State Minister Ambassador Berhane Gebrechristos held talks with the United States Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, Ms. Karen J. Hanrahan today (February 25th). Ambassador Berhane, noting with appreciation the excellent relationship existing between Ethiopia and the United States said Ethiopia was on the right track in its democracy, good governance and development efforts. Democracy, he pointed out, had taken root more firmly than ever.

There was no tolerance for human rights violations in Ethiopia, he said, emphasizing that the constitution guaranteed human and democratic rights and the government was committed to protect these rights, adding that this also needed the strengthening of democratic institutions. Ms. Hanrahan said the US was ready to cooperate in the areas of democracy, development and human rights and in maintaining stability in Ethiopia. US Ambassador Donald Booth attended the meeting.