BY HAFTU GEBREZGABIHER
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia Demeke Mekonnen has made various discussion with leaders of international organizations, heads of states and governments alongside the UN General Assembly meeting. The Deputy PM and FM met with Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) in New York.
He appreciated the efforts UNOCHA for its support to the government understanding the current situation in the country. During the meeting, Deputy PM Demeke, said that some of the observed gaps in the humanitarian aid process in the northern part of Ethiopia should be addressed soon and in a coordinated way that considers the needs of vulnerable people living adjacent to the Tigray region.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister also called on the UNOCHA to strengthen its efforts to make all-inclusive humanitarian aid that is accessible to affected people. The two sides noted that the government’s efforts to create conducive environment for humanitarian aid showed significant improvements in the aid delivery process.
In the same talks, the Deputy PM and FM also met with various leaders at the UN agencies and heads of governments. He has deliberated with Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defense of Ireland, Mr. Simon Coveney, in New York.
Demeke said the misinformation and disinformation campaigns launched against Ethiopia following the unwarranted TPLF attack on the ENDF are the sources of misunderstandings and the improper and unbalanced view on the situation in Ethiopia.
In its efforts to understand the current situation in Ethiopia, the international community should never forget the destructive acts of the TPLF that created havoc in various parts of the country during its stay in power.
He also underscored that the international community should not fail to understand the efforts of the Government of Ethiopia to protect the safety of its citizens, rule of law, and the sovereignty of the country.
He said the international community should not make decisions based on unsubstantiated allegations, which would endanger longstanding relations.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister appreciated the concerns of the Government of Ireland to the situation in Ethiopia, adding that Ireland would further make efforts to better understand the reality on the ground.
The Ethiopian Herald September 26/2021
