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PRESS RELEASE Date
10th November 2015 Release
IMMEDIATE It
is evident that a particularly pronounced global El Nino phenomenon has impacted on many
countries around the world this year, including Ethiopia. Some months ago, the government announced the various challenges
that the country may encounter and how they can be overcome. In this regard, it
put in place the necessary additional food stocks and set in motion the
necessary logistics, to ensure that food reaches all those affected by the
drought. Food Stocks from the national reserve Up
to now, the country has mobilized 2 billion Birr [£62 million] and has positioned
food from the national reserve in places that are affected, or could be
affected, by the drought. The government is working hard to ensure that no one dies from
lack of food in this El Nino year and, contrary to some western news reports,
there will not be famine of any sort, let alone anything remotely like the
magnitude of that of 1984. There are food surpluses in country and food has been transported,
and continues to be transported, to areas in need. But the stocks will need to be replenished. Appeal for funds This is why Ethiopia has called on the international community to
assist it in its endeavors to mitigate the impact of the drought and join hands
with the government and people of Ethiopia to ensure that food stocks are fully
maintained. The sensational news broadcast by BBC TV, regarding children dying
on a daily basis, does not reflect the current broad reality on the ground and
the full preparation that has gone into overcoming the problem. The report also
failed to give perspective to the drought situation
currently unfolding in Ethiopia and around the world, and how it is triggered
by the El Nino phenomenon. ENDS For further information contact the press office at 0207 838 3880/1 Gail Warden Press
Office Embassy of Ethiopia 17 Princes Gate|LONDON|SW7 1PZ DDI: 020 7838 3880 | Mobile: 07717 603163
| Fax: 020 7225 3513 |