EC urges compromise to resolve the Ethiopian crisis

Press release from European Commission Brussels, June 9 2005:

Commissioner responsible for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel, spoke with the Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi in order to convey a message to the government of Ethiopia urging tolerance and restraint on the use of force in response to recent unrest following disagreements over the electoral process.

Louis Michel expressed the Commission's deep concern about recent developments in Ethiopia and in particular the violence which occurred in Addis Ababa, resulting in tragic loss of human life.

Louis Michel strongly encouraged the ongoing negotiations between the political parties seeking compromise and a peaceful solution to the crisis. He appeals to the government of Ethiopia, all political parties and the electoral authorities to continue their discussions with a view to concluding the compromise on the complaints procedure.

He further appeals to all parties to avoid any incendiary language or action that could lead to further violence.

The High Representative and Commissioner Louis Michel met with Prime Minister Meles and opposition leaders on May 26 in Addis Ababa, where they discussed the post-election situation, EU-Ethiopia relations and encouraged a negotiated solution.