USA calls for formation of unity government in Ethiopia

Sept 8, 2005 (ADDIS ABABA) — A spokesperson for the US State Department yesterday reiterated that a new government, that embraces a just representation of all opposition political parties with popular votes, must be urgently established in Ethiopia.

According to the Ethiopian independent newspaper Netsanet, the spokesperson, Sean McCormick, a new government that embraces all opposition political parties in a just and fair representation, should be established urgently. He also urged the Ethiopian government to show commitment in facilitating this condition.

Meanwhile, the Bush Administration, in a statement issued yesterday, called on opposition parties and the ruling coalition to resolve their differences in a peaceful manner. A spokesperson for the US government urged all sides to resolve their differences in a peaceful, accountable and fully democratic manner for the establishment of a new government.

The spokesperson, Sean McCormick, said this immediately after the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia released the final electoral results including those of the Somali State — in southeastern Ethiopia — election.

This is the second time in a week that the US government has called for the establishment of a new transitional government in Ethiopia.

(BBC Monitoring Service/ST)