New York Times describes present state of affairs in
Somalia as "Moment of Opportunity"

Thanks to recent events, Somalia has a chance to return to the community of law-abiding and legitimate states, says the New York Times.
"For a country that dissolved years ago into chronic clan warfare and became a way station for international terrorists, that would be an enormous gain - and an enormous gain for the rest of the world," the editorial of its January 25th issue reads.
It said Washington should move quickly, along with Arab and African leaders, to make the most of this opportunity to try to broker a political compromise among responsible Somali parties.
"International peacekeepers will also be needed to replace the Ethiopian force, which is already starting to head home," it said.
The United Nations, which helped create the transitional government, should take charge of organizing a peacekeeping force, it said. (ENA)

Meles confers with representatives of pastoralist communities

Discussion on amended draft electoral law continues

The discussion on the amended draft electoral law of Ethiopia continued on Friday between opposition parties, which have seats in the House of Peoples' Representatives and the ruling party.
According to parliament team leader, who is also the chairperson of the discussion for the day, Ali Abegaz, detailed discussions have been held on the amended draft law.
The parties, EPRDF, CUD, UEDF, EDP-Medhin and the parliament team would meet on next Monday, 29 January 2007 at 2:00PM to discuss on the remaining points.(ENA)
UNISA to launch regional Learning Centre in Ethiopia
The University of South Africa (UNISA) says it will launch a new regional Learning Centre in Ethiopia, "a first of its kind outside the borders of South Africa".
UNISA said in a media release sent to Ethiopian News Agency that Prime Minister Meles Zenawi will officially open the Center, together with South African President Thabo Mbeki, who will deliber a keynote address at the event. The centre will serve as a registration point and offer academic support services such as career guidance, orientation skills development and tutorial classes, it said.
The establishment of the centre was a culmination of the Memorandum of Agreement signed between UNISA and the host country. As part of the agreement, UNISA will offer in-service training for the Ethiopian government officials, civil servants, staff of international organizations and non-governmental organizations, with focus mainly on postgraduate qualifications, according to the release.(ENA)

Minster calls on pastoralists to further enhance fight against poverty

The public in general and pastoralists in particular should exert concerted efforts to fight against poverty and backwardness, Minister of Federal Affairs, Siraj Fegesa said.
The Minster made the remark at the conclusion of the 9th National Pastoralists’ Day celebration here on Friday.
The Minister indicated the need for pastoralists to participate actively in the struggle against poverty.
Government officials at all levels and development partners should assist the development efforts of the pastoralist communities, he said.
Siraj said the pastoralists Day celebration paves the way for the pastoralists to demonstrate their determination to safeguard the their constitutional rights.
In the resolution they passed, representatives of the pastoralists said the encouraging capacity building, development and good governance activities launched at pastoralist areas should further be strengthened.
According to the resolution, activities should be strengthened to enhance the link of pastoralists to the international market.(ENA)

Association to award outstanding individuals,
organizations in 76 categories

The Ethiopian Youth Development and Peace Association announced plans in connection with the Ethiopian millennium celebrations to award individuals and organizations that contributed a lot in the ongoing development, peace, good governance and democratization efforts in the country.
Association president, Abebe Ayalew told Ethiopian News Agency that an award committee with members drawn from government offices, non-governmental organizations, mass media, and higher learning institutions would be organized on Saturday to facilitate ways for the 76-category award event.
The association envisages boosting the contribution of the youth toward the development of the country.(ENA)

UNISA to launch regional Learning Centre in Ethiopia

The University of South Africa (UNISA) says it will launch a new regional Learning Centre in Ethiopia, "a first of its kind outside the borders of South Africa".
UNISA said in a media release sent to Ethiopian News Agency that Prime Minister Meles Zenawi will officially open the Center, together with South African President Thabo Mbeki, who will deliber a keynote address at the event. The centre will serve as a registration point and offer academic support services such as career guidance, orientation skills development and tutorial classes, it said.
The establishment of the centre was a culmination of the Memorandum of Agreement signed between UNISA and the host country. As part of the agreement, UNISA will offer in-service training for the Ethiopian government officials, civil servants, staff of international organizations and non-governmental organizations, with focus mainly on postgraduate qualifications, according to the release.(ENA)