HR 2003 Breaches FDRE constitution

It was elaborated that the bill of democracy and accountability HR 2003 referred to American senate for approval by members of American House of Representatives concerning Ethiopia has breached the legislative power of the National Parliament vested by the Ethiopian constitution.

Prime Minister Melles Zenawi has expressed this in his response to questions raised by the members of the House on its 7th regular session held on Nov. 27, 2007.

The premier mentioned that the bill of democracy and accountability HR 2003 will not be endorsed by the American upper House as well as the President as a law due to its transgression of the constitution of FDRE and the sovereignty in principle, and its negative effect on the benefits of cordial and bilateral relationship of the two countries.

If any anti-peace elements causes war against the peace, development endeavor and Security of Ethiopia, the government has build the capacity of the defense forces that would enable to defend the country in victory, alongside the efforts of development by the government and the People, he has expressed.

As far as the condition of Somalia is concerned, he noted that Ethiopian troops will withdraw from therein after they have accomplished their mission, he has mentioned.

With regard to the case with Eritrea, the premier has remarked that the government of Ethiopia is will not declare war against Eritrea rather demands the Eritrean government to settle the contesting boarder dispute in a peaceful way so as to establish sustainable peace, and put normalization in place, he has underscored.

However, if the Eritrean government declares war in an aggressive manner, the armed forces of Ethiopia is well equipped to guard the territory from the invader, he stated.

Answering the question raised as far as Somali region is concerned, the premier assured that the government has made very convincing activities in the region aimed at fighting against OLF, ONLF, AL ithad and other anti peace elements which are backed by the Eritrean that is carrying on an indirect war. Adding that reliable effects are achieved accordingly, he elaborated.

It was attested by UN agencies that there is no humanitarian crises in Somali region and the said allegation by the insurgents is unfounded, he said.

Meanwhile, the House has deliberated on the bill of trade agreement between Ethiopia and Yemen and referred it with majority vote mainly to the Trade and Industry Affairs standing committee to be jointly scrutinized with the Foreign, Defense and Security Affairs Standing Committee.