Ethiopian delegation visits Port Sudan
An Ethiopian delegation led by Dagmawit Moges, Minister of Transport, visited Port Sudan.
The delegation also held discussion with Sudan’s Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Hashem Tahir Sheikh Taha and other officials on using the port.
During the discussion, the Sudanese officials agreed to provide all the necessary assistance when Ethiopia begins using the port for import-export activities.
They also agreed to open a coordination office of Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics Services Enterprise at Sudanese Seaport Corporation to facilitate import of fertilizer through Port Sudan.
In her talks with Hashem Tahir Sheikh Taha, Dagmawit expressed Ethiopia’s desire to import tons of fertilizer through Port Sudan.
The two countries also agreed to establish a committee tasked to handle technical issues regarding the use of the port and utilize the 875,000 square meters of land around Port Sudan granted to Ethiopia by Sudan in 2003 for logistics service.
City Administration to take measures against illegally built houses
The Addis Ababa city administration said it will take measures against houses built illegally in 116 woredas.
The measures will be taken as of January 11 in joint operation by the Federal, Addis Ababa and Oromia police commissions.
Takele Uma, deputy Mayor of Addis Ababa, met with pertinent bodies to discuss on the measures.
The measures will be taken based on Proclamation No. 721/2004 to deter the increasing illegal constructions and seizure of lands, said mayor office of the city.
Getu Aragaw, Commissioner of the Addis Ababa Police Commission, told journalists after the meeting that the only target of the measures is to ensure rule of law.
Individuals and government officials, who have involvement in these illegal practices, will be held accountable, the Commissioner noted.
House approves anti-terrorism draft bill
The House of Peoples Representatives of Ethiopia (HPR) approved the anti-terrorism draft bill.
It endorsed the bill, which was drafted by the Attorney General and forwarded to it by the Council of Ministers, in majority vote with one abstention.
It was noted that the law would help prevent and control terrorism, protect the country from threats of terrorism and fill the gaps in the previous law.
The House will deliberate and refer to pertinent Standing Committee the bill drafted to approve the deal signed between Ethiopian and Qatar for investment promotion and protection.
It will also review and send to relevant bodies the draft bill to approve the Marrakesh Treaty to facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind, visually impaired and print disabled.
Moreover, the House will discuss on Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Older Persons and the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa (Kampala Convention).
