ADDIS ABABA: Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized a statement by the US Ambassador in Addis Ababa, describing it as containing allegations and unsolicited advice on running the country’s affairs.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the statement, titled “Policy Speech on Human Rights and Dialogue” and delivered on May 15, 2024, included references to groups intent on overthrowing the elected government through force and engaging in blackmail, kidnapping, and terrorizing civilians. The ministry called the statement ill-advised and containing uninformed assertions, contrary to the historic and friendly relations between Ethiopia and the United States.
The two countries have maintained close ties and consult on national, regional, and global issues. Ethiopia remains open to discussing topics such as peace and security, human rights, and democracy with the United States. The ministry expressed readiness to work with the US Embassy in Addis Ababa to correct factual errors and inconsistencies in the statement and suggested finding better ways to maintain diplomatic decorum. “Ethiopia remains committed to a mutually respectful bilateral dialogue and relations with the United States,” the ministry’s press release emphasized.