Former President Girma Lauds Economic, Political Decisions of EPRDF

Addis Ababa June 19/2018 Former President Girma Wolde-Giorgis described the recent economic reform and decision on Ethio-Eritrea conflict by the ruling party as appropriate. In an exclusive interview with ENA, he said the full and partial privatization of public enterprises is a big move. “As I see it, this new leadership is very dynamic. We have been grappling with these issues for a long time and have even been criticized for being laggards. With respect to the economy, some of the companies have been under government ownership for unnecessarily long period. So this is a wise economic strategy on the part of the government and it is very important,” he elaborated. He further stated that the public owned companies have been squandering resources, though they could have become profitable and productive under the private sector. “Complaints have been voiced regarding public ownership of the commanding heights of the economy.  Why can't we have a number of telecommunication firms operating in the country?” the former President asked, adding that “these could have provided us with more opportunities.” Girma also applauded the decision to fully accept and implement the Algiers Agreement, noting that it is very critical for the people of the two countries. “We have not benefited from the entire situation; it is far better to live in harmony. Currently, the people of Eritrea are fleeing to other countries. The ports are not working. Both people could benefit if we use the ports,” he explained. He pointed out that the people of Ethiopia should work with the government to revitalize the relationship and develop the fraternity of the peoples of the two countries. The former President added that the measures that the government is taking to widen the political space and to address grievances of the public are appreciable. It is to be recalled that the Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) has decided to fully implement the Algiers Agreement, which was signed between Ethiopia and Eritrea two decades ago, and to also introduce some reforms that stimulate the economy.