Parliament approves new cabinet

Ethiopia's parliament, the Council of People's Representatives, on Tuesday unanimously endorsed the new cabinet named by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, Ethiopian Radio reported on 16 October. Apart from the 18-member cabinet, in which only five former ministers were retained, parliament also approved 27 junior ministers, who include two former ministers, now assistant ministers. The radio quoted Meles as saying the appointments were made because of the personal political ability and collective political participation of the individuals named. The new cabinet, which was enlarged by three new posts, was expected to help reduce ethnic tensions in the country, and accelerate economic development and promote poverty alleviation, diplomats said. Significant personalities figuring in the new appointments, include Deputy Prime Minister Adisu Legese, president of the Amhara Regional State; Information Minister Bereket Simon Woldegerima, a leading member of the Amhara National Democratic Movement; Abadula Gemeda, former chief of the ground forces and now defence minister; and Abay Tsehaye, one of the dissenting members of the central committee of the Tigray People's Liberation Front, now minister of federal affairs, the pro-Government Walta Information Centre reported on Tuesday.