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Eritrea’s Regional Role and Foreign Policy: Past, Present and Future Perspectives
In December 2007 Chatham House held a closed seminar to discuss Eritrea's regional role.
This paper, which emerged from the seminar, points to Eritrea's historical isolation and unwillingness to engage in 'the diplomatic game' as being key to its current situation...Full report

See Also:Eritrea misses the gains of diplomacy

Crisis is one more storm in east Africa
Simon Tisdall in Addis Ababa,The Guardian

The Week in the Horn

UNMEE’s mandate comes up for renewal; Prime Minister Meles meets ambassadors of Security Council members in Ethiopia
The AU’s Peace and Security Commissioner in Mogadishu
Preparations for the AU Summit
President Riyale of Somaliland visits the UK and US
The Forum for the Alliance of Civilizations meets in Spain
A sharp decline in child mortality

'To impose democracy from outside is inherently undemocratic'
Ethiopia's prime minister, Meles Zenawi, tells Simon Tisdall in a rare interview that western policy in the region is ill-informed and at times arrogant

Sheik Mohamed Al Amoudi vows to intensify investment in Tigray, honored with martyrs' medal.

Mekelle, January 25, 2008 (WIC) – Midroc-Ethiopia and Tigray State government concluded yesterday an agreement that provides for the execution of six huge investment projects.

Sheabia committing provocative actions, opens gunfire on soldiers escaping the system

ENA: Adigrat, January 24, 2008 (Adigrat) - A Senior Ethiopian Military Officer at Zalaanbessa front announced that Sheabia is making provocative actions by opening gunfire on its soldiers who tried to escape and enter to Ethiopia.

Ethiopia: 1.4 bn Birr cement project launched

AfricaNews; The 1.4 billion Birr cement expansion project launched by Muger Cement Enterprise with an objective of minimizing the growing shortage of cement in Ethiopia would begin production by in March 2009, Enterprise Acting General Manager said. In an interview with ENA on Monday,

Ethiopia: Seven Years Younger than the Rest of the World
Interview with Foreign minister of Ethiopia, Mr. Seyoum Mesfin [RussiaToday]

Seeye Abraha: The Transformative Personality in Ethiopian Politics.

January 22, 2008 By Bereket Kiros; No political journey is easy; Seeye’s journey is no exception either. He is giving us alternative views and approaches: a challenge to opposition parties and the EPRDF on how to achieve a democratic Ethiopia through peaceful political processes.

Ethiopia: Country At the Centre of Child Survival Revolution
Ethiopia, the second populous nation in Africa ,has managed to reduce under five mortality rates by 40 per cent during the last 15 years, says Mr Bjorn Ljungqvist, Unicef country representative in Addis.

TPLF to colorfully mark its 33rd founding anniversary

Mekele, January 21, 2008 (Mekele) - The 33rd founding anniversary of Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) will be celebrated in february with various programs to be staged at Dedebit, a place in Tigray where TPLF launched armed struggle against the Derg regime, the political office of the Front.

Ethiopian Commodity Exchange forming
Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX), the first commodity exchange market system, introduced by Eleni G.Medhin, senior economist of the World Bank, has launched the first membership registration this week, with the government allocating 194 million birr.

Silk textile factory to be built with over 51mln birr in Tigray State
Addis Ababa, January 19 (WIC) Jose Silk Textile Factory, the first of its kind in Africa, would reportedly be built with over 51 million birr in Tigray State.

Close to 700 Eritreans flee to Central Tigray Zone

Axum, January 21, 2008 (WIC) - Some 699 Eritreans have fled to Ethiopia through Merebleh and Ahferom woredas during the past six months, the Central Tigray Zone Administration said.

Ethiopia sets up $21 million commodity exchange

ADDIS ABABA, Jan 18 (Reuters) - Ethiopia opened a $21 million electronic commodities exchange on Friday that will trade six crops including coffee, wheat, maize and sesame."It will create a new marketplace to serve all market forces, including farmers, traders, exporters and consumers."

PM Meles discusses key issues with Hossaana town residents (Jan16, 2008)

My few readings of Ato Siye Abreha
By Zagwe 01/14/08 (soruce Aigaforum)I was privileged to participate in the meeting organized for Ato Siye Abreha speech in Denver USA. I was lucky also to meet him face to face and listen to what a former political and military leader to say.

Minister says millennium celebration contributing to speedy development

Diredawa, January 12, 2008 (WIC) - The Ethiopian Millennium being celebrated colorfully with various events has been contributing to the speedy development of the country,the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said.

Ethiopia helps import 2000 trucks from China

The Ministry of Works and Urban Development on Ethiopia is facilitating truck procurement for better performing contractors and transporters who are involved in the government's housing projects. The facility concerns 2000 trucks to be imported from China.

Gibe III launch imminent
Capable of generating 1870 megawatts when completed in seven years, the Gibe III hydroelectric power project is to be officially launched with a ceremony on January 24, 2007, at which a foundation stone will be lain.

Oromia Makes 2,000hct Available for Abu Dhabi Group
Abu Dhabi Group, an umbrella of a series of Iraqi businesses, is keen to enter the Ethiopian market, investing in the real estate and hotel sectors that experts estimate would cost billions of Birr.

Reaching Out to the East

Addis Fortune - In a rare vibrant reaction, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi responded in kind to an exhilarated crowd gathered inside Dire Dawa Stadium on January 5, 2008.

Ethiopian Hydropower May Replace Coffee as Biggest Export Jan. 11 (Bloomberg) -- Ethiopia may build as many as nine hydropower plants over the next 10 years, making electricity rather than coffee the Horn of Africa nation's biggest export. . . .

Addis Abeba’s Facelift
		In his third trip to Ethiopia in the last six years, Addisu Tadesse, like most Ethiopians do, came home to visit families and friends, in November 2007. What was a bit different and impressive on his latest

Ashura of the millennium to be celebrated on Nejashi Mosque
Addis Ababa, January 9, 2008 (Addis Ababa) - Preparations have been underway to introduce and promote the “Nejashi Mosque”, one of the historical relics of Ethiopia in Tigray region, to the rest of the world, the Asehama Nejashi Culture and Education Center said.

Border skirmish raises tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, Eritrea accuses Ethiopia of provocation By Abiy Demilew MORE

Foreigners impressed by religious freedom, equality in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, January 9, 2008 (WIC) - Foreigners and an Ethiopian member of the Diaspora said they have realized that Ethiopia is a country where religious freedom and equality are ensured and citizens live in harmony.

Ethiopia has fastest growing non-Oil Economy in Africa –IMF

According to the IMF Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures for 2007, Ethiopia had the fastest growing economy in Africa among countries whose economy is not driven by Oil revenue. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) data indicated that Ethiopia had a 10.5% GDP growth in 2007, well above the 6.1% average for Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA).

ASCOM acquires promising gold concessions in northern Ethiopia

ASCOM, Citadel Capital's geology and mining business, has just announced the acquisition of promising gold concessions in northern Ethiopia near Eritrea and the city of Mekele.

SEYE ABRAHA: MYTH AND REALITY January 7, 2007 By Tecola W. Hagos- This presentation of Seye clarified who Seye Abraha really is. In a way it separated the myth from the reality of Seye. Very often, I have heard very many Ethiopians mostly former Derg officials and collaborators (no surprise here) alleging that Seye is a narrow minded ethnicist and chauvinist who is full of arrogance. I must say that with that single speech he has successfully demolished such myths with the reality of his passionate expression of his love of Ethiopia and his enlightened and firm convictions on the value of reconciliation and understanding..... also read aiga's comment on on the following link: http://aigaforum.com/TheCombativeSiye.htm

Seeye Abraha, Ethiopia’s National Treasure, speaks Truth to Power: An outline of Seeye’s New Thinking. By Tedros Kiros, PhD January 7, 2007

The details of his everyday life as he described them to various individuals in the last four days reminded me of George Orwell’s, 1984, particularly Winston, the main character that the regime criminalized and kept in check through meticulous observation, and through the minute observation, sought to inhibit his movements, his dreams and his ideals. Mr.’ Seeye is also subjected to the same harsh reality. Formally free, Mr. Seeye remains the object of the gaze of power.

For Émigré Fans, Soothing Words and Spirited Rhythms From Home Women squealed as the headliner took the stage at S.O.B.’s late on Friday night, elegant in a dark suit with a yellow necktie. He started an anthemic ballad, and within moments, the audience was joyfully singing along and waving its arms overhead.

Ethiopia: Country's Growth to Leadership of United Africa
Addis Fortune (Addis Ababa)6 January 2008
Imagining what those who lived in the 10th Century would
have wished is perplexing. As such, the difficulties of
projecting ahead a full 1,000 years led LIDETU AYALEW
(MP) to envision a 100-year path to emerge as the locus of
Africa, where he sees a greater role for Ethiopia.

WFP head lauds community participatory natural, environmental works in Tigray

Axum, January 7, 2008 (WIC) – The community participatory natural and environmental protection activities in Tigray State are practical indicators to the possibility of ensuring sustainable development in Ethiopia within a short period, World Food Program (WFP) said.

Tigray community in Boston raises 55,000 USD for disabled veterans

Addis Ababa, January 7, 2008 (WIC) – The Tigray community in Boston (USA) and environs reportedly raised close to 55,000 USD for Tigray Disabled Veterans Association (TDVA).

Ethiopia plans to build more power plants
Bloomberg.ADDIS ABABA. Ethiopia may build as many as nine hydropower plants over the next 10 years, making electricity rather than coffee the Horn of Africa nation’s biggest export.

Donald Payne's visit to Asmara reconfirmed his anti-Ethiopia position
Addis Ababa, January 10, 2008 (Addis Ababa) - The Ministry of Information said the visit the US Congressman Donald Payne paid to Eritrea has reconfirmed his anti Ethiopia stance.

Political Parties and Democratization in Ethiopia: Lessons from the 2005 Election* By: Getachew Mequanent: Although many countries have been able to stage successful national elections, the outcomes have not brought about significant effects on democratization processes. The Ethiopian experience suggests that elections in their own cannot promote democratization unless accompanied by complementary conditions including conductive political environments, growth of strong political parties and mutual confidence in electoral institutions. This article thus discusses the process and outcome of the 2005 Ethiopian election to identify the challenges and opportunities that were inherent in the electoral process including an assessment of the participation of political parties.

The Reporter, Editorial (Amharic)

Ethiopia has fastest growing non-Oil Economy in Africa – IMF According to the IMF Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures for 2007, Ethiopia had the fastest growing economy in Africa among countries whose economy is not driven by Oil revenue. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) data indicated that Ethiopia had a 10.5% GDP growth in 2007, well above the 6.1% average for Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA).

ASCOM acquires promising gold concessions in northern Ethiopia ASCOM, Citadel Capital's geology and mining business, has just announced the acquisition of promising gold concessions in northern Ethiopia near Eritrea and the city of Mekele.

CUD executive committee cautions Berhanu The executive committee of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) has sent a cautioning notice to Dr. Berhanu Nega telling him to refrain from issuing statements that are “contrary to the beliefs and principles” of the party. According to reliable sources, the reaction from the executive committee comes following Berhanu’s declaration that everybody in the party should go their own separate ways.

Ethiopia: War with Eritrea unnecessary to restore Assab, says Tigray Opposition
The recently established UTDS opposition party in Tigray national regional state of Ethiopia says war is out of the question in its pursuit to restore Assab or any other ports for Ethiopia.

Ethiopia: Gov't Officials to Register Assets, Interests The Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission is preparing on the law that will oblige governmental and public institution officials to register their property in assets including financial interests, a senior official said on Monday According to Consultant Wendatir Deneke, the move was in an effort by the commission to exercise its power fully and discharge duties responsibilities of combating corruption and other impropriety.

Premier's discussion with garment, knitting industry investors

Part I | Part II | Part III

The Reporter, Editorial (Amharic)

Ethiopia inflicted losses on Ogaden rebels: army colonel
ADDIS ABABA (AFP) - The Ethiopian army has inflicted losses on rebel fighters in the restive Ogaden region where the government is cracking down on insurgents, Colonel Tsegaye Gebretensae said in a statement Friday.

Exchange of gunfire on Eritrea-Ethiopia border: UN
ADDIS ABABA (AFP) - The United Nations said Thursday that Eritrean and Ethiopian soldiers facing off along their disputed border exchanged gunshots a day earlier.
In a statement issued Thursday, the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) said that its Indian battalion posted on the border heard an exchange of fire in the early hours of Wednesday.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Issues Press Statement (December 27, 2007)
The version of the story about an incident along Ethiopia Eritrea border recounted by Eritrea on Dec.26, 2007 is not based on what really took place. There was an incident, it is true. But the incident is of Eritrea's making which is being looked into. It is possible that it may have been a result of an accidental encounter between the reconnaissance missions of the two parties. The claim that there was an attack by Ethiopia is just pure fabrication.

Eritrea accuses Ethiopia of border attack

UN mission calls on Ethiopia, Eritrea to show restraint after shooting incident

Ethiopia government praises Burundi deployment in Somalia

ADDIS ABABA (AFP) - Ethiopia on Thursday welcomed the recent deployment of Burundian peacekeepers to Somalia and asked for more help from the African Union in its struggle with Islamist insurgents there. "The ministry of information commended Burundi's recent efforts in deploying 192 soldiers to join the AU peacekeeping mission in Somalia," said a government statement.

Ethiopia PM Meles Zenawi attacks UN on Somalia "At the moment some UN agencies appear to be doing damage in respect of parroting totally unfounded reports by some agencies without in any way trying to verify the facts," Mr Meles said.

US$41 Million Project to Connect Ethiopia and Sudan Power Grids, Promote Energy Trade.
WASHINGTON, December 20, 2007 – The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors today approved an International Development Association (IDA) credit of US$41.05 million to the Government of Ethiopia to help the country finance its portion of a new transmission line connecting Ethiopia’s to Sudan’s power grids.

Press Release from Ministry of Foreign Affairs
20 December, 2007; The New York Times reporter, Jeffrey Gettleman, had another piece on Ethiopia on December 14, 2007 under the Caption "In Rebel Region, Ethiopia Turns to Civilian Patrols". The article does not do justice to the credibility of the New York Times. The various strands of the narrative that the article conveys share one quality ---, they are all based on fictitious stories.

In Rebel Region, Ethiopia Turns to Civilian Patrols (NY Times)

Tigrayans want end to border row
BBC - The mountains of eastern Tigray in Ethiopia are bare and brown just three months after the end of the rains. The people in the region are skilled farmers and hard workers but even they struggle to support their families from their tiny patches of worn-out land.

Interview with Ato Gebregziabher Tsegaye, organizer of the Oklahoma rally (EthiopiaFirst.com - Dec 19, 2007)

Ethiopian Americans in Oklahoma City rallied in support of Senator Inhofe

(Dec 18,2007) - Ethiopian Americans in Oklahoma City and surrounding areas held a rally in support of Senator James Inhofe, who has staunchly opposed the ill-designed bill, HR 2003. Senator Inhofe has won the respect and admiration of many Ethiopians for being among the leading statesmen who foresaw the scandalous intentions and repercussions of the bill.

Ethiopia cracks open airwaves to commercial radio
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - By most accounts, Meaza Birru is patient. Not easily daunted, she waited eight years to have a commercial radio station – the first in Ethiopia.

Mekelle University conducting research works with over 30mln birr Mekelle, December 15, 2007 (WIC) – Mekelle University has reportedly been undertaking various research works that enable the country to score rapid economic development with more than 30 million birr budget.

Ethiopia: U.S. Company to Aquire Oil Exploration Area
The Reporter (Addis Ababa)15 December 2007
A US based company called Inter Global is to acquire oil exploration areas in Ethiopia. The exploration areas are found in the Afar Regional State, Tigrai and eastern part of
the