Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Demeke Mekonnen discusses with President of the Republic of South Africa
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Demeke Mekonnen met with the President of the Republic of South Africa, H.E Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa and had a very fruitful discussion on both bilateral and regional issues. During the meeting, H.E Demeke Mekonnen informed the President on current issues in Ethiopia. Demeke updated the President on the ongoing humanitarian assistance in the Tigray region.
He further expressed the work that has been done and the commitment of the government to investigate alleged human rights allegations and bring the perpetrators to justice. On the AU led trilateral negotiation on the GERD, H.E Demeke emphasized Ethiopia’s firm commitment to continue the negotiations under the AU framework and reach a mutually acceptable outcome to the three countries.
His Excellency also informed the President the preparation for the upcoming national election to make it free, fair and credible. Demeke expressed Ethiopia’s profound appreciation to H.E President Ramaphosa for his leadership in promoting African solutions to Africa’s problems.
State Minister Redwan Hussien briefs Ambassadors of Members of UN Security Council and South American countries on pivotal issues in Ethiopia
State Minister, H.E. Ambassador Redwan Hussien had a briefing last Thursday (May 06) with Ambassadors of the members of the UN Peace and Security Council and South American countries residing in Ethiopia on critical issues in the country. In his briefing on the situation in Tigray, Ambassador Redwan said the government has made significant strides in addressing many of the concerns of the international community.
In this regard, he said the issue of access to humanitarian support has been adequately addressed with the notification system that is now in place. Some of the pocket areas that were inaccessible are now being reached out through military escort, he added. The issues related to visa extension and permits to communication equipment have also been addressed by the government, he explained.
In this regard, those who contribute significant humanitarian support on the ground, such as the USAID are being granted visa extension permits, and a guideline has also been introduced to respond to requests for permits to use communication equipment, he said.
Reiterating that the government is still covering 70 percent of the relief support in Tigray, Ambassador Redwan called on the international community to scale up support to people in need in the region. While noting the UN-EHRC joint investigation on alleged human rights abuses, he informed Council members that the Attorney General has been conducting a separate investigation and a briefing will be given to the media to announce the outcome of its investigations.
On the Ethiopia-Sudan border dispute, Ambassador Redwan explained how Sudan took unfair advantage of the situation in the Tigray region to invade Ethiopian territories. Recalling the OAU decision to respect colonial borders, he expressed serious disappointment over Sudan’s claim of the Benishangul Gumuz regional state.
He explained that Sudan is serving the interests of a third party and said that the international community should have called out Sudan for its aggressive behavior. Discussing the GERD, the Ambassador said Sudan’s concerns are adequately addressed and the Foreign Minister of Egypt has also admitted in his recent address to the parliament that the Dam would cause no significant harm to his country.
The viable way out to end the impasse over the GERD talks is to continue and finalize the AU led tripartite negotiation process under the chairmanship of the DRC president. He expounded on the understanding reached to enhance the role of observers and experts to assist the DRC Chairmanship in moving the process forward.
Speaking about the election, he said Ethiopia is prepared to make it peaceful, free, fair and democratic. He said 34 million voters have already registered and the number exceeded those registered during the 5th general election.
The announcement of the EU not to send its observers for the election is regrettable, he noted and he explained that Ethiopia was ready to discuss further some of the outstanding issues. He expressed hope that the EU will reconsider its decision.
The Ambassadors have appreciated the briefing and noted the progress made in Tigray, particularly in allowing access to the region with simple notification and ongoing efforts in addressing quests for visa extension and access to communication equipment. Ambassador Redwan responded to some of the questions raised by the Ambassadors following his briefing.
Ambassador Nebil discusses with Minister of Presidential Affairs of South Sudan
Ambassador Nebil Mandi met with Hon. Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin, Minister of Presidential Affairs of the Republic of South Sudan and exchanged views on issues of common concern. Ambassador Nebil briefed the Minister on latest improvements in Tigray region, notably the relief and humanitarian efforts being conducted by the Ethiopian Government.
He further shared developments regarding the Ethiopia—Sudan border dispute, the GERD negotiation, and the upcoming Ethiopian National Election. Hon. Dr. Barnaba, on his part, expounded Ethiopia’s longstanding support to his country and said that Ethiopia stood with the people of South Sudan when they don’t have friends. He also emphasized the importance of cooperation in linking the two countries and the region through electric power, highways, and other vital infrastructure that facilitate the utilization of the countries’ development potentials. Commending Ethiopia’s persistent efforts for peace and stability in South Sudan, the Minister requested the ambassador to further enhance the support for the full implementation of the Peace Agreement..
COMPILED BY BACHA ZEWDIE
The Ethiopian Herald May 9/2021
