Minister of State Lenihan expresses grave concern at the situation in Ethiopia

Mr Conor Lenihan T.D., Minister of State for Development Cooperation and Human Rights, said today:

“Ireland is gravely concerned by the unrest and loss of life which have occurred in Addis Ababa and some other parts of Ethiopia since 1 November 2005.  We condemn all the acts of violence which have occurred and call for them to be independently investigated. We urge both the Ethiopian Government and the opposition parties to exercise the utmost restraint and to act responsibly. 

The speedy release of political detainees and the resumption of political dialogue between the Ethiopian authorities and the opposition parties are also both essential.  

The progress Ethiopia has made in recent years towards a fully democratic future, which is what its people clearly desire, must not be reversed.

Secondly, in regard to the recent increase in tension along the Ethiopia/ Eritrea border, Ireland fully supports the call by the UN Security Council and the UN Secretary General on both Eritrea and Ethiopia to show maximum restraint, to refrain from any threat of use of force against each other, and to cease the build-up of military forces.

Officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs met the Chargé d'Affaires of the Ethiopian Embassy in Dublin this morning to convey Ireland's concerns on both these matters to the Ethiopian Government.   

Ireland's Embassy in Addis Ababa, with EU and international partners, is also very actively monitoring and reporting on what is a fast-moving and difficult situation. ”   

ENDS+++
4 November 2005