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Ethiopia - Meles holds talks with UK Minister of State for International Development

Source: ENA

Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi here on Tuesday held talks with UK Minister of State for International Development, Gareth Thomas MP. said the international media have exaggerated food shortage occurred in Ethiopia.

The two parties on the occasion discussed on the ongoing efforts of Ethiopia to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

According to a senior government official, the two parties discussed on the food shortage occurred in Ethiopia.

They exchanged views on the discussion the government holds with opposition parties concerning the upcoming national elections.

They also discussed on issues related to Africa's common position on climate change at the Copenhagen conference to be held in Dec.2009.

UK supports Africa’s common position on climate change, Thomas said, adding, the international community should provide similar support.

Thomas on the occasion confirmed that his country will further strengthen support to Ethiopia.

He told journalists after the discussion that he visited various parts of the country to observe the situation and witnessed that the food shortage occurred in Ethiopia is not as exaggerated by the international media.

Thomas said in particular he visited some parts of the Amhara State and witnessed encouraging development activities.

The state minister said the discussion between the government and opposition political parties should further be strengthened with a view to making the election fair and democratic.

The code of conduct of election will significantly contribute in the efforts to make the election peaceful and credible, he said.