Ethiopian PM takes over police

2005-05-15 20:37

Addis Ababa - Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi on Sunday banned all demonstrations in Addis Ababa and its surroundings for one month after general elections that the opposition claims were marred by widespread fraud.

"As of tomorrow (Monday), for the next one month no demonstrations of any sort will be allowed within the city and its environs," he said in a nationally televised address.

He also announced that all security forces in the capital would be brought under his direct command.

"As peace should be respected within the city and its environs, the government has decided to bring all the security forces, the police and the local militias, under one command accountable to the prime minister," Meles said.

- AFP