Addis Ababa — Head of the British Parliamentarian delegation yesterday said due emphasis should be attached to the peace and stability of the Horn of Africa region.

After holding discussions with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi on international and continental issues yesterday, delegation Head John Austin told journalists that peace and stability in the Horn of Africa region should be ensured so that Ethiopia could enjoy peace and stability.

Accordingly, solution should be found for the current instability in Somalia, he said.

Austin also emphasized the need for finding lasting solution for the stalemate between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

The current instability in Somalia concerns both Ethiopia and Kenya, he said and added that the international community should pay attention in finding solutions for the problem.

He also pledged to contribute his share in finding solutions for the Somali problem by raising the issue in the British parliament and other forums.

Austin also indicated that members of the delegation discussed with Prime Minister Meles the ongoing democratization process, investment and other economic issues in Ethiopia.

The two parties have also discussed the relations between Ethiopia and European countries, he said and indicated beliefs that the discussion would help to step up the existing excellent relations between Britain and Ethiopia.

Head of the delegation has also said compared with other African countries, Ethiopia is in a better position in building a democratic system.

Prime Minister Meles during the discussion reaffirmed government's commitment to build a democratic system in Ethiopia, which he said is not an alternative but a question of survival, according to a senior government official who attended the discussion.

Despite up and downs on the process, the government and people of Ethiopia are committed to enhance democratic order in the country, the Premier noted.