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Friday, March 12, 2010E L E C T I O N S
Ethiopian Electoral Board Leaders Observe U.S. Elections
Two senior officials with the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) were recently invited to the United States to observe the country's Presidential and Congressional elections. During their stay, NEBE Chairman of the Board Prof. Merga Bekana and Deputy Chairman Dr. Addisu Gebreizabhier took part in a three-day conference sponsored by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), which drew top election officials from more than 60 countries to Washington, D.C. Prof. Merga and Dr. Addisu met with U.S. election commissioners and discussed cooperation between NEBE and IFES with IFES President and CEO Jean-Pierre Kingsley. In addition to observing elections in the states of Virginia and Maryland and in the District of Columbia, the Ethiopian officials traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, for meetings at the Carter Center.
I N T E R N A T I O N A L A F F A I R S
Prime Minister Meles Congratulations U.S. President-Elect Obama
Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi sent a congratulatory message to Barack Obama, the President Elect of the United States of America. In his letter, Prime Minister Meles expressed his warmness congratulations on his own behalf and on behalf of the government and peoples of Ethiopia. Prime Minister Meles also expressed his confidence that the longstanding and excellent relations that exist between the two countries will continue to be strengthened during Obama's tenure in office.
B U S I N E S S
Ethiopia to Host Major Development Forum
Ethiopia is set to host the fifth annual African World Business Congress and the IGAD Investment Forum. The event will be held in Ethiopia's capital city Addis Ababa March 3-5, 2009. IGAD is short for the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in Eastern Africa. It is the premier regional organization for achieving peace, prosperity and regional integration in the IGAD region. Click here to view the preliminary program for the conference.
E C O N O M Y
Ethiopia Working to Boost Leather Exports
Ethiopia, home to the largest livestock population in Africa, is working to boost its export of leather products. In the past, Ethiopia has exported millions of hides, mostly in the form of semiprocessed leather; however, it is working to attain bigger profits by developing its own trademarked leather products. Taytu, a consortium of 12 Ethiopian leather goods manufacturers, is leading the way. By participating in trade shows in Paris, New York and Los Angeles, Taytu has made contacts with high-end foreign retailers who are increasingly looking to Taytu to provide luxury leather items. Learn more about Ethiopia's leather sector.
Embassy News...
H E A L T H
Visiting Health Minister Touts Remarkable Progress
Ethiopia's dramatic progress on the health care front was in the spotlight this week when Health Minister Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus participated in two high-profile events in Washington, D.C., including a White House Summit on Global Development and a briefing to the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Woodrow Wilson Center. Dr. Tedros presented various statistics demonstrating significant improvements in Ethiopian health, including the increase to more than 30,000 Ethiopian health workers who are delivering care throughout the country. Dr. Tedros also spoke about the U.S.-Ethiopia relationship and expressed his appreciation for the dramatic increases in U.S. funding which are helping Ethiopia achieve its health goals. Listen to Dr. Tedros's briefing, view highlights from his presentation and read a feature article focusing upon his recent visit to Washington.
C H I L D R E N ' S R I G H T S
Ambassador Honored by Worldwide Orphans Foundation
Ethiopian Ambassador to the United States Samuel Assefa was one of two honorees at the Fourth Annual Benefit Gala of the Worldwide Orphans Foundation (WWO). The WWO is dedicated to transforming the lives of orphaned children around the world. Ambassador Assefa was recognized at the red-carpet affair for his "dedication to improving the lives of children," and accepted an award on behalf of Ethiopia. Click here to read Ambassador Samuel's acceptance speech. View a photo of Ambassador Samuel accepting the award.
E T H I O P I A A N D T H E U N I T E D S T A T E S
Lucy Introduces Americans to Ethiopia
Thousands of Americans are being introduced to Ethiopia's remarkable past and its promising future by Lucy--the 3.2 million-year-old skeleton who is visiting the United States. One of the world's oldest and best-preserved fossils, Lucy is currently on display at Seattle's Pacific Science Center. In an op-ed celebrating Lucy's success, the Ethiopian Embassy's head of public relations and public diplomacy Wondimu Asamnew said it was "altogether fitting that the Lucy exhibit making its way around the country also devotes great attention to the country in which she was discovered--Ethiopia." Click here to read the full op-ed.
E T H I O P I A A N D T H E A F R I C A N - A M E R I C A N C O M M U N I T Y
Abyssinian Church Celebrates Ties to Ethiopia at 200th Anniversary Gala
The Abyssinian Baptist Church recently celebrated its 200th anniversary with a white-tie gala in New York City. Ethiopian Ambassador to the United States Samuel Assefa was recognized as a special guest by Abyssinian Baptist Church Leader Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III at the dinner event, which drew an impressive roster of political and civic leaders and celebrities. Former President Bill Clinton, Senator Hillary Clinton and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg joined Rev. Butts at the podium as speakers. President-Elect Barack Obama sent his greetings, which were delivered on his behalf by Sen. Clinton. Learn more.
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