Preparations for AU Summit said on right track

Addis Ababa, January 27(ENA)--Preparations launched to make the upcoming summit of the African Union (AU) heads of state and government a success were going smoothly as planned, chairperson of the AU Summit organizing technical committee said.

Hailekiros Gessese told a press conference here on Monday that the Ethiopian government in collaboration with the public has been carrying out various activities in a relatively short period of time given to organize the summit.

Preparations related to ensuring peace and security, cleaning the city as well as provision of accommodation and communication facilities were nearing completion, he said.

The chairperson said members of the police and defense forces have been deployed in all quarters of the city with a view to maintaining peace and tranquility.

The rationing of electric power and water in the metropolis would discontinue as of Monday until the end of the summit, he said, adding that preparations in supplying transport and telecom facilities have been completed.

Hailekiros said the National and Hager Fikir theatres have finalized preparations to present musical and cultural shows of the various nations, nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia.

He also announced plans to tour foreign journalists to the natural and historical sites of the country in a bid to promote the true image of Ethiopia to the international community that has been tarnished both by man made and natural disasters.

The contributions made so far by various governmental and non-governmental organizations as well as the private sector and associations towards the success of the summit were commendable, he said.

The chairperson has also called upon metropolitans to press ahead with their support, develop tolerance in case of any inconveniences for security purposes and show the Ethiopian hospitality to the guests.

The AU heads of state and government summit would begin on 3rd February after the inaugural session of the Headquarters of the continental organization.

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