Addis Ababa, July 13, 2022 (Walta) – A body charged by the Ethiopian government to look into possible peace talk with Tigray People Liberation Front (TPLF) has held its first meeting, Ethiopian Prime Minister Security Advisor, Redwan Hussien said.
The seven-member committee, headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen, “has started work”, Redwan Hussein said on Twitter after the meeting.
“It has decided on its internal workings and ethics for the discussion which will be led by the African Union,” he said.
Redwan added the committee delivered discussion and its approach, practice, and ethics to the upcoming African Union-led talks.
Accordingly, the sub-committees have been formed and responsibilities have been divided.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said that the Ethiopian people and government always give priority to peace, recalling the move was manifested even before the terrorist designated group attacked the Ethiopian Defense Force Northern Command while responding to queries raised by lawmakers vis-à-vis the decision taken by the ruling party to hold a peace talk with the rebel group.
“Therefore holding peace talk is consistent with our policy and the interest of the people. But it would strictly adhere to securing the national interest of the country, “said the premier.
In addition to Demeke and Redwan, the committee comprises Justice Minister Gedion Timotheos; National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) Director General Temesgen Tiruneh; Military Intelligence Chief, General Berhanu Bekele; the Governing Prosperity Party Official, Hassan Abdulkadir; and the Deputy President of the Amhara Region, Getachew Jember.