#ASDailyScoop: Parliament to hold first emergency session today, expected to lift state of emergency
Addis Abeba – The House of People’s Representatives Advisory Committee has deliberated on four agenda yesterday, and is expected to present them at an emergency session of the House today, the House said. The four agenda the advisory committee discussed are the state of emergency, the draft road transport proclamation, the private sector pension proclamation, and the civil service proclamation.
On 26 January the Council of Ministers in its 2nd Extraordinary Session decided to lift the six month State of Emergency ahead of its expiration, a decision which will be final only after Parliament ratified it. Accordingly, it’s expected that the Parliament will ratify the lifting during its first emergency session today. The Council declared a six-month nationwide state of emergency on November 02 for six months to come.
The Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives and Chairman of the Advisory Committee, Tagesse Chafo, said the lifting of the state of emergency proclamation has a significant role to play in resolving the economic, diplomatic and social stagnation the country witnessed under the state of emergency. He further said the proclamation was considered in line with the country’s security concerns and that it was believed that the problems could be resolved through regular law enforcement.
The government is also preparing to take remedial measures in parts of Amhara, Afar, Benishangul-Gumuz, Gambella regional states and Wollega zone in Oromia state where armed conflicts continued.
Furthermore, the Speaker said that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will soon address members of parliament on current affairs and related issues.
Government whip, Tesfaye Beljige, for his part said the security situation in the country has been assessed and special attention will be given to areas of concern. The House is expected to approve the proclamations and resolutions at its first emergency meeting. AS
