CHAPTER TEN
NATIONAL POLICY PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES
Article 85
Objectives
1. Any organ of Government shall, in the implementation of the Constitution,
other laws and public policies, be guided by the principles and objectives
specified under this Chapter.
2. The term "Government" in this Chapter shall mean a Federal or State
government as the case may be.
Article 86
Principles for External Relations
1. To promote policies of foreign relations based on the protection of national
interests and respect for the sovereignty of the country.
2. To promote mutual respect for national sovereignty and equality of states
and non-interference in the internal affairs of other states.
3. To ensure that the foreign relation policies of the country are based on
mutual interests and equality of states as well as that international
agreements promote the interests of Ethiopia.
4. To observe international agreements which ensure respect for Ethiopia’s
sovereignty and are not contrary to the interests of its Peoples.
5. To forge and promote ever growing economic union and fraternal relations
of Peoples with Ethiopia’s neighbours and other African countries.
6. To seek and support peaceful solutions to international disputes.
Article 87
Principles for National Defence
1. The composition of the national armed forces shall reflect the equitable
representation of the Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia.
2. The Minister of Defence shall be a civilian.
3. The armed forces shall protect the sovereignty of the country and carry out
any responsibilities as may be assigned to them under any state of
emergency declared in accordance with the Constitution.
4. The armed forces shall at all times obey and respect the Constitution.
5. The armed forces shall carry out their functions free of any partisanship to
any political organization(s).