Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi on Sunday underscored the profound role teachers play in nurturing knowledgeable and skilled citizens in a bid to implement development endeavors.

Meles made the remark in a message he delivered via video link at the conclusion of teachers' training held from Feb. 5 to 18.

Meles said teachers, students and administrators should discharge their responsibility without waiting until one party rectifies its weaknesses.

He said every teacher is entitled to his own opinion in various matters. However, he added that every teacher has to teach the subject he or she is assigned to teach in accordance with the curriculum and the rules the subject requires.

Meles said the existence of democratic institutions, the rule of law and creating common understanding should be given due attention.

The government has organized teachers' discussions on the constitution and development issues cognizant of the significance of democracy and swift development as well as the immense role of teachers in producing skilled citizens.

According to the official Ethiopian Television, Meles said that since the ruling party came to power over 14 years ago, the government has implemented successful activities to this effect but still a lot remains to be done.

Source: Xinhua