Addis Ababa, May 16, 2024 (FBC) – The statement issued by US Ambassador in Addis Ababa contained allegations and unsolicited advice to the Government of Ethiopia on how best to run the affairs of the country, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA Ethiopia) said in a press statement issued today.
The Ministry stated that on 15 May 2024 the Ambassador of the United States of America in Addis Ababa read a Statement called “Policy Speech on Human Rights and Dialogue.”
The Ministry also noted that the statement mentioned groups bent on overthrowing the elected Government by force, and known for blackmailing, kidnapping, and terrorizing civilians.
According to MoFA, the statement is ill-advised and contains uninformed assertions noting that it is contrary to the historic and friendly relations between Ethiopia and the United States.
The two countries have maintained close ties and continue consulting on national, regional, and global issues of common concern, the ministry said, noting Ethiopia has been open to discussing wide-ranging topics with the United States, including efforts toward peace and security, ensuring respect for human rights, and nurturing democracy in the country.
The ministry also expressed its readiness to work with the Embassy of the United States in Addis Ababa to correct factual errors and inconsistencies in the statement.
“It will suggest better ways befitting diplomatic decorum; and that will not undermine democratic processes and peace in the country. Ethiopia remains committed to a mutually respectful bilateral dialogue and relations with the United States,” the press release stressed.