German Chancellor Angela Merkel, starting a five-day tour of Africa, met Ethiopian Premier Meles Zenawi on Thursday and urged more efforts to enforce human rights, reported dpa. Merkel said the transparency of a country, respecting human rights and freedom of the press were ingredients which also helped economic development. At the same time, the Berlin leader called for stronger European efforts for Africa. "Europe must do more," she said. Ethiopia is the first station of a five-day trip to Africa, to be followed by South Africa and Liberia. She travels on to Johannesburg on Thursday evening and is to meet President Thabo Mbeki on Friday. Prior to her departure from Berlin Merkel appealed for a "common spirit" between Africa and the developed world to reduce poverty, ensure respect for human rights, fight disease and improve education.
