Oct 31, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) — British parliamentary delegation praised the democratic change in Ethiopia, saying the existing democracy in the country is encouraging.

A British parliamentary delegation led by, Laurence Robertson, said Ethiopia has been registering encouraging results in building a democratic system. They urged the government to encourage the opposition to operate in the constitutional framework.

Robertson, told journalists that the existing democracy in the country is encouraging. He made the statement after the delegation held talks with opposition party members here on Monday 30 October.

Robertson said the presence of a large number of opposition party members in the parliament indicates the progress in the lead to democracy. He said oppositions can oppose the government within the framework of the constitution by peaceful means.

The British MPs discussed with Ethiopian opposition on issues related to the May 2005 national elections and the situations after the election.

"There are those who want to see in this country change of the government by other than constitutional means and it is the duty and responsibility of the government to stand firmly against those who would use undemocratic and unconstitutional means to see to change things," Robertson said.

In a meeting with the Prime Minister on Tuesday, the visiting delegation discussed the efforts under way to further strengthen the democratization process and investment opportunities in Ethiopia.

Prime Minister Meles on his part told the delegation that the government and people of Ethiopia would relentlessly work to further strengthen the democratization process in the country.

(ST)