Deputy PM, Justice Minister brief diplomats about current issues in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, April 7, 2022 (FBC) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, and Minister of Justice, Dr. Gedion Timotheos today briefed the diplomatic community and representatives of international organizations accredited to Ethiopia about the current situations in the country.

The briefing by the two high-level officials covered a wide range of issues, including national, regional and multilateral matters that addressed the concerns of the international community.

The Demeke mentioned the recently declared humanitarian truce and subsequent measures taken to allow unfettered access to humanitarian aid to the Tigray region as manifestations to Ethiopia’s commitment to end the conflict peacefully.

He said humanitarian issues should not be bound by preconditions and political interests further calling on the international community to expedite support in this regard and put pressure on the TPLF to reciprocate appropriately.

Speaking more on the peace initiatives of the government, he said Ethiopia has continued to be committed to the peace efforts of the African Union Commission Chairperson High Representative, Olusegun Obasanjo.

Regarding the Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch’s joint report, he reaffirmed the government’s position to closely examine the matter, further stressing the unacceptable political contents of the report which went beyond the mandates of the organizations.

On the trilateral negotiations of the GERD, Demeke underscored Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment to engaging in the AU-led process.

The two officials have also expressed Ethiopia’s reservation over the decision of the UN Human Rights body to conduct another investigation into human rights violations in Tigray disregarding Ethiopia’s willingness to implement the recommendations.

The newly proposed investigation also undermines the institutional independence of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission besides wasting time and financial resources through duplications of efforts, they said.

Following the briefing, the esteemed guests have been invited to the Iftar Dinner in observance of the holy month of Ramadan, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.