Ethiopia gives unfettered access to humanitarian organizations: MoFA

Addis Ababa, March 3, 2021 (FBC) –The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said unfettered access has been given to humanitarian organizations in Tigray regional state.

Ambassador Dina Mufti, Spokesperson of MoFA today presented his ministry’s biweekly press briefing focusing on current national issues, including the humanitarian situation in Tigray.

He said humanitarian a total of 135 international organizations and staff who have applied to assist in the humanitarian aid in Tigray were granted access to Tigray region.

However, the government is still continuing to cover 70% of aid demands despite the unfounded criticism and insignificant support from international bodies, he said.

Of the 135 international organizations, 11 are international media outlets, according to the Spokesperson.

“The government of Ethiopia strongly believes that criticism alone without support helps neither the affected people nor the government in any way,” he said.

Ambassador Dina urged the international community to respond to WFP Chief David Beasley’s call for a $107 million support in funds to meet the humanitarian demands in the regional state.

Regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Ambassador Dina said the construction of the dam is progressing well and public involvement in advocacy, financial and professional support is highly encouraged

Commenting on the tripartite talks, he said “Ethiopia believes the African Union (AU) -led negotiation over the GERD will bring win-win solution to all.”

“The tendency to invite various parties as mediators to the issue while the AU-led negotiation has not been finalized is demeaning the efforts of the AU and the portrayals of some parties as if Ethiopia has postponed the on-going negotiation is also unfounded,” he added.

In his briefing, Ambassador Dina also touched on major activities carried out in the economic and citizen-centered diplomacy fields over the past two weeks.

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