ETHIOPIA BOLSTERS UP
COOPERATION WITH THE UN
Today the International community observes UN Day. October 24 has been designated as United Nations Day in 1947 by the United Nations General Assembly and it has been celebrated as UN day since 1948. It was established by presidential proclamation to commemorate the entry into force of the UN charter. It has traditionally been marked throughout the world by meetings, discussions and exhibits about the achievements and goals of the organization. The General assembly recommended that member states observe it as a public holiday.
Ethiopia is one of the founding members of the UN. It has a long standing relations with the UN and its various agencies, and has maintained fruitful relations and cooperation with them. Ethiopia has continued its efforts to expand its relationship with international organizations. Today, Ethiopia's foreign policy is making a radical break with tradition and is contributing to the fight against the country's arch enemy - poverty. Ethiopia is concentrating on economic development, democracy and sustainable peace, and the country is attaching greater importance to economic diplomacy in its foreign policy.
Ethiopia has never shied away from its international responsibilities. It has been regarded as a great asset for peace and stability in the sub region. Ethiopia's involvement in peace keeping operations in Korea, the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi and Liberia under the banner of the UN demonstrates Ethiopia's commitment to peace and stability.
Since the EPRDF Government assumed power in 1991, Ethiopia has actively participated in all international fora including in the UN.
Ethiopia has always acted within the parameters of the international norms and principles. It may be recalled that when attacked and invaded by Eritrea in 1998 Ethiopia before first resorting to arms took the case to the AU and the UN, demonstrating its commitment to resolve any dispute through negotiation within international norms and principles. Ethiopia has a long-standing culture of respect for the charter of the UN.
Ethiopia's recent contributions to the organization include its commitment and active involvement in the global fight against terrorism. The country is committed to fulfilling its international responsibilities in the maintenance of peace and security. The Ethiopian government believes it has achieved encouraging results in obtaining international support. It continues to exert its utmost efforts to create amicable relations with neighboring countries, to provide a basis for development of mutual trust and confidence.
In September, Ethiopia began the celebration of its unique Millennium 2000. This year long event is an ''African occasion,'' it will make Ethiopia a lively rendezvous for tourists, friends of Ethiopia and all visitors from far and wide. The Ethiopian Millennium will be a new era launching the renaissance of Ethiopia. And on this great occasion the Ethiopian government together with all Ethiopian peoples and all our development partners will show unflagging energy to consolidating the on going development endeavors of the nation. It has been an occasion for all the peoples of Ethiopia to renew their commitment to stand together in the battle against poverty and backwardness.
It is in this context of the new Ethiopian Millennium, that Ethiopia once again reaffirms its unswerving commitment to further strengthen its cooperation with the UN and all its Agencies.
The Ethiopian Millennium is Africa's solidarity flagship
The Ministry of Information