No land offered to Sudan and wouldn’t be any, says Premier

Addis Ababa, December 25, 2015 (FBC) – Prime Minster Hailemariam Desalegn said his government will take the necessary measures against those anti-peace forces that hijacked the democratically raised questions of residents in some parts of Oromia and north Godar zone to incite violence.
The Premier responded to questions raised by the MPs regarding the violence that had occurred in some parts of Oromia regional state and north Gondar zone in Amhara regional state as well as on the border demarcation between Ethiopia and Sudan and other issues related to good governance.

The government will not tolerate those anti-peace forces which incited the violence in some parts of Oromia regional state and north Gondar zone in Amhara regional state, he said.

The question raised by the residents regarding the Addis Ababa-Oromia special zone integrated master plan is acceptable and appropriate. The question was raised due to lack of adequate explanation on the plan from the government, he said.

The government will work to well acquaint the public with the plan, he added.

The problem is not only the master plan. There were incidents that created grievance during the relocation of farmers. The government will give prime attention to alleviate the gaps related to payments to be paid as compensation, he said.

The Constitutional rights of regional states as well as nations and nationalities will not be violated, the Premier reaffirmed.

Regarding the Kimant community, the Premier said the question is proper and it is an already Constitutionally addressed issue. However, anti-peace force attempted to provoke conflict between Amhara and Kimant community. Peace had returned to the place and the residents are undertaking their daily routine

The government has full information and evidence and will take legal measures against those forces that incited the violence in both states operating under the guise of legal political organization by receiving mission from the Shaebian regime, he said.

Regarding the recent grenade attack occurred at Addis Ababa Anwar Mosque, the Premier said investigation is underway and the government will make it public the result of the investigation when it is completed.

Ethio-Sudan Border

The propaganda being dispersed by anti-peace forces on the Ethio-Sudan border issue is fictitious. There is no land that was given to Sudan and wouldn’t be any in the future. Military forces from both countries are working jointly to maintain peace across the border, the Premier said.

Drought Response

The drought hasn’t imposed serious problems so far owing to the concerted efforts made by the government by its own capacity. The government is supplying potable water, nutrition and cooking oil. Drought affected people don’t have to worry as the government will do all it can to provide them with emergency relief food, the Premier said.