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The United Kingdom, as Presidency of the European Union, expresses grave concern at the continued unrest in Ethiopia which has resulted in many deaths and injuries. Our condolences and sympathies are with their families. The use of excessive force, whether by security forces or demonstrators cannot be justified. There must be an end to the indiscriminate beatings and massive arrests. Likewise we urge all Opposition parties to discourage action which might incite violence or harm people or damage property.

The Presidency expresses serious concern at the arrest of many CUD party leaders and some from civil society and the media. All political detainees should be released. Individuals detained should be immediately released if not charged under due process. Their whereabouts should be notified; access to them should be granted for their families and representatives of the ICRC or other appropriate representatives of the international community; and they should be provided with medicines and humanitarian needs.

The tragic events in Addis Ababa and other towns have further deepened the political and social divisions in the community, as well as damaging the Ethiopian international reputation. The people of Ethiopia need reassurance of a peaceful, just and democratic future. To this end, we call on the Government and opposition parties to immediately exercise maximum restraint and to re-open political dialogue as soon as possible, of which the release of political detainees is part, based on principles of reconciliation, respect for the rule of law, human rights and democracy.

The Presidency calls for speedy review and revision of Parliamentary rules and practices to ensure all parties can participate on a fair and representative basis; the reopening of the private media and approval by all parties of a code of conduct to ensure balanced and responsible flow of information to the public.


Datos de Contacto :
Press Office Downing Street (West) London SW1A 2AL