feel a sense of embarrassment and anger that my own country has not signed the landmine treaty..."
-- Danny Glover during his five-day visit to Ethiopia to highlight the horrific impact of anti-personnel mines (APMs). He further said that some one million landmines litter the country following years of internal conflict and fighting with neighboring Eritrea and Somalia.
LEARN more about Danny Glover's trip.
"I spent a wonderful week traveling this beautiful continent, listening to the people and learning about the AIDS crisis, the extreme poverty in which people live and how people in America can help by joining The ONE Campaign to fight global AIDS and poverty..."
-- Brad Pitt during his trip to Ethiopia, where he visited local projects fighting the spread of HIV. LEARN more about Brad Pitt's trip.
SLIDESHOW: Brad Pitt in South Africa and Ethiopia
UPDATE: Ethiopia is to begin free distribution of potentially lifesaving drugs next month for people living with HIV, US officials supporting the programme said on Thursday.
It will likely save 15,000 people this year. According to government plans, the number of people receiving the drugs will be expanded to 210,000 people within the next five years... LEARN more about the program.
Monday, December 13, 2004
Endurance Running is in East Africans' Genes
The long-distance running prowess of Ethiopia’s elite male athletes is partly dictated by their genes.
Researchers have established that such athletes are more likely to have certain variants of four Y chromosome genes compared with other Ethiopians. No one knows what the genes do, or how influential they are, but they are the first to be linked to east Africans’ outstanding ability for endurance events.
Read more about why it's good to be East African.
Researchers have established that such athletes are more likely to have certain variants of four Y chromosome genes compared with other Ethiopians. No one knows what the genes do, or how influential they are, but they are the first to be linked to east Africans’ outstanding ability for endurance events.
Read more about why it's good to be East African.
Sunday, December 12, 2004
Some Worry Public Display Could Harm Lucy's Bones
Ethiopians in Ethiopia haven't had a chance to see the "real" fossils of Lucy in their homeland, but officials in Texas are preparing to display the "real" Lucy skeletons in Houston and other cities starting in '06. Houston is hoping to make a nice buck (over $4 million) from the exhibit too...
Bummer for Ethiopia!
Great for Houston...
Read more about the excitement:
Bummer for Ethiopia!
Great for Houston...
Read more about the excitement:
The first public display of Lucy, a 3.2 million-year-old fossil discovered in Ethiopia, is scheduled for Houston in 2006, to the chagrin of some anthropologists who fear the project will harm the partial skeleton.
Where's the "real" Lucy? Read on...
UPDATE: Houston Officials Head to Ethiopia to Close the Deal
The plan, according to Houston officials is to see the Ethiopian National Palace and National Museum. Lucy's fossilized bones are kept there, secured from public view." More on the trip.
Read about what scientists found a year ago in the Afar region:
The fossilized skulls of two adults and one child discovered in the Afar region of eastern Ethiopia have been dated at 160,000 years, making them the oldest known fossils of modern humans, or Homo sapiens.
The "world's oldest kitchen" is discovered in Gona. READ Dr. Quade's interview on his findings in Gona. Dr. Quade is a faculty member in the Geosciences Department at the University of Arizona.
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Ethiopia Wants Looted Treasures Back
"Blair was not guilty of looting the treasures but he is guilty of not returning them," says Professor Richard Pankhurst.
So why didn't Ethiopian government officials request or push the PM that the British must return the looted goods that were stolen in 1868 from Ethiopia? I haven't a clue... For more information, click here.
Update: Agreement Signed with Italy to Return Axum Obelisk Strengthens Relation of Two Countries
Sidebar: Ethiopia has signed a 220 million Euro loan agreement with Italy to enable Ethiopia to produce an additional 450-mega watt from the Gilgel Gibe project. For more information, click here.
It's a plane! The US finds a plane to transport the stolen obelisk from Rome. The obelisk is scheduled to arrive between January and April 2005.
photo courtesy news.bbc.com
So why didn't Ethiopian government officials request or push the PM that the British must return the looted goods that were stolen in 1868 from Ethiopia? I haven't a clue... For more information, click here.
Update: Agreement Signed with Italy to Return Axum Obelisk Strengthens Relation of Two Countries
Sidebar: Ethiopia has signed a 220 million Euro loan agreement with Italy to enable Ethiopia to produce an additional 450-mega watt from the Gilgel Gibe project. For more information, click here.
It's a plane! The US finds a plane to transport the stolen obelisk from Rome. The obelisk is scheduled to arrive between January and April 2005.
photo courtesy news.bbc.com
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