Peace agreement crucial to success of Ethiopia’s peace, prosperity aspirations: Premier
Addis Ababa, November 15, 2022 (FBC) – Responding queries raised by parliamentarians during the 2nd Year 4th Ordinary Session of the House of Peoples Representatives, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed underscored the significance of the peace agreement in ending the war and stepping up growth and development of the nation.
“It is impossible to achieve peace and development goals of the nation while grappling with vicious circle of war”, the premier underlined, calling all citizens to work hard to make the process fruitful and maintain peace.
“For the sake of our peace and prosperity, we made the first choice to end the war. There is no such thing as a good war or a bad peace; war is bad regardless of who wins. You kill people and spit out funds. Peace is always desirable.”
“But if something happens that threatens Ethiopia’s existence, sovereignty, and unity, as well as national interests, we fight it. Negotiation is beneficial if these components are protected. Peace is not only the absence of war, but also the supremacy of the rule of law,” he added.
The Prime Minister called for persistent works for full implementation of the peace agreement, reaffirming government’s commitment to ensure sustainable peace in the country.
“It is only the warmongers who are disgruntled by the peace process. There are also peace lovers who want to see fruits of the process,” he said.
The premier called on Ethiopians to play their part in returning the Tigray region into normalcy and speeding up restoration and rehabilitation activities.
Humanitarian aid delivery, reconstruction and reinstatement activities are prioritized by the government to fully restore all services in affected areas and return internally displaced people in war torn areas to their homes.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed further called all Ethiopians to support the inclusive national dialogue process underway to bring sustainable peace and national consensus in the country.