Nov 03, 2023 Mekelle (Tigrai-Television) As today marks one year anniversary of the Pretoria peace agreement in a release on the matter, EU High Representative Joseph Borrell stressed on the importance of ensuring accountability and justice for maintaining the peace process and suggests the Ethiopian government to suit its future policy with the regional and international human rights standards.

The representative noted the EU regards creating a favorable environment across the country as vital to facilitate the national dialogue and transitional justice process.

Joseph Borrell also expressed his concern with regard to the security issues in the country and called for conflicting parties to give political settlement for their differences.

While paying tribute to those who lost their lives during the war the EU representative praised what he called “the courageous commitment” the signatories demonstrated so far.

He noted continued support by the African Union for the full implementation of the Pretoria agreement is needed.

Recalling that in April 2023, the EU agreed on a gradual normalization of EU-Ethiopia relations, based on a sustained implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement it reiterates further progress on accountability and justice is decisive for such a normalization.

“The Government of Ethiopia must ensure that the future policy meets regional and international human rights standards. This includes the establishment of robust independent, impartial and transparent mechanisms to implement the transitional justice policy, preserve evidence, conduct investigations into all allegations of human rights violations and abuses, and violations of international humanitarian law, and prosecute those responsible”, read the statement.

The representative also said for the National Dialogue and Transitional Justice process to have any chance of success, a conducive environment across the country is paramount.

The EU reiterates to all parties its concerns with the various on-going conflicts in the country, the State of Emergency as well as continued reports of various kinds of human rights violations.

“We call again for the protection of civilians, cessation of hostilities and a start of political settlements, as well as an inclusive dialogue”, notes the statement.