Many laws in the pipeline

15 October 2006

President calls upon gov't executive branches, the people for effective realization of laws

In his address at the opening of the 2nd session of the 3rd term of the House of Peoples' Representatives and the House of Federation, President Girma Wolde Giorgis said that it is his strong conviction that during the current annual session, both Houses will pursue their pivotal mandate, as set forth in the constitution, in laying a solid foundation for the establishment of a multi-party system, the prevalence of good governance, the entrenchment of democracy and the realization of rapid economic development, which benefits all segments of the society.

With this object in view, the president said, both Houses in conformity with the functions and powers bestowed upon them by the constitution concomitantly and separately, are expected to elaborate and implement their work plans. More specifically, the House of Peoples' Representatives is expected to enact laws, the most important being those which strengthen the democratization process in the country and consolidate good governance.

"In connection with our efforts to build a democratic system in the country, the constitutional provisions pertaining to freedom of expression and the free flow of ideas have to be scrupulously adhered to. It is with this strong conviction that the government has ensured freedom of expression in the country," the president said.

In view of the fact that the Ethiopian democratic culture, is rather at a nascent stage the government has witnessed various challenges related to freedom of expression. If these problems remain unchecked, they are bound to create obstacles to the country's democratization. "Therefore, while applying democratic and legal means to correct mistakes, we have to pursue unrelenting efforts to fully implement the constitutional right of freedom of expression," he said.

To this effect, the press law will be tabled for consideration and adoption by the House. As the press law deals, on the one hand with political parties and sections of the society represented by them and on the other hand even more so with those working in the media, there is the need for the dialogue, negotiations and consultations among the political parties before its adoption by the House. Furthermore, prior to its adoption a forum where those working in the media are able to offer their opinion and input shall be organized. All useful ideas that emanate from these platforms shall be incorporated into the draft law before being tabled for consideration and adoption by the House, the president said. "In this connection, amendments to the broadcast law and to the law establishing the Ministry of Information meant to enhance its mission and organizational structure are expected to be adopted."

With regard to the National Electoral Board, President Girma indicated that building a democratic system in Ethiopia can only possible when the people are empowered through the exercise of free elections directly and through their representatives. In this regard, the National Electoral Board bears the main responsibility in running such elections. "Taking into consideration our experience of the last three elections and following the necessary consultations and negotiations among political parties, the House is expected to consider and adopt a law amending the Proclamation establishing the National Electoral Board. In line with the amended Proclamation, the nominated members of the Board will be appointed by the House in accordance with the constitution."

A proclamation pertaining to NGOs is among the draft laws to be submitted to the House for consideration and adoption this year. The president said that two types of NGOs exist in this country. The first type reflect the expressions of citizens freedom of association and work for the benefit of their members. The second type obtain funding from abroad and expatriates are their main driving force. So far, the effort to differentiate between the two and make them both work in a way that would benefit the country has faced numerous challenges. "Owing to the fact that the rights and responsibilities of these two types of NGOs are not clearly delineated, it was not possible to achieve the required level of participation. At times, their rights and roles have been muddled and blurred."

Thus, he said, it is necessary to adopt a comprehensive legal framework that governs NGOs. Accordingly, it is expected that after adequate consultations among concerned parties a draft law will be submitted to the House for adoption.

In his address to Houses, the president has also laid emphasis on peace and stability. Peace and stability play a pivotal role in establishing good governance and achieving people-centered rapid development. Building a system where the rule of law prevails is one of the guarantees of good governance. In this regard, different proclamations that will ensure efficient delivery of justice will be tabled for adoption. These draft proclamations include legislations regarding Federal Court lawyers license and registration as well as the establishment of law firms, according to the president.

Fighting and controlling terrorism, which is now a menace to the region, through lawful means is critical to ensuring the rule of law. Since terrorism is becoming transnational in its nature, the struggle against it has a global character too. "Hence, fighting international terrorism and those that have tried repeatedly to commit terrorist crimes in our country is vital to rapid development and good governance in our country," president Girma said. To this effect, according to him, two anti-terrorism draft legislations will be tabled to the House for consideration and adoption. The first deals with the prevention and control of direct terrorist acts, whereas the second seeks to combat the crime of money laundering and providing financial support to terrorists. The two proclamations will be submitted to the House for consideration and adoption this year.

The president added that in addition to the above mentioned legislations that have a decisive role in the consolidation of good governance, other proclamations of lesser significance will also be presented to the House. "It is my earnest belief that the House will adopt these proclamations and amendments through the full participation of its members including those from minority parties after holding consultations and making the necessary changes."

Regarding the economic development, the president said that as the government has given great attention to economic development, it is expected that the country will achieve a high level of economic growth for the fourth consecutive year. It is a fact that the agricultural sector has played a major role in achieving this growth. The income generated from the exports exceeded one billion USD for the first time in the country's history. The agricultural sector was instrumental in this great achievement. However, he said, the country's marketing system for agricultural products has faced numerous challenges. "Our agricultural products are yet to attain the standard that will make them competitive both in domestic and international markets. In order to solve this problem and develop a modern marketing system for our agricultural goods, it is imperative to set up agricultural product exchange centers and a commodity exchange system," he said, adding that as such the system should cover goods that are in demand in the international market and the enactment of all embracing legislation for managing such a system involving actors from the village level to that of international market centers, is deemed necessary. A draft proclamation to establish a commodity exchange system will be presented to the House for consideration and adoption this year.

With regard to a system of effective quarantine regime, he said as Ethiopia exports agricultural products, it also imports hybrid seeds and plant species that can make a tremendous contribution to the improvement in its agricultural inputs. "Our export products can be competitive in the international market only if they meet the required quality standard. In order to ensure such quality, it is necessary to set up quarantine centers close to production areas and other sites as deemed necessary, starting from the federal to the local council lenes." In order to create a system of quality assurance, it is expected that the House will be presented with a draft legislation establishing quarantine centers consideration and adoption in the current session, he added.

Other draft laws regarding to cooperatives, small and micro-business enterprises, river basin, water development fund, standard and quality of buildings, land and related issues, education, women's development fund and others will be presented to the House for adoption.

Although the draft laws that will be submitted to the House for adoption this year will undoubtedly foster and development and good governance, the expected results will not be achieved without the active participation of government institutions in particular and the public in general. "Therefore, in realizing the significance of our law enacting endeavors and our efforts to in creating a society where the law reigns supreme and instituting a democratic order which fosters growth and accelerated economic development for the benefit of our peoples." He called upon all those members of the executive branch of the government and the public at large to play their respective roles in the effective realization of these proclamations.

By a Staff Reporter (Ethiopian Reporter)