Ethiopia, Ethiopia and more Ethiopia

11.05.00am GMT Fri 9th Mar 2007

Ethiopia flag

Ethiopia has been on my mind this week, for three different reasons. Last night I saw a preview of the Black Gold (after a door-knocking session for the Liberal Democrats). Black Gold will be on general release across the UK on June 8th.

Black Gold is the story of Coffee and multinational's role in the trade. The story is mainly set in Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee. Tadesse Meskela is one man on a mission to save his 74,000 struggling coffee farmers from bankruptcy. Against the backdrop of Tadesse's journey to London and Seattle, the enormous power of the multinational players that dominate the world's coffee trade becomes apparent.

Of course earlier this week we heard about the British embassy staff who were kidnapped in Ethiopia. I am glad to hear that they are safe although we have yet to have this confirmed by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Finally Ethiopia has been on my mind, particularly with the kidnappings, as my friend Amanda is due to fly there tomorrow. She assures me she will be safe and not going anyway dangerous but that hasn't stopped me worrying!