Britain minister calls for rule of law in Ethiopia

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, June 17, 2005 (PANA) — Britain’s Secretary of State for International Development Hilary Benn has urged the Ethiopian government and opposition parties
to abide peacefully by the rule of law in the
aftermath of last week’s deadly street violence.

“I expressed to all parties the British government’s
grave concern about the situation in Ethiopia, and
our dismay and sadness at the tragic deaths of
civilians last week during the confrontations between
demonstrators and security forces,” Benn said at the
end of his brief visit here.

In a statement the British Embassy released, Benn
said he has urged Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles
Zenawi and the leaders of opposition parties to show
calm and restraint.

“There can be no repetition of the tragedy,” he
emphasised, calling for investigation of the
incidents.

At least 26 people were killed after security forces
used live bullets to shoot unarmed demonstrators.

“I urge all sides to abide peacefully by the rule of
law, the democratic institutions and the courts, the
Constitution and international principles of human
rights.

“All those detained who have not been charged under
due legal process must be released.

“Restrictions on free movement of the Opposition
leaders, as well as the alleged detention of many of
their party officials, are counter-productive given
the need for all political leaders to work together
in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect,” he
said.

The minister cautioned the opposition to play its
part fully, avoiding violence and confrontation.

“For Ethiopia’s multiparty system to work
effectively, Ethiopian political leaders on all sides
must establish mutual trust and a collaborative
partnership.

The opposition and the ruling parties signed a
declaration relating to a review of the complaints
arising from the 15 May parliamentary elections.

Benn emphasised that all parties must stand by and
implement the declaration to which they have
committed themselves.

“The Prime Minister and leaders of the opposition
parties owe it to the people of Ethiopia to ensure
the democratic process is completed peacefully and
successfully so that the voice of the Ethiopian
people can be heard,” he added.

Results of the polls, which the opposition claims
were rigged by the ruling Ethiopian People’s
Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), are due to be
officially declared on 8 July 2005.

In the meantime, the National Electoral Board of
Ethiopia is reviewing complaints raised by different
parties on irregularities committed during the polls
in different constituencies.