ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopian Social Democratic Party (ESDP) has urged government to prioritize human rights protection and ensure rule of law.
Briefing journalists yesterday, Prof. Beyene Petros, Chairperson of ESDP said that government must work hard so that citizens’ fundamental rights and rule of law are respected. The Chairperson has also noted that the issue of Addis Ababa’s ownership, which has become the center of disagreement, has to be resolved as per the principles of article 49 stipulated in the constitution.
At the same time, the party has also urged different parties to refrain from releasing provocative statements that would disturb the peaceful coexistence of the people. The party has also denounced the recent “illegal” demolishment of houses and displacement of people in Legetafo, which the town’s administration claimed the households have settled and built houses there illegally.
The people who have been displaced in different parts of the country should be rehabilitated and resettled, the Chairman said urging the government to exert maximum effort to protect and safeguard their security once they are resettled.
Regarding the Koye Feche condominium controversy, Prof. Beyene stated that if the Addis Ababa City Administration has built the condos on the jurisdiction of Oromia without reaching agreement with the State Government, it has to take full responsibility for it. “The right of citizens must not be violated for shallow political gains,” he added.
The Ethiopian Herald, March 21/2019
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
