Formation of Addis Alem Press

30 August, 2003

Dear Sir/Madam:

Greetings!

I am writing this note to introduce to you a newly established media
institution - Addis Alem Press (literally meaning "the new vision press").
It is a private media agency formed by a group of veteran and young
journalists of diverse experience in journalism, public relations and the
audiovisual profession.

The staff of Addis Alem Press is composed of the following media
professionals:

1. Derbew Temesgen, Veteran journalist and Lawyer, General Manager of Addis
Alem Press.
2. Goshu Mogus, Veteran journalist, Deputy General Manager of Addis Alem
Press.
3. Mulugeta Lule, Veteran journalist, Senior advisor to Addis Alem Press.
4. Mairegu Bezabih, Veteran journalist, lecturer and diplomat, Senior
advisor to Addis Alem Press.
5. Atnafseged Yilma, Veteran journalist, Senior advisor to Addis Alem Press.
6. Kebebew Gebeyehu, Veteran journalist, D/Editor-in-chief of LISANE HIZB.

As a media institution, the main function of Addis Alem Press will be to
produce journalistic publications of high quality and standard dedicated to
the service of the Ethiopian people. The guiding principles of our
publications will be accuracy, truth and objectivity. Our publications,
therefore, will be engaged in providing news, news analysis as well as
features.

Addis Alem Press will be a neutral forum for all political parties with the
view to promote and consolidate political pluralism in Ethiopia. Our
publications will also strive to portray the correct image of Ethiopia both
internally and abroad.

Since the existence of a strong and independent free press is sine qua non
to the development and enhancement of democracy, we think the formation of
Addis Alem press will contribute to the improvement of the quality of the
free press and promote democracy in Ethiopia.

Addis Alem Press will provide a forum for democratic discussion and engage
heartily in the fight against despotism, corruption, nepotism and all other
forms of undemocratic practices in the country.

The pioneering publication of the Addis Alem Press will be the monthly
Amharic magazine, Lisane Hizb (meaning - the organ of the people) whose
maiden issue will see the light of the day on the eve of the Ethiopian New
Year. This magazine and our future publications, in line with our editorial
policy, will be guided by the following three cardinal principles which
serve the cause of estabilishing a democratic society.

* Reporting the truth; nothing but the truth.
* Working for the development of democracy in Ethiopia.
* Promoting the rule of law, human rights, equality, justice and freedom of
expression.

As we embark on this difficult and challenging, but noble task of serving a
democratic cause, we look forward to your encouragement and unsolicited
support in all areas of our endeavor.

Thank You!
Kifle Mulat

President of the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists' Association (EFJA) and
Editor-in-chief of LISANE HIZB