Council of Ministers , pass decisions on three agendas

The 28th regular meeting of the Council of Ministers conferred and passed decisions on three separate agendas on Friday, the Office of the Prime Minister said.
In a statement it sent to Ethiopian News Agency, the office said the cabinet discussed on the Bill on Broadcast Services which is prepared with a view to ensuring the rights to information, and the freedom of expression, and of thought which are stipulated in the Constitution.
The office said expansion of fair and balanced broadcasting services in the country would contribute a lot in ensuring political, social and economic development across the nation through provision of up-to-date information and educational programs to public.
After thorough discussions, the Council made some amendments on the bill and referred it to the House of Peoples' Representatives for further discussion and subsequent endorsement.
The Council also passed another bill which provides for the debt cancellation and loan agreements between the government of Ethiopia and the Organization for Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) as well as between the Ethiopian government and the International Development Association (IDA), respectively.
Moreover, the Council also discussed a bill providing for the Technical and Vocational Training Strategy of the nation which after making some amendments it referred to the House of Peoples' Representatives. (January 15, 2007, WIC)

Ministry signs agreement to support HIV positive children

The Ministry of Health and Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS initiative singed an agreement on Thursday providing to support HIV positive children in Ethiopia.
The agreement was signed by Director of the national HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control office (HAPCO), Dr. Betru Tekle and Foundation representative, Dr. Yigeremu Abebe. Dr. Betru told Ethiopian News Agency that France, England, Spain, Chile and Brazil would provide the money to purchase drugs. Ethiopia is expected to obtain 10 million to 20 million USD that would be used to purchase the drug, he said. He said the government has launched wide-range activities to provide care and support to People Living with HIV/AIDS all over the nation. The agreement would last for a year, Dr. Betru said. (January 12, 2007 ENA)

MP visits London-based Afar Community Association in UK

A member of the House of Peoples' Representatives Maar Ali Sirro has visited the London-based Afar Community Association (ACA) in the United Kingdom.
According to a statement the Community sent by E-mail to Ethiopian News Agency on Friday, ACA President in UK, Abdo Yusuf, and the son of the former Afar Sultan of the Dawe region of Afarland, Adan Bodaya welcomed Maar Ali Sirro.
Maar Ali Sirro's principal aim was to inform the Afar community in the UK of the current political, economic and social developments being undertaken in the Afar State.
ACA President in UK, Abdo Yusuf on the occasion expressed willingness to work closely in partnership with the State in order to improve the living conditions of the Afari people.
Adan Bodaya on his part described the meeting as productive, comprehensive and successful.
ACA's mission is to improve the quality of life of the Afar people both in the UK and in the homeland, the statement said.
"We are very keen to share responsibilities, experiences and visions to facilitate the needs of our people wherever they live," the statement quoted Adan as saying. (London, January 12, 2007)

Education on engineering, research should consider of defense industry needs

Education on engineering as well as research works in the Ministry of Defense should take into consideration the needs of defense industries, Vice-Dean of the Defense Engineering College said. Major Hagos Berhane said the college has so far graduated more than 1,230 defense force members with degrees, diplomas and certificates. Major Hagos was speaking at the opening of a two-day workshop organized in connection with the 10th anniversary of the founding of the college in Debre Zeit town, Oromia State. Major Hagos said preparations have been finalized to increase the number of human power trained in chemical engineering and armament technology. The college has given priority to the launching of post-graduate programs in major educational fields. College community, officials and representatives of defense industries as well as educational professionals drawn from various higher learning institutions were in attendance at the workshop focused on the relations between of engineering education and defense industries in the Ministry. (January 12, 2007 ENA)

Abebech Gobena's Maternal, Children hospital goes operational

Abebech Gobena Maternal and Children Special Hospital, which has been constructed at a cost of over 10 million birr has become operational after equipped with the necessary tools. General Manager of Abebech Gobena Children's Care and Development Organization, Abebech Gobena told Ethiopian News Agency on Friday that the health station which started rendering service two years ago has now been upgraded to hospital.
The hospital has 20 beds for its maternal ward and 10 beds for children, she said.
The 40-room hospital has, among others, five diagnosis rooms, two computerized laboratories, a pharmacy, HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) room.
The hospital would provide services free of charge to patients with no income, while it would give low-cost services for low income patients.
Abebech said the hospital has been providing food, medical and VCT services to nearly a thousand mothers and children at present with a fund secured from World Food Program and Plan Ethiopia.
Hospital Medical Director, Dr. Andrias Lenchamo said the hospital provides medical services for up to 90 patients per day and contributing to minimize maternal and child mortality. The hospital has provided VCT to over 2,400 people so far. (January 12, 2007, ENA)