COMPILED BY HIZKEL HAILU
PM Abiy Ahmed says GERD will be a source of cooperation among Nile riparian countries
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam would continue to be a source of cooperation for the Nile River Riparian countries, including the downstream states.
Tweeting in Arabic, the Prime Minister noted Ethiopia’s successful completion of the second filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam as per the scheduled time.
Prime Minister Abiy highlighted that Ethiopia conducted the filling of the dam in a way that does not significantly harm the downstream countries, adding it has regulated the water flow deterring flooding.
The Prime Minister also said that the filling of the dam would never significantly harm the downstream countries and underscored that it would be a source of cooperation among riparian countries.
Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen meets EU special representative Annette Weber
H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia had a meeting on Monday with H.E. Annette Weber, European Union special representative for the Horn of Africa.
The two sides have discussed on the 6th general elections in Ethiopia, the filling of the GERD and the ongoing tripartite negotiation, the humanitarian ceasefire in Tigray, and the Ethiopia-Sudan border dispute.
Discussing the recently completed successful general election, the Deputy Prime Minister said it was peaceful and credible and the federal government has crafted a road map to closely work with competing political parties.
The Government declared the unilateral humanitarian ceasefire in Tigray to closely work with the international community for better humanitarian access and strengthen the effort to rehabilitate and rebuild the Tigray region, he said.
According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the TPLF has been spoiling the spirits of the ceasefire by engaging in various military attacks exploiting the public as human shields, obstructing humanitarian support, and employing children as soldiers.
In this regard, Demeke said the Federal Government is committed to take the necessary action against whoever hinders the unilateral humanitarian ceasefire.
He also expressed his disappointment over the European Union for spearheading a premature and politically motivated Resolution on the situation of human rights in the Tigray Region, overlooking the Ethiopian Government agreement on the deployment of a joint investigation team comprising the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission and the Office of the Higher Commission for Human Rights.
Regarding the GERD, he said Ethiopia expects the EU to hold a neutral position as an observer of the process, adding that the second filling of the dam is taking place as per the DoP and during the wet season, without causing appreciable harm to the downstream countries.
The discussion between the two sides also included the Ethiopia-Sudan border dispute where the Deputy Prime Minister said Sudan has imposed its claims by force which is a flagrant violation of international law and the principles and purposes of the UN Charter.
It is appropriate for the European Union to condemn Sudan for its aggression and call for a return to the status quo to pave the way for a peaceful settlement of the border dispute, he added.
EU Special Representative Anita Weber, for her part, said the EU wants the joint investigation into human rights abuses to be expedited.
She also expressed EU’s concerns over the possibility of a humanitarian crisis in the Tigray region.
Finally, Demeke called on the European Union (EU) to understand that Ethiopia has a role in the stability of the volatile region and that the EU should act in a positive manner instead of putting unnecessary pressure on the Ethiopian government.
Ministry acknowledges efforts of stakeholders in protecting the rights of Ethiopians in Beirut
Ethiopian Consulate in Beirut in collaboration with Ethiopian Community organized an event to acknowledge the contributions of Ethiopian Community associations and subgroups and other organizations that have actively been involved in support of vulnerable Ethiopians during the COVID -19 pandemic and the 2010/21 economic crisis in Lebanon, in addition to their contribution to projects of national importance.
During the occasion, H.E Tsion Teklu State Minister of Foreign Affairs has delivered a ‘thank you’ audio message to the participants.
In her remarks, she said that the media was full of horrific stories a year ago when the COVID -19 Pandemic started to affect Lebanon in addition to the dire economic situation, but today it is silent because of the coordinated effort of you stakeholders, which meant that we are on the right direction.
She expressed her appreciation for all stakeholders among which ILO Addis, IOM Lebanon, MSF Lebanon, ELMA Foundation, Freedom Fund, Global Alliance and other NGOs, Religious institutions, Ethiopian community in Lebanon, and individuals, including consulate staffs who contributed different things for our citizens in need during this difficult time in Lebanon and for being part of this coordinated effort.
Tsion also acknowledged the patience and leadership ability of H.E Consul General Temesgen Oumer and concluded by a call to strengthen the coordinated efforts while emphasizing the Commitment of the Ethiopian Government to protect the rights of its citizens.
H.E. Temesgen Oumer Consul General of the FDRE in Beirut on his part also delivered a thank you message at the event.
He recalled the challenges identified and the directions from the Head Quarter, and the efforts made to coordinate stakeholders in getting the impediments resolved and enumerated the key achievements of 2013 EC including, facilitation of safe and dignified return of around 6,000 vulnerable Ethiopians, provision of shelter to more than 970 citizens, mobilization of Air tickets for more than 1,368 returnees, and provision of legal service for 345 Ethiopians, in addition to mobilizing the support of Diaspora for other national agendas.
For his take on the issue, the Ethiopian community association chairperson Diacon Behailu Getaneh urged Ethiopians in Lebanon to strengthen the Ethiopian community association which is an umbrella for all subgroups that aimed to strengthen the support to vulnerable Ethiopians in Lebanon.
Finally, the Consulate General and Ethiopian Community Association awarded a recognition certificate for all stakeholders and individuals who contributed to protecting the rights of Ethiopians and strengthening citizen diplomacy.
The event was concluded after the participants expressed their joy for the initiative and the recognition of their small efforts and vowed to work jointly with all stakeholders to strengthen citizen diplomacy.
Ambassador Hirut Zemene confers with EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa
H.E. Ambassador Hirut Zemene conferred with H.E. Annette Weber, EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa this week.
Ambassador Hirut has welcomed the new EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa at the Embassy’s Chancery and expressed readiness to work with Dr Annette Weber.
On the occasion, Ambassador Hirut and Special Representative Ms. Weber exchanged views on the current situation in Ethiopia and regional issues of common interest. Furthermore, they shared views regarding the recent visit of Ms. Weber to Ethiopia.
The two sides have agreed to continue exchange views on mutual issues of common concern.
Similarly Ambassador Hirut has also met H.E. Ambassador Slovenia to the EU Peace and Security Council, Madam Veronika Boskovic Pohar on the 19th of July 2021.
The two sides exchanged views on the current situation in Ethiopia that ranges from the just concluded National Election, the Law and order ascertaining operation in the Tigray region as well as the current status of the GERD. The two sides further exchanged views on developments with regards to the humanitarian access and the ongoing investigation on alleged Human Rights violations in the Tigray region.
Slovenia has taken up the current EU presidency in the month of July.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD JULY 25/2021
