Ambassador calls on int’l community to support Ethiopia’s efforts to resolve conflict peacefully

Addis Ababa, September 14, 2022 (FBC) – Ethiopian Ambassador to Korea, Dessie Dalkie, called on the international community to increase its awareness of the current situation in Ethiopia and join efforts of the government for a peaceful resolution.

Ambassador Dessie recalled the ongoing northern conflict since it broke out in November 2020, following Terrorist TPLF’s attack on the northern command of the national defense force of Ethiopia.

The Ambassador was quoted by Korea Times, saying, “I think the international community should understand the nature of the terrorist TPLF and at the same time should push them to come to the negotiation table,”

He said the war, which had lasted for two years, was initiated by the terrorist TPLF who denied the changes implemented by Ethiopia’s new leadership. After the TPLF provoked and started the war, the federal government had to defend the country’s sovereignty and integrity.
Ambassador Dessie noted that the Ethiopian government tried to resolve the conflict in a peaceful way.

“The government is committed to a peaceful resolution and peaceful existence. We prepared peace negotiations through the AU (Africa Union) and have taken different kinds of initiatives such as declaring an indefinite humanitarian ceasefire as well as assigning high-level peace talk committees,” he said.

However, the terrorist group did not come to negotiate but resumed fighting in late August.

The ambassador condemned TPLF for “forcefully mobilizing underage children in the Tigray region.”

“They are using false propaganda and intimidation and at the same time mobilizing and using young people as cannon fodder,” he said. “They allegedly do not facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid such as food and fuel to the people.”

Ambassador Dessie said the government is committed to a peaceful resolution and needs support from the international community.

“Korea has been always supporting Ethiopia’s peaceful condition,” the ambassador said, thanking Korea for the provision of humanitarian aid to affected areas.

“Ethiopia is the only country from Africa to send land forces during the Korean War. From this historic relationship, bilateral cooperation is increasing and Ethiopia is a good investment destination for Korean businesses.”

The ambassador asked for Korea’s attention and assistance in bringing about a peaceful resolution to the situation in northern Ethiopia.

“The international community should condemn the TPLF act and urge them to come to negotiation table as the Ethiopian government is ready to negotiate for peace without preconditions,” he said.