Turkey, US Welcome Lifting of State of Emergency in Ethiopia

ADDIS ABABA – Turkey and the United States on Wednesday welcomed the lifting of the state of Emergency in Ethiopia.

Ethiopian lawmakers approved the motion that lifted the six-month emergency rule, ahead of its expiration, with a majority of vote on Tuesday morning.

In a statement, the governments of Turkey and the United states issued a statement welcoming the decision.

“Turkey welcomes the decision of the Ethiopian Parliament yesterday approving the lifting of the state of emergency in Ethiopia,” said Foreign Minister of Turkey.

“We consider this decision as a right step towards achieving peace and stability in the country,” it said.

The State Department of the US, on the other hand, called the decision “this is another important step by the Government of Ethiopia to pave the way for a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict.”

“We urge that this move be immediately followed by the release of all individuals arrested or detained without charge under the state of emergency,” said its spokesperson Ned Price.

“The end of these detentions will facilitate an inclusive and productive national dialogue.”

The government of Ethiopia declared the nationwide emergency law was declared on November 2, 2021, saying the invading troops of TPLF and its allies posed a serious threat to the very existence and sovereignty of the country.

The threat has reached a stage where law enforcement could be implemented by regular operation, officials said, paving the way for the lifting of the emergency rule.

 

Featured Image caption: The The hall of Ethiopian parliament in Addis Abeba. MPs decided to lift the state of emergency with a majority vote during their meeting on Tuesday morning. [Photo File]