EPRDF expresses readiness to solve political problems through negotiations, '‘give-and-take’' principle

27/05/2006

Addis Ababa, May 27, 2006 (WIC)- The Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) announced its readiness to do whatever possible to ensure the sustainability of the economic growth registered and the on-going democratization process.

The party also disclosed that it will exert efforts to further uphold the activities underway to resolve the post-election temporary problems through negotiations based on “give-and-take” principle.

According to the statement issued by the office of the party in connection with the 15th anniversary of May 28, EPRDF has made preparations to make the steady economic growth registered in the past years sustainable and ensure the fair share of the people in the process.

Indicating the prevalent condition in the country to express differing views and interests, the statement called on the other parties to seize the opportunity and struggle democratically on their differences and get involved otherwise in building the nation.

The statement said EPRDF has been working hard for the last 15 years to introduce and build multi-party system taking into consideration the fact that there are different communities in the country and because it is convinced that it is possible to entertain the differences in the views and interests of these peoples to mutually build a mutual country.

The statement recalled that during the Dergue regime, individual and collective rights were suppressed and people used to be persecuted not only for protesting but also for being suspected of having an intention to protest. It also noted that the military government had alienated the country from the world.

It was a great achievement to register an average economic growth no less than six percent during the first ten years of EPRDF’s rule ,the statement said, adding that the country has in recent years been registering high economic growth, ranging from 8.4 to 11.6 percent.

The statement pointed out that the over 56 percent number of people living under poverty in the country 15 years ago has now declined to not more than 38 percent.

It said the growing acceptance of the country at international level is the result of the victory on May 28, adding that the economic, social and cultural developments as well as the peaceful and democratic victories were realized following the huge sacrifice paid by the EPRDF. This has laid a firm ground for change and the rebirth of prosperity of the nation, the statement underlined.

It cited that the third national election was an achievement not only for the country but also rated as successful by the democratically developed countries.

Finally the party called on all citizens to stand alongside EPRDF to make the country a model for development and democracy by extricating it from poverty and backwardness.
Source: Walta