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H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia had a meeting on Tuesday (July 27) with Rosemary A. DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.

Discussing the Tigray issue, Mr. Demeke said the Unilateral Humanitarian Ceasefire was meant to help farmers in the region to employ the rainy season, although it fell on deaf ears so far.

The Government of Ethiopia is still committed to the ceasefire, although the TPLF has continued to misbehave and showed disrespect to the goodwill of the government, added the Deputy Prime Minister.

Mr. Demeke said, the warmonger TPLF has tried to choke off humanitarian corridors over the Addis Ababa-Djibouti line and has launched fresh attacks against the North-Eastern part of the country which the international community forgot to discourage.

Ms. DiCarlo, on her part, said the UN Secretary-General appreciates and supports the Unilateral Humanitarian Ceasefire and wants the other side to follow suit.

Regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Mr. Demeke noted that unnecessary politicization and Internationalization of the matter would contribute nothing but drag the negotiation process.

In this regard, the Under-Secretary-General affirmed the UN support to the AU-led process to reach amicable solutions to all negotiating parties.

Speaking about the 6th General Elections, Mr. Demeke said it was peaceful and transparent and paved the way for building a democratic system in the country.

During their discussion on the Ethiopia and Sudan border conflict, Mr. Demeke wondered why the international community failed to discourage Sudan from unlawfully occupying Ethiopian territories.

The Under-Secretary-General said that the UN understands that Ethiopia is the linchpin of the region, and its stability is indispensable to have a peaceful HoA adding that the border issue between the two countries should get a peaceful solution.

The unilateral ceasefire declared by the federal government of Ethiopia continues to be hampered by the TPLF’s provocations, current issues fact check disclosed.

The Government has kept in warehouses in the Tigray Region more than 400,000 quintals of wheat and 2.5 million liters of edible oil as reserve.

The wellbeing of our people in the Tigray Region remains a concern for the Government of Ethiopia.

International organizations especially those working in Tigray need to pressure TPLF to cease its provocations on the Afar region and open the route for humanitarian cargo to enter the region.

Ethiopians living in the U.S. gathered in Washington, D.C. to salute the Ethiopian National Defense Force and denounce the terrorist TPLF group.

During the rally, Ethiopians and descendants have reiterated full commitment to continue support for the national army which is now paying sacrifices to defend sovereignty and national integrity of the nation.

They also strongly condemned atrocities being committed by the Junta against civilians and called up on the international community to denounce evils of the group including use of child soldiers, attack on innocent people and impediment to humanitarian operation in the region.

Demonstrators further celebrated second filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and reiterated continued financial contribution to the successful completion of the project.

Ethiopia Current Issues Fact check confirmed that TPLF propagandists and their accomplices continue to twist words spoken by Federal and Regional leadership to fit their fake news and agenda they have been crafting for several months. 

Considering the House of People’s Representative have declared TPLF a terrorist organization, all statements by Federal and Regional Government refer to the criminal enterprise that is TPLF and not the people of Tigray that comprise the Ethiopian social fabric, stated the fact check platform.

 በኢትዮጵያ ኢምባሲ አስተባባሪነት እንዲሁም በዲያስፖራው ተሳትፎ ለታላቁ ህዳሴ ግድብ የሚደረገው ድጋፍ አሁን ላይ ምን ይመስላል?

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1382455/8911723

Following the Government of Ethiopia’s enactment of a unilateral humanitarian ceasefire in the Tigray region, to enable farmers to undertake the seasonal farming activities and facilitate humanitarian assistance, we are witnessing the impediment by TPLF remnants of assistance delivery to those in dire need.

Prior to the June 29th 2021 enactment of a humanitarian ceasefire and related withdrawal of the Ethiopian National Defence Force from Mekelle and other cities in the region, the National Emergency Coordination Committee, which in three rounds had been provided humanitarian assistance for the past months, had also placed in storage more than 400,000 quintals of wheat and 2.5 million litres of cooking oil for distribution to those in need. In addition, close to 14million litres of fuel have been left in fuel depots within the region for utilization by citizens prior to the withdrawal of the ENDF.

It is to be noted that unfettered humanitarian access has been provided for partners and international aid organizations to avail the required assistance. The Government of Ethiopia remains steadfast in its commitment to support the safe delivery of critical supplies to its people in the Tigray region, without endangering national security. Full permission for humanitarian flights to fly to the Tigray Region have been facilitated, on the condition that they depart from Addis Ababa and land in Addis Ababa on the return flight. The condition to pass through Addis Ababa is in keeping with the Constitutional duty of the Government to preserve national security – a sacrosanct duty it is obliged to honour. Two flights by the World Food Program (WFP) have already been made in the past week.

The Government of Ethiopia is also facilitating humanitarian convoys through the Afar region and is working to fast-track security checks on the trucks to avoid delays. Relatedly, we once again condemn the attack by TPLF on an aid convoy on 18 July 2021, along the Semera-Abala road. The obstruction of humanitarian assistance to those in need within the region by the terrorist group TPLF for political gains is an act that should also be condemned by the international community. TPLF’s continued provocations directed at the Ethiopian National Defence Force, through the use of child soldiers and armed civilians, attempting to draw our forces into an altercation, need to also be strongly condemned by the international community.

The Government of Ethiopia has been working tirelessly in collaboration with development partners to ensure continued supplies of food and medicine to those that are in desperate need of it. It will continue to work with its humanitarian partners to prevent breaks in humanitarian operations and for assistance to reach all affected communities.

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Spokesperson of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, H.E. Ambassador Dina Mufti, gave the Ministry’s biweekly press briefing today to the media with a special focus on the unilateral humanitarian ceasefire in Tigray and activities related to the GERD besides other major diplomatic activities over the week.

I. Political Diplomacy

Somalia, Djibouti, the AU and China and Nigeria have sent congratulatory messages to Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed for the landslide win he and the Prosperity Party have registered in the 6th General elections. They affirmed to work closely with the new administration and strengthen relationships.

H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia had a meeting on Monday (July 20) with H.E. Ms. Annette Weber, European Union special representative for the Horn of Africa. The two sides have discussed the 6th general elections in Ethiopia, the filling of the GERD and the ongoing tripartite negotiation, the humanitarian ceasefire in Tigray, and the Ethiopia-Sudan border dispute. EU Special Representative Anita Weber, for her part, said the EU wants the joint investigation into human rights abuses to be expedited. She also expressed EU’s concerns over the possibility of a humanitarian crisis in the Tigray region. Mr. Demeke called on the European Union (EU) to understand that Ethiopia has a role in the stability of the volatile region and that the EU should act in a positive manner instead of putting unnecessary pressure on the Ethiopian government.

H.E Demeke Mekonnen Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia met on Friday (July 16) with the UN Undersecretary-General for the Department of operational support, Mr. Atual Khare. He assured the Secretary-General of the continued support of Ethiopia to the UN while MR. Atual, on his part, appreciated the role of Ethiopia in the UN peacekeeping mission.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, H.E. Demeke Mekonnen had a telephone conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Malawi, Hon Eisenhower Mkaka. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister said Ethiopia and Malawi have a long history of diplomatic relations which further needs to be strengthened in various fields. He also briefed Hon Eisenhower Mkaka about the ongoing joint UN-EHRC investigation on alleged crimes committed in Tigray which should not be interfered with unnecessary pressures. The Malawian Foreign Minister, on his part, thanked Mr. Demeke for his briefing on the current situation in the country and expressed his desire to strengthen relations between the two countries.

H.E. Ambassador Woineshet Tadesse has presented her letters of credentials on Monday (July 12) to President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. During the occasion, the two sides exchanged views on ways to give new impetus to the longstanding relationships between the two countries. Ambassador Woinshet seized the opportunity to thank the people and government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the remarks made by the DRC representative in the recently held UNSC meeting on the GERD.

The Ministry has issued a press statement on a resolution by the European Union on the situation of human rights in Tigray adopted at the 47th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Ethiopia rejects this resolution because: it is premature, politically motivated and it interferes with and undermines the integrity of the ongoing UN-EHRC joint investigations and other investigations by domestic institutions (the military justice system, regional law enforcement authorities and federal investigators and prosecutors). Constructive engagement, rather than a hasty decision by the Council, would have contributed to expeditiously bring the ongoing efforts to a successful conclusion. Those who were involved in committing crimes will be brought to justice and punished to the full extent of the law.

Ambassador of Ethiopia to Kenya, H.E. Meles Alem, met William Ruto, the Deputy President of Kenya, to discuss bilateral and regional issues. Mr. Ruto commended the fraternal relationships between the two countries and the brotherly people of Ethiopia and Kenya. He told Ambassador Meles that the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in Ethiopia is of great benefit not only to Ethiopia but also to countries in the region, including Kenya.He said the disputes between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan over the GERD should be resolved through the African Union’s framework. Ambassador Meles thanked Kenya for its support to Ethiopia during the recently held UN Security Council meeting.

643 members of the 2nd battalion of the Ethiopian peace Keeping force under the UNMISS in Bor, were awarded the United Nations Peacekeeping Medals. Ethiopia contributes more than 2000 troops under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). During the award ceremony UNMISS Deputy Force Commander, Maj. General Md Main Ullah Chowdhury and Ambassador Nebil, appreciated the endurance and determination of the troops in achieving their mission in very challenging and arduous conditions.

II. On GERD

The second filling of the dam has been successfully completed prior to its scheduled time. Ethiopians are celebrating not because they fill the dam but it shows to the world that the truth has prevailed. The truth is that the filling of the dam would not significantly harm downstream countries. Neither Egypt nor Sudan has suffered harm because of it. Instead we believe that the filling has saved Sudan from excessive flooding. Had Egypt and Sudan been Negotiating in good faith, we would have reached a win agreement a long time ago.

III. On Tigray

A. Statement by H.E. Ambassador Redwan

State Minister H.E. Redwan Hussien has explained the major issues that threatened to stall the unilateral humanitarian ceasefire declared by the Federal Government. He expressed his confidence that the people of Ethiopia would show the usual resilience to surpass current problems. He also called upon the following issues to the attention of the international community:

• The TPLF attacked the ENDF, who were departing Tigray respecting the humanitarian ceasefire, but no one condemned this heinous act since it could have aborted the peace process at its inception
• Right from the moment that the government has declared the unilateral humanitarian ceasefire, the international media, and some corners have started belittling it and discrediting the genuine efforts of the Federal Government
• Despite visible evidence on the TPLF’s use of child soldiers, the international community chose to overlook the matter
• TPLF’s repeated provocations against the Amhara and Afar Regions were not condemned for overshadowing the purposes of the ceasefire
• The destructive rhetoric of some corners didn’t abate even after the declaration of the Unilateral Humanitarian Ceasefire by the Ethiopian government.
• The Ethiopian government’s commitment to cooperate with humanitarians after the ceasefire was not adequately appreciated/acknowledged
• Some in the West, at an individual level too, have continued their personal and one-sided rhetoric in attacking the government’s handling of the situation in Tigray and the ceasefire
• Some humanitarians are more active in disseminating unjustified propaganda than supporting the people who need help in the Tigray Region

B. Humanitarian assistance

• Approved by the Ethiopian government, the World Food Program (WFP) has launched a humanitarian flight from Addis Ababa to Mekelle on Saturday. Six people were on board with money to fund humanitarian operations of the organization in the region, pay salaries of humanitarian workers in 21 woredas, and wages for day laborers.
• The Ethiopian government has continued its commitment to provide humanitarian assistance to the Tigray region. To this end, the government has brought in a number of trucks loaded with humanitarian aid from the port of Djibouti heading to the region. As of 15 July 2021, trucks from Semera to Mekelle have commenced transporting 7649 quintals (764,900Kgs) of food and 7300 quintals (730,000Kgs) of non-food items.
• The Junta unfortunately has tried to constrain the process launching an attack in Afar. In the past three days, TPLF committed terrorist attacks, blocking the road on 189 trucks carrying food and non-food aid to Tigray via Afar where the vehicles are forced to stop. The attacks took place in Ferentisu Yalo Woreda; zone four of the Afar Region. We call on the international community to force the terrorist group to respect the ceasefire.
• In accordance with the decision of the unilateral humanitarian ceasefire by the Government, and in order to expedite agricultural activities, Ministry of Agriculture, MOA, has given permission for 10,359 quintals (1,035,900 Kgs) of seeds to be transported to Tigray.
• Even though some international humanitarian organizations proposed to utilize air dropping humanitarian assistance, they were told such a request is unacceptable.
• It has to be reminded that up to now 70 percent of the humanitarian assistance was covered from the Government’s coffer while the remaining 30 per cent from donors.

C. Eritrean Refugees

Agency for Refugees and Returnees Affairs has issued a statement on the situation of Eritrean Refugees in Tigray. It said,

• reports are emerging from different directions regarding attacks on Eritrean refugees in the Tigray region. To set the record straight, the attack began back in November 2020, as the Tigray People Liberation Front (TPLF) forces targeted two of the refugee camps, namely Shimelba and Hitsats and seriously affected the refugee operation. As a result, the two camps were out of service, and the refugees were scattered to the surroundings.
• to give a lasting solution to the refugees that left Shimelba and Hitsats, in coordination with UNHCR Ethiopia, a new camp establishment is in progress at North Gondar Zone of Dabat Woreda in a locality called Alem-Wach, though the support that is anticipated from the international community has not been forthcoming.
• Despite these encouraging efforts, it is becoming clear that TPLF has rejected the Government’s humanitarian cease-fire and engaging in fresh attacks including in refugee-hosting areas. As a result, Eritrean refugees in Mai-aini and Adi-harush camps feel that they are in imminent danger and in need of immediate solutions in the form of relocation to safer locations, grant to urban status and third-country solutions.

IIII. Economic Diplomacy

• Investment Promotion forums were held in Jakarta, Riyadh, Dar es Salaam, Muscat, Dakar, Doha and Chonchin. Our missions in the stated areas have promoted investment opportunities in Ethiopia. The participating companies expressed interest in engaging in textile and garment, leather products, dairy products, petroleum and energy, pharmaceuticals and automotive factories.

V. Citizen centered Diplomacy

• Our embassy in South Africa has been closely following what is happening in the country lately and its effect on our citizens residing there. No causality was reported so far except indiscriminate destruction of properties.
• Over 139 flights were made over mid-June up to the beginning of July and 41,873 of our citizens were repatriated. The government of Ethiopia and KSA are having a series of discussions on the protection of the rights of the remaining Ethiopian citizens in Saudi Arabia
• Ethiopian Consulate in Beirut in collaboration with Ethiopian Community organized an event to acknowledge the contributions of Ethiopian Community associations and subgroups and other organizations that have actively been involved in support of vulnerable Ethiopians during the COVID -19 pandemic and the 2010/21 economic crisis in Lebanon, in addition to their contribution to projects of national importance. At this event, H.E Tsion Teklu State Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has delivered a ‘thank you’ audio message to the participants.

VI. Capacity Building

The Ethiopian Civil Service University, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ethiopian Foreign Relation Service Institute, graduated 153 Diplomats in Diplomatic and International Relations. The graduates received their postgraduate diplomas from State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, H.E. Ambassador Birtukan Ayano.

ሠላምና አንድነት ለኢትዮጵያ ማህበር – ዋሺንግተን ዲሲ ግብረ ሃይል ከተለያዩ ተቋማት፣ ሚዲያና አገር ወዳድ ግለሰቦች ጋር በመተባበር ታላቅ የኢትዮጵያዊነት ትዕይንት በዋሺንግተን ዲሲ.

ኢድ የደስታ፣ የእዝነትና የርህራሄ የመተሳሰብ፣ ያለው ለሌው በማካፈል በአብሮነት የሚያሳልፈው ማህበራዊ ግንኙነትን የሚያጠናክር እለት ነው፡፡ ለመላው የሙስሊሙ ማህበረሰብ በሙሉ እንኳን ለ1ሺህ 442ኛው የኢድ አል አድሀ በዓል እንኳን አደረሳችሁ፡፡

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Demeke Mekonnen has extended congratulatory message over the successful completion of the second round filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the government to step up efforts in order to accelerate the ongoing reform drive with full participation of the public.

He expressed gratitude to Ethiopians for their contribution in finance, labor and knowledge for successful completion of the second filling as well as the construction of the dam.

The current stage of the GERD is reminiscent of the resiliency of the public that has been shown in the democratic and successful completion of the 6^th general elections and other decisive chapter development and growth.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has congratulated Ethiopians on the successful completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has reiterated that Ethiopia is in a better position to maintain resiliency in all sectors of engagements.

The reservoir of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has reached overtopping water level following the completion of the second filling process.

የታላቁ ሕዳሴ ግድብ ሁለተኛው ዙር የውሃ ሙሌት በስኬት መጠናቀቁ ተገለጸ፡፡

የግድቡ አጠቃላይ ግንባታ 80 በመቶ መድረሱም ነው የተገለጸው፡፡

ለታላቁ ሕዳሴ ግድብ እስካሁን ከህዝብ የተሰበሰበው የገንዘብ ድጋፍ ከ15 ቢሊዮን 729 ሚሊዮን ብር በላይ መድረሱን ከግድቡ ህዝባዊ ተሳትፎ ማስተባበሪያ ምክር ቤት የተገኘው መረጃ ያመለክታል።