Ambassador Seleshi Confers with Several U.S. Lawmakers
ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia’s ambassador to the United States, Seleshi Bekele held productive conversations during separate meetings with several US Senators and Representatives, the embassy in Washington said on Saturday.
Senator Ted Cruz, Congressman Chuck Fleishmann, Congresswoman Julia Letlow, Congressman Darrell Issa, Congressman Chris Smith, Congressman Steve Womack, and Congressman Darrell Issa were among the officials that the ambassador held meetings in the last few days, the embassy said.
In these engagements, Ambassador Seleshi briefed the lawmakers about the federal government’s measures on humanitarian assistance for conflict and natural disaster-affected areas, peacebuilding, socio-economic development, and democratization process in Ethiopia as well as the recent attempt of the Al Shabab terrorist group on Ethiopia and other aspects.
The ambassador also explained Ethiopia’s concern regarding HR.6600 and S.3199 bills.
If passed, the Bills would only have unproductive results on the long-lasting relations between the two countries and the ongoing encouraging developments in Ethiopia, Ambassador Seleshi said.
Ambassador Seleshi also elaborated on how Ethiopia’s suspension from AGOA benefits is hurting ordinary Ethiopians and requested the officials for Ethiopia’s reinstatement.
The officials, on their part, recognized the positive progress witnessed in the areas of recognition witnessed in areas of humanitarian access, peace-building efforts & dialogue process, according to the embassy.
They also indicated the importance of strengthening historic ties between the two countries, while expressing their commitment to bridge the current gaps, it added.
