§ Vera BairdTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development how aid to Ethiopia is linked 893W to (a) the restoration of civil liberties and (b) the independence of the courts there; and if she will make a statement. [40822]
§ Clare ShortWe are developing a partnership with Ethiopia to help reduce the very high levels of poverty there. In building this partnership we are encouraged by the Action Plan presented to the Ethiopian Parliament by the Ethiopian Prime Minster in October last year which has an emphasis on the improvement of democratic governance and which recognises the need to make progress on issues such as civil liberties and the independence of the judiciary.
DFID's expectations of a development partnership, which include the pursuance of policies that promote responsive and accountable government are set out in the 1997 White Paper on International Development.