ETHIOPIA: Commit to political process, US tells gov’t, opposition

April 7, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) — The United States has called on the Ethiopian government and opposition parties to show commitment to the ongoing political process and resolve the current standoff between them.

“It is time for the ruling party and the opposition to move forward to bring about [a] lasting solution to the political instability prevailing in Ethiopia, which could stall the progress witnessed in the economy over the last few years,” said Vicki Huddleston, the US charge d’Affairs to Ethiopia, on Thursday. “We would like to see better progress on the human rights condition of the country as well as professional security forces.”

Huddleston said both the government and the opposition should take further steps to democratise the political process in Ethiopia. She praised the government’s decision to accept the opposition Coalition for Unity and Democracy as a legal party.

“The Coalition for Unity and Democracy – the major opposition party, which won all the seats of the City Council – needs to take over the responsibility of administering the capital, Addis Ababa, and all voices need to be heard in the country’s parliament,” she said.

Huddleston also urged the government to speed up the ongoing trial of 111 opposition party leaders, members and journalists who are currently facing charges of attempted genocide and treason stemming from mass demonstrations against the May 2005 parliamentary elections. Security forces should refrain from taking unnecessary measures in handling protests, she said.

Ethiopia had made progress during the last five years in the education sector, in healthcare, and in diversifying exports, she said, and expressed hope that the country’s leaders would do everything possible to ensure sustainable growth.

(IRIN)