Defense forces stabilizing areas affected by conflicts in Ethiopian Somali regional state: Minister
The national defense forces deployed in Jigjiga and other parts of Ethiopian Somali regional state were operating to restore peace in the region.
Motuma Mekasa, Ethiopian Minister of Nations Defense Force, made the remark while briefing journalist on the current situation in the regional state.
Though it is difficult to restore peace immediately, the defense forces were working to restore order in the regional state, he said.
Preparations have also been made to put under control if violence occurs in other areas.
The contribution of residents, elders in particular, is crucial to stabilize the areas, the Minister further said.
He also called on the people to do their own role in stabilizing the region.
The Minister further urged the residents to remain calm and avoid fear of a potential war in the region as the area is under the control of the defense forces.
PM Abiy meets with UK International Development Secretary
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) received UK International Development Secretary, Penny Mordaunt, at his office.
They discussed on economy and poverty reduction, according to Office of the Prime Minister.
Mordaunt commended the ongoing reforms in Ethiopia and pledged UK Department for International Development (DFID’s) strong cooperation with the Ethiopian government.
“Ethiopia enjoys strong and robust partnership with the UK. DFID’s development support to Ethiopia is dynamic, demand driven and multifaceted the government is grateful for the partnership,” said Fitsum Arega, Chief of Staff at the Prime Minister’s Office.
She will today launch DFID’s largest bilateral tax programme to help Ethiopia increase revenue generation.
Ethiopian gov’t and OLF sign reconciliation agreement
Ethiopia and the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) have signed a reconciliation agreement in the Eritrean capital Asmara.
The deal reached between Chief Administrator of the Oromia regional state, Lemma Megersa and OLF Chairperson, Dawd Ibsa, provides for termination of hostilities.
The agreement further states that the OLF will conduct its political activities in Ethiopia through peaceful means.
The two sides also agreed to establish a Joint Committee to implement the agreement.
Meanwhile, the Ethiopian delegation led by Foreign Minister Workneh Gebeyehu (PhD) and Lemma Mergesa also met President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea.
During the meeting, they exchanged views on implementation of recently signed peace agreement between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
