Minister Says Past Undemocratic System Leads Nation to Backwardness, Poverty

Addis Ababa, Aug. 9(ENA)--The anti-democratic system that had deep-rooted in the country during the previous successive regimes has led the nation to backwardness and absolute poverty, Minister of Revenues said.

Getchaew Belay said here on Thursday that the past undemocratic system has turned the country to be an example of a impoverished state, which is heavily dependant on foreign aid.

He was speaking at a five-day meeting organized for the staff of tax collecting offices to discuss agricultural and rural centered development policies and strategies as well as capacity building program.

Failure to ensure the respect of the people's democratic rights will lead to unwanted conflict , as the question of democracy is the question of survival, Getachew said.

The minister said the government aims to accommodate diversity and bring unity on the basis of mutual respect and understanding of the various nations and nationalities existing in the country.

It would only be possible to extricate the country from abject poverty by bringing about a national consensus and common vision regardless of political differences.

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