Ethiopia strives for more dev’t outcomes: Bereket

Addis Ababa, May 29, 2006 (WIC) - Ethiopia is moving as desired in the right direction, Bereket Simon said.

In an exclusive interview with the Ethiopian Press Agency Friday, May 26, 2006, Bereket, Public Relations Advisor to the Prime Minister with the Rank of Minister in the premier’s Office said that the economic growth over the last three successive years was the outcome of sound policies and strategies.

Over the last 15 years, EPRDF has made significant achievements in all sectors, he said, adding, however, it does not mean that there were not any shortcomings. He also expressed conviction that Ethiopia will maintain the economic growth for the fourth round.

According to him, the recent rise in the cost of living is the outcome of the economic growth. As the income of the people increases, their demand and purchasing power increases as well, he added.

He also said that the price of crops has now increased and the implication for the farmers is that they would be encouraged to produce in surplus resulting in a fair price.

“Farmers appreciate our development policies and strategies for they enabled them boost productivity,” Bereket said.

Asked about Ethiopians in the Diaspora, Bereket said that the majority of them are keen to see a prosperous and peaceful Ethiopia. However, very few hardliners had been agitating their fellow-countrymen not to return home and invest as well as not to fly the national carrier, he added.

Bereket further said that some Ethiopians in the Diaspora were also demanding for aid withholding. Such subversive acts would only create temporary problem, he said.

According to Bereket, EPRDF has evaluated itself following the third national and state elections results and has thus incorporated improved and new practices with a view to enhancing democracy and good governance in the country.

Democracy matures in due process, he said, adding that the matured democracies in the developed nations are the outcome of many ups and downs.

“Hence, Ethiopia has no option other than building democracy despite the challenges, it is facing”, Bereket said.

Regarding the recent explosions in Addis, Bereket said that OLF and other desperate forces might have perpetrated the terrorist act.

He said that it won’t take long to track down those who were behind these heinous acts.

by Dagne Biazen