BY HAILE DEMEKE
ADDIS ABABA– Noting the draft bills H.R.6600 and S. 3199 do not reflect the longstanding and warm relations that Ethiopia and the U.S. have enjoyed over years, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said the resolutions could strain the partnership.
At a weekly briefing he held here today, MoFA Spokesperson Dina Mufti stated that the draft H.R. 6600 and S. 3199 bills, which are proposed by the U.S. Congress and Senate respectively contravene the two countries longstanding diplomatic and people-to-people relations. With a view to informing Ethiopia’s concerns, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen held talks on Tuesday with the U.S. Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa David Satterfield.
Accordingly, the Deputy Premier briefed the Special Envoy that the draft bills H.R. 6600 and S. 3199 would put the lives of ordinary Ethiopians in danger rather than promote peace and democracy in the country. “We understood that the draft bill is not in the interest of the U.S. government and the administration is working hard to strengthen ties with Ethiopia.”
Demeke was quoted by Dina as saying the draft resolutions do not reflect the longstanding and historical relations of the two countries and they are drafted to reverse the process and achievements of Ethiopians all over the world in protecting the sovereignty of their country. “The U.S. would discard the draft bills since they put the lives of ordinary Ethiopians in danger rather than promote peace and democracy in the country.” Ethiopians need to join hands in protesting the bill.”
The Deputy Premier also informed Satterfield about the encouraging peace initiatives that the government of Ethiopia has taken to ensure lasting peace and stability in the country. The release of prominent political figures from detention, the lifting of the state of emergency and the establishment of the national dialogue commission are among the positive steps taken by the government in this regard.
Regarding the humanitarian support to the Tigray State, Demeke reiterated his government’s commitment to allow unimpeded access to humanitarian operators despite the obstruction of the supply due to the TPLF’s continued provocation of the adjacent Afar State.
For his part, Satterfield said the Biden Administration has appreciated and acknowledged the positive steps taken by the Ethiopian government to pacify and stabilize the country.
The Ethiopian Herald March 25/2022
