The government of Ethiopia has announced that it has formed a negotiating team to begin peace talks with the rebel Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) to resolve the conflict in northern Ethiopia.
The announcement has raised hopes that the 18-month-long conflict between the federal government and the rebel force can be brought to an end through dialogue.
The federal government has put Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, in charge of its negotiation team.
The high-level negotiating team also has Gedion Timotheos, Temesgen Tiruneh, Ambassador Hassen Abdulkadir, Ambassador Redwan Hussien, Lt.-Gen Birhanu Bekele, and Getachew Jenber as its members.
The date and venue for the possible peace negotiations have not been set yet. But Justice Minister Gedion said earlier Monday that any outcome of the peace process should be within the bounds of three principles.
These principles are respect for the constitutional order, respect for fundamental national interest, and the role of the African Union as the facilitator of the process, according to the Minister.
The Chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, earlier this month commended the commitment of the parties involved in the northern Ethiopian conflict for the steps taken toward a peaceful resolution of the war, encouraging both to continue on the path of political dialogue.
MG/abj/APA