Deputy PM Demeke holds talks with ICRC President Peter Maurer

Addis Ababa, October 27, 2021 (FBC) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Demeke Mekonnen held talks with the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Peter Maurer.

The president expressed gratitude to the Ethiopian government for the longstanding support to the Committee during its long existence in Ethiopia.

He further called on the government to provide ICRC with unfettered access to Tigray region and allow humanitarian flight, delivery of fuel and increase financial flow in the light of relief operation in the area.

Saying that the need to humanitarian situation in Ethiopia is growing, the President vowed to increase it intervention accordingly.

He said that ICRC in partnership with the Ethiopian Red Cross Association is providing assistance in areas of health and family reunion apart from multifaceted humanitarian activities.

Deputy Prime Minister Demeke, to his part, appreciated the participation of ICRC in the humanitarian operation without any interference to internal affairs of Ethiopia.

Demeke called for continued humanitarian assistance to people in need who fled homes due to atrocities committed by the TPLF. He noted that POW are being treated in accordance with human rights principles.