Berket also said Ethiopia has already launched activities aimed at gathering public opinion about climate change which will serve as an input for the Copenhagen Climate Conference where Africa is represented by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.

In a press conference he gave to local and foreign journalists here on Thursday, Bereket said as part of its commitment to make the election peaceful and democratic, the government invited international observers across the globe.  

Bereket however said observers should sign an agreement on the code of conduct governing observers before they assume their duties.

Bereket said government has a strong desire to ensure popular participation of political parties by taking into consideration international standards and experience. a reasonable time will be allotted to political parties. 

National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has discussed on draft election time table with political parties and is expected to present the draft document again to political parties after making the necessary amendments.

He said as it was proposed in the draft time table, the election process will be held from Dec. 10 , 2009 to June 21, 2010 while voting day will be on May 23, 2010.  

Bereket also said the recent agreement reached among four political parties on election code of conduct and its implementation strategies after a series of successful discussions was a good step in building democratic culture in the country.

The code of conduct was prepared by International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), he said, adding that the stated number of parties have agreed to turn the strategies in to legislation.  

Commenting on the agreement, Bereket said the discussion among political parties has opened a new chapter for the development of multiparty system.

Bereket expressed dissatisfaction over the refusal of the Forum for Democratic Consultation in Ethiopia (Forum) to take part in the discussion as it preferred to have one to one discussion with EPRDF.  

Speaking about good governance, Berket said as emerging democratic nation, Ethiopia is making auspicious progress in ensuring good governance, though there is still a lot to do.

Concerning climate change, Bereket said Ethiopians feel proud over the election of Meles as a representative of Africa at Copenhagen Climate Change Conference.  

He said Ethiopia is undertaking various environmental conservation works as part of its commitment to address the impact of climate change.

Responding to the issues of emergency food aid though there would green light for support from donors, the government will continue to exert relentless effort to address the drought as it has been averting for the last 18 years.  

Bereket outlined that harvesting, enhancing food security programs in line with environmental protection and expanding small irrigation schemes in rural areas and expanding Micros and small scale business and infrastructure facilities in urban areas are the major activities to be carried out to maintain ongoing economic development.

The minister gave reflections on issues concerning the CSO law, the request of two parties for coalition to form unified party among others at the press conference. (ENA)