TPLF destroyed 2,347 health facilities Amhara Region: MFA

Addis Ababa, April 21, 2022 (FBC) – In biweekly press briefing, Spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dina Mufti briefed journalist on latest developments in political and citizen-centered and economic diplomacy sectors.

The Spokesperson stated that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen had a meeting last week at his office with Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs Peace and Security.

“The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister noted the constructive peace-building initiatives that the Government of Ethiopia has been undertaking so far.” Spokesperson noted.

He said the release of high-profile political figures from prison, the lifting of the state of emergency before its due time, and the proposed National Dialogue demonstrate the Government’s commitment to ensuring lasting peace in the country.

“The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister also stressed that the Ethiopian Government took into account the well-being of its citizens in the Tigray region when declaring the indefinite humanitarian truce that paved the way for unfettered access to humanitarian aid in the region,” according to the Spokesperson.

Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, on his part, appreciated the peace measures taken by the Ethiopian Government, further expressing hope that the initiatives would bring about durable peace in the country.

He said the Foundation would give a special focus and work on the priority development areas that are identified by the Ethiopian government.

He also spoke about the current high costs of fertilizer and agricultural products and the commitment of the Foundation to support the Ethiopian government’s efforts in this regard.

“Ethiopia was got elected to the Executive Board of the World Food Program over the week. The Permanent Mission of Ethiopia to the UN stated that Ethiopia looks forward to contributing to the work of the world’s largest humanitarian organization in its efforts to support countries to change lives in difficult circumstances all around the world.”

At a UN Security Council debate on Women, Peace & Security, Ethiopia noted its zero-tolerance policy on sexual violence and efforts to hold accountable perpetrators of such crimes; and underlined politicization of human rights & double standards only undermine international efforts.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement yesterday welcoming the Statement issued by the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Addis Ababa refuting the unfounded reports of recruitment for the Russian Armed Forces. The Embassy has clarified that it has not been accepting any applications for recruitment and that it abides by the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Had the recruitment happened, it would have violated Ethiopian law too.”

It is to be recalled that the TPLF, disregarding the Ethiopian government’s declaration of a unilateral humanitarian ceasefire on June 28, 2020, had invaded the Amhara and Afar regional states and committed unimaginable atrocities on civilians and public services, including schools and health facilities.

The Amhara Health Office report, following the expulsion of the TPLF from the region, indicated that the TPLF destroyed 82 government health offices, 40 hospitals, 453 health stations, 1,850 health posts, four blood banks, and an oxygen plant. The Afar Regional State Health Bureau also reported that the TPLF made a hospital, 17 health centers, and 42 health posts out of operation during its invasion of the region, he indicated.

Furthermore, Ambassador Dina said that 3,320 Ethiopians have been repatriated from Saudi Arabia since last Thursday.

The National committee established to oversee and facilitate the Eid-to-Eid call had a virtual meeting over the week with Ethiopian mission leaders regarding ongoing preparations to facilitate the homecoming process.

Activities in the Eid-to-Eid call are underway in line with the plans announced recently. Ethiopian mission leaders who participated in the meeting have detailed their activities regarding the Eid-to-Eid call which included ongoing works with various associations of the Ethiopian diaspora community, he added.