Ethiopian FM holds Talks with European External Action Official
Ethiopia’s Deputy Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia Demeke Mekonnen held talks with deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service (EEAS), Ambassador Enrique Mora, on Tuesday.
The two sides discussed a wide range of bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual importance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
In the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Demeke spoke about government’s various efforts to implement the Pretoria Peace agreement, the Foreign ministry said.
Demeke also discussed his country’s critical role in promoting regional peace and security as well as the African Union-led negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
He “underlined Ethiopia’s commitment to the African Union led tripartite negotiations while speaking about the GERD,” the Foreign Ministry’s statement read.
Ambassador Mora welcomed Ethiopia’s efforts to implement the Peace Agreement, including the unrestricted access to humanitarian supplies, and addressing accountability through a transitional justice mechanism.
Peaceful Ethiopia is necessary for peace in the Horn of Africa, he said, adding the European Union’s strong is keen to enhance relations with Ethiopia.
Transitional Justice dominates discussions
EEAS’s deputy Secretary General for political affairs is on a visit to Ethiopia to assess current developments and revitalize ties with the East African nation.
Mora’s first meeting in Addis Ababa was with the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) Chief Commissioner Daniel Bekele.
Daniel said It was “a good opportunity to share thoughts on challenges and opportunities for Transitional Justice in Ethiopia.”
Authorities launched a nationwide public consultation on transitional justice policy options in Ethiopia last week.
At least 60 discussion forums are scheduled be held in different parts of the country to collect views and comments from the public on the document.
The feedback will be used to formulate the national policy that serves in the transitional justice process in the country, as per the Ministry of Justice
The launch, the EHRC says, is another key step in the implementation of the peace agreement signed between the Federal Government and the TPLF, ending the two years conflict in northern Ethiopia.
Article 10 (3) of the agreement calls for a comprehensive national transitional justice policy aimed at accountability, ascertaining the truth, redress for victims, reconciliation, and healing.
Justice Minister Dr. Gedion Tomothewos briefed European Externa Action Service deputy Secretary General about the transitional justice push in their meeting Tuesday.
Mora appreciated the minister “for a deep exchange on some projects to overcome the consequences of conflicts, in particular on transitional justice.”
“EU ready to cooperate if needed,” the Deputy Secretary General stated in a tweet after the meeting.
