DPM and FM Demeke briefs Addis Ababa based diplomatic community on current situation

Addis Ababa, August 15, 2023 (FBC) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs together with the Ministry of Justice earlier today organized a briefing session on current developments in Ethiopia for heads of diplomatic missions and various international organizations based in Addis Ababa.

In his opening remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen said, peace consolidation efforts in the country are on track including the transitional justice and national dialogue processes. 

Speaking of the current situation in the Amhara Region, Demeke said the declaration of the state of emergency was necessitated by the need to restore law and order in the affected areas. Efforts are underway to solve the conflict peacefully through dialogue, the DPM and FM added. 

The Minister of Justice and a Member of the National State of Emergency Command Post, Gedion Timothewos, briefed the participants on the implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement, the complementary processes including transitional justice policy options and the public consultations on the national dialogue. 

He also gave an in-depth overview of the security situation in Amhara Region, the rationale behind the declaration of state of emergency and reiterated the painstaking efforts of the Government to restore law and order, to protect civilians, and bring about a peaceful solution through dialogue to pave the way for a return to normalcy.

At the end of his briefing, Gedion responded to questions raised by the esteemed participants.