November 8, 2005
The state-owned intro
Somewhere in some far-flung corner of the developing world there must be an international school for the training of journalists employed by state-controlled newspapers. And every morning of every day must begin with the mass recitation of: "Government leader A met government leader B to discuss matters of mutual interest. Government leader B reaffirmed his commitment to provide support for the realisation of ideas forwarded by Government leader A."
It is the archetypal state-owned intro, drummed into the head of every government hack. (An intro is the all-important first paragraph of an article which, unless you write for The Guardian, is supposed to sum up the main points of a story in no more than 25 words.)
In a state-owned intro you get just enough information to remind you that your leader is holding lots of meetings with lots of important people, but not enough information to find out what they actually discussed.
I have seen it word-for-word in state papers across Africa and the Middle East. Today it was good to see it alive and well in Addis Ababa.
After a week of killings, street protests and mass arrests across the country, this was today's lead story in The Ethiopian Herald:
Meles back home after attending Germany-Africa Partnership ForumAddis Ababa - The Germany-Africa Partnership Forum meeting, initiated by President Horst Koehler, has concluded reaching common understanding on various issues. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi who attended the Forum returned home early yesterday...
In a press conference they gave at the conclusion of the Forum, the leaders expressed their conviction that the Forums to be organized in the future would help forge real and tangible partnership between African and European countries as well as Africa and the developed countries.
The real stories - with slightly sharper intros - cropped up "below the fold" at the bottom of the front page. Here is a random selection to give you an idea of the messages coming out of official sources.
Changing gov’t by street violence is treason, says Premier Addis Ababa - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said changing government by street action is treason under the Ethiopian law.Federal Police say begin begin bringing suspects of street violence to justice: Issue list of names, photographs of “wanted” individuals
The Federal Police disclosed that suspects of the street violence including CUD leader Hailu Shawl who have been put under custody for investigation last Monday received trial at the First Criminal Bench of the Federal High Court, during which a request for additional time for investigation was made.Amhara people should stand against chauvinist propaganda: Chief
The Amhara people should remain active participants in development activities disregarding the propaganda of chauvinists who are striving to re-establish the former dictatorial regime, the Chief of the Amhara State government said.City gov’t warns taxi owners to resume service or face legal measures
The Addis Ababa Provisional Government has warned that it would take measures against taxi owners who continue boycotting to render service.
There are two editorials: "It's like asking the US to get cozy with the TALIBAN" and "What should be done to save our fledgling democracy from hardliners and extremists: Few points for discussion" (surely they mean 'A few points for discussion).
On a more positive note, the Ethiopian News Agency office in Bahir Dar reports on page 2 that 671 of the local, exotic tree seedlings that were transplanted during the "Kiremt" rainy season have now sprouted.
Posted by aheavens at November 8, 2005 9:02 AM