Top UN diplomat lauds Ethiopian peace efforts, pledges support

ADDIS ABABA – The United Nations Special Envoy for the Horn of African Hanna Serwaa Tetteh has lauded efforts by the Ethiopian federal government in its attempts to try to bring about a lasting peace after almost two years of war.

This comes following a meeting between the UN envoy and the Ethiopian deputy prime minister and foreign minister Demeke Mekonnen this afternoon in which the two leaders discuss the war and how to bring about lasting peace in Ethiopia.

“Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, H.E. Demeke Mekonnen had a meeting today (MAY 31) with Ms. Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa, about national and regional issues,” Ethiopian foreign ministry said in a statement following the meeting.

According to the statement, the top Ethiopian official “briefed the Special Envoy about the current situations in Ethiopia and appreciated her efforts to support peace-building activities in the region.”

Demeke also, according to the statement, pointed to “the confidence-building measures the government of Ethiopia has been undertaking to ensure enduring peace in Ethiopia and strong social cohesion.”

The senior government official further said “the government is doing its level best to support people affected by human-made and natural disasters,” and also urged “the international community to extend support to people who need aid.”

For her part, Amb. Serwaa “lauded the peace-building steps taken by the government of Ethiopia and its commitment to avoid another wave of conflict” and pledged “to diligently work to ensure peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.