Ambassador Teshome said in an exclusive interview he held with ENA in connection with the 18th anniversary of the victory of May 28 that agenda presented by a ruling government is given priority in any parliamentary procedure.

The speaker said there are various forums such as the ones organized by the national electoral board of Ethiopia enabling opposition parties and the ruling party work together.

The house gives opportunity to every MP to generate draft law. It has also set a day per month for opposition parties to present their agenda. This does not mean that opposition parties cannot present their agenda at other times, said Ambassador Teshome.

Up to eight agenda can be presented annually; however, no party has presented more than two agenda. Only one party presented over two agenda, he said.

Ambassador Teshome said opposition parties take part in various standing committees of the house as per their own wish and interest. Time is also allocated for them to express their ideas in the parliament.

Situation is created to enable opposition parties and the ruling party hold common discussion on common agenda after the national election held in 1997 E.C.

Opposition parties and the ruling party have issued regulations and amended the election law. Most of the opposition parties have accepted the law. Wide discussions were also held on the press law, freedom of information, party financing and other laws.

Opposition parties have elected election board members while in other countries the members are appointed by executives.

The present forum which enables all parties discuss on issues related to laws and national affairs should further continue strengthened.

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