US urges Ethiopia to take steps to protect civilians

F.P. Report

WASHINGTON DC: On Tuesday, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to emphasize the US concern about the humanitarian and human rights crisis in Ethiopia’s Tigray region. 

According to the official press release of US State Department, the Secretary of State mentioned the growing number of credible reports of atrocities and human rights violations and abuses, the Secretary urged the Ethiopian government to take immediate, concrete steps to protect civilians, including refugees, and to prevent further violence. 

Blinken pressed for the immediate end to hostilities and the withdrawal of outside forces from Tigray, including Amhara regional security forces and Eritrean troops, the statement said.

During the talks, Blinken also asked that the Government of Ethiopia work with the international community to facilitate independent, international, and credible investigations into reported human rights abuses and violations and to hold those responsible accountable, press released mentioned. Blinken acknowledged Ethiopia’s recent announcement of full and unhindered humanitarian access in Tigray, it added. He stressed the need for the Government of Ethiopia to honor its commitments around access, reiterated that the US remains ready to assist in resolving the conflict, and highlighted the US commitment to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations throughout Ethiopia, the press statement underlined.