Brussels, 20/02/2006 (Agence Europe) - During a two-day official visit to Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, the European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel, called on 17 February for all sides to strengthen political dialogue and foster the process of democratisation. During his visit, Louis Michel met the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Meles Zenawi, and was able to hold long talks with opposition leaders and journalists. Meeting with Prime Minister Meles, Louis Michel welcomed the decision to grant him access to members of the opposition and journalists held in prison. “This is a positive sign, a sign of confidence, and I consider it a significant step in the direction of constructive political dialogue”, he said. During a three hours visit to the prison of Kalte, the Commissioner was able to meet with opposition leaders and journalists. He had an exhaustive exchange of views on the conditions of their detention, the charges against them and the prospects for a breakthrough of the current political situation in the country. The opposition leaders explained to Louis Michel that their main ambition was to resume the dialogue with government on the package of democratic reforms. They also reiterated that they respect the Constitution and would not support any attempt to overthrow the regime. In response to a question by the Commissioner, Prime Minister Meles confirmed that international legal observers would be welcome at the trial against leaders of the opposition and members of the civil society and journalists. In parallel to the political dialogue, Louis Michel underlined “the need for other confidence building measures, quick and concrete”. He stressed the importance of ensuring a proper and effective functioning of the Parliament, in which the opposition can fully play its democratic role. The Commissioner hoped that progress would soon be made on the transfer of power in the Addis Ababa Council to the elected CUD party (Coalition for Unity and Democracy, the main opposition party).