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President Calls On Public to Stand in Unison to Defend National Sovereignty

The Ethiopian Herald (Addis Ababa)
NEWS
December 8, 2006
Posted to the web December 8, 2006

By ENA
Addis Ababa
President Girma Wolde-Giorgis said nations, nationalities and peoples of
Ethiopia should stand in unison in reversing the threat posed by the Union of
Islamic Courts in Somalia, the Eritrean government, and other anti-peace forces
to disrupt the peace and sovereignty of Ethiopia and to disregard the right of
self-determination in the country.
The president said nations, nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia should
strengthen the ongoing development activities and the democratization process
in the country while maintaining the peace and security of the nation.
President Girma made the remark yesterday at a symposium organized in
connection with the Day of Nation's, Nationalities' and Peoples of Ethiopia due
to be celebrated today.
The President said about 80 nations, nationalities, and peoples that have
different culture and language have been living together in Ethiopia for years
with mutual respect, tolerance, and tranquility.
The President said the federal constitution endorsed in 1994 ensured the
individuals as well as collective rights of nations, nationalities and peoples
of the country.
Deputy Speaker of the House of the Federation, Dr. Mohammed Serehaye on his
part said the Day is historic since all peoples of Ethiopia would reaffirm
their commitment to speed up development and build democracy across the nation.
Dr. Mohammed said the festival would also be a day for the peoples of the
nation to renew their determination and stand together in safeguarding the
federal system of governance in the country.
President of the Addis Ababa University, Professor Andreas Eshete and Special
Advisor of the Prime Minister with the Rank of a Minister, Dr. Fasil Nahom
presented research papers at the symposium.
Minister of Federal Affairs also said that concerted efforts and determination
of all segments of the society is needed to create sufficient awareness about
the Ethiopian Constitution.
Speaking at the opening of a symposium in connection with the festival of
Nations, Nationalities and Peoples' Day, the Minister, Siraj Fegesa said the
Ethiopian Constitution guarantees the rights of nations and nationalities.
Siraj said due attention has been given to ensure citizens' rights and benefits
through ensuring the supremacy of law.
The national day of nations, nationalities and peoples' would play a pivotal
role to bringing together all segments of the society in the nation building
process and to raise awareness about the Federal Constitution among the wider
public, he said.
The celebration would create opportunities for nations, nationalities and
peoples to further strengthen the federal system and to exercise their rights
of promoting their language, culture and beliefs, which is clearly enshrined in
the constitution, he added.
Meanwhile, a photographic exhibition was opened on the same day in connection
with the festival of nations, nationalities and peoples.
The exhibition is opened by Minister of Culture and Tourism, Ambassador
Mohammoud Dirir.
The exhibition depicts the various stages in the process of drafting and
endorsing the constitution and the various cultures of nations, nationalities
and peoples of Ethiopia.


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