Addis Ababa, May 6, 2022 (FBC) – The European Union (EU) is ready to support Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Commission to work in resolute way and resolve contentious issue in a peaceful and lasting manner, Head of the EU Delegation to Ethiopia said.

Approached by EPA, the Head Ambassador Ronald Kobia stated that the EU certainly committed to help Ethiopia to overcome the current challenges and conduct a National Dialogue that will bring a lasting peace. “I think overcoming the current challenges is the interest of Europeans and the people of Ethiopia and we are ready to support the National Dialogue Commission to conduct a successful deliberation in an unwavering manner.”

“The EU would like Ethiopia to settle the current polarizations or tensions and we urged Ethiopians to utilize the opportunities instead of continuing violence between ethnic and religious groups. Helping to overcome the challenges and seeing peaceful and stable Ethiopia is the interest of the EU.”

As to him, the violence and sufferings that Ethiopia has been facing recently impacted its relationship with the EU and the Union has taken key positions on different sources of tensions and conflict between the people of Ethiopia. “We would like to see united Ethiopia in order to bring more solidarity and peace. We are very hopeful that the country will pass this difficult time.”

“We are ready to help in this part. We don’t only promote peace in Europe, but we promote peace across the world. Agenda of peace, security and stability is an agenda across the world.”

The Head further highlighted that the EU’s suspension of aid to Ethiopia since the end of 2020 is not a punishment for the northern conflict rather it is just a consequence of the war. “We are not able to give development aid to countries in war according to EU’s rules. We have lifted the aid not only in Ethiopia, but in many countries across the world, which have a conflict.”

“The EU is one of the biggest grant donors to Ethiopia by far. In order to resume our cooperation fully, we told the government to declare a ceasefire, improve humanitarian access and launch reconciliation using African instruments to start the process of talking together. Currently, these conditions are slightly improved and we appreciate the effort,” Ambassador Kobia remarked.