Dr. Workneh commends both negotiating teams for engaging in peaceful dialogue and has appealed to all involved parties to uphold their commitment to the peace process in the best interest of the people of Ethiopia.
The EFDR Government Communication Statement on its part has stressed the government’s readiness to hold talks with any party. However, the group that is committing atrocities on civilians and considering itself as a government inside a government is unacceptable. It is also stated that in the discussions OLF-OLA is raising issues that were raised 60 years ago and have already been addressed. The statement further said OLF-OLA has no clear issues to bring to the dialogue table.
The statement released by Oromo Liberation Army on OLF-OLA on its part stated that the Ethiopian government was only interested in co-optation of the leadership of the OLA rather than beginning to address the fundamental problems that underlie the county´s seemingly insurmountable security and political challenges. It further said the country needs independent institutions that hold power to account, empower the public to determine their fate, and set the stage for the efficient utilization of human and natural resources. While we recognize that institution-building is an ongoing process, a historical opportunity to take a leap in the right direction has been lost because of Ethiopian government failed to course correct.
The IGAD statement stated that Dr. Workneh is optimistic that the two sides will initiate a new round of talks to address and resolve the remaining issues and that IGAD will continue its support to the cause.
IGAD has appreciated the observers of the dialogue, representatives of the US and Norway among other nations and has extended its appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Tanzania for hosting the talks.
It is said talks are expected to continue sometime in the future.
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