(APA) ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA – The Inter-Parliamentary Union, which comprises 143 member countries announced on Monday plans to hold its general assembly in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital in April 2009, APA learns here.

The announcement was made by the visiting President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Pier Ferdinando Casini who arrived here on Monday to observe and discuss with Ethiopian officials about the preparations for the gathering.

Casini told reporters that hundreds of parliamentarians drawn from IPU member states, including many African countries would take part in the conference.

According to him, HIV/AIDS, drought, peace, and religious tolerance would be the major agenda items of the conference.

During ameeting with Ethiopian president Girma Woldegiorgisse, the two discussed issues relating to regional peace and security, including the situation in Somalia.

Established 120 years ago, IPU, which is based in Switzerland, has 143 member parliaments.