European Union Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Dr Annette Weber arrived Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for offcial visit.
Today she met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen Hassen, according to the information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. “They extensively discussed the peace process in Ethiopia, Ethiopia-EU cooperation, regional issues of mutual importance. Demeke briefed the Special Envoy on the ongoing post-war peace consolidation efforts of the Ethiopian Government including the implementation of the transitional justice process in tandem with the tremendous task of rehabilitating the displaced and reconstructing the infrastructure damaged by the war in Northern Ethiopia.”
“…In this regard, he reaffirmed the continued commitment of the Government to the full implementation of the peace agreement. International partners such as the EU need to provide support to the overall undertakings of the Government, DPM and FM Demeke underscored,” the statement stated.
Concerning the situation in Sudan, Mr. Demeke noted, as a neighboring country Ethiopia strongly believes that sustainable solution could only be brought about through negotiations and dialogue while ensuring that the peace process in the country is owned and led by its People. And peace efforts should channeled through the IGAD platform under the auspices of the African Union, he added.
He said, Ethiopia at the moment is hosting 70,000 refugees, who fled the war in Sudan and called for support to the humanitarian efforts of the Government in this respect. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister also underlined Ethiopia’s singular commitment to cementing peace at home and championing peace and stability in the region by playing a positive role.