Peace, development lie at the heart of Ethiopia’s aspiration: Spokesperson

Addis Ababa, November 11, 2021 (FBC) – Spokesperson of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dina Mufti briefed both local and international journalists on political, economic and citizen based diplomatic activates in the light of the ongoing situation in the country.

Ambassador Dina Mufti told journalists that the government has undertaken fruitful engagements with representatives and officials of various international organizations.

Jeffrey Feltman, US Special Envoy of the U.S. was briefed on the ongoing situation by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Demeke Mekonnen.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Demeke Mekonnen told the Special Envoy that the suspension of Ethiopia from AGOA may affect lives of many Ethiopians and puts the longstanding ties between the two countries at stake.

After he returned to the U.S., Jeffery Feltman presented a report on ongoing situation in Ethiopia. According to the spokesperson, during his presentation at the African Institute, Feltman condemned atrocities committed by the terrorist TPLF Group, and Ethipia appreciates his comments on the issue, he said.

Ethiopia respects U.S. position on the need of continued humanitarian assistance to people in need and protection of civilians, noted. Peace and development lies at the heart of Ethiopia have prioritized areas, he said.

The diplomatic community in Addis Ababa has been briefed on the State of Emergency. Regarding the information circulating as drivers of UN organizations have been arrested, the Spokesperson said Ethiopia will not tolerate anybody that violates laws and order of the nation.

Saying that leaders of various countries are still sending congratulatory message to Ethiopia, the spokesperson disclosed that President of Switzerland, Guy Parmelin sent best wishes to Prime Minster Abiy Ahmed on his election for second term.

He added that Ethiopians in the diaspora are doing their best to counter the disinformation and undue media campaign being orchestrated by the western media against Ethiopia.

Fake news by the international media including “Addis Ababa is under siege”, “Kenya closed border with Ethiopia” show how Ethiopia is facing false propaganda from various elements.

The recent report of Amnesty on gang-rapes, lootings and other inhumane acts of the terrorist TPLF in Nefas Mewcha, Amhara region imply that more horrific crimes that were committed by the criminal group in the future.

The government is committed to peaceful resolution to the conflict. The terrorist group must stop atrocities against innocent civilians, withdraw from areas it invaded in Amhara and Afar Regions and respect the democratically elected legitimate government of Ethiopia before any process that will lead to peaceful solution to the problem.

African Union High Representative for Horn of Africa Olusegun Obasanjo is undertaking fact finding activities regarding the ongoing dispute, he said.

Olusegun Obasanjo held talks with government bodies, leaders of countries of the region and other parties as part of his efforts to bring peaceful solution to the dispute, he added. Ethiopia is always committed to African Solution to African Problems, he added.