Egypt taking measures against institutions involved in Ethiopia’s recent unrest: Hailemariam

Addis Ababa, April 19, 2017 (FBC) – Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said Cairo has begun taking measures against the Egyptian-based institutions that had been active in the violence occurred in Ethiopia recently.

The measures came following the consultations held between leaders of the two countries, said the Premier in a press conference issued today for local journalists.

During his press briefing, Hailemariam touched various issues ranging from political, social, economic and national to regional.

Responding to question regarding the report released yesterday by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) concerning the violence occurred in some parts of the country, he said, “what makes the report unique is that it clearly stated individuals who are responsible for the problem.”

“This shows that the Commission is getting stronger and stronger,” he said, adding the government will do all the necessary things based on the report.

When asked if the Commission is neutral, the Premier said “mainly, we want to earn our people’s trust. The people knew the damages caused by the violence. Therefore, we have nothing to hide.”

“Other institutions had asked us to investigate the issue, however, we denied them permission as it is a matter of sovereignty,” he said.

The Geneva-based the United Nations Commission on Human Rights accepted and gave recognition for EHRC’s report, he said, indicating that both commissions are working together.

As far as the Ethio-Egypt relation is concerned, the Premier said Ethiopia’s foreign policy focuses on relations built on mutual respect and benefit and “our relation with Egypt is not different from this.’”

Both countries have agreed not to harm each other’s interest, he said.

Accordingly, the government of Egypt has started taking measures against institutions who had been playing active role in the unrest occurred in Ethiopia recently, he said.

The Premier further said, many European and Arab countries are keen to cooperate with Ethiopia as the country is the gate and the political capital of Africa.