FACTBOX-Ethiopia ready to rock at the Millennium
Source: Reuters
Sept 11 (Reuters) - Using an ancient Coptic calendar, abandoned by the West in the 16th century, Ethiopia enters the new Millennium on Wednesday, more than seven years after the rest of the world marked the 21st century. Here are some facts about the event. * Unlike the Gregorian calendar widely used in the West, Ethiopia's version squeezes 13 months into every year -- 12 months comprising 30 days each and a final month of five or six days depending on whether it is a leap year. The dating system has roots in the ancient Ethiopian Orthodox Church which, like Orthodox churches throughout the world, ignored Pope Gregory XIII's decision to introduce the Gregorian calendar in 1582. * Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has hailed the new Millennium as an era in which democracy, peace and good governance shall prevail, despite facing opposition in many parts of the country, a bitter border row with Eritrea and conflict in Somalia. * U.S. funk group Black Eyed Peas is expected to headline the showcase Millennium concert, supported by a host of Ethiopian bands. At $170 a pop, the tickets are likely to be out of reach for most Ethiopians who will nevertheless get a chance to watch the extravaganza on massive screens linking Ethiopia's nine regions. * The government has embarked on a massive last-minute spring-cleaning campaign to rid the capital Addis Ababa of stray dogs, beggars, wandering goats and tin-roofed shacks lining the major streets before the New Year's Eve party. * The government says private donors and businessmen are footing the bill for all official Millennium events. Forbes' 86th richest person in the world -- Saudi-Ethiopian tycoon Mohammed Al Amoudi -- has alone paid $10 million to build the 20,000 capacity concert hall. The sum has angered many in a country ranked 170 out of 177 on the UN Human Development Index. * The most popular joke doing the rounds in Addis Ababa? What's Amharic for Millennium? "Minnum Yellum", which literally translates as "there is nothing" and refers to the fact that some events, including the Great Ethiopian Run and an outdoor African food fair, have been scrapped or delayed because of security concerns.
| AlertNet news is provided by |  |
