Sylvia Macbean
The Leader-Post
Monday, September 29, 2008
MARYFIELD -- Farmers from the Crossborders Community Project in Maryfield in southeastern Saskatchewan and Kola, Man., came together recently to harvest fields of wheat to be shipped to Ethiopia -- before harvesting their own crops.
"These farmers that were harvesting were doing so with their own crops out on the field,'' said Jan Neufeld of the Kola area of southwestern Manitoba. "As soon as they get these fields finished, they will be going back to finish their own harvest.
"My husband Don and my son Miles put the crop in," she said.
Other farmers helped to sow the crop last spring for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. All the farm work was donated by farmers.
The crop recently received heavy rains and was downgraded to feed. The wheat was sold to a livestock producer and was being ground into feed after it was delivered to the Kola, Man., mill.
Proceeds from crops are used to provide food for the hungry in developing countries around the world.
This year, crops are being grown by many volunteers groups across Saskatchewan.
Cameron Wiebe and his neighbour, Neil Mehrer, grew Canadian Prairie Spring (CPS) white wheat in the Churchbridge area. The CPS wheat will be sold for either ethanol production or to make flour.
"One neighbour provides the land and one neighbour provides the work. We grew 160 acres in the Churchbridge area. We try and get as much support for the fertilizer and inputs as we can. Some of it will go to an ethanol plant and there are local markets at the elevator as well for this wheat. When you deliver it locally, they just take care of it," Wiebe said. Wiebe plans to harvest their crop next week.
The Wiwi Growing Project in the Gravelbourg-Shamrock area has 10 growers who have signed up to grow and designate several acres of their crops for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.
"We had asked growers in the area to commit some acres to the project. It should amount to a good donation for the Canadian Foodgrains bank this year," said Mervin Costley, with the Wiwi Growing Project.
"Farmers wanting to donate grain for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank can do so at their local elevator or grain terminal," said Janelle Peterson, resource officer with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.
A Canadian Foodgrains Bank shipment of 6,400 metric tonnes of Canadian wheat arrived in Ethiopia in August and is being distributed to people impacted by the growing food crisis in Africa.
According to the Famine Early Warning System Network, nearly nine million people in the Horn of Africa need immediate humanitarian assistance in the next three to six months. About four million of those people live in Ethiopia.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Seboka smashes record in win
JAMES CHRISTIE
September 29, 2008
TORONTO -- Mulu Seboka didn't listen to the advice from the master of the marathon, Haile Gebrselassie, but both wound up champions and record-setters on the same day.
The 22-year-old Ethiopian woman set a course record of 2 hours 29 minutes 5 seconds, smashing the previous best for the Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon yesterday morning in a romp across the shores of Lake Ontario. Her time was more than four minutes better than the mark set last year by fellow Ethiopian Asha Gigi, this year's third-place finisher. Olena Shurkhno of Ukraine finished second in the women's race.
"Haile always watches us train in Addis Ababa and he tells me don't practise a lot," said Seboka, who puts in a phenomenal load of roadwork at 280 kilometres a week. Each of her five training days in a week starts with 40 km in the morning, then she runs for another hour in the afternoon.
"He's a father figure to us. He told me to reduce the work level."
Print Edition - Section Front
Enlarge Image
More Stories
Bosh expands his horizons
Brewers wild about first playoff trip in 26 years
Winning the West no easy task
Canadian fans will be able to watch the entire playoffs this year
Gathering momentum, Montreal rolls to second lopsided win in a row
Seboka smashes record in win
Go to the section
But Seboka thrives on the high volume. She never has run any distance but the marathon, following her sister into the sport. She said it's the way of women's sport in Ethiopia to take up after a family member. The Olympic 5,000- and 10,000-metre gold medalist, Tirunesh Dibaba, 23, followed a sister, who had followed an aunt in distance running.
Dubbed the "baby-faced destroyer," Dibaba's Olympic prowess has paid of for her with a promotion to the rank of superintendent on her prison police club. She actually outranks the legendary Gebrselassie, who is a major with another police unit.
The winner of the Mumbai Marathon in India earlier this year, Seboka said she runs only two or three competitive races in a season, but the daily workload is the equivalent of more than a marathon.
Her course record and personal best time yesterday was the highlight of the Toronto race. She won by almost a minute over Shurkhno's 2:30:12. Seboka, from the town of Sululta, near Addis Ababa, figures she has more left in her, aiming to take her time down to the 2:22 or 2:23 range by the year's end. She said she came to Toronto because she heard about a flat, fast course where she could post her best time.
Gebrselassie, Ethiopia's 35-year-old running machine, knows about the wear and tear on the body from running.
The multiple Olympic gold medalist at 10,000 metres worked his way up gradually to the classic distance of the marathon (41.195 km) and, hours before the Toronto race, lowered his own world record for the men's race to 2:03:59 for his third consecutive Berlin Marathon win.
Gebrselassie has set 26 world records in his lifetime, "and seeing him break the record today on television was an inspiration just before we went out," Seboka said.
Toronto Waterfront race director Alan Brookes had hoped to see the men's course record fall for the second consecutive year. Organizers invested about $35,000 of the $350,000 budget in rabbits who kept the race at a record pace through the first half. However, hard winds slowed the field coming up the Leslie Street spit in the second half of the race. No one came close to the 2:09:30 notched last year when John Kelai of Kenya ran the fastest marathon ever run in Canada.
This year Kelai finished fifth, while fellow Kenyan Kenneth Mungara won in 2:11:09. "I tried to go for a 2:09, but I didn't make it," Mungara said.
"At around 30 kilometres the wind was so strong we couldn't keep the time," said second-place finisher Peter Kiprotich of Kenya, who clocked 2:11:02, holding a lead twice but losing touch on the final sprint to Nathan Phillips Square. Ethiopia's Amersisa Ketema was third in 2:11:51.
The top Canadian finishers were Suzanne Evans of New Westminster, B.C., ninth among the women in 2:44:22, her first sub-2:45 run, and Dylan Wykes of Kingston, Ont., who placed 11th among the men at 2:16:20.
Wykes said his goal is to get to next year's world championship marathon in Berlin.
"It would be my next big step ... If I am selected, I'd stay away from marathons for the next year and get back to 10 km and half marathons."
September 29, 2008
TORONTO -- Mulu Seboka didn't listen to the advice from the master of the marathon, Haile Gebrselassie, but both wound up champions and record-setters on the same day.
The 22-year-old Ethiopian woman set a course record of 2 hours 29 minutes 5 seconds, smashing the previous best for the Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon yesterday morning in a romp across the shores of Lake Ontario. Her time was more than four minutes better than the mark set last year by fellow Ethiopian Asha Gigi, this year's third-place finisher. Olena Shurkhno of Ukraine finished second in the women's race.
"Haile always watches us train in Addis Ababa and he tells me don't practise a lot," said Seboka, who puts in a phenomenal load of roadwork at 280 kilometres a week. Each of her five training days in a week starts with 40 km in the morning, then she runs for another hour in the afternoon.
"He's a father figure to us. He told me to reduce the work level."
Print Edition - Section Front
Enlarge Image
More Stories
Bosh expands his horizons
Brewers wild about first playoff trip in 26 years
Winning the West no easy task
Canadian fans will be able to watch the entire playoffs this year
Gathering momentum, Montreal rolls to second lopsided win in a row
Seboka smashes record in win
Go to the section
But Seboka thrives on the high volume. She never has run any distance but the marathon, following her sister into the sport. She said it's the way of women's sport in Ethiopia to take up after a family member. The Olympic 5,000- and 10,000-metre gold medalist, Tirunesh Dibaba, 23, followed a sister, who had followed an aunt in distance running.
Dubbed the "baby-faced destroyer," Dibaba's Olympic prowess has paid of for her with a promotion to the rank of superintendent on her prison police club. She actually outranks the legendary Gebrselassie, who is a major with another police unit.
The winner of the Mumbai Marathon in India earlier this year, Seboka said she runs only two or three competitive races in a season, but the daily workload is the equivalent of more than a marathon.
Her course record and personal best time yesterday was the highlight of the Toronto race. She won by almost a minute over Shurkhno's 2:30:12. Seboka, from the town of Sululta, near Addis Ababa, figures she has more left in her, aiming to take her time down to the 2:22 or 2:23 range by the year's end. She said she came to Toronto because she heard about a flat, fast course where she could post her best time.
Gebrselassie, Ethiopia's 35-year-old running machine, knows about the wear and tear on the body from running.
The multiple Olympic gold medalist at 10,000 metres worked his way up gradually to the classic distance of the marathon (41.195 km) and, hours before the Toronto race, lowered his own world record for the men's race to 2:03:59 for his third consecutive Berlin Marathon win.
Gebrselassie has set 26 world records in his lifetime, "and seeing him break the record today on television was an inspiration just before we went out," Seboka said.
Toronto Waterfront race director Alan Brookes had hoped to see the men's course record fall for the second consecutive year. Organizers invested about $35,000 of the $350,000 budget in rabbits who kept the race at a record pace through the first half. However, hard winds slowed the field coming up the Leslie Street spit in the second half of the race. No one came close to the 2:09:30 notched last year when John Kelai of Kenya ran the fastest marathon ever run in Canada.
This year Kelai finished fifth, while fellow Kenyan Kenneth Mungara won in 2:11:09. "I tried to go for a 2:09, but I didn't make it," Mungara said.
"At around 30 kilometres the wind was so strong we couldn't keep the time," said second-place finisher Peter Kiprotich of Kenya, who clocked 2:11:02, holding a lead twice but losing touch on the final sprint to Nathan Phillips Square. Ethiopia's Amersisa Ketema was third in 2:11:51.
The top Canadian finishers were Suzanne Evans of New Westminster, B.C., ninth among the women in 2:44:22, her first sub-2:45 run, and Dylan Wykes of Kingston, Ont., who placed 11th among the men at 2:16:20.
Wykes said his goal is to get to next year's world championship marathon in Berlin.
"It would be my next big step ... If I am selected, I'd stay away from marathons for the next year and get back to 10 km and half marathons."
Ethiopia blames Islamist group for weekend blast
ADDIS ABABA (AFP) — Ethiopian police on Monday blamed an Islamist rebel group for a weekend explosion that killed four people and wounded 22 others in the country's eastern region.
The police chief of the Somali province in eastern Ethiopian, where the incident occurred, said a suspect had confessed to being a member of the Al-Ittihad Al-Islamiya operating in the region.
"We are in the process of hunting down two other suspects identified by the individual in charge of the blast who is already under our custody," Yusuf Mahmoud Mussai told AFP.
"He has confessed that he is a member of al-Ittihad al-Islamiya."
Al-Ittihad al-Islamiya was formed in 1984 in northern Somalia which borders Ethiopia's restive eastern region, where another rebel group -- also formed the in same year -- operates.
The government has also repeatedly blamed the Islamist group for earlier attacks in the capital, Addis Ababa.
The Somali province has been hit by a series of attacks attributed to separatist rebels in recent years.
Last year, the army launched an offensive against the Ogaden Nation Liberation Front after they attacked a Chinese-run oil venture and killed 77 people.
The police chief of the Somali province in eastern Ethiopian, where the incident occurred, said a suspect had confessed to being a member of the Al-Ittihad Al-Islamiya operating in the region.
"We are in the process of hunting down two other suspects identified by the individual in charge of the blast who is already under our custody," Yusuf Mahmoud Mussai told AFP.
"He has confessed that he is a member of al-Ittihad al-Islamiya."
Al-Ittihad al-Islamiya was formed in 1984 in northern Somalia which borders Ethiopia's restive eastern region, where another rebel group -- also formed the in same year -- operates.
The government has also repeatedly blamed the Islamist group for earlier attacks in the capital, Addis Ababa.
The Somali province has been hit by a series of attacks attributed to separatist rebels in recent years.
Last year, the army launched an offensive against the Ogaden Nation Liberation Front after they attacked a Chinese-run oil venture and killed 77 people.
Ethiopian breaks own world marathon mark
Haile Gebrselassie smashed his marathon world record by 27 seconds, winning the Berlin Marathon in a city where he has had so much success. Gebrselassie, 35, of Ethiopia, took advantage of excellent conditions on a flat course to finish in 2hours, 3minutes, 59seconds. Despite an ailing calf, he shattered the mark he set in Berlin last year and became the first man to win this race three times. Gebrselassie thanked the crowd of about 1 million for helping him set his 26th world record. Gebrselassie first ran in Berlin in 2006 and clocked 2:05:56 before breaking the world record last year. In three years, he has improved nearly two minutes on his time. "Berlin is my lucky city," Gebrselassie said.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Zethiopia: The Ethiopian Newspaper to Believe In
Zethiopia: The Ethiopian Newspaper to Believe In
New America Media, Media Profile, Uzo Nnabuihe, Posted: May 14, 2008
WASHINGTON -- When Dereje Desta left Ethiopia seven years ago, he hoped the United States would afford him the press freedom he lacked as a journalist in his country. Today as the publisher, editor, marketing manager and reporter for Zethiopia, he does have that freedom, but it has come at a price.
Sitting in the Mocha Hut on 14th street with his coffee in one hand and a muffin in the other, Desta stares at his computer screen waiting to get connected to the coffee shop’s wireless Internet service. As blues music blasts in the background, he talks about his life as a one-man production show. He says he has a newfound respect for the news industry. Since he launched Zethiopia six years ago, he has had to become a jack of all trades: he is not just focused solely on the stories, but also on the production, marketing and visual appearance of the paper.
Zethiopia publisher Dereje Desta speaks before congressional
staffers at a NAM briefing on reaching ethnic audiences.
Once again he stares at his computer screen and frowns; he still can’t get connected to the Internet. Even though he now has the freedom to write the stories he cares about, he finds a lot of difficulties in running the newspaper on his own. Desta says too many Ethiopians and Africans, who have migrated to the United States due to political unrest and economic reasons, say being a journalist does not fit in with the American dream because it is not profitable.
“It’s very, very hard to convince people; it’s hard to convince yourself.”
Unfortunately, because it has been hard to convince people of the merits and importance of journalism, it has been hard for Desta to get investors and business partners. Zethiopia is free, so he depends on advertisements to fund the everyday running of the paper. Desta says because he focuses more on the stories, the business side of running the paper suffers.
“Sometimes I’m busy with the stories and not too bothered with the business side, and advertisers are mad at me because they feel I don’t do my job.”
Unlike other Ethiopian newspapers, Zethiopia caters to the community and not advertisers, according to its publisher. The paper is filled with stories about life and the economic climate in Ethiopia and the issues that the Ethiopian community in America faces. Readers appreciate it.
Tigi Abebe, a cashier at an Ethiopian-owned dollar store on U Street, says she likes Zethiopia and reads it occasionally.
“I like how they write about everything -- about love, comedy, Ethiopian culture and life in America and Ethiopia.”
Desta says his main concern right now is getting the visibility and attention that will attract investors and bring in more revenue for the paper. He puts the paper’s circulation at 10,000 a month; he says it is available in most Ethiopian stores, restaurants and travel agencies. The paper is supposed to be in circulation and easily accessible to anyone interested in reading it, yet there are some Ethiopians who are unaware of the paper’s existence.
Bekele Hemancho, an Ethiopian immigrant and Maryland resident, has never heard of or seen Zethiopia.
“Zethiopia? Is it like a newspaper with many advertisements? I had never known about it. Thank you for telling me, I will look for it.”
Hemancho later said he searched for the paper in more than four Ethiopian stores and restaurants, but could not find it. At two of the Ethiopian restaurants on U Street, neither the servers nor the manager of the restaurants had heard of or seen the paper either.
This is why Desta is focused on building a name for Zethiopia. He says that since his paper is the only bilingual paper serving the Ethiopian community -- the paper is published in English and Amharic -- it is important to expand its circulation.
However, expanding the circulation is only the beginning. Desta wants to build a media institution that will better serve the Ethiopian community.
“I’m not done yet; I’m not even started. I’m still trying to convince people to start believing. That’s my goal, but in order to do that you have to start somewhere.”
For Desta, this job goes beyond reporting stories, but helps him keep in touch with his community. It goes beyond being part of a profession and extends to using the profession as an avenue to achieve objectives. Zethiopia, he says, is a way for Ethiopians to take pride in their language, culture and heritage, especially in a different country.
New America Media, Media Profile, Uzo Nnabuihe, Posted: May 14, 2008
WASHINGTON -- When Dereje Desta left Ethiopia seven years ago, he hoped the United States would afford him the press freedom he lacked as a journalist in his country. Today as the publisher, editor, marketing manager and reporter for Zethiopia, he does have that freedom, but it has come at a price.
Sitting in the Mocha Hut on 14th street with his coffee in one hand and a muffin in the other, Desta stares at his computer screen waiting to get connected to the coffee shop’s wireless Internet service. As blues music blasts in the background, he talks about his life as a one-man production show. He says he has a newfound respect for the news industry. Since he launched Zethiopia six years ago, he has had to become a jack of all trades: he is not just focused solely on the stories, but also on the production, marketing and visual appearance of the paper.
Zethiopia publisher Dereje Desta speaks before congressional
staffers at a NAM briefing on reaching ethnic audiences.
Once again he stares at his computer screen and frowns; he still can’t get connected to the Internet. Even though he now has the freedom to write the stories he cares about, he finds a lot of difficulties in running the newspaper on his own. Desta says too many Ethiopians and Africans, who have migrated to the United States due to political unrest and economic reasons, say being a journalist does not fit in with the American dream because it is not profitable.
“It’s very, very hard to convince people; it’s hard to convince yourself.”
Unfortunately, because it has been hard to convince people of the merits and importance of journalism, it has been hard for Desta to get investors and business partners. Zethiopia is free, so he depends on advertisements to fund the everyday running of the paper. Desta says because he focuses more on the stories, the business side of running the paper suffers.
“Sometimes I’m busy with the stories and not too bothered with the business side, and advertisers are mad at me because they feel I don’t do my job.”
Unlike other Ethiopian newspapers, Zethiopia caters to the community and not advertisers, according to its publisher. The paper is filled with stories about life and the economic climate in Ethiopia and the issues that the Ethiopian community in America faces. Readers appreciate it.
Tigi Abebe, a cashier at an Ethiopian-owned dollar store on U Street, says she likes Zethiopia and reads it occasionally.
“I like how they write about everything -- about love, comedy, Ethiopian culture and life in America and Ethiopia.”
Desta says his main concern right now is getting the visibility and attention that will attract investors and bring in more revenue for the paper. He puts the paper’s circulation at 10,000 a month; he says it is available in most Ethiopian stores, restaurants and travel agencies. The paper is supposed to be in circulation and easily accessible to anyone interested in reading it, yet there are some Ethiopians who are unaware of the paper’s existence.
Bekele Hemancho, an Ethiopian immigrant and Maryland resident, has never heard of or seen Zethiopia.
“Zethiopia? Is it like a newspaper with many advertisements? I had never known about it. Thank you for telling me, I will look for it.”
Hemancho later said he searched for the paper in more than four Ethiopian stores and restaurants, but could not find it. At two of the Ethiopian restaurants on U Street, neither the servers nor the manager of the restaurants had heard of or seen the paper either.
This is why Desta is focused on building a name for Zethiopia. He says that since his paper is the only bilingual paper serving the Ethiopian community -- the paper is published in English and Amharic -- it is important to expand its circulation.
However, expanding the circulation is only the beginning. Desta wants to build a media institution that will better serve the Ethiopian community.
“I’m not done yet; I’m not even started. I’m still trying to convince people to start believing. That’s my goal, but in order to do that you have to start somewhere.”
For Desta, this job goes beyond reporting stories, but helps him keep in touch with his community. It goes beyond being part of a profession and extends to using the profession as an avenue to achieve objectives. Zethiopia, he says, is a way for Ethiopians to take pride in their language, culture and heritage, especially in a different country.
Hope for Children US - Event in Washington, DC
Please Join Us For
"A Night in Ethiopia"
To Support Hope for Children's
Youth Learning Center
Friday, September 26, 7 PM
The Ethiopian Embassy, 3506 International Drive, NW, Washington, DC
Hosted by Carol Rhees, Bonnie Harkness, Freda and Gary Temple,
Ruthann Bates, Catie Dupont
Please bring your friends and family!
RSVP carhees@aol.com / 301.229.9591
For more information, go to www.hopeforchildrenus.org
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
We hope that you can join us on September 26 for a fun-filled and informative evening. If you are unable to attend but wish to make a tax-deductible contribution, checks should be made payable to Hope for Children US and should be mailed to 5801 Searl Terrace, Bethesda, MD 20816. You can also donate on-line at our website, www.hopeforchildrenus.org.
Parking: Parking in the evening is available in any of the reserved Embassy spots along International Drive. There is also a parking garage on Van Ness where you turn onto International Drive.
We hope to see you on the 26th!
"A Night in Ethiopia"
To Support Hope for Children's
Youth Learning Center
Friday, September 26, 7 PM
The Ethiopian Embassy, 3506 International Drive, NW, Washington, DC
Hosted by Carol Rhees, Bonnie Harkness, Freda and Gary Temple,
Ruthann Bates, Catie Dupont
Please bring your friends and family!
RSVP carhees@aol.com / 301.229.9591
For more information, go to www.hopeforchildrenus.org
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
We hope that you can join us on September 26 for a fun-filled and informative evening. If you are unable to attend but wish to make a tax-deductible contribution, checks should be made payable to Hope for Children US and should be mailed to 5801 Searl Terrace, Bethesda, MD 20816. You can also donate on-line at our website, www.hopeforchildrenus.org.
Parking: Parking in the evening is available in any of the reserved Embassy spots along International Drive. There is also a parking garage on Van Ness where you turn onto International Drive.
We hope to see you on the 26th!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Olympics: Dibaba's pace leaves Pavey dismayed with best 10,000m
Tirunesh Dibaba after winning gold in the women's 10,000m at the "Bird's Nest" National Stadium, Beijing. Photograph: Valery Hache/AFP
Britain's women were left frustrated last night after the Ethiopian Tirunesh Dibaba powered her way to gold in the 10,000 metres. Dibaba added the Olympic crown to her two world titles with a stirring performance in 29min 54.66sec, beating Turkey's Elvan Abeylegesse, second in 29:56.54, with Shalane Flanagan, of the United States, third in 30:22.22. Britain's Jo Pavey was 12th in a personal best time of 31:12.30.
But back in 23rd place in 32:26.69 another Briton, Kate Reed, claimed she had been made to run a 2,000m time-trial 24 hours before this Olympic final. Reed said: "I have been having troubles with my fitness and pain in my calf - at one point I had my flight home booked - but I was all set to race and then last night the team booked a time-trial for me to test my fitness. I don't understand why they made me do it. I am new to international athletics, so I just gritted my teeth and got on with it. But it took so much out of me and today there was nothing in my legs."
But a Team GB spokesman said: "The athlete was given a pain-killing injection and asked to run 2,000m, at a reasonable pace, agreed with her coach, yesterday. This was to confirm that she could perform in the race and that the injections would work."
Even Pavey's personal best did nothing to lift her own spirits. She said: "It's very tough and it's easy to feel like I've made a fool of myself. I feel so disappointed, even though I ran a personal best, but it was just such a blistering pace. I have probably got to learn a bit, I wasn't ready for that."
Andy Baddeley progressed into the semi-finals of the 1500m and will not let go of his belief that he can win a medal in a wide-open competition. The British No1, who won The Dream Mile in Oslo earlier this year, ran a superbly controlled race in the first-round heats. He timed his performance perfectly, staying at the back of the pack before moving through to qualify in third place in 3:36.47 as Juan van Deventer won in 3:36.32.
"There is no outright favourite but at the moment I am only in the semis and there is a long way to go," said Baddeley. "It felt good and I'm really pleased with that. There has been a lot of waiting and that has been quite nerve-racking but once I got out there I felt really good." His British team-mate Tom Lancashire is out after he finished 11th in his heat in 3:43.40.
Britain's women were left frustrated last night after the Ethiopian Tirunesh Dibaba powered her way to gold in the 10,000 metres. Dibaba added the Olympic crown to her two world titles with a stirring performance in 29min 54.66sec, beating Turkey's Elvan Abeylegesse, second in 29:56.54, with Shalane Flanagan, of the United States, third in 30:22.22. Britain's Jo Pavey was 12th in a personal best time of 31:12.30.
But back in 23rd place in 32:26.69 another Briton, Kate Reed, claimed she had been made to run a 2,000m time-trial 24 hours before this Olympic final. Reed said: "I have been having troubles with my fitness and pain in my calf - at one point I had my flight home booked - but I was all set to race and then last night the team booked a time-trial for me to test my fitness. I don't understand why they made me do it. I am new to international athletics, so I just gritted my teeth and got on with it. But it took so much out of me and today there was nothing in my legs."
But a Team GB spokesman said: "The athlete was given a pain-killing injection and asked to run 2,000m, at a reasonable pace, agreed with her coach, yesterday. This was to confirm that she could perform in the race and that the injections would work."
Even Pavey's personal best did nothing to lift her own spirits. She said: "It's very tough and it's easy to feel like I've made a fool of myself. I feel so disappointed, even though I ran a personal best, but it was just such a blistering pace. I have probably got to learn a bit, I wasn't ready for that."
Andy Baddeley progressed into the semi-finals of the 1500m and will not let go of his belief that he can win a medal in a wide-open competition. The British No1, who won The Dream Mile in Oslo earlier this year, ran a superbly controlled race in the first-round heats. He timed his performance perfectly, staying at the back of the pack before moving through to qualify in third place in 3:36.47 as Juan van Deventer won in 3:36.32.
"There is no outright favourite but at the moment I am only in the semis and there is a long way to go," said Baddeley. "It felt good and I'm really pleased with that. There has been a lot of waiting and that has been quite nerve-racking but once I got out there I felt really good." His British team-mate Tom Lancashire is out after he finished 11th in his heat in 3:43.40.
Bekele storms to 10,000m victory
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Video - Bekele storms to 10,000m gold
Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele won the men's 10,000m gold, creating an Olympic record of 27 minutes 1.17 seconds, as compatriot Sileshi Sihine took silver.
Micah Kogo of Kenya secured bronze, but Ethiopian veteran Haile Gebrselassie could only finish sixth, ending his dream of a third Olympic gold medal.
Bekele, 26, controlled the last lap before powering home by a distance to clinch his second Olympic gold medal.
It is the fourth successive major title for the three-times world champion.
Bekele is also considering an appearance in the 5,000m but will decide after Sunday's race.
"It's was a very big goal for me to win this title - my dreams have come true to win tonight," said Bekele.
"The race was fantastic, there was no pacemaker and everyone was pushing. No-one could push any harder.
"It is a big gift. I will now try to run the 5,000 metres. It is not easy to run the two events. It will be a strong race."
Video - Bekele storms to 10,000m gold
Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele won the men's 10,000m gold, creating an Olympic record of 27 minutes 1.17 seconds, as compatriot Sileshi Sihine took silver.
Micah Kogo of Kenya secured bronze, but Ethiopian veteran Haile Gebrselassie could only finish sixth, ending his dream of a third Olympic gold medal.
Bekele, 26, controlled the last lap before powering home by a distance to clinch his second Olympic gold medal.
It is the fourth successive major title for the three-times world champion.
Bekele is also considering an appearance in the 5,000m but will decide after Sunday's race.
"It's was a very big goal for me to win this title - my dreams have come true to win tonight," said Bekele.
"The race was fantastic, there was no pacemaker and everyone was pushing. No-one could push any harder.
"It is a big gift. I will now try to run the 5,000 metres. It is not easy to run the two events. It will be a strong race."
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Ethiopia marks International Women’s Day
Ethiopian News Agency
President Girma Woldegiorgis said the government is committed to empower women and enable them become self sufficient and confident citizens.
The International Women’s Day (IWD) was colorfully marked at a national level at the Millennium Hall here on Saturday under the theme ‘Women ensure Ethiopia’s renaissance participating in and benefiting from development and good governance’.
Speaking at the occasion, President Girma said the envisaged renaissance of Ethiopia and democracy can only be ensured with the active participation of women in the new Ethiopian millennium.
The development polices and strategies designed by the government have not only helped to ensure the participation and benefit of women but also producing several development heroines.
Making use of the prevailing conducive environment, women are registering encouraging results in development activities, the president said, adding, women had a significant contribution in the country’s economic growth registered over the past consecutive years.
He called upon citizens, governmental and non-governmental organizations to attach due attention to gender related issues. He also called on women to organize in associations and stand for their constitutional rights.
Minister of Women’s Affairs, Hirut Delebo on her part said this year’s IWD is special as it coincides with the new Ethiopian Millennium.
She said a lot has been done on part of the government to end gender disparity and gender based violence, which had been prominent not only in Ethiopia but in the world at large.
She said a lot is expected from women, who constitute half of the population, to ensure Ethiopia’s renaissance in the new millennium.
Successful women farmers pastoralists, athletes and business persons , among others, have received medals and awards from President Girma on the occasion.
As part of the occasion, Millennium 2000 Vision of Women, a photographic exhibition was organized by the Ministry of Women's Affairs and the Ministry of Information.
Ambassadors, representatives of international organizations, religious leaders and women from different walks of life attended the occasion.
Ethiopia is marking IWD for 32nd time.
President Girma Woldegiorgis said the government is committed to empower women and enable them become self sufficient and confident citizens.
The International Women’s Day (IWD) was colorfully marked at a national level at the Millennium Hall here on Saturday under the theme ‘Women ensure Ethiopia’s renaissance participating in and benefiting from development and good governance’.
Speaking at the occasion, President Girma said the envisaged renaissance of Ethiopia and democracy can only be ensured with the active participation of women in the new Ethiopian millennium.
The development polices and strategies designed by the government have not only helped to ensure the participation and benefit of women but also producing several development heroines.
Making use of the prevailing conducive environment, women are registering encouraging results in development activities, the president said, adding, women had a significant contribution in the country’s economic growth registered over the past consecutive years.
He called upon citizens, governmental and non-governmental organizations to attach due attention to gender related issues. He also called on women to organize in associations and stand for their constitutional rights.
Minister of Women’s Affairs, Hirut Delebo on her part said this year’s IWD is special as it coincides with the new Ethiopian Millennium.
She said a lot has been done on part of the government to end gender disparity and gender based violence, which had been prominent not only in Ethiopia but in the world at large.
She said a lot is expected from women, who constitute half of the population, to ensure Ethiopia’s renaissance in the new millennium.
Successful women farmers pastoralists, athletes and business persons , among others, have received medals and awards from President Girma on the occasion.
As part of the occasion, Millennium 2000 Vision of Women, a photographic exhibition was organized by the Ministry of Women's Affairs and the Ministry of Information.
Ambassadors, representatives of international organizations, religious leaders and women from different walks of life attended the occasion.
Ethiopia is marking IWD for 32nd time.
British teacher avoids jail in Ethiopia
ADDIS ABABA, March 7 (Reuters) - A British teacher avoided a prison term in Ethiopia on Friday despite refusing to comply with a court order to apologise to a Swiss charity for accusing it of covering up sex abuse at a children's home.
Jill Campbell was convicted of defamation in 2001 and ordered to apologise to Terre Des Hommes-Lausanne (TdH) or face jail. But lawyers for the charity said it had dropped the demand for an apology, noting that her husband Gary, also convicted for defamation in the same case, had said sorry.
The couple had compiled evidence that helped convict David Christie, the British director of an orphanage run by Terre Des Hommes-Lausanne, of abusing several young boys. He was sentenced in 2003 to nine years of hard labour.
The charity admitted the abuse had happened but rejected the couple's accusations of a cover-up.
Emerging from a small courthouse in the capital Addis Ababa, Campbell was met with hugs, kisses and cheers from a group of supporters, both foreigners and locals.
"This case is not about me," she said. "It's about the victims who have been left behind."
Gary Campbell had apologised to the charity but later said this was so someone would be free to look after the couple's two adopted Ethiopian children. Jill Campbell had faced a possible six months in prison for refusing to apologise.
Surrounded by friends, family and well-wishers at her home, Campbell told Reuters that she didn't feel like celebrating until the victims of abuse were treated fairly.
"I have two children so it would have been tough to go to jail," she said.
"But going to prison would have highlighted this case again. TdH have never apologised to the children who've been abused or offered them any compensation or psychological help."
Among those at Campbell's home was a 26-year-old man who said he had been a victim of abuse in the orphanage when 14 years old. He did not want to be named.
The Campbells have lived in Addis Ababa for 14 years and are known locally for their charity work. (For full Reuters Africa coverage and to have your say on the top issues, visit: http://africa.reuters.com/ ) (Editing by Katie Nguyen)
Jill Campbell was convicted of defamation in 2001 and ordered to apologise to Terre Des Hommes-Lausanne (TdH) or face jail. But lawyers for the charity said it had dropped the demand for an apology, noting that her husband Gary, also convicted for defamation in the same case, had said sorry.
The couple had compiled evidence that helped convict David Christie, the British director of an orphanage run by Terre Des Hommes-Lausanne, of abusing several young boys. He was sentenced in 2003 to nine years of hard labour.
The charity admitted the abuse had happened but rejected the couple's accusations of a cover-up.
Emerging from a small courthouse in the capital Addis Ababa, Campbell was met with hugs, kisses and cheers from a group of supporters, both foreigners and locals.
"This case is not about me," she said. "It's about the victims who have been left behind."
Gary Campbell had apologised to the charity but later said this was so someone would be free to look after the couple's two adopted Ethiopian children. Jill Campbell had faced a possible six months in prison for refusing to apologise.
Surrounded by friends, family and well-wishers at her home, Campbell told Reuters that she didn't feel like celebrating until the victims of abuse were treated fairly.
"I have two children so it would have been tough to go to jail," she said.
"But going to prison would have highlighted this case again. TdH have never apologised to the children who've been abused or offered them any compensation or psychological help."
Among those at Campbell's home was a 26-year-old man who said he had been a victim of abuse in the orphanage when 14 years old. He did not want to be named.
The Campbells have lived in Addis Ababa for 14 years and are known locally for their charity work. (For full Reuters Africa coverage and to have your say on the top issues, visit: http://africa.reuters.com/ ) (Editing by Katie Nguyen)
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Friday, February 29, 2008
Ethiopian doubles exports to US under trade pact
ADDIS ABABA (AFP) — Ethiopian exports to the
"Since the project's inauguration two years ago, Ethiopian exports under AGOA/General System of Preference (GSP) have increased by almost 100 percent to 8.9 million dollars (5.9 million euros) in 2007, much higher than the average national exports growth rate over the past five years," the US embassy said in the statement sent to AFP.
"We are on the verge of a major breakthrough where companies in the US and elsewhere are starting to recognize Ethiopia as a place to do business and our exporters are starting to open their eyes to the world of opportunities that exist in the export sector," project director for Ethiopia Addis Alemayehu was quoted as saying in the statement.
Ethiopia's total exports to the United States, which include leading export items such as coffee and spices, have also risen from 61 million dollars (40.4 million euros) in 2005 to 81 million (58.2 million euros) in 2007, an increase of almost 30 percent, according to the statement
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Zethiopia - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is Zethiopia Newspaper published?
The Newspaper is published bi-monthly. In addition to the newspaper, one-page newsflash editions are published for special events.
Zethiopia has a number of blogs that are updated regularly with community events and news.
Zethiopia also has a weekly radio program – Sundays from 5:00-6:00p.m. Tune in to 1390 AM.
How many Ethiopian languages is Zethiopia published in?
At this time, Zethiopia is only published in Amharic and English.
Who is Zethiopia’s Audience?
Zethiopia Newspaper has a readership in excess of 10, 000 and ever growing. Zethiopia is distributed to over 40 retail locations in the Greater DC Metro area and is mailed to US and International subscribers.
The estimated radio audience is in excess of 20,000 listeners.
Our audience includes Ethiopian Americans, the adoptive community, the non-profit community and others interested in the welfare of Ethiopia and Ethiopians.
What are your advertising rates?
For current rates, please contact Dereje@Zethiopia.com or call 202-518-0245.
Do you offer advertising packages?
We do! Zethiopia has a number of package options to include newspaper, radio and blog uploads.
What is your distribution program?
Zethiopia will distribute flyers/brochures/coupons to our audience – please contact Dereje for more information. Dereje@Zethiopia.com or call 202-518-0245.
What is Zethiopia Club?
Zethiopia Club is a group that was formed to promote sharing ideas and nurture learning in the community. It is based in the Washington D.C. area and there are monthly meetings. For more information, please visit www.zethiopia-club.blogspot.com or contact Dereje.
What is the Zethiopia Annual Gala Event?
Historically held in November in the DC area, this event unites the community for an evening of entertainment and camaraderie.
How often is Zethiopia Newspaper published?
The Newspaper is published bi-monthly. In addition to the newspaper, one-page newsflash editions are published for special events.
Zethiopia has a number of blogs that are updated regularly with community events and news.
Zethiopia also has a weekly radio program – Sundays from 5:00-6:00p.m. Tune in to 1390 AM.
How many Ethiopian languages is Zethiopia published in?
At this time, Zethiopia is only published in Amharic and English.
Who is Zethiopia’s Audience?
Zethiopia Newspaper has a readership in excess of 10, 000 and ever growing. Zethiopia is distributed to over 40 retail locations in the Greater DC Metro area and is mailed to US and International subscribers.
The estimated radio audience is in excess of 20,000 listeners.
Our audience includes Ethiopian Americans, the adoptive community, the non-profit community and others interested in the welfare of Ethiopia and Ethiopians.
What are your advertising rates?
For current rates, please contact Dereje@Zethiopia.com or call 202-518-0245.
Do you offer advertising packages?
We do! Zethiopia has a number of package options to include newspaper, radio and blog uploads.
What is your distribution program?
Zethiopia will distribute flyers/brochures/coupons to our audience – please contact Dereje for more information. Dereje@Zethiopia.com or call 202-518-0245.
What is Zethiopia Club?
Zethiopia Club is a group that was formed to promote sharing ideas and nurture learning in the community. It is based in the Washington D.C. area and there are monthly meetings. For more information, please visit www.zethiopia-club.blogspot.com or contact Dereje.
What is the Zethiopia Annual Gala Event?
Historically held in November in the DC area, this event unites the community for an evening of entertainment and camaraderie.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Zethiopia Distribution Services
Zethiopia Distribution Services
Does your organization have flyers or brochures that need to be distributed?
For more information or a copy of the distribution contract, please contact Dereje at dereje@zethiopia.com.
Ze Ethiopia Corporation
Zethiopia Newspaper & Radio
P.O. Box 2049
Fairfax, Virginia
22031
Does your organization have flyers or brochures that need to be distributed?
For more information or a copy of the distribution contract, please contact Dereje at dereje@zethiopia.com.
Ze Ethiopia Corporation
Zethiopia Newspaper & Radio
P.O. Box 2049
Fairfax, Virginia
22031
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Subscribe to Zethiopia! (newspaper, radio & club)
Do you want to subscribe to Zethiopia? Click HERE to be taken to an on-line checkout system that you can use to place your subscription order.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Locust Swarms in Ethiopia, Yemen Threaten Neighboring Countries
By Jason McLure
Feb. 19 (Bloomberg) -- Locust swarms are invading parts of south-central Ethiopia's Oromia region, threatening crops and the livelihoods of farmers and herders, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Agency said.
The swarms, as large as five square-kilometers (two square- miles), may also threaten Kenya, Eritrea, Djibouti and western Yemen, the agency said on its Web site today
``Survey and control operations are difficult because of the mountainous terrain and because the swarms are highly mobile,'' it said.
Locust swarms in Ethiopia's eastern Somali region devastated grazing lands earlier this year, contributing to continuing humanitarian problems in the region, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Separate swarms have been reported in eastern Yemen and Oman, where they have bred near the Marmul oil fields.
``There is an increasing risk that a few swarms could reach the Batinah coastal plains in northern Oman and perhaps cross the Gulf to the Baluchistan coast in southeastern Iran and western Pakistan,'' the agency said.
To contact the reporter on this story: Jason McLure in Addis Ababa via Johannesburg at pmrichardson@bloomberg.net.
Feb. 19 (Bloomberg) -- Locust swarms are invading parts of south-central Ethiopia's Oromia region, threatening crops and the livelihoods of farmers and herders, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Agency said.
The swarms, as large as five square-kilometers (two square- miles), may also threaten Kenya, Eritrea, Djibouti and western Yemen, the agency said on its Web site today
``Survey and control operations are difficult because of the mountainous terrain and because the swarms are highly mobile,'' it said.
Locust swarms in Ethiopia's eastern Somali region devastated grazing lands earlier this year, contributing to continuing humanitarian problems in the region, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Separate swarms have been reported in eastern Yemen and Oman, where they have bred near the Marmul oil fields.
``There is an increasing risk that a few swarms could reach the Batinah coastal plains in northern Oman and perhaps cross the Gulf to the Baluchistan coast in southeastern Iran and western Pakistan,'' the agency said.
To contact the reporter on this story: Jason McLure in Addis Ababa via Johannesburg at pmrichardson@bloomberg.net.
Athletics: Meseret leads Ethiopia world indoor squad
23 February, 2008
PARIS: Ethiopia's double women's world 3,000 metres indoor champion Meseret Defar leads a seven-strong squad for the World Indoor Championships at Valencia on March 7-9. However, the men's reigning world 3,000m champion Kenenisa Bekele will not be defending his title in Spain, though, his brother Tariku will be at the championships and compete in the 3,000m.
Bekele, the 10,000m Olympic champion and triple world title-holder, is in good form, having run the world's fastest ever two-miles race in 8:4.34s in Birmingham, England, on Saturday.
Tariku, who was fifth at the outdoor World Championships in Japan last year over 5,000m, has posted the best time over 3,000m this winter (7:31.09s).
The women's 3,000m runners in Valencia will be Meseret, who holds the world record of 8:23.72s and the best time in the world this year of 8:27.93.
* NAIROBI: Kenya's rising 800m star Richard Kiplagat will partner reigning champion Wilfred Bungei at next month's World Indoor Championships in Valencia, Spain, it was announced here on Monday.
The 26-year-old US university graduate, Kiplagat showed his credentials when he ran the third fastest 800m time in the world this year by clocking 1:46.33 at the Norwich Union Indoor Grand Prix at Birmingham last Saturday. -- AFP
PARIS: Ethiopia's double women's world 3,000 metres indoor champion Meseret Defar leads a seven-strong squad for the World Indoor Championships at Valencia on March 7-9. However, the men's reigning world 3,000m champion Kenenisa Bekele will not be defending his title in Spain, though, his brother Tariku will be at the championships and compete in the 3,000m.
Bekele, the 10,000m Olympic champion and triple world title-holder, is in good form, having run the world's fastest ever two-miles race in 8:4.34s in Birmingham, England, on Saturday.
Tariku, who was fifth at the outdoor World Championships in Japan last year over 5,000m, has posted the best time over 3,000m this winter (7:31.09s).
The women's 3,000m runners in Valencia will be Meseret, who holds the world record of 8:23.72s and the best time in the world this year of 8:27.93.
* NAIROBI: Kenya's rising 800m star Richard Kiplagat will partner reigning champion Wilfred Bungei at next month's World Indoor Championships in Valencia, Spain, it was announced here on Monday.
The 26-year-old US university graduate, Kiplagat showed his credentials when he ran the third fastest 800m time in the world this year by clocking 1:46.33 at the Norwich Union Indoor Grand Prix at Birmingham last Saturday. -- AFP
UK Coffee Roaster Shows Support for Ethiopian Coffee Farmers
Since commencing a program of trademarking Ethiopia's fine coffee designations in 2004, support for the Ethiopian sector has continued to grow worldwide. Building on its unique coffee heritage and established reputation for producing some of the finest coffee in the world Ethiopia continues to welcome new coffee roasters to its network of licensed distributors.
This month sees the addition to the network of UK based roaster Shropshire Coffee. Established in 1958, Shropshire Coffee prides itself on its record of active support for initiatives that recognize the need to fairly reward coffee growers. Their policies of supporting fairly traded coffee, community coffee farming projects and Rainforest Alliance sources have built a reputation of which owner Guiseppe D’Anna is rightfully proud.
"We have a strong belief in continuing a sustainable, just and ethical way of trading, coupled with giving our customers the best coffee the world has to offer. The Ethiopian Fine Coffee designations trademarking and licensing initiative gives us an excellent opportunity to continue with this policy whilst helping Ethiopia to protect and further develop its exceptional coffees. We at Shropshire Coffee are extremely pleased to be joining the network of licensed distributors."
Getachew Mengistie, Director General of the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office which is spearheading the effort in Ethiopia commented, "We warmly welcome Shropshire Coffee to our network. As our latest partners in the UK we look forward to working with the company to further develop awareness and appreciation of the most valuable Ethiopian Fine Coffee and satisfy the needs of its customers".
Shropshire Coffee joins nine companies in the United Kingdom who currently partner Ethiopia in their network of licensed distributors. Worldwide there are now about seventy licensed distributors of Ethiopia's Fine coffees. Ethiopia's aim to reach out to 150-200 companies involved in the specialty coffee sector looks set to take a further great step forward in May 2008, when Ethiopia will be the portrait country at the Specialty Coffee Association of America annual conference. (CSR NEWS)
CSR News
This month sees the addition to the network of UK based roaster Shropshire Coffee. Established in 1958, Shropshire Coffee prides itself on its record of active support for initiatives that recognize the need to fairly reward coffee growers. Their policies of supporting fairly traded coffee, community coffee farming projects and Rainforest Alliance sources have built a reputation of which owner Guiseppe D’Anna is rightfully proud.
"We have a strong belief in continuing a sustainable, just and ethical way of trading, coupled with giving our customers the best coffee the world has to offer. The Ethiopian Fine Coffee designations trademarking and licensing initiative gives us an excellent opportunity to continue with this policy whilst helping Ethiopia to protect and further develop its exceptional coffees. We at Shropshire Coffee are extremely pleased to be joining the network of licensed distributors."
Getachew Mengistie, Director General of the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office which is spearheading the effort in Ethiopia commented, "We warmly welcome Shropshire Coffee to our network. As our latest partners in the UK we look forward to working with the company to further develop awareness and appreciation of the most valuable Ethiopian Fine Coffee and satisfy the needs of its customers".
Shropshire Coffee joins nine companies in the United Kingdom who currently partner Ethiopia in their network of licensed distributors. Worldwide there are now about seventy licensed distributors of Ethiopia's Fine coffees. Ethiopia's aim to reach out to 150-200 companies involved in the specialty coffee sector looks set to take a further great step forward in May 2008, when Ethiopia will be the portrait country at the Specialty Coffee Association of America annual conference. (CSR NEWS)
CSR News
Interview with the Minister of Trade and Industry of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Girma Birru
Birru was in Moscow to take part in the Russian-Ethiopian Joint Intergovernmental commission held on 12-14 of February.
The year 2008 marks the 110th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. Could you speak about the dynamics of relations between Russia and Ethiopia?
In terms of diplomatic relations the relationship between Ethiopia and Russia is among the oldest in the world. This also relates to trade relations. The first trade agreement signed between Ethiopia and the Soviet Union goes back to 1959, when nearly all the African countries were under colonial rule. The 1959 trade agreement was further reviewed and signed in 1977. The last agreement to have been signed between our two countries was in 1999 after both countries had gone through a restructuring of their economy. I see today that relations are improving, and in the years you have mentioned there has never been any conflict of interests between our two countries.
How is economic and trade cooperation between our countries developing? What are the priorities in the development of bilateral economic relations?
Primarily, in terms of economic relations, trade would stand among the top priorities with investment relations next.
How do things stand in these spheres? Is there any progress in these areas?
There is. This time I came here basically to co-chair with the Russian side the Ethiopian-Russian joint commission meeting which normally takes place every two years. This is our third joint commission meeting.
Were the present talks a success?
They were very much a success. They were satisfactory for both sides.
Is there potential for cooperation in the energy sector? In 2002, Russia and Ethiopia discussed the possibility of collaboration in gas and electricity production.
How do things stand in these spheres?
It was with the former Soviet Union that we started cooperation in gas and petroleum developments. As a result of changes in government in both countries there was a short break and some of the projects that had been started with the former Soviet Union were given to other countries, but presently we are working on new projects where explorations can be carried out. I think the potential for both countries to work together is very great.
During a meeting between Anatoly Kvashnin and Samora Yenus, the Russian and Ethiopian Army Chiefs of Staff, in the summer of 2002, several documents were signed on military technical cooperation between our countries. There was a lot of talk about purchasing Russian modern military equipment and about the modernization of the Ethiopian army. What is happening in this sphere at present?
The armaments of the Ethiopian army are largely from the former Soviet Union. So when the present government took office we decided not to change our armaments. It would be of no benefit for us to change our armaments and go for new purchases and we decided to stick to the Russian armaments and in this area we have a very good cooperation in terms of technical assistance and also in purchasing equipment according to international practice. So our relationship is going very well. And we have no serious complaints about this.
Tourism is an important industry for Ethiopia. Where do tourists to Ethiopia come from? What are the prospects for the Russian sector in Ethiopian tourism?
A large amount of tourists come from Europe and from the United States. And we'd like very much to attract Russian tourists, mainly for two reasons. The first reason is that the tourist sites of Ethiopia are historical and religious sites. And I think Russian tourists would be interested in seeing these historical and religious sites because the religion of both countries is Islamic-Christian and the large majority of the population is Christian and, primarily, Orthodox Christian. We have very old churches that might be as old as Christianity itself in Ethiopia which would be of interest to Russian tourists. So this is the first reason why we'd like to see Russian tourists coming. The second has to do with the good relations between the two countries and our friendly attitude of toward Russians. All Russian tourists would feel safe in Ethiopia because in terms of culture they won't feel alien and in terms of person-to-person relationships, Ethiopian people are very friendly towards the Russians because we have been closely working with them for many years, and we have over 20 or 25 thousand students who have studied in Russia.
Is Ethiopia going to undertake any practical steps to attract Russian tourists?
One thing we would be looking into is try to extend Ethiopian Airlines flights to Moscow. As you may know, Ethiopian Airlines currently flies to over 50 destinations in the world.
What would you say about today's relations between Russia and African countries?
Firstly, in historic terms the relationship between Russia and Africa has been very constructive and positive. Russia was not been part of colonialism in Africa, so there are no bad feelings between Russia and African countries in general. Even in the Cold War days when Russia was in Africa, basically Russia was not there to take any benefit from Africa. If there was any benefit it was for Africa. Russia has also been generous enough to write off debts owed by African countries. Russians are experts in mining, and also in the exploration of petroleum and excavation which African countries need, and also Russia has very good potential markets for the agricultural products that Africa is producing. So there is a mutual relationship between the two countries and I see many positive prospects for the relationship between our continent and Russia.
There has been a lot of talk about Ethiopia becoming one of the major flower exporters to Russia. Could you comment on this? If this information is true, do you think Ethiopia is ready to ensure stable direct supplies of flowers to the Russian market and to withstand competition from such major suppliers as, say, the Netherlands or Ecuador?
Very much so. First of all Ethiopia has only begun producing flowers during the last five years. We have about 1200 hectares of greenhouses covered with flowers. Our flowers are exported to 60 countries in the world. So maybe they are working more than our own ambassadors in terms of promoting the Ethiopian image. In terms of quality, the flowers that come from Ethiopia, are among the most beautiful in the world.
Gayaneh Seiranyan, RIA Novosti
The year 2008 marks the 110th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. Could you speak about the dynamics of relations between Russia and Ethiopia?
In terms of diplomatic relations the relationship between Ethiopia and Russia is among the oldest in the world. This also relates to trade relations. The first trade agreement signed between Ethiopia and the Soviet Union goes back to 1959, when nearly all the African countries were under colonial rule. The 1959 trade agreement was further reviewed and signed in 1977. The last agreement to have been signed between our two countries was in 1999 after both countries had gone through a restructuring of their economy. I see today that relations are improving, and in the years you have mentioned there has never been any conflict of interests between our two countries.
How is economic and trade cooperation between our countries developing? What are the priorities in the development of bilateral economic relations?
Primarily, in terms of economic relations, trade would stand among the top priorities with investment relations next.
How do things stand in these spheres? Is there any progress in these areas?
There is. This time I came here basically to co-chair with the Russian side the Ethiopian-Russian joint commission meeting which normally takes place every two years. This is our third joint commission meeting.
Were the present talks a success?
They were very much a success. They were satisfactory for both sides.
Is there potential for cooperation in the energy sector? In 2002, Russia and Ethiopia discussed the possibility of collaboration in gas and electricity production.
How do things stand in these spheres?
It was with the former Soviet Union that we started cooperation in gas and petroleum developments. As a result of changes in government in both countries there was a short break and some of the projects that had been started with the former Soviet Union were given to other countries, but presently we are working on new projects where explorations can be carried out. I think the potential for both countries to work together is very great.
During a meeting between Anatoly Kvashnin and Samora Yenus, the Russian and Ethiopian Army Chiefs of Staff, in the summer of 2002, several documents were signed on military technical cooperation between our countries. There was a lot of talk about purchasing Russian modern military equipment and about the modernization of the Ethiopian army. What is happening in this sphere at present?
The armaments of the Ethiopian army are largely from the former Soviet Union. So when the present government took office we decided not to change our armaments. It would be of no benefit for us to change our armaments and go for new purchases and we decided to stick to the Russian armaments and in this area we have a very good cooperation in terms of technical assistance and also in purchasing equipment according to international practice. So our relationship is going very well. And we have no serious complaints about this.
Tourism is an important industry for Ethiopia. Where do tourists to Ethiopia come from? What are the prospects for the Russian sector in Ethiopian tourism?
A large amount of tourists come from Europe and from the United States. And we'd like very much to attract Russian tourists, mainly for two reasons. The first reason is that the tourist sites of Ethiopia are historical and religious sites. And I think Russian tourists would be interested in seeing these historical and religious sites because the religion of both countries is Islamic-Christian and the large majority of the population is Christian and, primarily, Orthodox Christian. We have very old churches that might be as old as Christianity itself in Ethiopia which would be of interest to Russian tourists. So this is the first reason why we'd like to see Russian tourists coming. The second has to do with the good relations between the two countries and our friendly attitude of toward Russians. All Russian tourists would feel safe in Ethiopia because in terms of culture they won't feel alien and in terms of person-to-person relationships, Ethiopian people are very friendly towards the Russians because we have been closely working with them for many years, and we have over 20 or 25 thousand students who have studied in Russia.
Is Ethiopia going to undertake any practical steps to attract Russian tourists?
One thing we would be looking into is try to extend Ethiopian Airlines flights to Moscow. As you may know, Ethiopian Airlines currently flies to over 50 destinations in the world.
What would you say about today's relations between Russia and African countries?
Firstly, in historic terms the relationship between Russia and Africa has been very constructive and positive. Russia was not been part of colonialism in Africa, so there are no bad feelings between Russia and African countries in general. Even in the Cold War days when Russia was in Africa, basically Russia was not there to take any benefit from Africa. If there was any benefit it was for Africa. Russia has also been generous enough to write off debts owed by African countries. Russians are experts in mining, and also in the exploration of petroleum and excavation which African countries need, and also Russia has very good potential markets for the agricultural products that Africa is producing. So there is a mutual relationship between the two countries and I see many positive prospects for the relationship between our continent and Russia.
There has been a lot of talk about Ethiopia becoming one of the major flower exporters to Russia. Could you comment on this? If this information is true, do you think Ethiopia is ready to ensure stable direct supplies of flowers to the Russian market and to withstand competition from such major suppliers as, say, the Netherlands or Ecuador?
Very much so. First of all Ethiopia has only begun producing flowers during the last five years. We have about 1200 hectares of greenhouses covered with flowers. Our flowers are exported to 60 countries in the world. So maybe they are working more than our own ambassadors in terms of promoting the Ethiopian image. In terms of quality, the flowers that come from Ethiopia, are among the most beautiful in the world.
Gayaneh Seiranyan, RIA Novosti
Doctor provides Charitable service in Ethiopia
Helping the world, one smile at a time
By Marian Schinske
Special to the Advance
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Those of us with teeth are lucky to have Dr. Mahr Elder in town. As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, he can repair jaw-related problems, relieve pain, and restore smiles.
“I’m definitely here to help,” Dr. Elder said. “I try to look at patients’ problems objectively and find solutions. At the same time, I try to be kind and understanding.”
Patients say they’re pleasantly surprised. He’s calm and unhurried, yet he works swiftly. And despite his use of hefty surgical tools, he’s got a light touch.
“He’s an excellent surgeon,” said Dr. Eric Tyler, a dentist at Perry & Perry Family Dental Practice in Novato. “He’s up to date with the latest surgical techniques, he’s got good rapport with his patients and staff, and he communicates well with everybody.”
At his Novato office, Dr. Elder performs tooth extractions, installs implants, and mends broken jaws, among other surgeries. Patients with more serious facial problems — such as tumors or traumatic wounds — receive his care at Novato Community Hospital and Marin General Hospital.
When he’s not serving Marin County patients, Dr. Elder packs his toolkit and flies around the world to volunteer his help.
Children awaited his visit to Cuernavaca, Mexico, at the Craniofacial Surgery Clinic within the Hospital del Niño Morelense. He examined about 60 children “with major facial deformities,” he said, adding that most suffered from cleft lip and palate. During his week-long stay, he operated on 15 of these kids, enabling them to eat and speak normally for the first time in their lives.
During a three-week visit to Ethiopia, he performed 25 surgeries on patients of all ages, from babies to adults. “These were people with major tumors and cancers who had absolutely no one to treat them,” he said. “All of them were waiting for us at the hospital when we arrived.”
Dr. Elder was part of a healthcare team assembled by the Ethiopian North American Health Professionals Association (www. enahpa.org), a nonprofit that seeks to improve medical access and delivery to families in Ethiopia, where doctors are scarce.
According to the nonprofit’s website, “The average life expectancy in Ethiopia is only 40, with the HIV/AIDS pandemic claiming millions of lives annually. There is also a generalized lack of access to health care—the ratio of physicians to patients is 1:100,000. Hospitals and clinics function with outdated medical equipment.” The country’s list of problems goes on from there.
Happily, a host of surgeons like Dr. Elder respond to that corner of Africa. People there suffer deeply, as shown in Dr. Elder’s collection of patient photos.
In one photo, a young girl’s face is overtaken by a flesh-eating infection. In another, an expansive mole occupies about one-third of a girl’s face. Young men and women struggle with jaws swollen by tumors. These aggressive lesions grow without boundaries, as they twist and turn around bone, teeth, and gums.
“Several of these cases were very complicated,” Dr. Elder said, adding that his biggest challenge was helping a 20-year-old Ethiopian man with a “very aggressive” jaw tumor that erupted in three parts of his face.
The operation on this man was difficult and complex, Dr. Elder said. “The surgery took seven hours to complete. I just tried to be calm and patient, always relying on good surgical principles, especially when things became challenging. It’s always better to do things that way, so you don’t have any second thoughts when it’s all over.”
To his relief, the operation went well, he said. “The patient walked away without any remaining tumor or significant problems.”
Dr. Elder said he wishes to give a positive experience to all of his patients. “You want them to feel happy that they came to you,” he said. “You want to do better than ‘Do No Harm.’ You want to do good.”
By Marian Schinske
Special to the Advance
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Those of us with teeth are lucky to have Dr. Mahr Elder in town. As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, he can repair jaw-related problems, relieve pain, and restore smiles.
“I’m definitely here to help,” Dr. Elder said. “I try to look at patients’ problems objectively and find solutions. At the same time, I try to be kind and understanding.”
Patients say they’re pleasantly surprised. He’s calm and unhurried, yet he works swiftly. And despite his use of hefty surgical tools, he’s got a light touch.
“He’s an excellent surgeon,” said Dr. Eric Tyler, a dentist at Perry & Perry Family Dental Practice in Novato. “He’s up to date with the latest surgical techniques, he’s got good rapport with his patients and staff, and he communicates well with everybody.”
At his Novato office, Dr. Elder performs tooth extractions, installs implants, and mends broken jaws, among other surgeries. Patients with more serious facial problems — such as tumors or traumatic wounds — receive his care at Novato Community Hospital and Marin General Hospital.
When he’s not serving Marin County patients, Dr. Elder packs his toolkit and flies around the world to volunteer his help.
Children awaited his visit to Cuernavaca, Mexico, at the Craniofacial Surgery Clinic within the Hospital del Niño Morelense. He examined about 60 children “with major facial deformities,” he said, adding that most suffered from cleft lip and palate. During his week-long stay, he operated on 15 of these kids, enabling them to eat and speak normally for the first time in their lives.
During a three-week visit to Ethiopia, he performed 25 surgeries on patients of all ages, from babies to adults. “These were people with major tumors and cancers who had absolutely no one to treat them,” he said. “All of them were waiting for us at the hospital when we arrived.”
Dr. Elder was part of a healthcare team assembled by the Ethiopian North American Health Professionals Association (www. enahpa.org), a nonprofit that seeks to improve medical access and delivery to families in Ethiopia, where doctors are scarce.
According to the nonprofit’s website, “The average life expectancy in Ethiopia is only 40, with the HIV/AIDS pandemic claiming millions of lives annually. There is also a generalized lack of access to health care—the ratio of physicians to patients is 1:100,000. Hospitals and clinics function with outdated medical equipment.” The country’s list of problems goes on from there.
Happily, a host of surgeons like Dr. Elder respond to that corner of Africa. People there suffer deeply, as shown in Dr. Elder’s collection of patient photos.
In one photo, a young girl’s face is overtaken by a flesh-eating infection. In another, an expansive mole occupies about one-third of a girl’s face. Young men and women struggle with jaws swollen by tumors. These aggressive lesions grow without boundaries, as they twist and turn around bone, teeth, and gums.
“Several of these cases were very complicated,” Dr. Elder said, adding that his biggest challenge was helping a 20-year-old Ethiopian man with a “very aggressive” jaw tumor that erupted in three parts of his face.
The operation on this man was difficult and complex, Dr. Elder said. “The surgery took seven hours to complete. I just tried to be calm and patient, always relying on good surgical principles, especially when things became challenging. It’s always better to do things that way, so you don’t have any second thoughts when it’s all over.”
To his relief, the operation went well, he said. “The patient walked away without any remaining tumor or significant problems.”
Dr. Elder said he wishes to give a positive experience to all of his patients. “You want them to feel happy that they came to you,” he said. “You want to do better than ‘Do No Harm.’ You want to do good.”
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