Parliamentary delegation left for Kenya

       A ten member Ethiopia parliamentary delegation led by Speaker of the House of Federation, Degefe Bula, and Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, Ambassador Teshome Toga, left for Nairobi yesterday to participate in the 114^th Conference of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

        In a statement they gave upon departure at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, the two speakers said that the IPU Conference would discuss international political, economic and social issues as well as human rights and democracy.

        The IPU conference would be held for six consecutive days beginning May 7,2006.

        The two speakers said that the delegation would brief participant of the conference on the current economic and political realities in Ethiopia.

        Ambassador Teshome said that the delegation would solicit support for Ethiopia to host the IPU Conference in the coming two or three years.

        The conference would deliberate on the role parliaments could play to enhance the efforts launched to control trafficking of small arms and light weapons.

        The conference would also discuss ways of tackling problems related to global environmental degradation as well as on the various forms of discrimination against women and actions that should be taken to eliminate those discriminations.

        Meanwhile, officials of the House of Federation held discussions with Chief Secretary of the Association Shoora and Equivalent Councils in Africa and the Arab World.

        During his day-long stay in Addis Chief Secretary Osugi Livinus held discussions with members and officials of the House of Federation on ways of improving relations between Ethiopia and the Arab world.

        The Chief Secretary expressed readiness to promote relations between Ethiopia and the Arab world.

        Osugi left for Kenya early yesterday to participate in the 114^th Conference of Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU).

        He said the aim of his participation in IPU Conference is to request and observers seat for the Shoora and Equivalent Councils in Africa and the Arab world.

        Head of the Office of the House of Federation Fote Bedane said that the Association was established to share experiences and cooperate in various international issues as well as promote Afro-Arab cooperation.