FM, EU Special Envoy Discuss Peace Process in Ethiopia

ADDIS ABABA – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen held talks with European Union Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, Annette Weber, over the peace process in Ethiopia.

The minister met with the visiting EU special envoy in his office on Tuesday afternoon.

The two sides discuss the implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement and current situations in Ethiopia, according to the Ministry of Foreign affairs (MoFA) in a statement.

During the discussion, Demeke reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to implementing the Peace deal, noting the restoration of essential services, the expansion of access to humanitarian supplies, and the formation of a rehabilitation commission, among others.

Annette expressed appreciation for the government’s commitment to the implementation of the peace deal and stated that the EU would continue to strengthen its humanitarian support, MoFA’sstatement reads.

The envoy also noted that the recent visits to Ethiopia by the foreign ministers of Germany and France were crucial in improving the relations between Ethiopia and the European Union.

Demeke highlighted Ethiopia’s desire to improve relations with the European nation.

He also encouraged the EU not to support the “extension of the mandate of the politically motivated” International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE) beyond the upcoming March.

Ethiopia is working to find a solution to the human rights violations that occurred during the conflict as per the peace agreement through transitional justice, the Minister added.

Demeke and Annette also discussed regional and international issues with the special envoy.

Prior to her meeting with Demeke, Special envoy Annette also met with state minister of finance Semereta Sewasew in Addis Ababa.

The talks were focused on the rehabilitation of conflict-affected regions and overall economic reform of Ethiopia and the EU’s role in the process, the Ministry of Finance says.