German chancellor in Ethiopia, urges human rights efforts

Oct 4, 2007, 8:48 GMT

Addis Abeba - German Chancellor Angela Merkel, starting a five-day tour of Africa, met Ethiopian Premier Meles Zenawi on Thursday and urged more efforts to enforce human rights.

Merkel said the transparency of a country, respecting human rights and freedom of the press were ingredients which also helped economic development.

At the same time, the Berlin leader called for stronger European efforts for Africa.

'Europe must do more,' he said.

Her comments about human rights come on the heels of an Amnesty International report critical of the situation in Ethiopia.

In his comments, Zenawi pledged renewed efforts and said his government is working toward a division of powers. But he said Ethiopia's path towards a democracy meeting Western standards was a difficult one.

Ethiopia is the first station of a five-day trip to Africa, to be followed by South Africa and Liberai. She travels on to Johannesburg on Thursday evening and is to meet President Thabo Mbeki on Friday.

Prior to her departure from Berlin Merkel appealed for a 'common spirit' between Africa and the developed world to reduce poverty, ensure respect for human rights, fight disease and improve education.