been championed the principles and objectives of the AU towards peace, stability, prosperity and development of the continent. These principles are aimed at forging and promoting ever growing economic union and the fraternal relationships of peoples with Ethiopia‟s neighbors and other African countries. Policy Measures The Government firmly believes in the foundation of peace and security for sustainable growth and development. The Democratic System Building Policy underlines that the democratization of the country is a precondition for lasting peace in the country. In this regard the government is endeavoring to build a democratic system in which the people have a direct say in the administration of the affairs of the State. The Foreign Affairs and National Security Policy of the country stresses the importance of the peace of the Horn of Africa for e overall development of the countries in the region. Ethiopia‟s‟ role in the peace and security affairs of the Horn of Africa is also an effort to ensure national and international peace and security. The House of Peoples‟ Representatives has ratified the African Common Defense and Non-Aggression Pact to promote the country‟s involvement in peace and security issues in the continent. Ethiopian forces have joined UN AMISOM to further facilitate the transition of Somalia to peace, and make up the UN force in the dispute area of Abyei between South Sudan and the Sudan. The government is also actively engaged in the peace process in South Sudan, an effort exerted both at the level of IGAD and at a national level. Administrative Measures Ethiopia has been actively involved in maintaining peace and security both in the sub-region and at the continental levels. Ethiopia has contributed its part in promoting the peaceful settlement of disputes in the IGAD region especially in Somalia, the South Sudan and Sudan. The government has devised the necessary strategies and proper legislations to protect the public from such e horrendous crimes as terrorism, religious extremism and human trafficking which are antithesis to the peace of the nation. Awareness-raising works, aimed at informing the public of the dangers of these activities, have also been carried out to encourage the public to cooperate with the government in fighting these crimes. 121