Sonntag, 8. Februar 2015
08.02. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - NAVAL GRADUATION
Freitag, 6. Februar 2015
06.02. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - (OPENS AFRICA HALL) - E.C.A. Its Responsibilities
(OPENS AFRICA HALL)
E.C.A.: Its Responsibilities
On the occasion of the holding in Addis
Ababa of the Third Regular Session of the Economic Commission for Africa, We
are pleased to extend Our warm greetings to those who have come to the capital
city of Ethiopia to attend this Conference as representatives and observers. A
little over two years ago, We addressed the inaugural session of the Economic
Commission for Africa. In the years which have intervened, African development
has surged ahead on the irresistible tide which is sweeping the entire
continent to freedom. Many who attended that first session in the capacity of
observers have now become full members of this organization, and We extend a
particular welcome to those new states whose representatives, for the first
time, will play a full role in the deliberations which will take place here.
It is a law of nature and history that the
development of any people must proceed simultaneously on all fronts. It is not
enough that political emancipation has been and is being achieved. We must also
attain that degree of economic freedom which makes independence a complete and
meaningful concept. Our economies must be strong and viable. The energies which
the African peoples expend to this end must be fruitful and productive. After
having won their political independence, at such labour and cost, Africans must
now similarly labour to escape from the economic domination which could render
their freedom illusory and ephemeral.
This
is our task. It is not an easy task, and the challenge which it presents is
great. An age-old technique which we may expect to encounter again and again in
our struggle to attain independence in fact as well as in name, is summed up in
the maxim “divide and conquer.” We may question whether any action tending to
the association of European and African economies in the European Common Market
should not be delayed until the implications and consequences of this step have
been fully considered in this African forum. We must be ever mindful that our
greatest weapon is the oneness which we share as Africans. But it is not enough
to be Africans. That which pulls us apart and divides us must be resisted with
all of our strength. That which unites us must be pursued relentlessly and
inexorably. We must expand yet further communications among the African
nations; we must come to know one another better. We must increase student
exchanges and visits to one another’s countries. Our greatest asset is our
unity, and we must exploit it to the fullest. Is it not true that the
fundamental characteristic of unity is that each of us accepts as his own the
problems and difficulties which beset any of us, whether in his culture or his
economy.
The work which the Economic Commission for
Africa has performed in its short life is already laying a solid foundation
upon which Africans may work together for the solution of those problems which
beset this continent and for the realization of an ever-accelerating African
economic development. We congratulate the dedicated men and women who have,
under the ECA’s able Secretary-General, already produced so much that will be
so useful in the future. In their future work, We trust that the Economic
Commission for Africa will not ignore studies and research which can make a
further contribution to their work and to African development.
Nor
should the Economic Commission for Africa ignore the contributions it can make
in other fields. In the field of social development, for example, the Economic
Commission for Africa could, with additional assistance from the United
Nations, undertake a comparative study of the developing social life of African
nations, with special attention being given to agrarian problems. Cultural and
natural resources are the mainstays of the African economy; unless progress in
these fields keeps pace with development in other areas, a serious obstacle
will be created to accelerate growth in any area.
The responsibility for all this is in our
hands. We know that the Economic Commission for Africa will continue to serve
the ultimate interests of the African peoples, and We pray that Almighty God
will bless your labours and crown them with success.
Feb. 6, 1961.
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| “The Total Liberation of Africa” created by internationally famous Ethiopian artist Afewerk Tekle - Africa Hall. |
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| Unity is strenght - HIM QHS is the Source, Master and Architect of Unity. |
Mittwoch, 4. Februar 2015
04.02. - 2 - Speech Of The Day - TO VISITING JOURNALISTS
TO VISITING JOURNALISTS
I am glad to receive you here this
morning. I am happy that you had this opportunity to come to Our country to see
some of our development projects. I hope that during your brief sojourn in
Ethiopia, you had a chance to observe what has been done with the assistance of
the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the World Bank) and
by other multilateral assistance which had been given us.
As you have heard,
We had launched a series of Five-Year Plans and some of these have been
successfully completed. One such plan is now underway. These Five-Year Plans
have been envisaged to improve the standard of living of Our people. With the
enthusiastic participation of a broad mass of the people, marked progress has
been achieved.
I hope you have found the places you
visited interesting – some are historical places and some are areas where
development projects have been inaugurated to raise the standard of living of
Our people. While We are proud of what has been achieved so far, nevertheless,
We recognize that there is much yet to be done and We have yet to travel a lot
before We get full satisfaction. I wish you had the opportunity to stay longer
and travel more extensively in the country.
As you know, Ethiopia is a big country;
there are more than 22 million people. I am confident that from what you have
seen so far, you will be able to judge for yourselves the nature of the general
pattern of progress in the country.
In reply to a question concerning “the
greatest obstacle to the development rate you would like to achieve,” His
Imperial Majesty said:
I believe that one of the greatest factors
to a higher rate of economic development in any country, including Ethiopia, is
the availability of financial resources. No country can lift up itself by its
own bootstraps. In order to achieve a high rate of development, all developing
countries must acquire assistance from abroad. That is why we have established
co-operation with the World Bank and secured bilateral and multilateral
assistance.
In addition to these, I believe that for a
developing country to achieve a high rate of development, it must attract
foreign investment. Appropriate laws have been enacted in Ethiopia to encourage
foreign investment.
Investment Protected
I remember that
when I paid a state visit to the United States a few years ago, some persons
expressed concern about investing in our country because of apprehension of
expropriation in one form or another and fear of nationalization. I assured at
that same time some U.S. Congressmen, officials and private individuals that
apprehension was unfounded and that any foreign capital in Ethiopia would
always be protected by the State. I am glad to say that those who were then
suspicious are now beginning to recognize the true situation prevailing in
Ethiopia.
Although not adequate by any standard, yet
it is satisfactory to note that there is an increasing interest on the part of
private enterprise to invest in Ethiopia.
In a reply to a Canadian journalist about
the Emperor's forthcoming state visit to Canada, His Imperial Majesty said:
Upon the invitation extended to me by the Governor-General of Canada, I will
visit that country for the third time in the spring. In my previous visits to
Canada, I had the opportunity to experience at first hand the sentiments the
Canadian Government and people entertain towards Our people and Government. My
third visit, which is occasioned by the 1967 Exhibition – in which Ethiopia is
fully participating – will provide me with a further opportunity to strengthen
the friendly relations that already exist between Canada and Ethiopia.
Among the group of journalists was Dr. F.
E. Aschinger, the senior financial editor of the Neue Zurcher Zeitung of
Switzerland, who told the Emperor during the course of the audience that he had
the opportunity to hear Him address the League of Nations in 1936 in Geneva
during the Fascist invasion.
Dr. Aschinger said: I had opportunity to be present during Your address
to the League of Nations in 1936 when the Fascists invaded Your country. I had
the good opportunity then to witness Your courage and determination, in the
face of adversity, in the cause of Your people and the freedom of mankind in
general as well as collective security. I am very pleased to see today the same
determination and vitality in the cause of world peace and collective security.
I wish Your Majesty good health to continue your excellent work for the
progress of Your people and for the people of the world.
In reply His Imperial Majesty said: I am very pleased to see here today
some one who was at Geneva during those dark days. As you pointed out, I have
not stopped labouring for the progress of My people and My efforts for world
peace shall never cease. I accept your good wishes.
Feb. 4, 1967.
Selected
Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 690 –
Montag, 2. Februar 2015
02.02. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - THE PAFMECA CONFERENCE
THE PAFMECA CONFERENCE
It is a privilege for us Ethiopians to
welcome in Our midst such a distinguished gathering of African nationalist
leaders and freedom fighters of this region on the occasion of the opening of
the Conference of the Pan-African Freedom Movement of East and Central Africa
here in our Capital city of Addis Ababa. This is not the first time that Addis
Ababa has acted as a host to African leaders, and the results achieved during
past Conferences give cause for pride and a sense of accomplishment on the part
of those who took part in them. We are equally certain that this Conference,
which convenes today, will contribute significantly to the goals of African
Independence and Unity.
We specially
welcome the Delegations of the newly independent sister African State of
Tanganyika, whose leader Mr. Julius Nyerere has played such a prominent role in
the initiation and promotion of the ideals of P.A.F.M.E.C.A. We are also happy
to note that P.A.F.M.E.C.A. is drawing into its folds, for the first time since
its inception, several Independent African States namely, Tanganyika, the
Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia. This will no doubt be a strong factor to
accelerate the freedom movement of Our region. The fact that new nations are
recognizing the importance of this movement and the impact which it can have in
shaping the future region should be a source of satisfaction and encouragement
to us all.
This Conference meets at a critical
juncture in the historical development of the countries of East and Central
Africa. While We rejoice at the recent accession to independence of several
African Countries, We are full of hope and confidence that the remaining
dependent territories, who find themselves under colonial rule, will soon find
themselves amidst us as members of a community of free nations.
Ethiopia, as the oldest independent African State, has
had bitter experiences in maintaining the continuity of that Independence down
throughout the centuries. The bitter struggle our country had to pass through
in the 19th and 20th centuries, when our own very survival as a sovereign and
independent African State was threatened, is well known. This struggle reached
its climax when one of the then principal colonial powers launched unprovoked
aggressions against Ethiopia in 1896 and in 1935. But the bravery and gallantry
of the Ethiopian nationalist forces which were amply displayed in those years
not only saved our country but also contributed to a substantial degree to the
liberation of Africa. In her struggles, Ethiopia fought not only for herself
but for all Africa, and the triumph of this Continent over the forces of
imperialism and colonialism is in some small measure a vindication and a record
for the hardships and perils of years past.
Source of Inspiration
It is a historical fact that Ethiopia’s
struggle against colonialism and imperialism has been a source of inspiration
to all the coloured peoples of the world. This struggle of Ethiopia had earned
her the active opposition of all the colonial powers who had systematically
followed a policy of containing and isolating Ethiopia from the rest of Africa.
This was accompanied by a continuous barrage of hostile propaganda
misrepresenting Ethiopian reality to the outside world and particularly Africa.
However, this policy was frustrated and Ethiopia continued to exist as a
sovereign and independent country though the threat had never been removed.
During this period the relentless struggle of our people to maintain the
independence of their country had won the sympathy and moral support of the
entire world and gave meaning and form to the present Pan-African Movement. At
this point it would be fitting to pay tribute to such distinguished
personalities as Mr. Jomo Kenyatta, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Dr.
W. E. Du Bois, and others who had completely identified themselves with our
struggle against colonialism and imperialism in trying years.
It is common knowledge that after the close of the
second World War the African Liberation Movement had gathered momentum and
penetrated the length and breadth of the entire continent of Africa. In the
period since the war We have seen the birth of over twenty-six independent
African States, who have gained full membership in the U. N. and this number
will undoubtedly go on increasing as each year sees the emergence of still more
new states to independence. Ethiopia is justly proud of the role she has played
in this development.
New African Nations
Next October We will be happy to welcome
Uganda into the community of Independent African States. We are confident that
after the next constitutional conference which is due to take place in two
weeks time, Kenya’s independence too as a unified State will not be
unnecessarily delayed.
Despite the recent unfortunate events that
have taken place in Ruanda-Urundi and the setback the African nationalists have
suffered in the loss of their dedicated nationalist leader, the late Prince
Rwagasore, We have to hope that Ruanda-Urundi will attain its cherished goal of
independence in March 1962 in accordance with the United Nations resolutions.
However, when We turn our attention to the
Rhodesias and the Portuguese Colonies of Angola and Mozambique and others We
find the prospects rather gloomy. The recent banning of the National Democratic
Party led by Mr. Joshua Nkomo in Southern Rhodesia, and the arrest and
imprisonment of many of its leading members did not pass without arousing the
indignation of all freedom loving peoples.
The situation in Northern Rhodesia is
equally grave. There too We find the United National Independent Party, which
has the support of the African majority of that country led by the
distinguished nationalist leader Mr. Kenneth Kaunda, banned and suppressed in
some parts of the country. We deplore the measures taken by the colonialist
regime to frustrate legitimate African aspirations for justice, freedom and
independence. We are sure that ultimately our African brothers there will
emerge victorious and attain the goal they have set for themselves.
Task Unfinished
Compared with these
two territories the prospects in Nyasaland look somewhat brighter. But even
there We are aware that much still remains to be done. We extend, therefore,
our wholehearted support and encouragement to our distinguished brother, the
honourable Dr. Hastings Banda, in his endeavour to assure African majority rule
in his country.
The situation in Zanzibar too merits our
full attention. It is of paramount importance in our view that the African
majority of that island nation be allowed to play the leading role in shaping
the destiny of their country unhindered by outside interference and intrigue.
As regards the tragic situation obtaining
in Angola, Mozambique and the others, We deplore Portugal’s policy of
suppression of unarmed and defenceless peaceful African inhabitants who have no
other fault than demanding their right of self-determination and independence.
In our view, the Portuguese colonies are non-self-governing territories and all
the good that Portugal can do in the interest of peace is to co-operate with
the United Nations and comply with its resolutions and negotiate with the
nationalist leaders with a view to working out the programme and time-table of
its colonies’ accession to independence.
With respect to the question of the future
status of Bechuanaland, Swaziland and Basutoland, We are disturbed by the slow
pace of political, constitutional, economic and social progress of our fellow
Africans in these territories. It is incumbent upon Great Britain to apply the
same wisdom it had applied to its former colonies in Africa and Asia and
likewise to speed up the political and constitutional advance of the African
inhabitants of these territories so as to assure their early accession to
independence.
The apartheid
policy of the racist government of the white minority in South Africa continues
to subject our African brothers, who constitute the overwhelming majority in that
country, to untold humiliation and oppression.
So much has been
said in the past about sanctions and measures to be taken against South Africa,
but unfortunately little has been done to force the Union Government to change
its policy. It is therefore imperative that all those who have the interest of
the Africans at heart should start thinking in new lines than hitherto
undertaken in order to effectively assist our African brothers to deliver them
out of the bondage under which they find themselves at present in that unhappy
country.
The unfortunate condition in which our
African brothers find themselves in South-West Africa under the notorious and
deplorable policy of apartheid and ruthless administration of South Africa is equally
depressing and intolerable. However, We are convinced that before long the
continued efforts of the United Nations and the legal proceedings instituted at
the International Court of Justice by Our Government and that of Our sister
State of Liberia will bear fruit.
The Congo Crisis
Nineteen months
have now elapsed since the Republic of the Congo (Leopoldville) acceded to
independence, but because of persistent foreign interference in its internal
affairs that sister African State has not been able so far to consolidate its
unity and to enjoy the blessings of its independence. Consequently the
intervention of the United Nations in the Congo was made necessary in order to
assist the Central Government to restore law and order and to maintain the
territorial integrity of the country. But while We appreciate the immense
difficulties posed by disruptive outside interference, nevertheless the task of
reintegrating the administration of the territory largely remains the
responsibility of the Congolese themselves. Certain of Our Congolese brothers
should let history pass a severe judgment on them because of their seeming lack
of patriotism at these critical moments. All those who aspire to leadership in
that sister country should realize that they will be accountable to posterity
for all their activities. Should they proceed on their present course of
dissention and internecine strife, they would continue to be a pawn of
neo-colonialist diplomacy and thus endanger not only their country but also
the entire continent of Africa. We therefore call upon them to take heed of
this solemn warning and pursue the best interests of their country and that of
Africa.
Pan-Africanism
As We have stated earlier a greater part
of Africa has got rid of colonial rule. But colonialism has left behind various
problems. It has fostered tribal, religious and linguistic differences with the
deliberate intention of preoccupying African States with quarrels among
themselves and obstructing their development programmes and thus creating
conditions for neo-colonialism to thrive. The Africans have advanced the
concept of Pan-Africanism as the best method of resolving African problems and
of further strengthening African Independence and Unity.
Ethiopia has fully identified herself with
the Pan-African Movement, in the furtherance of which cause she has already
proposed at the 16th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations the
establishment of the Organization of African States. We are pleased to state
that this same proposal has received unanimous acceptance by the Independent
African States at the recent Conference in Lagos.
You are now meeting
here to lay the foundation for the establishment of a regional federation of
the East and Central African countries. Although this objective presupposes the
total emancipation of the territories of Our region, most of which still finds
itself under Colonial rule, this should not hinder the already Independent
States of our region from going ahead and working out the practical
arrangements that would give form and substance to this objective.
The eyes of all Africa and indeed of the
world are focused upon this Conference and it is Our earnest hope that the
outcome of your deliberations will measure up to the expectations of the
peoples of this region and indeed the whole of Africa.
Africa, together with the rest of the
non-aligned world, has emerged as a positive force for peace and harmony on our
planet. While striving to realize our aspirations and ideals, therefore, all
our efforts and resources should as well be directed towards the advancement of
this all-important aim. May God grant you the wisdom in your endeavour to
accomplish the task before you.
Feb. 2, 1962.
Selected
Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 230 –
Sonntag, 1. Februar 2015
01.02. - 2 - Speech Of The Day - VISIT OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II
VISIT OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II
It gives Us the greatest pleasure to
welcome, on Our own behalf and on behalf of the entire Ethiopian people, Your
Majesty and Prince Philip who are with Us in Ethiopia as Our honoured guests.
We have long and eagerly looked forward to your coming, and We greet you this
evening with respect and affection.
In coming to Ethiopia, Your Majesty, You
have reaffirmed the friendship and depth of feeling which have for so long
existed between Our two nations and their peoples and which serve as an
indissoluble bond between us. You have, as well, contributed fresh evidence of
the universality of man and of the fundamental and deep-seated ties which unite
all people, whatever their race, cultural orientation or economic and social
background, who share common principles and ideals and who strive for the
attainment of man’s most cherished goals. The Commonwealth of which Your Majesty
is the Head stands today as symbol of this universality and provides, in its
own way, encouragement for those of us who seek, on this African continent, to
utilize in Our search for true unity what is best among the common instincts
and aspirations shared by all men.
The Ethiopian and British peoples and
Governments are old friends. Contacts between us stretch back many years. Our
friendship was cemented and rendered indissoluble during the unhappy years in
which Ethiopians, abandoned to the aggressor, struggled against overwhelming
odds, first, to preserve their nation’s independence, and later, to free it
from the despot’s heel. We personally cherish mixed emotions concerning those
years. From 1936 to 1941, separated from Our people, exiled in a strange land
while We laboured to muster sympathy and support for Ethiopia’s cause, We were
received by the British people with a warmth which nourished and strengthened
Our will. And when, finally, the just God called the tyrant aggressor to
account, soldiers of many lands marching under the British flag, fought side by
side with Our patriots for the liberation of the subjugated and the triumph of
justice and liberty over tyranny and oppression.
Today, Ethiopia looks to the British as
staunch and firm friends in the struggle being waged throughout the world
against poverty, ignorance and want.
Cultural Ties
Throughout the years, Ethiopia has enjoyed
and benefited from the interest of British scholars and friends who have sought
to know our country well and to convey to the world from which our nation was
so long isolated a true sense of the richness of our life and the diversity of
our culture. As this knowledge has been diffused, Ethiopia has been helped to
emerge proudly to play a fuller role in inter-national affairs. It is upon this
knowledge and understanding that we have sought to build the international
unity of the spirit which today constitutes the most important force for good
in the search for a lasting world peace and a decent way of life for humanity.
With the raising of all men to their rightful dignity and honour as
individuals, they will be able to regard their fellows, of whatever nation, of
whatever race, of whatever religious, linguistic or historical tradition, as equals,
without jealousy, without fear, without undue pride. The British people are
united with us in this field and we are confident that they will continue to
lend their unstinting efforts in the accomplishment of the immense task which,
together with other people of good will, they have joined their efforts.
Your Majesty, during Your Reign, which
commenced in an African country only a little distance to the South, You have
carried forward gloriously the traditions of Your lineage and brought new
honour to the Throne which You occupy. Your Majesty personally enjoys today the
respect, the admiration and the affection of all peoples to whom Britain serves
as the symbol of indomitability in adversity, of courage when confronted by
danger, of dignity and resolve when threatened with defeat, and of magnanimity
and generosity in victory.
We
shall never forget the warm and friendly reception accorded to Us by the
British people during Our state visit a decade ago. Similarly, We trust that
your stay with us will be pleasant. We hope that you will carry away with you
deep and abiding memories of Our nation and its people.
We ask all here assembled now to join Us
in a toast to the continued friendship between the British and Ethiopian peoples,
to the growth in prosperity and well-being of the British nation, to the
health, long life and personal happiness of Her Majesty the Queen and Prince
Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
Feb. 1, 1965.
Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie
– page 126 –
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| Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and Emperor Haile Selassie in Ethiopia in 1965 |
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| 1965, visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Addis Ababa |
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| HIM Qedamawi Haile Selassie with the young Queen Elizabeth II, 1958 |
01.02. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - AT NATIONAL EXPO `72 - ASMARA
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