By Yetenayet Kebede, Ezega News
Addis Ababa, March 19, 2010 (Ezega.com) - PM Meles Zenawi gave press conference to various national and foreign media yesterday here in Addis Ababa.
Meles said he expects no violence in connection with the upcoming national elections. The government has learned a lot from previous elections, and it finalized the necessary preparations to curb violence, he added.
The Premier said there are signs of preparations being made to undertake violence and acts of terrorism. According to him, these are perpetrated mainly by the Eritrean government and some opposition groups.
However, the government has finalized the necessary preparations to curb such possible acts of violence. The ruling party will be patient but take action when necessary, Meles affirmed.
The government is informed of mistakes being made by election contesters in various parts of the country. We are collecting evidence so that we will take necessary and legal measures if the cases reach beyond tolerable limits, Meles said. He also warned that it doesn’t mean the government will pass by crimes aimed at destabilizing the society.
Regarding speech he delivered to parliament early in the morning, he was asked if he presumed that his party will win the election and is thus trying to intimidate the opposition, Meles said EPRDF has never prejudged elections, but just like any party we are entering the election with a winning spirit. Presumption and prejudging the election should be seen differently. We are trying to express hope of winning the election, but the final results will be decided by the public, he said.
Regarding accusations of human rights violations in Ethiopia, he said these stories have been spearheaded by those Ethiopians and foreigners whose interests to influence the country have been affected by our policy.
Such accusations are usual at election times he said and explained this is an issue of power and influence. We have our politics that is not influenced by others’ money, he declared. For instance the new Charities and Societies proclamation has annoyed several countries. We are seen as wrong models for protecting our politics from the economic influence of others.
Responding to a question raised in connection with the alleged abuse of relief money for the purchase of armaments by TPLF in 1984, Meles said his government is used to accusations being made by foreign media outlets such as the BBC. He said the reporter is known by TPLF as a relentless supporter of the Eritrean government.
TPLF has not been asked to comment on the issue. The allegations used in the report are those of ex-members of the party who surrendered to “Derg” during the armed struggle. The report has annoyed the celebrities and organizations who organized the support program. They are accusing the BBC but our government will not react to the false report of BBC.
Over the past two years, the purchasing power of the civil servant has been weakened due to inflation, the premier addressed this issue and said, in principle, salary increases inflame inflation and bring dire consequences to society and the government.
He also said the BPR program should be accompanied with changes of salary payment system and not with salary increase. He advised results oriented payment schedule should be considered by organizations. According to him “the government will not take a stand whether to increase salary or not”. He said anyone will not use the issue of salary increase so as to gain voter’s support in the election.
National Electoral Board of Ethiopia prohibits media outlets from taking footages, photos and opinions in election posts. Meles said, based on experiences from various democracies, the national board of elections is entitled to making any regulations. In addition to the media’s editorial policy and the national press law, it can set rules that bind the media to adhere to the law.