| President Girma’s address opening the 4th tenure of the Houses of Peoples’ Representatives, Federation |  |  |  |
| Tuesday, 07 October 2008 | |
The Ethiopian Herald has presented speedy President Girma Wolde-Giorgis made opening the third session of the fourth tenure of the House of Peoples Representatives and the House of Federation. The official translation is hereunder: Honourable Members of the Houses of the Peoples’ Representatives and of the Federation, Distinguished Guests, and Peoples of Ethiopia, I would like to begin by expressing my real pleasure at this successful beginning of the third session of the fourth legislative year of both Houses. I would also like to express, on behalf of the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and on my own behalf, my heartfelt wish for a successful year for both Houses. As the principal institutions of democracy in our country, both Houses have undertaken, over the last years, numerous tasks aimed to strengthen our development and our democratic system. The House of Peoples’ Representatives has, according to the powers vested in it by the Constitution, passed various legislations conducive to economic growth and aimed at strengthening our democracy as well as consolidating peace and the rule of law. In line with its authority in exercising oversight over the executive branch, the House has monitored the implementation of plans during the past budget year. It has served as a forum where political parties in the House have presented and debated various options; the rights of opposition parties to be heard and the ruling party’s prerogative to take decisions have been exercised. For its part, the House of Federation has discharged its constitutional responsibility by carrying out activities to strengthen the democratic rights of our nations and nationalities, to nurture a strong unity based on equality and respect among our peoples, and to prepare and implement a proper budgetary formula I am firmly convinced that, during the current year, the two Houses will carry out their constitutional mandates successfully. Honourable Members, Distinguished Guests, and Peoples of Ethiopia, The tasks expected from the two Houses of Parliament during the current session arise from the path of development and democracy on which we are set. I should, therefore, outline in detail the present legislative action plan which is based on the objectives and the tasks that need attention. At this juncture when our country is concentrating on the fight against poverty, our major goal is to ensure the continuation of economic development and the control of inflation. This year we will focus on expanding the gains from these developments. We will strengthen development in all areas and give particular attention to scaling up best practices. A concerted effort will be deployed by the government and the people to produce a wide-ranging and fundamental transformation in rural and agricultural development, in urban and industrial development and in small-scale and micro-enterprises by expanding employment opportunities for youth and by improving quality in the education and health sectors. The government will undertake a series of activities aimed at ensuring good governance and sustainable peace. As in previous years, efforts will continue to ensure that the economy grows at over 10 per cent. We are very aware that just as our economy is beginning to take off, inflation caused by both internal and external factors, is posing a serious challenge. The changes around the world including major price rises on food items, industrial products and other inputs, have put a strain on the entire international community. We are not immune from this inflationary pressure. There have been significant increases in the price of food items, construction materials and fuel. This has caused an immense strain, particularly for the low income segments of the society. In response to this situation, the Government, over the last two years, has been deploying all means at its disposal to formulate and implement short medium and long-term solutions to alleviate the problem. For the medium and long term perspective, the government, convinced the main solution should be increasing income by enhancing productivity, has carried out a number of policies in all areas to achieve this. Efforts have been made to increase agricultural production substantially, stabilize prices and reduce the inflation of grain prices, which have seriously affected low income urban populations. In the short-term, measures to alleviate inflation have also been taken. The Government has tried to minimize the burden of inflation by importing food grains and distributing them to low income groups. It has also imported and distributed edible oil and sugar, and spent billions of birr to ease the burden from the sharp increases in the international price of oil. Measures have been taken to fight inflation by controlling and reducing the amount of money in circulation. In order for the Government to reduce borrowing from the bank for development purposes, attempts were made to make minimal the budget deficit when the annual recurrent budget was drafted. Special focus has been given to boosting the Government’s capacity to collect revenue and increasing revenue to cut back the budget deficit. This will be lower than anticipated and this will have a positive bearing on the amount of money circulating in the economy. Other measures will ensure that the amount of money that banks lend does not exceed the overall level of economic growth. In sum, maximum efforts will be made to ensure, through these coordinated measures, the amount of money in circulation in the economy will be reduced by half and inflation will not spiral out of control. Despite our limited financial and economic means, the Government made every effort to alleviate hardship. It will continue to do so. As far as its financial capacity allows, the Government will continue to intervene to stabilize grain prices. It will continue to import grains and supply to the poor at subsidized prices until local grain prices become comparable with international market prices. If local grain prices fall below global market prices, the government will take measured and balanced intervention to protect farmers from plummeting prices. In this current year, therefore, the government will be prepared to make measured interventions to control inflation and protect the consumer, and, if necessary, producers in case of falling prices. Based on these fundamental matters, the House of Peoples’ Representatives is expected to pass various laws to further the rapidly growing economy as well as broaden public gains. The laws that the House is expected to pass will focus on activities playing a key role to increase agricultural productivity, dealing, for example, with quality and supply of fertilizers and seeds, the supply and control of pesticides, to meet hygiene and control development and protection of apicultural resources as well as those related to developing marketing mechanisms of incense and gum. In order to increase the quality and quantity of our agricultural products, attention must be given to the supply of imported seeds, grain, fruits and vegetables, and to the widening of the use of modern and organic fertilizers appropriate to the soil conditions of our country. The Government has played its role by taking various steps to improve the supply and quality of the agricultural inputs which have resulted in recent growth in the agricultural sector. However, it is now clear that it is necessary to increase the supply of quality seeds and expand control measures in the regions to attain efficient utilization. The proclamation governing organic and modern fertilizers is not adequate. It is now necessary to amend the proclamation to allow more flexibility, to allow a wide range of fertilizer imports, to a sufficient and abundant supply of fertilizer, and for large-scale production of organic fertilizer. To increase agricultural production and encourage international acceptance of our products, we need to use appropriate pesticides. Increasing our capacity to control pests will greatly increase agricultural productivity. Nevertheless, pesticides must be used with great care to ensure they cause no damage. Hence, it’s necessary to implement internationally accepted procedures and techniques, and prepare a proper legal framework for the importation and use of pesticides as well as develop environmentally friendly pesticides. We are making efforts to develop our huge potential in animal resources. We will be increasing production of meat products. Meat exports to the international market are growing. Until recently, the bulk of our exports in this sector were of live animals. Now, however, we need to expand by exporting meat and meat products. Equally we must ensure that the quality is maintained for our meat exports to be competitive in world markets, as well as for domestic consumption. To prevent any threats from disease and to meet the demand for quality from both domestic and foreign consumers, we will legislate to keep up the quality of meat production. As you know, we have a large apiculture industry. Because of the number of different technologies in use, there is a risk of exposure to various diseases. There is need for legislation on beekeeping development to make certain we can prevent any undesirable effects of the different methods now in use. Similarly, a legal framework for the development of forest resources, in particular for procedures in the development, production and marketing of natural incense and gum is needed. The House of Peoples’ Representatives is expected to review various proclamations and pass legislation to strengthen the structural reforms already underway in the agricultural sector of the country. Another area of focus to speed up our economic development is to amend legislation concerning government financial administration and procurement. The existing proclamation on government financial administration was put in place ten years ago. It deals with revenue collection, administration, and the implementation and control of budget subsidies to the regional states, in line with the country’s federal structure. Since the publication of this proclamation, decentralized financial system has been successfully implemented down to the Woreda level. In the process, a lot of experience has been gained. Now, lessons can be drawn from the implementation of decentralized administration. It is necessary to take measures to address shortcomings and improve efficiency and control mechanisms. Legislation governing methods of government procurement also needs to be improved to take account of the decentralized administration, as well as transparency and accountability. It is expected that proclamations relating to these issues will be submitted to the esteemed House. In order to sustain our promising economic development and the moves toward the creation of a single strong economic community, a long-term plan is imperative. This must be drawn up as is the case in many countries, in consultation and with the participation of the governments of the federal system. It is on this basis that a country level long-term national preparatory plan has been drawn up. It is now necessary to establish a National Plan Council, comprising the federal government and regional states, to enrich the plan and take over the ownership and implementation of the national plan. One of the proclamations expected to be presented and enacted by the esteemed House, is a proclamation for the establishment of a National Plan Council. As we progress it has been found necessary to develop further surface and subterranean mineral resources, to strengthen development of mineral resources according to international standards and ensure the safety of the environment and of people. As the government is implementing appropriate policies to develop this sector, a Mineral and Mining Safety and Health Proclamation will be prepared and presented to the House. With regard to industrial development, we will focus on improving the quality of our fast growing range of industrial products and their competitiveness in the global market. In addition to our efforts to improve quality and make our industrial products globally competitive, it is also necessary to put into practice international quality standards, and to expedite the transfer of technology. To fulfill these objectives, the Government will present proclamations pertaining to the reestablishment of the Standards and Quality Authority, the strengthening of the technical monitoring system, the establishment of the National Patent Institute and the reestablishment of the National Meteorology Institute. Honourable Members, Distinguished Guests, and Peoples of Ethiopia, In addition to the various laws which will help bring about rapid economic development, other proclamations to further social successful educational expansion programme undertaken by the government. It has become essential to ensure the quality of education given by governmental and private educational institutions consistent with the required standard. Similarly, it has become essential to provide health insurance for the community and improve the current low level and traditional health care practice. To improve the service provided by health institutions and health professionals, it is necessary to bring all those scattered monitoring bodies under one strong institution. Accordingly, in the education and health sectors the government will submit to the House Proclamations on Education Reform, on Higher Education, Social Insurance, Health Care and on a Health Supervision Authority. In addition, it is expected that Private Employment Agency Amendment Proclamation, a Labour Proclamation and the Convention on Persons with Disability as well as proclamations on Heritages Management, Proclamations pertaining to palaces and churches in Axum, Lalibela and Gondar and the Tiya Stellae and Simien Mountains National Park will be submitted to the esteemed House. Honourable Members, Distinguished Guests, and Peoples of Ethiopia, Alongisde our development, ensuring good governance is a national objective of significant importance. The government is determined to continue implementing its programme in order to meet the people’s strong desire for good governance. Various laws contributing to the consolidation of good governance will be presented to the esteemed House. One issue of importance is for the Criminal Procedure Code to conform with the revised Penal Code. And to address problems arising from the lack of codified evidence law, a law of Evidence will be submitted. To ensure the efficiency of the judicial system, it is also necessary to draft an Administrative Law to ensure the delivery of proper services to citizens, provide them with a mechanism to present grievances against service providers and secure prompt corrective measures. Draft legislation on these issues will be presented to the esteemed House. In addition, Alternative Dispute Settlement Proclamation, the Attorneys’ Licensing Amendment Proclamation, the Witnesses and Whistle-Blowers Protection Legislation and the Charities and Societies Proclamation will also be submitted to the House. It is clear that our country needs sustainable peace to carry on its economic development and the building of a democratic system to reduce our vulnerabilities. Given these basic convictions, the Government, in addition to the domestic measures outlined, has focused on creating conducive conditions for economic diplomacy and the prevalence of peace as foreign policy priorities. This year, the Government will press ahead with these efforts. Priority will be given to dealing with internal and external terrorist activities. Terrorism has become a real danger to the world and is now imperative to produce a proper legal framework to combat this menace effectively. Anti-Terrorism Proclamation will be submitted to the esteemed House based on the constitution and drawing lessons from international practice. In order to enhance the clarity of decisions on agreements that we enter into with other countries and international organizations, it is also expected that a Proclamation on Treaty-Making procedures will be submitted to the esteemed House for endorsement. In order to ensure the successful continuity of our development and good governance, the structure and organization of the various executive bodies need appropriate reform and improvement. Given the important role that science and technology need to play in the development of the country to make sure that this is harmonious with the rapid transformation at the global level, there is need for the sector to be reorganized at a ministerial level. Similarly, in order to ensure the expansion of services in the field of information and communication and the growth and diversity of the media with the view to getting them to contribute to the development of the country, it is deemed necessary to change the existing structure of the Ministry of Information. It has become necessary to amend the proclamation originally issued to determine the powers and duties of the executive bodies to improve efficiency in planned government changes, improve delivery of public services ‘particularly in context of the implementation of the civil service reform programme. Legal framework for all these matters will be presented to the esteemed House. Honourable Members, Distinguished Guests, and Peoples of Ethiopia, Our federal system is barely two decades old but the system has already undergone significant improvements. It is taking root as a result of the practical experience gained through our efforts. At the same time, we should continually work to strengthen the system by looking for solutions for challenges and adopting the best practices from other federal systems. The House of Federation, which has special responsibility in this regard, will be redoubling its efforts this year, building on the various activities undertaken in recent years to expand our democratic unity based on equality. Among the tasks that the House of Federation is expected to carry out this year are various activities aimed at strengthening the democratic unity of our peoples. It will continue to raise constitutional awareness of the public and strengthen the system of the budgetary subsidies to the national regional states. Its activities will be based on our own experience as well as the example of other countries. The House of Federation will be responsible for the third celebrations of the Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Day in the Oromia Regional State. It will also undertake various activities to broaden constitutional awareness through the media and in schools. It will redouble efforts to create conditions to mitigate any isolated conflicts that might arise for various reasons among neighboring regions and peoples. It is expected that the House will submit a budget allocation formula based on full participation of the regional states and that will ensure their mutual consideration and satisfaction. Honourable Members, Distinguished Guests, and Peoples of Ethiopia, This year, the esteemed Houses, in order to discharge their constitutional responsibilities, will make the major aim of the legislations they enact, continuity of the economic development, control of inflation, and continual good governance for the benefit and satisfaction of our people. These tasks call for the broad participation, and awareness of a sense of ownership. The debates that are conducted in the House of Peoples’ Representatives on the basis of the constitutional principle of the right of the opposition to be heard and that of the ruling party to making decision and their joint commitment to deciding in a democratic manner on what is best for the good of the country would help develop a democratic culture and tolerance in the country. Similarly, it is to be expected that members of the House of Federation, representing our nations, nationalities and peoples, in carrying out their constitutional duties, will be engaged in activities to strengthen the creation of one political, economic and democratic community. n conclusion, I would like to express my earnest wish that all parties and the representatives of all regions and peoples will work together hand in hand, and with a sense of high responsibility for the realization of our efforts for democracy and development, and for the benefit of all our peoples. I wish, once again, all members of both Houses and all political parties a most successful and productive year. I thank you (Source: Ethiopian Herald) |
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