Mekelle, Tigray – In response to the recent statement issued by several embassies regarding the situation in Tigray, Salsay Weyane Tigray has welcomed their call for a peaceful implementation of the Pretoria Agreement. However, the Party has expressed concerns regarding the terminology used in the statement.
In a press release on Monday, Salsay Weyane Tigray has highlighted the term “contested areas of Northern Ethiopia” mischaracterizes the situation in Tigray. It says the territories in question, which are constitutionally recognized as Tigray territories, are currently occupied as a result of the Tigray War and are “not under legitimate dispute.”
The organization has urged the embassies to emphasize the necessity of withdrawing occupying forces, as outlined in the Pretoria Agreement. It stresses that the withdrawal is seen as a crucial first step towards a lasting solution based on dialogue and adherence to the Ethiopian Constitution.
“In this regard, we urge the embassies to emphasize, as outlined in the Pretoria Agreement, the necessity of withdrawing occupying forces. This withdrawal is a crucial first step towards a lasting solution based on dialogue and adherence to the Elhiopian Constitution.” Statement reads.
SaWeT has expressed concern over the use of “Northern Ethiopia” in the statement, which it sees as a deliberate avoidance of acknowledging the severity of the Tigray War.
The statement has also called upon the embassies to adopt more precise language that aligns with the Ethiopian Constitution and avoids emboldening perpetrators of international crimes.
The statement comes amidst ongoing efforts to address the conflict and promote peace and stability in the region.
On Saturday, embassies of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom and United States in Addis Ababa issued a joint statement to express concern over reports of violence in “contested area of Northern #Ethiopia.”
