Ethiopia expediting efforts to evacuate citizens from Lebanon – MFA

Addis Ababa, October 10, 2024 (FBC) – Ethiopia is actively working to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon amid challenging circumstances, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Nebiyat Getachew, spokesperson of the ministry addressed the media, focusing on the current situation in Lebanon.

In his presser, Ambassador Nebiat told journalists that the Ministry’s citizen-centered diplomacy is prioritizing the safety and security of Ethiopian citizens in Lebanon amidst the current situation. A technical committee has been established to ensure the safety and security of Ethiopians in Lebanon, he mentioned.

He said, so far the National Committee has successfully facilitated the return of 51 vulnerable Ethiopians from Lebanon. Reiterating the fact that, the committee is focusing its efforts on assisting Ethiopians in Lebanon, Ambassador Nebiat urged Ethiopians in Lebanon to register using the designated address provided by the Consulate General and through the digital registration platform.

In the field of political diplomacy, the Spokesperson emphasized Ethiopia’s recent election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for a three-year term from 2025 to 2027. In this regard, he noted Ethiopia’s effective diplomacy during the 79th UN General Assembly, led by former Foreign Minister and current President, H.E. Ambassador Tayé Atske-Selassie. The Ethiopian delegation engaged in fruitful bilateral discussions and consultations alongside the Assembly, he said.

While addressing regional affairs, Ambassador Nebiat stressed that Ethiopia was successful in raising awareness within the international community about the need for certain regional actors to cease their destabilizing actions at UNGA79.

He also reaffirmed Ethiopia’s resolute commitment to ensuring the post-ATMIS scenario in Somalia is conducted cautiously to preserve peace and stability that was achieved through the ultimate sacrifices of Ethiopian troops.