MFA acknowledges efforts of stakeholders in protecting rights of Ethiopians in Beirut

Addis Ababa, July 19, 2021 (FBC) – Ethiopian Consulate in Beirut in collaboration with Ethiopian Community organized an event to acknowledge the contributions of Ethiopian Community associations and subgroups and other organizations that have actively been involved in support of vulnerable Ethiopians during the COVID -19 pandemic and the 2010/21 economic crisis in Lebanon, in addition to their contribution to projects of national importance.

At this event, Tsion Teklu State Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has delivered a ‘thank you’ audio message to the participants.

In her remarks, State Minister Tsion said the media was full of horrific stories a year ago when the COVID -19 Pandemic started to affect Lebanon in addition to the dire economic situation, but today it is silent because of the coordinated effort of you stakeholders, which meant that we are on the right direction.

She expressed her appreciation for all stakeholders among which ILO Addis, IOM Lebanon, MSF Lebanon, ELMA Foundation, Freedom Fund, Global Alliance and other NGOs, Religious institutions, Ethiopian community in Lebanon, and individuals, including consulate staffs who contributed different things for our citizens in need during this difficult time in Lebanon and for being part of this coordinated effort.

Tsion also acknowledged the patience and leadership ability of Consul General Temesgen Oumer and concluded by a call to strengthen the coordinated efforts while emphasizing the Commitment of the Ethiopian Government to protect the rights of its citizens

Temesgen Oumer Consul General of the FDRE in Beirut on his part has also delivered a thank you message at the event.

He recalled the challenges identified and the directions from the Head Quarter, and the efforts made to coordinate stakeholders in getting the impediments resolved and enumerated the key achievements of 2013EC including, facilitation of safe and dignified return of around 6,000 vulnerable Ethiopians, provision of shelter to more than 970 citizens, mobilization of Air tickets for more than 1,368 returnees, and provision of legal service for 345 Ethiopians, in addition to mobilizing the support of Diaspora for other national agendas.

The Ethiopian community association chairperson Diacon Behailu Getaneh also delivered a speech and urged Ethiopians in Lebanon to strengthen the Ethiopian community association which is an umbrella for all subgroups that aimed to strengthen the support to vulnerable Ethiopians in Lebanon.

Finally, the Consulate General and Ethiopian Community Association awarded a recognition certificate for all stakeholders and individuals who contributed to protecting the rights of Ethiopians and strengthening citizen diplomacy.

The event was concluded after the participants expressed their joy for the initiative and the recognition of their small efforts and vowed to work shoulder to shoulder with all stakeholders to strengthen citizen diplomacy